Pet Sitter Handoff Pack

Whether it is a professional sitter, a neighbor feeding the cat, or grandparents watching the dog, the person caring for your pets needs the same things: what to feed, which meds to give, how to get in, and who to call if something seems wrong.

This pack turns that into 11 fill-in pages. You write it once, walk your sitter through it, and update it before the next trip.

Who it is for

• Pet sitters, dog walkers, and house sitters
• A neighbor or friend popping in to feed pets
• Family members watching pets overnight
• Dropping pets at a friend's house or boarding

What's inside

• Trip sheet and walkthrough. Trip dates, contacts, and a checklist to go over together before you leave.
• Pets at a glance. Cards for up to three pets: microchip, temperament, fears, and what calms them.
• Feeding and treat rules. Exact amounts, times, water, treats, and a never-feed list.
• Meds and supplements grid. A week-long check-off grid, plus what to do if a dose is missed or refused.
• House access and routine. Keys, alarm, Wi-Fi, pet door rules, walks, litter, play, and crate time.
• Emergency page. Your vet, the nearest 24-hour clinic, poison hotline numbers, and a call-me-if list.
• Lost pet steps and daily log. What to do if a pet gets out, plus a log the sitter fills in each day.

Also included in the Pet Parent Bundle: Emergency Binder + Sitter Pack ($9.99).

How to use it

1. Print the pack and fill it in a few days before your trip.
2. Walk your sitter through it once using the checklist on page 2.
3. Post one copy on the fridge and leave a spare with the keys.
4. When you get home, read the daily log and update the pack for next time.

What it is not

• Not veterinary advice, a treatment plan, or a prescription chart.
• Not a pet sitting contract or boarding agreement.

Free official resources we recommend

• AAHA: Essential Pet Sitter Instructions
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control
• Ready.gov: Pets

Frequently asked questions

What should pet sitter instructions include?

Good pet sitter instructions cover each pet's profile and quirks, exact feeding amounts and times, medications, the daily routine, house access and alarm codes, your vet and the nearest 24-hour emergency clinic, a poison hotline number, and when to call you. This pack has a fill-in page for each of those.

Read: What to leave for a pet sitter

Does this work for cats, dogs, and other pets?

Yes. The pages are written for dogs and cats first, with litter, walk, and crate sections, and there is room for other pets in the notes. The pet cards hold up to three animals, and you can photocopy the card page if your household has more pets than that.

How is this different from the Pet Emergency Binder?

This pack is the quick daily handoff for a sitter: feeding, meds, house access, routines, and who to call. The Pet Emergency Binder is the bigger long-term record: medical history, insurance, evacuation planning, and lost pet steps. They pair well, and the Pet Parent Bundle includes both for less than buying them separately.

See the Pet Parent Bundle

Is the Pet Sitter Handoff Pack a physical product?

No. The Pet Sitter Handoff Pack is a digital PDF download (11 pages, US Letter size). Nothing is shipped to you. After you buy on Etsy, the file is ready right away under You, then Purchases, on Etsy.com. You print it at home or at a copy shop and keep it in a binder or folder.

Can I type into the PDF or do I fill it in by hand?

You fill it in by hand. Our kits are print-and-write PDFs with large, roomy lines, not fillable forms. Many families find that writing by hand at the kitchen table is faster and easier to share. Print in color or black and white, at 100% (Actual Size) on US Letter paper.

How do I download my file after buying on Etsy?

Sign in on Etsy.com in a web browser, open You, then Purchases, and choose Download Files next to your order. A computer browser is usually easiest because the Etsy app does not always open PDFs. If anything will not open, message us on Etsy and we will help you get it.

Can I print more than one copy for my family?

Yes. You can print as many copies as your own household needs, for example a spare for the fridge, the car, or a family member who helps out. The file is for personal and family use, so please do not resell it, share it publicly, or hand out copies to other households.

Please note: This printable is an organizational and educational tool only. It is not veterinary, medical, or legal advice. Always follow your own veterinarian. Phone numbers and official guidance can change, so confirm them on the official sites linked here.

Helpful free guides

• What to Leave for a Pet Sitter: A Printable Checklist: The information, supplies, and instructions a sitter needs, with a free checklist.
• Pet Sitter Instructions Template, With a Filled-In Example: A simple template you can copy, and a sample written out for a real-life dog and cat.
• Pet Sitter Instructions: What to write down for a sitter, a neighbor, or family before you leave your pets.
• Pet Medical Records Template: What to Keep, and Why a Shelter May Ask for It: Myths vs facts about pet records, plus a free one-page pet medical summary to print.
• Pet Sitter Instructions: start here