What do I need to leave for a dog sitter?

Food pre-measured for the full stay, medication with written dosing instructions and storage notes, the correct lead and harness, the dog's bed and a comfort item, a written handover document with the full routine and emergency contacts, and (for in-home sitting) key access details. The more complete this preparation, the more confidently the sitter can look after your dog without interrupting your trip.

Should I leave my dog's bed at the sitter's house?

Yes — for home-boarding, bring your dog's own bed or blanket. Familiar-smelling bedding is one of the most effective ways to help a dog settle in an unfamiliar environment. Add a recently worn item of your clothing to the sleeping area for extra effect, particularly if your dog has separation anxiety.

How do I hand over my dog's medication to the sitter?

Set it out visibly — not stored in a drawer or bag — with written instructions on top. Include: medication name, dose, timing, how it's administered, where it's stored (or refrigerated), what to do if a dose is missed, and any side effects to watch for. Walk through the administration at the meet-and-greet and ask the sitter to repeat the schedule back to you. For injections, demonstrate the process before the first stay.

Dog sitting

What to Pack When Dropping Your Dog at a Sitter

Whether your dog is going to the sitter's home or the sitter is staying at yours, here's the complete packing list — food, medication, leads, bedding, and the documents that make the difference.

By atticus · 6 min read · Last updated 17 May 2026

The difference between a smooth dog-sitting handover and a chaotic one usually comes down to preparation. A sitter with everything they need — correct food portions, legible medication instructions, working key access — can look after your dog confidently and independently. A sitter who's guessing will be calling you.

This packing list covers home-boarding drop-offs (your dog goes to the sitter's home) and in-home sitting (the sitter stays at your place). Most items apply to both; differences are noted.

Documents and information

Written handover sheet. Print it or share it digitally — but the sitter needs to be able to access it without internet at 6am. Cover: feeding schedule and amounts, medication (name, dose, timing, storage, administration method), evening and morning routine, triggers and calming tools, your contact details and a backup local contact, vet name and number, nearest 24-hour emergency vet.

Vet contact details. Name, address, phone. If your dog is a registered patient, say so — it speeds up emergency intake.

Emergency contacts. Your mobile number, the time zone you'll be in, and a backup local contact who can make decisions if you're unreachable. For international travel, give the sitter explicit written authority to consent to emergency treatment: "In an emergency, proceed with treatment and I will handle costs on return."

Updated TruePath profile. The sitter has already read this before the stay — outdated medications, missing notes, or incorrect feeding amounts in the profile create confusion. Update it before every booking, not just the first one.

Food

Pre-measured daily portions. The clearest method is labelled containers or zip-lock bags: "Day 1 – Breakfast", "Day 1 – Dinner", etc. This removes all ambiguity about portions and prevents accidental overfeeding or underfeeding. Sitters see a huge range of feeding styles across households — don't leave a full bag and an instruction like "about a cup and a half."

Enough for the full stay plus 20% buffer. If the sitter is at your home, this is already there. For home-boarding, pack more than you think you need — delayed returns happen.

Treats. Whatever your dog responds to for reward-based handling. Particularly important if your dog knows the sitter is a stranger and needs encouragement.

Feeding bowl. For home-boarding stays: bring your dog's own bowl. It's a minor comfort signal but it matters.

Leads, collars, and harnesses

The correct lead and harness you use. On the hook where they always live. If your dog requires a specific harness (escape-artist breeds, reactive dogs on a no-pull harness), this isn't optional — pack it explicitly and show the sitter how to fit it correctly.

A second lead as backup. Not essential, but worth including for longer stays.

Any collar with ID tags. Confirm the details are current — your phone number, not a landline you never answer.

Bedding and comfort items

Your dog's regular bed or blanket. For home-boarding: essential. Familiar-smelling bedding is the single most effective tool for settling an anxious dog in a new environment.

A recently worn item of your clothing. A t-shirt or jumper you've slept in, placed in the dog's sleeping area. This is well-documented as an effective settling tool for separation-anxious dogs. It costs nothing and takes thirty seconds to pack.

Favourite toys. A couple of familiar toys — not everything — to signal continuity. Particularly important for home-boarding stays and for puppies.

Medication

All medications visible, labelled, and with written instructions on top. Don't tuck them in a bag. They should be findable at the time they're needed without the sitter having to search.

Storage-specific note. If anything needs refrigeration, label the shelf and note it explicitly: "Keep in fridge — bottom shelf." If anything is light-sensitive or has a temperature range, state it.

Sharps disposal container. If injections are involved (insulin, allergy medication), include a sharps container. Don't leave the sitter managing needles without one.

Missed dose instructions. What should the sitter do if a dose is accidentally skipped? Call you? Administer the next one at the next scheduled time? Note this explicitly — it prevents panic at midnight.

For in-home sitting (additional items)

Key access. Keysafe code or physical key. Building entry codes if applicable. Any gate or lock quirk ("lift the handle slightly before turning"). Walk through the access sequence with the sitter at the meet-and-greet — don't leave this to a written description.

Wi-Fi details. For overnight and multi-night stays.

Bin day information. For any stay over 5–6 days.

Any appliance notes. If the sitter might need to use the washing machine for dog bedding, or the dishwasher, or an appliance that has a quirk.

Drop-off day

For home-boarding: arrive at the sitter's home without rushing. Give the dog 5–10 minutes to explore before you leave. Keep your departure low-key — a prolonged goodbye raises the dog's arousal and makes settling harder. Leave when the sitter has the dog occupied with something.

For in-home sitting: conduct a brief walk-through of the home with the sitter present. Confirm every item on this list is accessible. Leave while the dog is settled.

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