PawTabs
Free template

Pet sitter care sheet

Everything your sitter needs to know, on one page. Print it, fill it in once, and leave it on the counter - no more explaining the feeding routine at the door or answering texts about where the leash lives.

What to write in each part

Care sheet for  

Print one for each pet. Pencil works well - routines change.

About your pet

Name
Species and breed
Age
Weight
Microchip number
Allergies

Feeding

Morning meal (time and amount)
Evening meal (time and amount)
Food kept
Treats allowed
Water, and anything they must not eat:

Medications and supplements

Name and dose
When
Name and dose
When
How to give them (with food, in a treat, by mouth) and where they're kept:

Walks, potty and litter

Walk times
Leash and harness kept
Potty or litter routine
Bags and supplies kept

Daily routine

Wake-up, play, naps, bedtime, crate or where they sleep, and anything they expect at a certain time:

Behavior and quirks

Fears (storms, doorbells, other dogs), escape risks, what calms them, and what's normal for them:

Who to call

Owner
Backup contact
Vet (name and phone)
Emergency vet (24 hours)
If there's an emergency and I can't be reached, please:

Around the house

Keys, alarm, doors that must stay shut, where the carrier and first aid supplies are, and anything else:
What to include

What to write in each part

A good care sheet answers the questions your sitter would otherwise text you about. Be specific: “1 cup” beats “a scoop”, and “7:30 am” beats “breakfast time”.

Feeding

Write down exact amounts and times, where the food is kept, and which treats are fine. If your pet begs convincingly, say how much is too much. Note anything they must never have, and whether they're on a special diet.

Medications and supplements

List each one with its dose and time, and how you give it - in a pill pocket, with food, or by mouth. Say where they're kept and what to do if a dose is missed. Joint chews and fish oil count too; a sitter can't guess which bottle is part of the routine.

Walks, potty and litter

Include walk times and length, any route or dogs to avoid, how they do on a leash, and where the bags are. For cats, rabbits and birds, say how often the litter or tray is cleaned and where the supplies are.

Daily routine

Pets notice when the day is off. Sketch the rhythm of an ordinary day: when they wake, play, nap and go to bed, and where they sleep. The closer your sitter can stick to it, the calmer your pet will be.

Behavior and quirks

This is where the useful surprises go: hides under the bed during storms, bolts for the door, doesn't get along with the neighbor's cat, eats socks. Say what's normal, so your sitter knows what isn't.

Who to call

Give your number, a backup who can make decisions if you can't be reached, your regular vet, and the nearest 24-hour emergency vet. It helps to call your vet ahead of time and let them know someone else may bring your pet in while you're away.

Around the house

Keys, alarm codes, which doors must stay shut, and where the carrier, cleaning supplies and first aid kit are. Anything you'd walk a new sitter through on the first visit belongs here.

Rather keep it on everyone's phone?

PawTabs has the same care sheet built in. Write it once, and everyone you share your pet with - family, sitters, walkers - can read it on their own phone, always up to date. Sitters you add as caregivers can log each meal, walk and dose too, so you can see what's been done. The care sheet is free.

Get PawTabs