To assist me in providing the best care for your pets, I suggest you follow these simple guidelines:

Plan Ahead

• Call to make your pet sitting reservations as early as possible – especially for holiday times.
• If you don’t have an extra key to your house, you will need to have one or two made for me before you go away.
  Make sure you try it out first.
• Buy extra food, litter and supplies for when you will be away.
  Always included a little extra in case you stay away longer than you had anticipated.
• Be sure your dog’s collar fits properly and has an identification tag.
• Ensure that your pet’s microchip details are up-to-date.

Give Me Your Pet’s History and Habits

I will want to know the important routines in your pet’s day – eating, medications, sleeping, walking, playing and those unusual individual quirky habits! I have a detailed questionnaire that I will go through with you at our initial interview.

Prepare Your Home Before You Leave

Download my checklist to help ensure nothing important gets forgotten.

If Your Pet Is Kept Outdoors

• Your pet has good shelter.
  In the event of a storm or heavy rain, make sure the area where your pet sleeps stays dry and does not flood.
• Your pet has access to shade at all times.
• Check that your fences are completely secure.
  Padlocks on gates prevent accidental openings or escapes.
• A good water supply is available.
  An extra bucket/dish should be left out during your absence, in case one gets knocked over. Bowls should be kept in a shaded area, as they can heat rapidly if kept in full sun, making the water hot and undrinkable for your pets.
• If you live in a paralysis tick area, please assist me in protecting your pet by using some form of tick prevention.
  Having experienced this problem with my own pets, I know how upsetting and expensive tick paralysis can be.
• Flea control treatment is up-to-date.
  Fleas multiply rapidly and can become a problem very quickly.
• Your pet has no access to poisons.
  Please remove or lock away toxic plants or any other substance or item that could be harmful.

If Your Pet Is Kept Indoors

• All pets, that are supposed to be, are inside the house.
• Leave windows open that you feel will be the safest and most secure. Air conditioning units should be set to a timer for the hottest parts of the day or adjust the thermostat to keep the house comfortable for the pet during your absence.
  In warm weather, a closed-up house can get dangerously hot in a short time. Even in winter, good ventilation is essential.
• Close doors to the rooms that you don’t want pets or me to enter.
  Ensure doors that are left open are securely fastened so they cannot blow shut locking in or, inadvertently, injuring your pet.
• Turn off electrical items/power points that will not be in use. If possible and safe to do so, leave a radio and a light on for your pet. It could be a crime deterrent and may also keep your pet company.
  Lights/radios can be turned on/off for pets visited twice daily.
• That a good water supply is available. Leave an extra dish/bucket in case one gets knocked over.
  All water containers are checked during every visit.
• Your pet has no access to poisons.
  Please remove or lock away toxic plants or any other substance or item that could be harmful.