A Pet Sitter Information Form is a document used by owners who hire independent pet sitters and dog walkers to care for their pets. The form’s primary purpose is to provide pet sitters with the necessary information they need to safely and properly care for the pet. We recommend using a high-quality template to create your Pet Sitter Information Form because it helps avoid confusion, saves time, and ensures all the relevant data is included.
The information provided on the Pet Sitter Information Form will vary from individual to individual. Generally, it should include basic personal details such as the pet owner’s name, contact information, address, and emergency contacts. Additionally, it should provide specific details about the pet’s breed, health information, needs, and preferences.
What Is a Pet Sitter Information Form Sheet?
A pet sitter information form sheet, sometimes called a pet information form, is a document used to collect necessary information regarding the care of one’s pet while they are away. The sheet includes questions such as who is the preferred veterinarian, where pet food and supplies are located, and any special instructions or requests for the pet sitter. By providing this information, owners can ensure that their pet receives proper care and attention in their absence. Additionally, this form can serve as a reference for the pet sitter if any questions arise about the pet’s needs during the owner’s time away.
Why Is a Pet Sitter Information Form Sheet Important?
A pet sitter information form sheet is an important tool for any pet sitter. It allows the pet sitter to keep track of all the vital information they need to properly care for the animals they are watching. This includes information about the pet’s feeding schedule, medical history, special instructions, and more. This readily available information helps the pet sitter ensure that their client’s pets are taken care of in the best possible way. Additionally, a pet sitter information form sheet can help to prevent any misunderstandings between the pet sitter and their client.
Essential Elements of a Pet Sitter Information Form Sheet
The essential elements of a pet sitter information form sheet are extensive and cover all aspects of the pet’s needs, health, history, and other vital data. Below we’ve created an outline to show what belongs on these sheets and why it’s crucial.
- (Optional) Petcare Business Name or Logo- This primarily applies to pet-sitting businesses. If you are an individual, you can skip this step.
- Form Title- At the top, use large, bold letters and add the document name Pet Sitter Information Form.
- Introductory Statement- For this document, your preliminary statement should instruct the owner to fill out the form completely and honestly because you will use their answers to care for their pets. Let them know that the information they submit is confidential and used only for the care of their pets.
- Owner Name and Contact Information- Have the owner print their full legal name, address, email, and phone numbers, including daytime work contact numbers and hotel phone numbers with the room number if they plan to be away from home.
- Occupation Details- Occupational details of the owner are meant to let you know whether they will be available during the day if you should call about an urgent or emergency situation. For example, an urgent care doctor probably won’t pick up, but a small business owner can likely take your call.
- Local Emergency Contact Name and Phone Number- This should be the name and number of someone in the area who can answer the phone or even care for the animal in an emergency. For example, if the pet sitter is in an accident and cannot reach the home to feed the animals, this person should be a reliable backup used only for extreme circumstances.
- (Optional) Advertising Query for Businesses- If your business advertises, ask how the client heard about your service.
- Pet Primary Information- Primary pet information should include their name, breed, weight, age, and whether they are spayed or neutered, among other vital statistics.
- Vet Information- The name and contact information, including the address of their regular vet, goes here.
- Pet Medical Information- This section should ask about allergies, dietary restrictions, and pre-existing health conditions.
- Pet Training and Socialization Information- Pet sitters need to know whether the animal responds to commands, has experience with other animals or people, and similar information.
- Pet Food and Treat Information- Have the owner list the brand and type of food their pet eats and whether they are allowed treats. If the animal gets treats, what kind, and how many?
- Pet Food and Care Products Location- Although the owner should do a walk-through with the pet sitter, have them list the pet care and food items and their locations on the sheet.
- Pet Care Special Requirements- This section is for other requests and information on things such as where the owner prefers their dog to spend their time when no one is present, such as a kennel, outdoors with proper shelter (when the weather permits), and other essentials not covered in the other sections of this form.
- (Optional) Additional Information- This is a good place for pet owners to mention quirks like ‘dog will fake a limp to get attention’ or ‘cat tends to flip food bowls when I am away from home.’
- Pet Photo- The photo helps the pet sitter keep a record of the animals they care for.
- Truth Statement- At the bottom of the page, it should include a statement about how the owner has submitted accurate and complete information and they understand that failure to do so could result in harm to their pet or others.
- (Optional but Recommended) Owner Signature or e-Signature and Date
FAQs
Leaving your pets can be upsetting, but a great pet sitter information form sheet can help you care for them even when you’re not at home. Here we’ve answered the most frequently asked questions from people seeking more information on the subject to help you make the most of your pet sitter information form sheet template. You’ll learn about pet sitter duties, how often they should visit, whether they provide cleaning or additional services, and more.
Preparation for a pet sitter includes:
ᐅ Research and choose a qualified pet sitter.
ᐅ Ask friends and neighbors if they have had any experiences with pet sitter services in your area.
ᐅ Ask a veterinarian or other professional if they can recommend a pet sitter.
ᐅ If you choose to interview pet sitters, be upfront and ask questions to ensure they will meet your pet’s needs and can provide the level of service you want.
ᐅ Ask the pet sitter for references and call them to get more details.
ᐅ Sign an agreement for pet sitting and pay for the service.
ᐅ Create a Pet Sitter Information Form using a professional template.
ᐅ Collect anything your pets need together so the pet sitter can access it easily.
ᐅ Make sure your home and the pet’s space are clean before you leave.
Pet sitters typically do not clean up beyond basic activities like scooping a catbox. While they may provide regular services such as feeding, administering medications, and/or taking your pet out for walks and playtime, they generally do not offer housekeeping services. It is ultimately the responsibility of pet owners to keep the area around their pets and home clean. Sometimes, the pet sitter may agree to additional duties at their sole discretion. However, this is not a standard service and must be specified in your contract and paid for in addition to the usual care services.
No, pet sitters typically do not spend the night at the pet owner’s home. Pet sitters visit the house approximately once to twice daily to provide care and attention to the pet. They feed and give medication to the pet, take it for walks, and provide companionship. Pet sitters may also perform light housekeeping duties if agreed upon in advance, such as bringing in mail and newspapers, watering plants, and taking out the trash. Staying overnight may require additional training and certification, which must be specified in the agreement.
Writing pet sitter instructions is very straightforward. Follow the steps below to create a simple set of pet sitter instructions.
ᐅ Introduce yourself and your pet: Provide the pet sitter with your name, your pet’s name, and a brief description of your pet.
ᐅ Provide contact information: Give the pet sitter your contact information, including your address, phone number, and email address.
ᐅ Explain the pet’s routine: Explain to the pet sitter what your pet’s daily routine is like, including feeding times, exercise times, and any other activities that are part of their daily routine.
ᐅ Provide instructions for emergencies: Let the pet sitter know what to do in case of an emergency. Which vet or animal ER should they visit, who they call, etc.?
A pet sitter is responsible for caring for pets while their owners are away. This can include feeding, exercising, playing with, and providing companionship to the pet. Pet sitters may also be responsible for administering medications, cleaning up after the pet, and providing basic grooming services like brushing, but not haircuts. Additionally, pet sitters may be asked to perform other tasks such as bringing in the mail, watering plants, and taking out the trash for an additional fee. Pet sitters must be reliable and trustworthy, as they will be entrusted with caring for a pet owner’s beloved animal.
The frequency of pet-sitting visits depends on the type of pet. A pet sitter should come once a day for cats, fish, and birds. This ensures that the pet’s food and water are replenished, and their litter box or cage is cleaned. For dogs, however, a pet sitter should come twice a day. This allows for more frequent potty breaks and opportunities for exercise and play. It also reduces the stress of leaving an animal alone for long periods. Additionally, having two visits per day also helps ensure that the dog’s emotional needs are met.
Pet sitters do not typically need a license to provide pet-sitting services, though most pet sitters go through extensive training. Some areas may have additional requirements, so checking your local laws is essential. However, if the pet sitter is operating a business, they may need to obtain licenses and permits depending on their local laws. For example, many jurisdictions require companies to get a business license and may also require pet sitters to have a vendor’s license or another similar permit. Businesses may also need to pay taxes and carry insurance to cover their services. It is always important to check with local laws to determine what type of license or permit may be required before starting a pet-sitting business.
Whether or not you need insurance to be a dog sitter depends on the laws in your area and the type of services you provide. In general, if you are paid to take care of someone’s pet, you may need insurance to cover any potential liability if something unfortunate happens to your client’s pet while in your care. Depending on the specifics of your services, you may need commercial liability insurance, liability coverage from a pet-sitting insurance provider, or both. Before starting a dog-sitting business, it is vital to research the laws in your area and find out what insurance options are available.
Final Thoughts
The purpose of Pet Sitter Information Forms for pet sitters is to provide them with comprehensive information about the pet they are caring for. These forms typically include details such as the pet’s name, age, breed, medical history, diet, allergies, and special instructions. The document also provides a way for pet owners to provide necessary contact information in the event of an emergency. Additionally, the forms can help pet sitters develop a better understanding of the pet’s personality and preferences in order to provide the best possible care. Using a Pet Sitter Information Form Sheet template helps ensure your pet sitter has everything they need to know about caring for your animals readily available and keeps pet owners from forgetting any vital details.
