A little preparation makes a big difference before your pet sitter arrives.
Most pets cope better when their routine stays familiar. Food in the right place, clear instructions, working keys and updated pet details all help the visit run smoothly.
This checklist is written for pet owners in Dundalk who book home visits, cat sitting or house and pet sitting while they are away.
1. Leave clear feeding instructions
Please leave food, bowls and treats where they are easy to find.
It helps to write down:
- Your pet’s normal feeding times
- The exact amount of food per meal
- Which food belongs to which pet
- Any treats allowed
- Anything your pet must not eat
If your pet has a sensitive stomach, please tell us. This is especially important for cats and senior pets. A small food change can sometimes cause vomiting, diarrhoea or loss of appetite.
2. Prepare litter trays, cleaning items and waste bags
For cats, please make sure there is enough litter for the full booking.
Leave these items somewhere visible:
- Cat litter
- Litter scoop
- Waste bags
- Kitchen roll
- Pet-safe cleaning spray
- Bin location
- Extra tray liners, if used
If your cat sometimes toilets outside the tray when stressed, please tell us before the booking starts. We do not judge this. It simply helps us check the right areas and respond quickly.
3. Check that keys and access details work
Access problems can delay a visit, especially during busy holiday periods.
Before you leave, please check:
- The key works smoothly
- The alarm code is correct
- The door does not jam
- The sitter knows where to enter
- Any gate code is up to date
- Any smart lock or key safe is working
If you change a key, code or lock, please update us before the first visit.
4. Update your pet profile
Your pet profile should be current before every booking.
Please check:
- Food details
- Medication
- Vet details
- Emergency contact
- Behaviour notes
- Hiding places
- Indoor or outdoor rules
- Any health changes
For older pets, even small changes matter. If your pet has started drinking more, eating less, hiding more or struggling with movement, please add this information.
5. Leave medication ready and labelled
If your pet needs medication, please leave it in one clear place.
The instructions should include:
- Pet name
- Medication name
- Dose
- Time of day
- How it should be given
- Whether it must be taken with food
- What to do if your pet refuses it
Please do not rely only on verbal instructions. Written instructions reduce mistakes.
6. Make the home safe before you leave
A quick safety check helps prevent problems while you are away.
Before you go, check:
- Windows are secure
- Bins are closed
- Toxic plants are out of reach
- Loose cables are safe
- Food waste is removed
- Toilet lids are closed, if needed
- Pet doors are set correctly
- Heating or cooling is suitable
- Water bowls are full
If your pet has access to one room only, please make that clear.
7. Tell us what is normal for your pet
Every pet has their own habits.
Please tell us what is normal, especially if your pet:
- Hides from visitors
- Does not eat much during the first day
- Only drinks from a certain bowl
- Needs time before coming close
- Gets nervous around certain noises
- Must not be let outside
- Is allowed into specific rooms only
This helps us avoid unnecessary worry and spot real problems faster.
8. Leave emergency details
Your booking should include an emergency contact who can make decisions if you cannot be reached.
Please make sure we have:
- Your mobile number
- A local emergency contact
- Your vet details
- Permission instructions for urgent vet care
- Any insurance details, if relevant
If you are travelling abroad, please check that you can still receive calls or messages.
9. Think about lights, curtains and bins
Pet sitting is not only about feeding. Home routine also matters.
Please tell us if you want:
- Lights turned on or off
- Curtains opened or closed
- Post moved from the door
- Bins placed out
- Plants watered
- Specific rooms checked
This can make the home look lived in and helps us notice anything unusual.
10. Book early during busy periods
Holiday periods can book up quickly.
If you need pet sitting in Dundalk during school holidays, bank holidays, Christmas or summer travel periods, it is best to request your booking early.
This gives us time to check availability, review your pet details and arrange an initial appointment if needed.
Before your booking starts
A good pet sitting visit starts before the sitter enters the home.
Please make sure your online account is up to date, your pet profiles are complete and all access details are correct.
If you are a new client, register through our client portal and add your address and pet details before requesting a booking.
Ready to request a booking?
Use the Housesitter.ie client portal to register, update your pet details or request your next visit.