Preparing for your dog’s stay with a dog sitter

Preparing well in advance for your dog’s stay, helps to provide reassurance for both you and your dog.

Dogs become real members of our families and as such, leaving them behind while you travel, can be a hard decision to make. In an ideal world, your dog would accompany you wherever you go but sadly this isn’t always possible; some dogs don’t travel very well and many hotels/restaurants don’t allow dogs to visit.

It is normal to feel anxious when thinking about arranging for your pet to stay with a dog sitter, such as Barking Mad, but our list of top tips is designed to make the whole experience easier and less stressful. Research and advance planning will ensure that your dog is safe and well cared for while you are away plus offer you extra peace of mind.

1. Provide your dog sitter with as much information as you can

Make sure that your dog sitter has all your dog’s essential information at their fingertips. At Barking Mad Dog Care, we visit each doggy customer in their own home and have a long chat with their owner, whilst compiling an ‘all about me’ document, which we call a pet schedule. You should explain all about your dog’s daily routine, personality, behaviour, daily food intake, favourite toys/games, health history and provide details of any current medication and vet contact details.

2. Ensure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date

A reputable dog sitter will usually require that all your pet’s vaccinations are fully up to date at the time of their stay.

3. Ensure your dog has been adequately wormed and treated against fleas

If your dog is going to stay with a dog sitter, it is essential that worming and flea treatments are up to date, and also very beneficial for their welfare and comfort!

4. Work on your dog’s training and socialisation

Working on training and socialisation can help to prepare your pooch for a stay with a dog sitter. It is far easier to find an appropriate host for a dog who is sociable, well mannered and easy to manage.

5. Create a packing list for your dog

Creating a packing list is our top tip for remembering your pup’s essentials, to make them feel at home! Barking Mad asks their customers to supply: food (with measuring cup), treats, collar, lead/harness, towels, a grooming kit, food and water bowls, a bed, toys, waste bags and where necessary: medication, a coat, indoor/travel crate.

See above for our advice on packing for your dog’s stay

6. Nominate two emergency contacts

Ensure that your emergency contact details are up to date. At least one emergency contact should be able to exercise decisions and if necessary, authorise vet payments on your behalf. You should also make sure that your dog sitter has your correct contact details for while you are away, including flight details etc.

7. Keep your vet informed

Advise your vet of who will be your dog’s responsible carer during your absence, in case of an emergency. Barking Mad always endeavours to use your dog’s own vet where possible, in the event of them needing emergency treatment.

8. Try a sleepover first

Make sure you try a shorter sleepover before booking an extended stay with a dog sitter, to ensure that your dog is happy. At Barking Mad, we always insist upon a short trial stay when holidays of a week or longer are booked.

A trial short stay will ensure that your dog will feel happier when you go away on holiday

9. Ensure a calm goodbye

Leading up to your departure, it is essential to keep things as normal as possible for your dog. Unusual displays of affection and extra treats/walks may confuse your pet and disrupt their routine. Dogs are very sensitive and can pick up on your mood, so it is important to try and stay calm.

Now in their 18th year, Barking Mad Dog Sitters have found from experience, that their method of collecting a dog from its owner helps to prevent separation anxiety for the dog, as they don’t feel like their owner has ‘left them behind’. Repeat doggy customers usually get really excited at the sight of the Barking Mad car arriving to chauffeur them to their lovely holiday home!

10. Enjoy your trip away

Enjoy your time away (you deserve it!) safe in the knowledge that you and your dog were fully prepared for their stay with a dog sitter. Relax and look forward to lots of tail wagging on your return!

If you have yet to book a dog sitter, you can find out more about Barking Mad’s 5* rated service by contacting your local branch.