Preparing for your pet sitter at least one week before your travel dates is essential to ensure a smooth, stress-free experience for both you and your pets. Proper preparation allows us to provide the best possible care, tailored to your pet’s unique needs, and helps avoid last-minute issues. As we prepare for what promises to be a very busy summer of travel, we want to set you up for success so you can do the same for us.
Submit Requests with Ample Notice
We encourage you to provide as much notice as possible before your trip to give us time to accommodate your schedule and plan visits accordingly. This advance notice is especially important during busy travel seasons when we have limited availability due to increased requests.
The rule of thumb is to schedule your pet care services as soon as you book your airfare and/or hotels.
Double-Check Your Travel Schedule
Review your travel itinerary carefully to ensure your pets receive visits that align with your absence. Confirm arrival and departure times, layovers, and any changes to your plans as soon as you know them so we may adjust our schedules if need-be and provide timely care.
Overlooking a travel detail can leave your pet without a visit, so double-checking is crucial for their well-being.
Update Pet and Home Profiles
Before every trip, update your pet’s profile with current information about feeding routines, medications, behavioral notes, and emergency contacts. Also, update your home profile with access instructions, alarm codes, and any special considerations.
Accurate, up-to-date profiles help your sitter provide seamless care and respond effectively in case of emergencies.
Stock Up on Supplies
Ensure you have enough food, medicine, supplements, treats, and other essentials to last the entire duration of your trip, plus extra in case of unexpected delays. Having everything ready means your pet’s routine won’t be disrupted, even if your return is delayed. Plus, we won’t have to bother you while you’re away.
If your pet gets into food bags and other items, consider leaving all extra supplies in a plastic tub with a lid.
Leave Items Handy
Leave harnesses, leashes, pet carriers, etc. handy so that we know where they are when we need to use them. For pet carriers, we will need one for each pet in the case of an emergency, therefore, either let us know where we can find them in the house or leave them in a main space for us to see.
Flea and Tick Prevention
Make sure your pet is up-to-date on flea and tick prevention before you leave. This protects your pet from pests and potential health issues while you are away. Especially in Houston, fleas and ticks are common this time of year and can become a problem very quickly.
Inform Your Neighbors & Emergency Contacts
Let your neighbors know that you have engaged our pet sitting services. This helps prevent any confusion or alarm if they see unfamiliar people visiting your home while you are away. A quick heads-up can avoid unnecessary calls to authorities and ensures our sitters can access your home without interruption.
Also, call your emergency contacts and pet guardians as details in your profile to ensure that they are aware that they have been designated as such.
Preparing for Your Pet Sitter in Katy, Fulshear, Cypress & West Houston
Taking these steps at least one week before your travel dates helps create a seamless experience for your pet sitter and peace of mind for you. Thoughtful preparation ensures your pets receive consistent, attentive care, allowing you to enjoy your trip without worry. By planning ahead and communicating clearly, you help your sitter deliver the best possible care—and your pets will thank you for it!
Animal Admiration Pet Care offers customizable dog sitting, cat sitting, dog walking, and chicken care in Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Energy Corridor, Memorial, West Houston, and Cypress. For new clients, please contact us at info@animaladmiration.com or (281) 391-1015 to learn about our in-home pet care services. Existing clients, schedule your pet care visits here.
If you are outside our above-listed areas, please visit Pet Sitters International or the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters to find a professional pet care provider near you.
Brooke Rozell began her professional pet sitting career in 2003. In 2011, she established Animal Admiration to bring trusted, professional pet care to the Katy, Cypress, Fulshear, and West Houston areas while elevating the pet sitting industry as a whole. Brooke is an active member of Pet Sitters International, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, the Texas Pet Sitters Association, and the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce. Learn more about Brooke.
