Inviting a house sitter into your home is a generous act of trust. The more clarity you offer before you leave, the smoother the experience will be for everyone involved. This homeowner-focused checklist gives you an organised way to relay the essential information your sitter needs to maintain your home and take care of your pets while you’re away.

Think of it as a welcome pack for your house sitter. A little preparation now saves time later and gives both you and your sitter absolute confidence from day one.

Quick Checklist for Homeowners

Use this as a ready-to-go summary you can hand to your sitter.

Essential Information Your Sitter Should Have

Start with the foundations. Your sitter needs a clear picture of how to reach you, who else they can contact and what to do if plans shift.

Think of this section as the anchor that supports everything else, whether you’re sharing notes in writing or organising them through pet sitting software for easy reference.

• Your phone number and preferred communication method
• Dates of your trip
• A secondary contact such as a neighbour or friend
• Emergency steps you want followed
• Your vet’s name, address and number

Pet Care Notes That Make a Real Difference

Pets feel more at ease when a sitter understands the little routines that shape their day. Instead of leaving long explanations, highlight the handful of details your sitter genuinely needs.

• Feeding times and portions
• Walking routine or play preferences
• Where your companion usually rests or sleeps
• Behaviour quirks to expect
• Medication timings when relevant

If you want to see how sitters describe their approach to pet care, you can browse active house sitters and see real profiles on HouseSit Match.

House Information for Everyday Living

A sitter does not need a full household manual, but a few friendly notes take the guesswork out of daily living. Use this section to walk them through the essentials you would naturally mention if a friend were staying over.

You can include anything useful for navigating the home, such as how to adjust the heating, which switches light which rooms, how rubbish and recycling work or any quirks like taps that need a firm turn or a drawer that sticks. A short, practical overview facilitates your sitter to settle in comfortably.

Access, Safety and Security

Good access instructions remove stress for both sides. Share the basics of getting in and out plus security tips, along with anything you automatically check without thinking.

• Alarm guidance and necessary codes
• Where spare keys are stored
• Doors or windows that need an extra nudge
• The simplest way to respond if something looks out of place

If you are preparing for an upcoming trip and want to find someone reliable, you can explore current house sit listings created by members of HouseSit Match.

Helpful Local Tips

A little local insight can make a sitter feel instantly more at home. You do not need to write a neighbourhood guidebook. A few useful clues are more than enough.

Share where the nearest shops are, good walking spots, cafés you enjoy or parks your pets like. If a kind neighbour does not mind being a point of contact for small questions, you can mention that too. It brings an easy sense of welcome to the whole experience.

Deliveries and Post

Let your sitter know if you are expecting parcels or regular letters. A quick note about what to bring inside or where items should be placed keeps the entrance tidy and the home looking lived in.

Return-Day Guidance

The end of the sit feels smoother when your sitter knows how you like things left. This could include where to place keys, whether you prefer bedding washed or simply set aside and what time you expect to return. A few practical instructions allow everyone to finish the sit on a positive note.

Get Started With HouseSit Match

A clear, friendly checklist sets the tone for a relaxed sit. When your sitter knows exactly where things are and what you expect, you can travel with peace of mind. HouseSit Match guides homeowners to find reliable sitters who value communication, trust and the comfort of a well prepared home.