Pets & Animals

Before You Leave Town: A Dog Care Checklist for Pet-Sitters and Boarding

Updated Jul 13, 2024 6 min read
An open dog care bag on a kitchen counter with medications, leash, food, and a handwritten care note.

In This Article

Key Takeaways

  • A written care sheet covering your dog's routine, diet, and medical needs is essential for any sitter or boarding facility.
  • Always provide at least two emergency contacts, including your veterinarian's direct number.
  • Dogs with breed-specific health concerns or medications require extra documentation and clear written instructions.
  • Confirm your dog's vaccinations and ID tags are current well before your departure date.
  • Doing a trial run with a new pet-sitter before your trip can prevent avoidable stress for your dog.
30–60 min

Summary

24 items · 30–60 minutes

Why a Thorough Handoff Matters

Leaving your dog in someone else's care — whether a professional boarding facility, a pet-sitting service, or a trusted friend — requires more preparation than most dog owners anticipate. Even a well-meaning caregiver can struggle without clear, written guidance on your dog's daily rhythm, health history, and behavioral quirks.

The stakes are especially real if your dog takes medication, has food sensitivities, or belongs to a breed with particular health vulnerabilities (such as brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs, who can overheat quickly, or large breeds prone to bloat). A thorough handoff protects your dog and gives the sitter confidence. Think of this checklist as your dog's temporary care manual.

If you're coordinating the rest of your trip logistics at the same time, the pre-departure checklist for travelers can help you run through the broader picture alongside your dog care prep.

Health and Medical Information

Write out your dog's complete medication schedule, including drug names, doses, timing, and how to administer each (with food, hidden in a treat, etc.). Must
Provide your veterinarian's name, clinic address, and phone number, plus the address of a 24-hour emergency animal hospital. Must
Document any known allergies — food, environmental, or medication — and describe what a reaction looks like for your dog. Must
List any chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, epilepsy, arthritis) and note specific signs that should prompt an immediate vet call. Must
Confirm your dog is current on core vaccinations (rabies, distemper, parvovirus) and Bordetella if going to a boarding facility, and attach copies of records. Must
Note the date of the last flea, tick, and heartworm prevention treatment and leave any remaining doses with clear instructions. Should

Daily Routine and Diet

Write out your dog's feeding schedule — exact food type, amount per meal, and any supplements or food toppers added regularly. Must
List all foods your dog must never eat, including common human foods that are toxic to dogs (grapes, xylitol, onions, chocolate). Must
Describe your dog's typical walk schedule, duration, and any on-leash or off-leash rules the sitter must follow. Must
Note your dog's usual sleep location and bedtime routine, including any comfort items like a specific blanket or toy. Should
Explain any house rules your dog is trained to follow (not allowed on furniture, must sit before meals, etc.) so the sitter maintains consistency. Should

Identification and Safety

Check that your dog's ID tags are legible and show your current phone number — replace them if worn or outdated. Must
Confirm your dog's microchip registration is active and your contact details in the registry database are current. Must
Provide a clear, recent photo of your dog to the sitter in case the dog goes missing. Must
Verify that collar fit is secure — you should be able to slide two fingers underneath but not more. Should

Behavior and Handling Notes

Honestly describe any reactivity toward strangers, other dogs, children, or specific triggers (skateboards, loud noises, etc.). Must
Note any behaviors the sitter should expect during stress, such as hiding, destructive chewing, or excessive barking. Must
Explain how your dog signals that they need to go outside, especially if they use subtle or breed-specific cues. Should
Share your dog's favorite calming strategies — a stuffed Kong, a specific playlist, or a crate with the door open — if applicable. Nice to have

Logistics and Permissions

Sign a written veterinary authorization form allowing the sitter or boarding facility to approve emergency treatment in your absence. Must
Provide your travel itinerary with dates, destination, and the best way to reach you at each stage of the trip. Must
Leave enough food, medication, and supplies for the full stay plus two to three extra days as a buffer. Should
Do a trial overnight with a new sitter before a longer absence, so you can identify any gaps in the care routine. Nice to have

Tools and Documents to Gather First

Before you start filling out care sheets, pull together the physical items and documents your sitter will need on hand. Having everything in one labeled folder or bag makes the handoff far smoother.

Required

Written Care Sheet

A single document summarizing your dog's routine, diet, medications, and behavioral notes that the sitter can reference at any time.

Required

Vaccination Records

Required by most boarding facilities and useful for any vet visit that may occur during your absence.

Required

Veterinary Authorization Letter

A signed document granting the sitter permission to authorize emergency veterinary care on your behalf.

Optional

Extra Collar and Leash

A backup leash and collar prevents delays if the primary set is lost or broken during the stay.

Optional

Comfort Item from Home

A familiar blanket or worn t-shirt can reduce anxiety in dogs adjusting to a new environment.

Don't Assume Verbal Instructions Are Enough

Even experienced pet-sitters can forget details shared only in conversation, especially during a busy handoff. Always back up verbal guidance with a written care sheet. For dogs with medical needs, a clear written medication log — noting each dose given — is also worth leaving so nothing gets double-dosed or missed.

A Note on New Dogs and New Sitters

If this is your first time leaving your dog with a sitter — or your dog is new to your household — plan for a transition period. A meet-and-greet visit before your departure lets your dog associate the sitter with a positive, low-stress experience. For guidance on what new dog owners should understand about their pet's needs more broadly, see what to expect when bringing home your first dog.

Senior dogs, anxious dogs, and those with chronic health conditions may benefit from an in-home sitter rather than a group boarding environment. Discuss your dog's temperament honestly with any prospective caregiver, and don't downplay behaviors like resource guarding or separation anxiety — these details directly affect your dog's safety and the sitter's ability to manage them.

Always Leave Emergency Vet Authorization in Writing

Without written authorization, some veterinary clinics may delay or limit treatment for a pet in an emergency because they cannot reach the owner. Before you leave, sign a letter explicitly authorizing your sitter or the boarding facility to approve emergency treatment up to a stated dollar threshold. Ask your vet's office if they have a standard form, or confirm what documentation your chosen facility requires.

This checklist is for general informational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian about your individual dog's health needs, medications, and suitability for boarding or in-home care.

Pets & Animals Editorial Team is the collective byline for our editorial team and contributor network. Articles published under this byline or an editorial pen name are researched, written, and reviewed according to our editorial standards for clarity, consistency, and independence before publication.

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