Preparing Your Pets

     The best thing you can do to prepare your pets for your absence is to well inform your pet care provider of all the details of your pet's needs.  Very importantly, pet proof your home, pick up things like stockings and other things that could be harmful if ingested.  This means all chemicals in areas where your pets have access should be put away.  It is also a good idea to unplug unused appliances to avoid a fire or even electrical shock to pets.  It is also better not to give your pets things that might be choking hazards during your absence.  If your pet needs chew toys, pick ones that are too large to swallow.  Even tennis balls have been found to cause choking.  Also, if you have a destructive animal, inform your pet care provider of your pet's behaviors and do what ever necessary preventative measures to ensure that your valuables are safe from your pet.  If you have valuables in windows, it is a good idea to take them down before a trip as pets will sometimes knock things down when trying to look out windows. 

    Secure your pets, make sure your pets are inside when you leave.  Pets left in yards or kennels should also be checked and secured before you leave.  Yards should also be cleared of any pet hazards.  Be sure to check fence perimeters for holes, and other damage.  Make sure gates are secured and we like to recommend locks on the gates while you are gone.

    Keeping all your pet supplies in one location helps a pet sitter know where things are.  If you end up moving pet supplies, be sure to leave a note for your pet sitter as to where you have moved them.  You should make sure your pet sitter has enough pet food and supplies to service your pets for the duration of your trip.

    In addition, it is always a good idea to inform a close neighbor or relative that the pet sitter may need to contact them in an emergency, such as a natural disaster or inclement weather preventing the pet sitter from accessing your pets.