Frequently asked questions
Short, direct answers to the questions families ask us most. Each one links to a longer guide if you want more detail.
Pets
What should I leave for a pet sitter?
Leave a written sheet with each pet's profile, exact feeding amounts and times, medicines, the daily routine, house access, and an emergency card with your vet, a 24-hour clinic, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control number. Walk the sitter through it in person and keep a copy on the fridge.
What goes in a pet emergency kit?
A pet emergency kit holds food and water, two weeks of any medicine, copies of vet and vaccine records, recent photos, microchip details, a leash, collar with ID, and carrier, a first aid kit, and sanitation supplies. Official lists from the CDC, ASPCA, AVMA, and Ready.gov differ mainly on how many days of food and water.
Is there a free pet sitter instructions template?
Yes. Our pet sitter instructions template is free to copy or print for your own household. It covers trip details, pet profiles, feeding, medication, routines, house access, emergency contacts, and a call me if list, and we show a filled-in example for a dog and a cat so you can see how much detail helps.
What is the ASPCA Animal Poison Control number?
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center number is (888) 426-4435. The ASPCA says it is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and that a consultation fee may apply. Write the number on your fridge and in your pet sitter instructions so anyone caring for your pets can find it fast.
What do I need before bringing home a new puppy?
Before pickup day, have a crate or pen, gates, a bed, chew toys, food and bowls, a harness, leash, and ID tag, poop bags, and cleaning supplies for accidents. Puppy-proof the rooms your puppy will use and book a first vet visit. The American Kennel Club publishes a helpful new puppy checklist.
Family papers
What is a just in case binder for parents?
A just in case binder is one place that tells the family who to call, where important papers and keys are kept, what accounts and bills exist, and what a parent wants. Parents and adult children usually fill it in together. It is an organizer, not a will or any other legal document.
Should I write passwords in a family binder?
No. Write where passwords are kept, such as a password manager or a sealed envelope in a safe place, rather than the passwords themselves. Our Just in Case Binder never asks for passwords, PINs, or full account numbers, so the binder stays safer if it is misplaced or seen by someone it should not be.
How do I start talking with my parents about their papers?
Start small and practical. Many families begin with an easy question, such as who the doctor is or where the spare key is kept, then move to papers over a few short sittings. Framing it as helping you help them, rather than planning for death, often makes the conversation feel lighter for everyone.
After a loss
What should I do first when a parent dies?
First, get the right people involved: the hospice or medical team if present, a funeral home, and close family. Make sure someone is caring for pets and the home. Many other tasks can wait a few days. Write down every call and decision, and compare funeral home prices before signing anything.
Who reports a death to Social Security?
In most cases the funeral home does. The Social Security Administration says funeral homes generally tell SSA when someone dies, so families typically do not need to report it. If no funeral home is involved, call SSA at 1-800-772-1213. Confirm with your funeral home that they have reported the death.
Can a funeral home give me prices over the phone?
Yes. Under the Federal Trade Commission's Funeral Rule, funeral directors must give price information by phone if you ask, and you do not have to give your name first. When you visit, they must give you a written, itemized General Price List to keep. Comparing two or three homes can make a real difference.
Ordering and downloads
Are your products physical or digital?
All of our kits are digital PDF downloads in US Letter size. Nothing is shipped. After you buy on Etsy, your file is ready right away under You, then Purchases, on Etsy.com. Print at home or at a copy shop, in color or black and white, and keep the pages in a binder or folder.
Can I fill in the PDFs on my computer?
Our kits are print-and-write PDFs, not fillable forms, so you fill them in by hand. The large type and roomy lines are made for pens and pencils at the kitchen table. Writing by hand also makes it easy for older parents or a sitter to read and add notes without any special software.
Why do you sell on Etsy instead of this website?
Etsy handles secure checkout, instant downloads, and order history, so we never see or store your payment details. This website exists to explain what is inside each kit and to share free guides. Each product page links straight to the matching Etsy listing, and most kits are also available on Gumroad.
What if my download does not open or a page looks wrong?
Message us through Etsy and we will help. Most download problems are solved by signing in on Etsy.com in a computer web browser instead of the app, then choosing Download Files from your Purchases. For printing, choose 100% or Actual Size on US Letter paper so nothing gets cut off at the edges.
Please note: This page is for general education only. It is not veterinary, medical, legal, or financial advice. Official guidance and phone numbers can change, so confirm them on the official sites linked here. We are not affiliated with any agency or organization we cite.