Pet and House Sitting Handover Checklist
Prepare a clear handover for house sitters and pet sitters covering pets, access, security, routines, emergencies, plants, post, and home care.
A good handover reduces stress for homeowners, pet owners, and sitters. It turns personal routines into clear instructions before the stay begins.
Pet care handover
Pet routines should be specific enough that the sitter can follow them without guessing.
List feeding times, food amounts, treats, walk routes, litter or garden routines.
Write medication, vet details, insurance notes, behaviour triggers, and emergency contacts.
Explain what is normal for each pet and what should trigger a message or vet call.
Home care handover
House sitting often includes small home responsibilities that are easy to miss without a checklist.
Document keys, alarms, Wi-Fi, bins, heating, plants, post, deliveries, and parking.
Show stopcocks, fuse box, appliance quirks, cleaning expectations, and rooms that are off limits.
Agree check-in frequency, photo updates, guest rules, and what to do if travel plans change.
Handover essentials
Pet feeding plan
Medication notes
Vet and emergency contacts
Keys and alarm code
Wi-Fi and utilities
Bins, plants, and post
Cleaning expectations
Update schedule
Match with fewer surprises
Use the checklist before confirming a sitter, then keep it available during the stay so both sides have the same reference point.
Handover FAQ
Should pet and house sitting instructions be separate?
Yes. Pets, access, security, and home care create different responsibilities, so separate sections make the handover easier to follow.
When should the handover be shared?
Share the first version before confirming the sitter, then review it together before the owner leaves.