Creating a dog sitting schedule

Our pet pals are true creatures of habit, and there’s no reason why dog sitters like yourselves can’t stick to their usual routine while pet parents are away. This guide to creating a dog sitting schedule will walk you through the basics of ensuring your furry friend has everything they need, when they need it. 

Before we begin though, it’s important to note that while we can provide guidance on what to do when dog sitting, following the instructions of the pet parents is crucial. Your dog sitting schedule will vary depending on the breed, age, and energy levels of the pup you’re taking care of, but this is a great place to start. 

Morning (8am-10am)

• For most dogs, the day starts with a potty break. This might be a quick garden visit or a short walk around the block, depending on what your furry friend is used to. Pet parents will usually tell you where their fur baby likes to go, or in some cases, where they prefer them to go!
• Next, your furry friend will need to eat some breakfast. Measure out their food based on the pet parent’s instructions, and remember to include any medication they need. Change their water so they’ve got a clean, fresh bowl of H2O.  
• Now for a proper walk to dust off those cobwebs and get that digestive system moving post-brekkie. The length of this walk will depend on your furry friend’s energy levels and exercise needs, but expect to walk for around 20-60 minutes. Remember to bring poop bags and water if it’s hot outside.

Note that the second two stages might be swapped around depending on what your four-legged friend is used to.

Late morning (10am-12pm)

• Once your furry friend has been fed, watered, and walked, they may settle down for a bit of chill time or even a nap. If they’re still bursting with energy, there’s a chance their walk wasn’t long enough and they may need some extra playtime to tire them out.   

Early afternoon (12pm-3pm) 

• While things often quieten down after the morning routine, your furry friend may start getting itchy feet and this is where playtime comes in handy. Grab their favorite toys and have a game of tug of war or play fetch in the garden - playing is a great way of bonding with your pooch pal and it also gives them a chance to let off steam.
• You may need to take your pooch pal out for a potty break during this time if they don’t have the freedom to come and go as they please. 

Trusted tip: If your furry friend is more mature or doesn’t have very high energy levels, you may need to replace playtime sessions with a bit of TLC or a snuggle. Equally, your pooch pal might prefer a bit of alone time - you should be able to read the room.

Late afternoon (3pm-5pm)

• Lots of dogs like having a bit of downtime in the afternoon, and it’s the perfect time for a siesta.
• Some pups might be used to enjoying a little afternoon treat around this time - be sure to check with pet parents first. 
• Some doggies may be used to having an afternoon walk to break up the day - walkies is probably their favorite part of the day! If you don’t take your pooch pal out for a walk, make sure they’ve had ample opportunity to go potty throughout the afternoon. 

Early evening (5pm-7pm)

• If your pooch pal has two meals a day, they’ll probably enjoy their second meal in the late afternoon/early evening. Refresh their water bowl, and remember that medication is often administered with food, so make sure you include this in their dinner if necessary. 
• Pups usually have their second longer walk either before or after their second meal. This is more than just a potty break for most, it’s a chance to socialize with other pups, have a sniff around, and enjoy being out and about. 

Late evening (7pm-10pm)

• After dinner and a walk, it’s time for a little bit of R&R (for both of you). Companionship is one of the greatest services a pet sitter can provide, so even if your furry friend’s not a snuggle buddy, they’ll usually appreciate your company. 
• Be sure to take your four-legged friend to go potty before going to bed - not only does this help to avoid accidents in the night, but it’s also a good opportunity for dogs to stretch their legs and often results in everyone having a more restful night’s sleep.

The most important thing to remember when creating a dog sitting schedule is to stick to your furry friend’s routine as much as possible. For pet parents, one of the many benefits of getting a dog sitter is that nothing has to change for their precious pooch. Many pet parents will write down a dog schedule for dog sitters and include all the need-to-knows, but here are a few things to clarify:  

Dog walking schedule 

• What time do you walk your dog?
• How long do you walk your dog for?
• How many walks do you do per day?
• Ask for recommended walking routes, check whether their furry friend can be trusted off the leash, and find out how they react to other dogs, cats, young children, and people in general. 

Food and mealtimes

• What time do you feed your dog?
• How much do you feed them? 
• How many meals do they eat per day? 
• Do they get treats? If so, how many, and do they normally get them at a certain time?

Sleeping arrangements

• What time does your dog normally go to sleep? 
• Where do they sleep? 
• Do they wake you up at a certain time in the morning to go potty? 

Toilet needs

• Does your dog like to go potty in the garden or do they need to be taken on a short walk each time?

Some pet parents will have a strict dog schedule and will be more happy to answer all of these questions and then some. Others may have a more relaxed routine so don’t pressure them into giving you an exact time if they’re being vague - their pet pal will be used to this. 

A few final things to note: 

• As we’ve said before, this dog sitting schedule is a great starting point, but it's vital to follow the instructions of the pet parents.
• If you’re caring for a pup who’s young, old, unwell, or disabled, you’ll need to make sure you take them for regular potty breaks throughout the day. 
• You may need to administer medication at specific times each day - it’s really important to follow the vet’s instructions and stick to the schedule for this. 
• Be sure to keep pet parents up to date with how things are going. A quick snap of their beloved pet pal will help put them at ease, as well as any updates or further questions that come to mind while carrying out the sit. 

Has all this talk of four-legged friends got you wondering how to get into dog sitting? Find out more about how it works and becoming a member, and you could be walking your new furry friend around the block faster than we can say fetch!