What to Include on a Pet Sitter Card
A good pet sitter card covers the four categories your sitter will actually need during their visit:
- Feeding details — exact amount, food type, times, and treat rules
- Medications — what, when, how, and where they're stored
- Behavioral notes — fears, quirks, commands, anything unusual about your dog's routine
- Emergency contacts — your cell number plus the vet's number, prominently placed
Tips for a Successful Pet Sitter Handoff
- Print the card and leave it on the kitchen counter — don't rely on them finding a text message during an emergency
- Walk your sitter through the card on their first visit before you leave
- Show them where the food, leash, medications, and poop bags are kept
- Let them know if your dog is reactive, resource-guarding, or has any health conditions that affect behavior
- Include the name of your regular vet even if you've also listed an emergency vet — your sitter may need both
Why a Printed Card Beats a Text Message Every Time
Most pet owners assume a quick text with their dog's feeding instructions is sufficient. Here's why professional pet sitters universally prefer a printed card:
- It's accessible without phone signal. Many Texas neighborhoods and rural properties have spotty coverage. A printed card is always available.
- It doesn't get lost in a thread. If your sitter needs to reach your vet at 11 PM, they shouldn't have to scroll through three weeks of texts to find the number.
- It works for any sitter. If your regular sitter is unavailable and a backup steps in, they have everything they need immediately — no calls, no confusion.
- It documents your instructions. If something goes wrong, a printed card demonstrates you provided clear, specific guidance. This matters for insurance and liability purposes.
- It reduces your anxiety while traveling. Knowing your sitter has everything in writing significantly reduces the "did I forget to mention something?" stress that follows most pet owners on vacation.
What to Include on a Complete Pet Sitter Card
Pet Information
Start with the basics your sitter will need for identification and context: your pet's name, breed, age, and weight. Include a clear note about any allergies, food sensitivities, or dietary restrictions — not just "no human food," but specific items to avoid. If your dog has a known bad reaction to chicken-based protein or is lactose-intolerant, that belongs on the card.
Feeding Instructions — Be Specific
Vague instructions like "two cups of food twice a day" leave room for error. Include:
- The exact amount in cups or weight (use the Feeding Calculator if unsure)
- The brand and variety of food — if your sitter needs to buy more, they'll need this
- Exact meal times (7 AM and 6 PM, not "morning and evening")
- Where the food is stored and what measuring cup to use
- Treat rules — what's allowed, what quantity, and what to avoid
Before your vacation starts, make sure to estimate fair care rates using the Texas Pet Sitting Cost Calculator — so you know what a professional visit should cost in your area.
Medications and Supplements
For each medication: name, dose, time of day, how it's given (with food, hidden in a treat, topical), and where it's stored. If your dog needs a pill administered and is known to spit it out, say so and describe the technique that works ("wrap in a piece of turkey, throw to the back of the throat, hold muzzle briefly").
Behavioral Notes and Quirks
This section is where most sitter cards are too vague. Be honest and specific:
- Is your dog reactive to other dogs, strangers, or specific triggers (hats, umbrellas, men with beards)?
- Does your dog resource-guard food, toys, or sleeping spots?
- Are there any commands your sitter should know? Any commands your dog ignores?
- What does your dog do when they need to go outside? (Sits by the door? Barks? Goes to their crate?)
- What soothes your dog if they're anxious? (Specific blanket, TV on, thunder shirt?)
- Are there any household areas or items that are off-limits?
Emergency Contacts — Never Leave These Vague
- Your mobile number (and a backup — spouse, family member — if you'll be in an area with limited coverage)
- Your regular vet: name, address, and phone number
- The nearest 24-hour emergency animal hospital: name, address, and phone number (look this up before you leave — your sitter shouldn't have to search during a crisis)
- A local trusted friend or neighbor your sitter can call if they can't reach you
Before You Leave: A Pet Handoff Checklist
- Print the card and place it somewhere visible — on the refrigerator or kitchen counter
- Walk your sitter through the card during a meet-and-greet visit before your departure
- Show them: where the food is kept, where the leash hangs, where medications are stored, and where the cleaning supplies are
- Introduce your dog to the sitter while you're present — the sitter becomes a familiar face rather than a stranger
- Confirm your sitter has your vet's number saved in their phone, not just written on the card
- Leave a pet first aid kit location noted on the card if you have one