Busy getting ready for the holidays?
As the festive season approaches, many of us are planning vacations, family visits, and getaways; but for pet parents, there’s an extra layer of responsibility—making sure your fur babies are safe and comfortable in your absence. If you plan on using a pet sitter in Columbus, Ohio, proper preparation is key to ensuring your pets are happy and your home is secure. From booking your sitter early to leaving detailed care instructions and making sure your home is pet-proofed, here’s our top 10 ways to set yourself and your pets up for a stress-free holiday.
1. Book Your Pet Care Early—Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
The holiday season is one of the busiest times for pet sitters in Columbus, and spots fill up quickly, so it’s essential to book early! By reserving your pet sitter in advance, you’ll ensure your pets are well cared for, and your sitter can plan ahead to accommodate your schedule. This gives you peace of mind knowing everything is set before the holiday rush.
Pro tip: If you’re using a new pet sitter or service, consider scheduling a trial visit before your holiday trip. This allows your pets to get comfortable with the sitter while you’re still in town, easing any anxiety and helping them adjust before you leave for an extended time. This way, your pets won’t be surprised when someone new comes to care for them while you’re away.
2. Leave Detailed Notes for Your Pet Sitter
When leaving your pet in the care of a sitter, it’s essential to take the time to write comprehensive instructions. Columbus pet sitters appreciate when pet parents provide details on:
- Feeding schedules (including portion sizes and any special dietary needs)
- Walking routines (preferred routes, leash behavior, etc.)
- Medication instructions (if applicable)
- Favorite toys, games, or comfort items that help your pet feel at ease
- Emergency contacts (including your veterinarian and a trusted neighbor, family member, or friend)
The more detailed your notes are, the better your pet sitter can provide the best care possible. If your pet has any specific quirks—like being scared of loud noises or getting anxious when separated—be sure to include that as well.
3. Stock Up on Extra Supplies
Always provide more pet food, medication, and supplies than you think your sitter will need. It’s better to be over-prepared, especially during the holidays when stores might have limited hours or face supply shortages. Be sure to stock up on:
- Extra bags of food and treats
- Additional medication (with clear instructions)
- Extra toys, blankets, or bedding for comfort
- Cleaning supplies for accidents
Pro tip: If your pet has special dietary needs or prefers a specific brand, leave a few extra days’ worth of food. Travel delays or unforeseen circumstances could extend your time away, so having extra supplies ensures your sitter can care for your pets without any issues if additional visits are needed.
4. Prepare for Severe Weather
In Columbus, Ohio, winter weather can be highly unpredictable. If your pet sitter needs to take your dog outside, make sure to leave appropriate gear, such as coats, booties, and towels for wet or snowy paws. It’s also wise to discuss contingency plans, like having a nearby neighbor or friend available to check in on your pets (worst case) if severe weather makes it difficult for your sitter to travel.
For added peace of mind, many companies, like Hands N Paws, have backup or emergency sitters in place if the primary sitter can’t make it. This ensures your pets are always cared for, even in unexpected circumstances. If you’re working with a different service, be sure to ask about their policy for severe weather and how they handle emergencies.
5. Make Your Home Pet-Sitter Friendly
Before you leave, it’s important to not only prepare your pets but also ensure your home is ready for your pet sitter.
- Secure all doors, gates, and fences to prevent pets from wandering.
- Provide clear instructions for appliances, door codes, and alarms, especially if your sitter will be coming and going multiple times a day.
- If your sitter is staying overnight, make sure they know where they can sleep and any home rules you’d like them to follow.
- Keep hazardous items like cleaning supplies or holiday decorations out of reach.
- Provide essential home details, such as setting the thermostat to a comfortable temperature and leaving instructions for adjusting it. Additionally, inform your sitter about the location of the fire extinguisher, breaker box, and any other important safety or home-related features.
At Hands N Paws, we understand how important it is for your home to look lived-in during your extended absence, which is why we offer the following house duties complimentary with our pet sitting services: collecting mail/packages, taking out the trash on garbage day, watering plants, adjusting blinds, and turning lights on and off to give the impression someone is home.
Ensure a Stress-Free Holiday for You and Your Pets
Make this holiday season’s pet sitting experience one to remember by partnering with a trusted, caring sitter and setting them up for success. When you provide clear instructions, prepare your home, and maintain open communication, you help your sitter deliver the best possible care for your pets. At Hands N Paws, we take pride in offering exceptional service, but it’s the collaboration between pet parents and sitters that truly makes the difference. This year, enjoy the holidays stress-free, knowing your pets are in the best hands possible.
