Test access before the sit begins
Walk through the agreed entry and exit process while you are still available. Test keys, locks and any building procedures the sitter will actually use, and agree who holds a backup key.
Do not put alarm codes, passwords or other high-risk credentials in a general handover document. Share them separately through a channel you trust.
- Entry point, key collection and return arrangement
- Backup-key holder who has agreed to help
- Parking, concierge or building-access process
- Doors, windows and gates that need an extra check
- What to do if access fails
Create obvious stations for everyday pet care
Keep food, measuring tools, litter or waste bags, leads and cleaning supplies together where practical. Label anything that could be confused.
Leave enough familiar supplies for the full sit plus a sensible buffer. Show the sitter where bedding, towels, the carrier and other essential equipment are kept.
- Feeding and fresh-water supplies
- Lead, harness, coat and walking equipment
- Litter, waste bags and pet-safe cleaning supplies
- Bedding, towels and familiar safe toys
- Carrier or safe-transport equipment
Make the home calm, safe and easy to navigate
Tidy obvious hazards and keep the pet’s familiar resting and hiding places available. RSPCA and Cats Protection guidance emphasises secure, hazard-free spaces and access to suitable places to rest or hide.
Check the rooms the sitter will use rather than attempting a perfect-house reset. Leave clear instructions for anything unusual, unreliable or easy to operate incorrectly.
- Secure windows, doors, fences and garden gates
- Remove reachable hazards and unsafe unattended toys
- Keep familiar beds, hiding places and pet areas available
- Check heating, lighting and essential appliances
- Leave emergency equipment visible and accessible
Write down household logistics and boundaries
Tell the sitter what needs doing and what can be ignored. Separate required tasks from nice-to-have requests so pet care stays the priority.
Cover bins, plants, deliveries, post, heating and appliances only where they are relevant. State room, guest and visitor boundaries plainly.
- Bin and recycling days
- Plants that genuinely need care
- Expected deliveries or post arrangements
- Heating and appliance instructions
- Rooms, visitors or activities that are out of bounds
Plan for help and for your return
Leave owner, backup and veterinary contacts in one easy-to-find place. Agree how the sitter should report urgent concerns, ordinary updates and household problems.
Add a short return checklist: keys, windows, doors, bins, pet supplies and any final update. Tell the sitter if your arrival time changes.
Keep house notes short enough to scan
This fictional example shows a concise home handover. The details are illustrative and should not be copied as instructions for another property.
- Access: collect the key from Jordan as arranged; return it directly to Jordan after the final visit.
- Pet supplies: food and measuring scoop are together in the utility-room cupboard.
- House: put the green bin out on Thursday evening; no other household jobs are needed.
- Return: check the garden gate and back door, leave both pet bowls clean and send a final update.
Sources and review
How this guide was prepared
SitSorted editorial uses UK-first, authoritative sources and reviews the page when its practical guidance changes. This guide organises a handover; it does not replace advice from your vet or another qualified professional.
- Published
- 24 July 2026
- Last reviewed
- 24 July 2026
- Reviewed by
- SitSorted editorial