The Pet & House Sitting Service Guide: What I Do While You’re Away
Leaving town is exciting. Worrying about your pets (and your home) while you’re gone… not so much.
If you’re considering in-your-home pet sitting, here is a clear, honest look at what I do while you’re away—so you know what to expect, what I’m paying attention to, and how I help you travel with real peace of mind.
I provide live-in, in-your-home care for the duration of your trip. That means your pets get to stay in their normal routine, and your home stays cared for and “lived in” while you’re gone.
1) Pet care: keeping routines steady (because pets notice everything)
Most dogs and cats don’t need “extra” while you’re away—they need familiar.
Here’s what I focus on:
- Feeding exactly as you’ve outlined (including portions, timing, and any special instructions)
- Fresh water and clean bowls
- Walks and outdoor breaks based on your pet’s normal schedule and comfort level
- Playtime, companionship, and calm presence (especially helpful for pets who get anxious when their people are away)
- Litter box care for cats to keep things clean and stress-free
- Medication support when needed (with clear instructions)
I’m also watching for the small things that matter: changes in appetite, energy, bathroom habits, or behaviour. If something feels “off,” I don’t ignore it—I communicate with you and follow the plan we’ve agreed on.
2) Home care: looking after the place like it’s my own
In-home sitting isn’t just about pets—it’s also about caring for your home while you’re away.
Depending on your needs, I can help with:
- Bringing in mail and packages
- Taking out garbage/recycling on collection days
- Basic tidying (nothing intense—just keeping things comfortable and in order)
- Checking doors, locks, and general home security
- Keeping the home looking lived-in (lights, blinds, normal activity)
For many homeowners, this is a big part of the value: it’s reassuring to know someone is present, paying attention, and responding quickly if something unexpected happens.
3) Plant care: simple, steady, and specific
Plants are often the first thing people worry about after pets—especially in winter when homes can get dry.
If you leave clear instructions, I’m happy to:
- Water on your schedule
- Follow any special care notes (sunlight preferences, “don’t overwater,” etc.)
- Keep an eye out for drooping or drying and adjust within your guidelines
If you have a lot of plants (or a few that are particularly precious), I’ll ask a couple of quick questions during our prep so I can care for them properly.
4) House sitting only: keeping your home occupied during long absences
Sometimes you don’t have pets—but you do want your home to be cared for while you’re away.
I’m also happy to provide house sitting to help ensure your home isn’t sitting empty for long stretches (which can be important for peace of mind—and in some cases, insurance requirements). I’m not an insurance professional, but I understand why many homeowners want someone staying in the home during extended travel.
If this is your situation, we’ll talk through what “being present” looks like for you, and what you’d like checked regularly.
5) If something goes wrong: calm communication and practical next steps
Travel is smoother when there’s a plan.
Before you leave, we’ll make sure I have:
- Your preferred contact method
- An emergency contact (local, if possible)
- Your vet information
- Any relevant home info (like where to find shutoffs, spare supplies, etc.)
If something comes up—pet-related or home-related—I’ll contact you promptly, explain what I’m seeing, and suggest next steps based on your preferences.
6) Updates while you’re away: the right amount of reassurance
You shouldn’t have to wonder how things are going.
I’m happy to provide regular updates, including photos, so you can relax and enjoy your trip knowing your pets are safe and settled.
(If you have a strong preference—daily updates, every other day, or “only if something changes”—just tell me. I’m flexible.)
7) How to prepare for a smooth sit (my simple checklist)
The best sits are the ones where everything is clear before you go. Here’s what helps most:
- A written routine summary (feeding, walks, quirks, commands)
- Medication instructions if applicable
- Vet + emergency contacts
- House notes: garbage day, deliveries, parking, alarm/lock details
- Wi‑Fi info (helpful for updates and staying connected)
And if you’re not sure what to include, don’t worry—I’ll guide you through it.
Ready to travel with peace of mind?
If you’re looking for in-your-home pet and house sitting, I’d love to hear about your pets, your travel dates, and what “peace of mind” looks like for you.
Reach out to check availability and set up a meet & greet.