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How to Prepare Your Home for a Smooth Pet Sitting or Dog Walking Visit

At Paw Time Favorite Pet Sitting, our top priority is the safety, health, and happiness of your pets. To provide the best care possible, preparation is key! Whether you’re a first-time client or a long-time friend, taking a few steps before our visit can make a huge difference.


Here’s our Pro Pet Care Checklist to help your pets stay happy and your visits go smoothly:


1. Home & Environment

A safe and organized environment ensures we can provide care efficiently:

  • Secure wires, cleaning supplies, and breakables

  • Mark gates, doors, or off-limits areas clearly

  • Ensure indoor and outdoor lighting is sufficient

  • Note any seasonal hazards (pools, decor, plants)

  • Use sticky notes or labels to guide us to pets, food, litter boxes, and supplies

Two cats in a cozy wooden cat house; one is lounging inside, the other exploring on top. Potted plants and a white vase surround them.

2. Pet Safety & Comfort

Happy pets make happy visits:

  • Fresh water and food available

  • Pets are healthy, vaccinated, and any medical conditions noted

  • Favorite hiding spots or comfort items accessible

  • Feeding schedules and portion sizes clearly listed

  • Medications labeled with instructions on how much, how often, and in a secure place


3. Dogs

  • Potty area clean and accessible

  • Leashes, collars, and harnesses ready

  • Any commands, behavior notes, or gate restrictions documented

Person holding a blue ball with colorful paw prints in front of a dog. The background is neutral, and the mood is playful.

4. Cats

  • Litter boxes clean and accessible

  • Food and water available

  • Safe hiding or scratching areas listed on their pet profile


5. Small Animals (rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, reptiles, etc.)

  • Cages or enclosures clean, secure, and escape-proof

  • Fresh food, water, and bedding provided

  • Toys and enrichment items accessible

  • Proper environment for temperature-sensitive pets


6. Supplies & Logistics

  • Extra food, litter, and water for extended visits

  • Toys, treats, and enrichment items easy to access

  • Trash or soiled litter disposal location clear

  • Access instructions ready (key, garage code, lockbox code)

  • Cleaning supplies stocked and pet friendly

A woman in a blue shirt dries a black dog with a towel on a wooden deck. Another dog walks away. Sunlit, leafy background.

7. Emergency & Communication

  • Emergency contacts updated and aware they may be reached

  • Authorization to seek veterinary care documented, including vet contact info

  • Vet notified we will be caring for pets during your absence

  • Clear instructions for urgent communication


8. Optional Convenience Items

  • Photos of pets for easy recognition added to their pet profiles

  • Notes on daily routines (walk times, nap times, playtime preferences)

  • Instructions for mail, plants, or other home care


💡Pro Tip: Sticky notes or labels around your home can make a huge difference. They help our team locate pets, supplies, and litter boxes quickly keeping visits stress-free and safe for everyone!

By following this checklist, you help us provide safe, efficient, and loving care for your pets, whether you’re away for a few hours or a few weeks.


Need more tips or guidance for preparing your home for pet care? Contact us today! We’re here to help!


Paw Time Favorite Pet Sitting & Dog Walking

Award Winning Pet Care Services in San Antonio, Texas

443-561-5466

 
 
 

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