The Essential Homeowner’s Checklist for a Flawless House Sit

The A Breed Apart House Sitting Service Includes Your Dog's Regular Walks

Ensuring Exceptional Care for Your Pets

Pets thrive on familiarity. A well-briefed house sitter ensures they remain happy, relaxed, and content in your absence.

✔ Feeding & Nutrition: Detail portion sizes, meal times, dietary restrictions, and feeding commands (e.g., “sit,” “wait”). If your pets follow a raw or specialist diet, provide storage and preparation instructions.

✔ Exercise & Routine: Outline preferred walking routes, frequency, leash requirements, and any reactivity concerns. If your dogs have access to private land, indicate safe off-lead areas. If stalking is scheduled, please note the dates.

✔ Medical & Veterinary Care: Supply clear instructions for any medications, supplements, or ongoing treatments. Provide veterinary contact details and, if appropriate, notify your practice of the sitter’s role.

✔ Behavioural Notes: Mention specific preferences or quirks (e.g., “sleeps in the boot room,” “relaxes when the radio is on,” or “apprehensive around large dogs”).

✔ Emergency Contacts: List a local friend, neighbour, or family member who can assist if needed.

Maintaining the Integrity of Your Home

A professional house sitter does more than care for pets—they uphold the security and smooth operation of your property.

✔ Keys & Security: Provide clear instructions for locks, alarm systems, gates, and smart home technology. If your property has CCTV, ensure the sitter understands how it operates.

✔ WiFi & Connectivity: Leave network details or set up a temporary guest login.

✔ Appliances & Household Systems: Supply guidance on using the AGA, underfloor heating, or any quirks specific to your home. Period properties, in particular, often have unique requirements.

✔ Waste & Recycling: Outline collection days and any local recycling protocols.

✔ Cleaning & Care: Indicate where to find household essentials, particularly for specialist surfaces such as marble countertops, antique wood, or Persian rugs.

✔ Sleeping Arrangements: Provide a well-prepared guest room with fresh linens and access to a bathroom.

✔ Service Providers: If you employ regular cleaners, gardeners, or estate managers, introduce them in advance and clarify their schedule.

✔ Local Venues & Amenities: Share any relevant details, such as nearby farm shops, recommended local shopping venues, or attractions your house sitter may find helpful.

We Look After Both Indoor and Outdoor Cats

Emergency Preparedness & Security

Professional house sitters are proactive in safeguarding your home, anticipating potential issues before they arise.

✔ Utilities & Maintenance: Show where to locate the circuit breakers, stopcocks, and boiler controls in case of an emergency.

✔ Emergency Contact List: Provide numbers for trusted tradespeople (plumber, electrician, locksmith) and a nearby friend or neighbour.

✔ Neighbour Introductions: Inform key neighbours of your sitter’s presence. A warm introduction enhances security and ensures a sense of continuity.

Additional Responsibilities: Maintaining Your Property’s Standard

Many discerning homeowners require more than just pet care. If your home requires additional oversight, clear guidance ensures it remains in top condition.

✔ Garden & Grounds Care: Outline any plant watering or greenhouse needs. If you have a walled garden or formal landscaping, provide instructions accordingly.

✔ Scheduled Services: Notify your sitter of any pre-arranged maintenance, deliveries, or estate management visits.

✔ Parcel & Post Handling: Detail any preferences for incoming deliveries or urgent correspondence.

The Importance of a Meet & Greet

Even the most experienced house sitters benefit from a personalised handover. Before your departure, arrange a walkthrough, either in person or via video call, to cover key details and allow your pets to meet their temporary carer.

✔ Demonstrate Daily Routines: Show where food is stored, how security measures operate, and highlight any quirks of your home.

✔ Final Walkthrough:  Ensure the sitter feels confident before you leave. This is an opportunity to establish rapport and reinforce expectations.

Creating a Warm Welcome

A little hospitality goes a long way in ensuring a comfortable, enjoyable stay for your house sitter.

✔ A Welcome Note: Leave a brief guide with key information and emergency numbers. A personal note of thanks is always appreciated.

✔ Basic Provisions: Stocking essentials like tea, coffee, milk, and a few biscuits ensures a warm arrival. If your sitter is staying for an extended period, offering space in the fridge or a guest hamper is a thoughtful touch.

On Your Return: Ensuring a Seamless Handover

A professional house sitter will leave your home exactly as you left it; neat, tidy, and well-cared for.

✔ Confirm Safe Arrival: If your sitter is scheduled to leave before your return, a quick message to confirm your safe arrival is always appreciated.

✔ Plan Ahead for Future Sits: If you’d like to secure your preferred house sitter for future trips, consider pencilling in dates early to avoid disappointment. The best sitters are often booked months in advance.

✔ Leave a Review: A few words about your experience, whether on Google My Business, TrustPilot, or the sitter’s website, can make all the difference.

✔ Provide Honest Feedback: Constructive feedback helps maintain high standards and ensures an even better experience next time.

Author with Another Good Boy in The Cotswolds