July 10, 2025

Traveling Without Your Pet? Tips for Pet Sitting Success + a Free Printable Guide

Planning a trip but leaving your pet behind? Whether it’s for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, handing over your pet’s care to someone else can feel stressful. At Truss Vet, we understand how important it is to make sure your pet is safe, comfortable, and cared for—even when you’re not there. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you prep your sitter and your home, and we’re offering a free, printable Pet Sitter Guide to make it all easier.

1. Choose the Right Pet Sitter

Before anything else, you want to feel good about who you’re leaving your pet with. Whether it’s a trusted friend, a professional pet sitter, or a local boarding service, choosing the right care depends on your pet’s needs, personality, and your own comfort level.

Things to consider:

  • Experience: Does the sitter have experience with pets similar to yours?
  • Services offered: Will they stay overnight, visit multiple times a day, or just drop in occasionally?
  • Compatibility: If possible, schedule a meet-and-greet beforehand to see how your pet responds.

Professional sitters can be great for pets who prefer their own space, while boarding might work best for highly social animals. No matter which option you choose, trust and communication are key.

2. Set Expectations Early

Once you’ve chosen a sitter, it’s time to get organized. Clear communication up front saves everyone stress—especially your pet.

Here’s what to cover:

  • Daily routines: Include feeding times, walk schedules, litter box care, and bedtime habits.
  • Behavioral notes: Let your sitter know about any quirks—like leash reactivity, fear of thunderstorms, or separation anxiety.
  • Emergency plans: Provide your veterinarian’s contact info (including a same-day, urgent care vet like Truss Vet!), backup contacts, and clear instructions for emergencies.
  • Updates: Decide how often you’d like updates—some sitters send daily photos, while others check in as needed.

The more you share, the better your sitter can provide consistent care while you’re away.

3. Prep Your Home for Success

Make sure your home is ready before your sitter arrives. This makes it easier for them to focus on your pet—not hunting for supplies or troubleshooting issues.

Things to do before you leave:

  • Stock up on food, medications, litter, poop bags, and treats.
  • Leave out important items like collars, leashes, favorite toys, and grooming tools.
  • Write down feeding instructions and where to find everything.
  • Pet-proof spaces the sitter will access—especially if your pet is prone to getting into things.

If your pet takes medication, walk your sitter through the process to ensure they’re confident giving it.

4. Write It All Down

Even the best verbal instructions can be forgotten. That’s why a written guide is essential.

Having everything in one place—feeding times, vet contacts, medical info, routines, and emergency instructions—helps your sitter feel confident and reduces the chance of something slipping through the cracks. It also helps friends or family members who may not be familiar with pet care but still want to help out.

5. How Much to Tip a Pet Sitter?

Whether you’re gone for a weekend or several weeks, a great pet sitter provides peace of mind that your furry family member is getting the care they deserve. So at the end of your trip, when it comes to tipping, what’s appropriate?

  • Tipping isn’t standard in the pet sitting world, but it’s always a kind gesture.
  • If your sitter went above and beyond—like staying overnight, giving medications, or juggling multiple pets—a tip is a great way to show your appreciation.

🖨️ Download Truss Vet’s Printable Pet Sitter Guide

To make things even easier, we’ve created a free, printable Pet Sitter Guide for you to fill out and leave behind. It includes space for:

  • Feeding schedules
  • Medications and instructions
  • Emergency contacts and your vet’s info
  • Daily routines and behavioral notes
  • Pet personality quirks
  • Additional notes or preferences

At Truss Vet, we’re all about making pet care simpler, safer, and stress-free—for both you and your pets. Just download the guide, fill it out, and pass it along to your sitter. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.

👉 [Download and Print the Pet Sitter Guide]

Need your pet to visit the vet before your trip?
 Stop by Truss Vet—we’re open 10 AM to 10 PM, Sunday to Friday. We’re here for urgent needs or last-minute checkups.

Have questions? Call us or swing by your nearest location. Safe travels!