Introduction
Welcome to Sit Stay Explore’s Comprehensive Pet Sitting Checklist (download at bottom of article). This tool is designed to help you navigate the complexities of pet sitting with confidence and professionalism. Whether you’re a seasoned pet sitter or new to the field, this checklist will serve as your roadmap for recording and reporting important events during your pet sitting assignments.
The checklist is structured to help you:
- Prioritise issues and observations
- Determine when and how to communicate with pet owners
- Maintain a detailed record of the pet’s daily routines and behaviours
- Provide a comprehensive end-of-sit summary
By using this checklist consistently, you’ll ensure that you’re providing the highest quality of care while also protecting yourself professionally by maintaining clear records and communication.
How to Use the Checklist
1. Familiarise Yourself with the Sections
The checklist is divided into five main sections:
- High Priority
- Medium Priority
- Low Priority
- Daily Record Keeping
- End-of-Sit Summary
Review each section before your sit begins to understand what to look out for and record.
2. Use the Priority Sections for Event Recording
As events occur during your sit:
- Consult the relevant priority section
- Check off items as you encounter them
- Follow the recommended action (e.g., flag to owner, deal with immediately, note down)
3. Maintain Daily Records
Use the Daily Record Keeping section to log routine care tasks and observations. This should be completed at the end of each day of the sit.
4. Complete the End-of-Sit Summary
Fill out this section at the conclusion of your pet sitting assignment to provide a comprehensive overview of the entire sit.
5. Customise as Needed
Feel free to add additional items to any section based on the specific needs of the pet you’re caring for or requests from the owner.
6. Communication Guidelines
- For High Priority items: Contact the owner immediately using their preferred method (phone, text, email).
- For Medium Priority items: Address the issue, then inform the owner in your next scheduled update.
- For Low Priority items: Use your judgement on whether to include these in updates to the owner.
7. Documentation Best Practices
- Keep the checklist in a safe, easily accessible place.
- Use a new checklist for each pet sitting assignment.
- Consider keeping digital backups of completed checklists for your records.
Remember, this checklist is a tool to enhance your pet sitting service. It should complement, not replace, any specific instructions provided by the pet owner. Always defer to the owner’s specific care instructions for their pet.
By following this guide and using the checklist consistently, you’ll be well-equipped to handle any situation that arises during your pet sitting assignments, ensuring happy pets, satisfied owners, and a successful pet sitting experience.