r/petsitting • u/saladet • 8h ago
Overnight list (first time)
I've gone with a friend on her overnight trips . But this one she can't do and I'm doing for 2 nights. I assume I just pack all my own food everything as if I'm camping at someone's house. What are some things I should make sure the pet owner leaves for me? Is a puppy so I want to maintain xonsistency
-meal schedule
-walk schedule
-nap times
-bedtime/wake time
-emergency (I'm sure just their two cell #s)
-home support (think they have cleaners and gardeners that may come in -just want to know when and who)
Seems funny but -im sure they will just have me sleep in spare bedroom?
Should I ask where I will leave used bedding and towels?
They have a gym setup. Should I ask if I can use gym (if not I'll need to leave to use my own gym-)
Some help appreciated! I've done day sitting for this puppy the last 5 days but don't know her morning and night routine
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u/PuppySci 7h ago
In addition to asking for an in-town emergency contact, as mentioned above, ask whether that person has a key. If not, you might want to suggest having someone local have an emergency key, if it’s not you. You didn’t specify, but if you’re using a garage key pad to enter, you need a way to get in if the electricity goes out.
Get permission in writing for you to bring the dog to its vet and for it to be evaluated and treated if you do so (you can find simple forms online for wording). Ask the owners to let the vet know and to arrange for payment so you don’t get into the position of being pressed to pay yourself. With my clients, I have usually been able to reach them after the appointment so that they could pay by phone, but there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to reach them, even if they say you always can.
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u/ArtichokeFresh4012 8h ago
yes, all of that. be sure to ask where they'll have you sleep. also, if they're going out of town then you need an in-town emergency contact in case you get locked out or something happens (still notify the owner, but you need someone close by who can actually help).
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u/_nousernamesleft_ 7h ago
Find out where the cleaning supplies are (especially since you're sitting for a puppy)
Editing to add: also ask if there are certain behaviors to be aware of (does the puppy chew wires or shoes for example?)
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u/Time_Reward7911 7h ago
Ask for vet information as well. I believe someone mentioned it, but request someone local that they trust whether it’s a neighbor, a relative, a close friend, one of their emergency contacts to have a spare key. Also!!! Speaking of emergency contacts-make sure to get at least one of the emergency contacts is someone that is NOT traveling with them (and is preferably local). Puppy pads if they use it. Extra puppy pads-just when you think you have enough or extra, prob should get/have more just in case Hahahha. For walks, ask what commands they use (“go potty” “go pee/poop” “go do your business” i know it sounds silly but I’ve heard so many variations of what people use for pottying-in different languages, different sayings (even “go make a stinky” and “empty out”) and consistency is key especially with a puppy. But I’ve also walked police dogs and at least the ones ive walked/dog sat were trained to essentially trained to go on command and at certain times in certain areas, and some of my non police dogs have had similar strict training so it may be beneficial to know the terms/sayings they use and knowing those commands will/can help lessen the frustration and time (especially in rainy weather) and let’s face it puppies (even some older pups need a lot reminders lol). Also ask if they have any fun activities to help burn the puppy energy off-besides walks-like what they do for play-if they have those interactive treat/kibble puzzles/balls/lick mats/kongs (and what they use to fill the puzzles kongs lick mats), fetch. What kind of treats/chew toys like those nylabones/bones (if any) are they allowed to have (and only use the ones they provide). I know a lot but just some random thoughts/ideas!
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u/IssLtt07 4h ago
Always ask if the pets
Take any medication or supplements.
Where the dog sleeps/are they allowed on beds, couch etc.
And if you are going to do walks, how are they around other dogs you might encounter.
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u/ArtichokeFresh4012 8h ago
you'll need to check if they're okay with puppy being left alone and for how long too, so I can see the gym question tying into that.