House sitter checklist for before, during and after the sit

Updated 10 April 2025

Going house sitting soon? Download our house sitting checklist below to ensure you’re fully prepared. Find a checklist to prepare you for before, during and after the sit - covering anything you might have forgotten. 

We cover everything from vet details and pet behavior, to house responsibilities and rules, to finding out how to work laundry appliances, alarm systems and Wifi - and everything in between.

Here you can explore a tick list of everything you’ll need to get clued-up on before the sit, during the sit, and things to remember once the sit is over - pets, home, garden and all. 

And if you’re here simply to get organized ahead of applying to your first house sit, great! An organized house sitter is a great one. To get your started on your pet sitting adventure, explore how to find a house sit with TrustedHousesitters.

Before the sit: House sitter checklist, pre-sit

Find the ultimate checklist for house sitters to make sure you’ve got everything you need, and are clued-up on everything you need to know about the house, pets and garden.

And while you’ll have the chance to find out more about the pets, home and a full low-down on your responsibilities during the sit handover and in the welcome guide provided by the pet owners, knowledge is power! 

So, if you can, take our printable house sitting checklist above with you to a video call, or better - an in-person meet up to make sure you’ve covered all the essentials before your sit begins.

Pre-sit house sitting checklist: communication & travel plans

Try to get all of the below cleared up before the sit begins to make sure you’re prepared for communication with pet parents while they’re away.

Communication details

Once the sit is confirmed, swap email addresses and telephone numbers, and get the home address saved. It’s also worth checking what time and day is best to get into contact with pet parents, just in case you’ve got any extra questions before the sit begins.

Travel plans

• Departure and return details: Find out when the pet parents will be departing the home for their trip - then you can get planning the sit handover. Confirm when the pet parents will be returning, so that you can make end of sit arrangements.
• Pet parent travel itineraries: If pet parents are traveling overseas, get a loose travel itinerary and ask for transport details, such as a flight number - this helps you to know when they’re going to be contactable and any time differences.
• Delay back up plans: Discuss what might happen if there is a travel delay, and pet parents will be back a day or two later. Many of our experienced sitters leave a two-day “cushion” between sits to allow for this and avoid any crossovers.

Pre-sit house sitter checklist: the pets 

Explore this house sitting checklist template for everything you’ll need to know about the pets before your sit begins:

Basic pet information 

• Find out the pet name(s), age, breed, and species.
• Are they spayed or neutered?
• Are they microchipped and are the details up to date?
• Are they a rescue or adopted pet? If so, how long have they been part of the family?
• Do they like traveling in the car?
• Are they easy to transport if they need to go to the vet?
• In the unlikely need for a vet visit are there taxi services available?

Vet details

• The vet’s name, address and phone number.
• Does the vet know they’re going away, and the pets will be in your care?
• Does the vet have your details?
• Are any routine visits due? 
• Is there an account set up, or will costs need to be paid upfront?
• Is the pet insured? If so, what are the details you need?
• Are there emergency out-of-hours vet details?
• Instructions for the vet regarding life-threatening emergencies.
• Who is authorized to make medical decisions if the pet parent is unreachable?

Emergency contact

Find out if there are any trusted neighbors or friends nearby, should you find yourself in an emergency situation.

Pet medication

Find out if you need to administer any medication for the pets, and ensure you're given detailed instructions on dosage, times, potential side effects and whether the pets need to eat beforehand.

Health

Find out if there are any medical conditions the pets have, and any information you need to know about them. You might need to go extra careful during walkies, or ensure you're there while the pets are eating.

Food and treats

Find out where the food is kept, the feeding schedule and how much to provide, along with how many treats the pets are allowed each day. Also find out what you should do if you run out of pet food and how you'll be reimbursed, or if the pet parents will leave out some cash for you. Find out if there are any foods they can't have, and whether there are any digestion issues.

House rules

Find out if there are any out of bounds areas, if there are any specific bed times for the pets and if they can be given treats from the table.

Pet essentials

Find out where the toys, poop bags, bed, blankets and leashes are kept. Ask the pet parents if there are any other essentials you might not have thought of, and where they're kept.

Pet behavior

Find out if there is anything to be cautious about (such as separation anxiety or fear of storms), and any tips on avoiding unwanted behavior. Find out if the pets are extra sensitive around other people or animals in public, what their triggers are, how to handle them and how long they can be left alone for.

Grooming

Find out if the pet in your care needs to be groomed and how often. Ask pet parents if they’re happy to be groomed and if not, whether there are any tips for making it more enjoyable and manageable. Ask whether they’ll need to be bathed, and if there are any appointments to the groomer scheduled during the sit.

Reimbursements

Find out if the pet parents will be leaving a small fund should you need to pay for the vet, food or any other pet essentials while they're away.

Exercise and training

Ask about the pets' daily activity levels, whether there is a dog walker service in place and when is best to give them exercise to ensure a good night's sleep for everyone.

Litter

Find out where the litter box is kept, where the litter is and how often it needs to be changed. Find out if there is a particular toilet routine and anything to be cautious of.

Garden access

Find out if the pets are allowed outdoors, when, and if there is anything to be mindful of, such as loose fence panels, foxes, or pets next door.

Cat-specific information

• Are they indoor, outdoor, or both?
• Is there a cat flap? What type is it and what’s the access?
• Are they allowed on kitchen counters?
• If they’re outdoor cats, do they come and go freely, or are they on a schedule?
• Do they get hair balls? 
• Are they on automatic feeders, graze or have specific feed times?
• If there is more than one cat, do they share litter trays?
• What’s the preferred litter type & frequency of cleaning?

Horse-specific information

• Do they live in or out?
• What’s their feeding schedule & storage location?
• What are the rugging requirements for different weather conditions?
• Details on pasture maintenance (poo picking, fencing checks, etc.).
• Stable cleaning details & bedding type.
• Are they easy to catch and/or handle?
• Do they require daily exercise? (Lunging, hacking, schooling, turnout).
• Any there any special quirks or handling instructions?

Pre-sit house sitting checklist: the home

Explore this house sitting template to check off everything you’ll need to ask the home owners about before the sit starts, and things they’ll need to leave written instructions for:

Responsibilities

Get clear on what your responsibilities are around the house in order to keep everything clean, organised and tidy.

Keys

Find out if there is a set of spare keys, if the door has any quirks, and if anyone else has a set of keys.

Alarm system

Find out if there are any security systems in place, how it works, the reset codes, and how you'll know if it’s been activated.

Internet access

Find out where the router is located, the password, and how to reset the system if the internet stops working for any reason.

Vehicles and parking

Find out if there is parking available if you’re traveling by car, or if you (and any visitors) require a permit. You could also find out if there is a vehicle you can use if that’s of interest to you. You should also ask for permission to drive with the pets, and anything you should know about their tolerance to car journeys.

Utilities & emergency shut-offs

Find out the location of:

• Fuse box
• Water shut-off valve (stopcock)
• Gas shut-off valve
• Torches and/or candles in event of a power outage
• Service engineers in the event of an emergency or loss of utilities
• Generator

Appliances

Find out if there is a laundry machine and dryer, and how they work. It's also worth asking whether you're okay to use their laundry detergent, or if this is something you should buy - it's always good manners to top up anything you've used. Also find out how the heating and/or air conditioning works, whether there are any quirks with the appliances and where the spare lightbulbs are kept.

Visitors

Find out if you'll be allowed any friends or family members over during the sit - be sure to stick to these rules. Also find out if there will be any expected visitors, such as cleaners, gardeners and deliveries during the sit. It's also well worth finding out if you're able to accept deliveries on the homeowner's behalf.

Appliance manuals

Ask if there are any appliance manuals in the house. If not, ask the homeowners for instructions on how to use everything you'll need.

Costs

Ask what happens if maintenance costs are incurred while the home owners are away. Maintaining these critical elements of the home will need to be covered somehow.

Pre-sit house sitting checklist: the garden

Explore the checklist for house sitters below, so that you’re prepared to look after the pet parents’ garden while they’re away. It’s always a good idea to get fully clued-up on your responsibilities, so you’re prepared before you arrive.

Watering

Find out where the garden hose is kept, whether there is a water butt you should use, and how often plants need watering. You should also find out if the indoor plants need to be watered, and how often.

Weeding

Ask whether this will be one of your responsibilities during the sit, and for details on where pet parents would like you to do it. Something like weeding might be especially important if you've secured a longer sit.

Special plant care

Find out if any of the indoor or outdoor plants need special attention, and what that looks like.

Plants poisonous to pets

Find out if you need to deter the pets from any particular plants, and the best way to do this. Find out the signs of toxicity for these particular plants so that you're prepared, should the worst happen.

Swimming pool and other water features

If they have a pool, pond or other garden water features, find out how should you look after it, whether you're allowed in, and whether it's pet-proof.

Outdoor furniture & BBQ use

Find out if there are any specific care instructions for the outdoor furniture, such as whether cushions should be brought in overnight or covered in bad weather. Ask if the BBQ is available for use and if so, whether there are any specific cleaning instructions. Find out if there are outdoor lights or heating that you can make use of.

And there we have it - your ultimate house sitter checklist for before your sit. You should receive a welcome guide from the pet parents so that you’re all clued-up on everything pets, home and garden, but it’s always good to ask as many questions as you can think of before the sit begins.

On the day: House sitter checklist for the handover

You’ve landed a new house and pet sit. Your bags are packed and your travel has been arranged. But there’s something else you need to prepare for before you start your next house and pet sitting assignment: the handover. 

And, what is a handover, you ask? Well, handover day is one of the most important things to consider for sitters and owners - we’re covering the owner handover checklist here. This is the day when you’ll have your last opportunity to find out everything you need to know about the pets, the home and the responsibilities you’re taking on. For that reason, we’ve put together this handover checklist for sitters. That way, you won’t miss a thing.

Handover preferences

Every pet parent, home and furry family is different, so it’s worth making a plan for the sit handover itself. Find a few ideas and things to consider below, suggested by our experienced sitters.

Arrival time

When is best for you to get to the pet parents’ home - on the day or the day before? If the day before, will you need to arrange accommodation?

Keys

If pet parents will have already departed when you arrive, how will you get the keys to the home? Our experienced sitters tend to agree on a process if they’re accessing keys without the pet parents, and send a message with a photo to confirm they’ve arrived inside the home. A key return method will also need to be agreed with pet parents if there is no crossover at the end of the sit.

Duties

What’s expected of you during the sit? Before you move into your sitting assignment, make sure you know very well what’s expected of you. Your duties, what to clean, how to arrange certain things, etc. Here’s a few things to know: 

• Find out if you have to handle chores like stripping beds, doing laundry, taking out the trash or doing the dishes. There may be a housekeeper that handles that, so find this out beforehand to avoid any surprises.
• Get instructions for taking out the garbage and recycling. Find out the days for pickup and where to place the trash. 
• Find out how often you should walk the dogs, and whether they have any favourite parks or walks. Basically, find out anything you have to do to make sure the pets in the sit are being well looked after. 

You may want to read our house sitter guidelines here. 

Ask for a home tour

A home tour is super helpful for knowing where everything lives. From the pet’s treat tin to the fuse box and water valves, make sure you know where things are. Get clued-up on the WiFi, internet provider (and what to do if it goes down), any streaming services available, audio systems you should know about and of course, get a demonstration on how to use the remote controls.

Guest policies

Find out if you are allowed friends round - always check this before inviting people over. If so, find out how long they're welcome to stay. You should never invite anyone to the owner’s home before you know the owner of the house is ok with it. Remember to respect their decision if they don’t let you bring guests.

Security systems

Find out if there are any security measures you should know about. As well as ensuring you have a set of keys, make sure you’re aware of any alarm systems and how to operate them. It’s also good to have emergency numbers just in case anything goes wrong with the home you’re looking after. 

Other useful information you should have before starting a new sit: 

• Number for the electric/heating supply company in case there’s a power outage or a leak.
• Contact of the designated person for repairs (plumbers or electricians, for example).
• Third-party emergency contact just in case you can’t get ahold of the owner of the home and pets.
• Information about the go-to vet for the pets you’re going to be caring for.
• Where the first aid kit is kept, if there is one.
• Where are the nearest medical facilities?
• Are all outdated fridge items removed?
• Has the garden been cleared of pet waste?
• Pet/sit updates, pics & happy pet videos - how much & how often.

Pet and home quirks

Find out if there are any odd habits or extra house information you'll need. Avoid unnecessary concern by checking whether your new pet pal has a peculiar habit or problem, and if the home has any stiff locks or wobbly floorboards to watch out for.

Is the front door super finicky? Is there a specific way to lock doors? Does the water in the shower take a while to get hot? Ask the owner to leave you notes and information on any of these to avoid any surprises. 

Everything about the pets

Get all the details on their routine and cover the finer points of caring for your new furry pals. You'll need a full list of instructions to help you care for their pets with as much love and detail as if they were yours. Include these questions in your own house sitter checklist:

• What is the pet's personality like? 
• Is there anything that scares them and that you should avoid?
• Do they have a strict routine? 
• Do you have to give them any medication? 
• What’s their diet and feeding schedule?
• How do they like to play?
• Do they have any favourite toys?
• Are they allowed to do certain things (like getting up on the couch or bed)?
• Do you need to leave the air conditioning on for them? 
• What are they like when you take them on a walk? Do they go after other animals? Are they well socialised? 

Be sure to request a Welcome Guide from your owner, too, which should cover all of this and more.

Kitchen use, home comforts and cleaning preferences

• How should glasses, crockery, pots, and pans be washed? Are they hand wash only, or is the dishwasher okay?
• Is there any kitchen equipment you’re not allowed to use?
• Are there foods the pet parent would prefer you NOT to prepare? (e.g. strong spices, fish, deep fried foods)
• Which parts of the freezer & refrigerator space are available to you? 
• Do you have access to and use of store cupboard supplies?
• Should shoes be off or on inside the home?
• Is there wardrobe, draw or shelf space in the bedroom you can use?
• Is there bathroom cabinet space available to you?
• Where are cleaning supplies kept?
• Are there any particular cleaning preferences? 
• When are the rubbish & recycling collection days?
• Would they like bedding and towels washed before they return?
• Do they have outdoor drying facilities?

Clear up communication

Get clear on whether pet parents would like updates during the sit and if so, how. Find out if a daily update will do or if you would both like to use the app to share as many pet pictures as possible.

It’s important to know what the owner’s expectations are in regards to communication before starting a new house and pet sitting assignment. 

Confirm end of sit arrangements

Find out what’s expected of you at the end of the sit. Discuss what time the owner expects to arrive home from their trip and whether they would like you to still be there when they get back. 

Make sure there are no delays to the pet parents’ return travel and that they’re en route home before you leave - that way you know the pets won’t be waiting long, and that they’ve got everything they need in the meantime.

It’s always a good thing to leave the house as clean and tidy as you found it, and it’s also a nice gesture to replace any food or house items (like laundry detergent) you may have used during your stay. Or why not go the extra mile and offer to pick up a few groceries for the owner's arrival?

During the sit: House sitter checklist, mid-sit

Take a look below at our checklist for house sitters to make sure you’re providing the best pet care possible, and you’re keeping the home and garden in order.

Stick to the welcome guide

Aside from any general house sitting advice we can give you, stick to the instructions the pet parents have provided you with, and if you've downloaded and completed our house sitter checklist, stick to it so that you're meeting the pet parents' expectations.

Communication

Keep pet parents informed, if that’s what they’ve said they’d like. Capture happy moments where the pets are enjoying themselves!

Create a routine

Stick to a daily schedule and to-do list to make sure you’re fulfilling your house and pet sitting duties.

Collect the post

Don’t throw anything away - store it somewhere safe for when the home owners return.

Security first

Always lock the doors and windows, and follow the pet parents’ instructions on any security systems.

After the sit: House sitter checklist, post-sit

Explore our house sitter checklist for after the sit to make sure you’ve left a lasting impression, and you’re sure to be welcomed back next time!

Follow the welcome guide

If pet parents have left any special requests for the end of the sit, remember to honor these duties.

Leave it as you found it

Be sure to leave the house and garden tidy, as you found it.

Wait for pet parents if requested

Many home owners like a crossover at the end of the sit so that pets aren’t left alone, and any loose ends are tied, like reimbursements if needed.

Sort reimbursements

If you’ve had to cover any home maintenance or pet essentials, sort reimbursements if you need to.

Leave a lasting impression

It’s not vital, but it’s always nice to leave a small thank you gift - like a box of chocolates - behind for the pet parents.

Ask for reviews

Last but not least in this house sitter checklist: ask for reviews! Having a great sit and happy pet parents under your belt is a win - ask for reviews to help you with future sit applications.

Secure your next sit

Not secured a sit yet, but got a keen-eye for getting organized? Great - you’re sure to make a top-notch house sitter. And now that you’re armed with the ultimate house sitter checklist, explore sits to see where your adventure could be headed next.

Tips from our members

Now that you’ve bookmarked this handy house sitter checklist, how about a few extra tips from our members? Our community forum is never short of house sitting tips, advice and ideas, so be sure to check it out during your pet sitting adventures.

• “I always try to meet the homeowner before a final decision is made and if that doesn’t happen at least a phone call, where things like cleaning standards are talked about” - @LizzyVoo
• “I ask so many questions because I don’t want to bother the homeowner on their time away” - @Manda
• “As a sitter, I usually leave something to say thank you.” - @Globetrotter
• “I always top up things like toilet tissue, paper towel, plastic wrap” - @Jodi

Useful resources

• Visit your dashboard where you can finalize any last details of your upcoming sit. 
• Dog sitting - things every pet sitter must know
• Owner guidelines for house and pet sitting
• List of questions from sitters to owners
• Who is responsible for consumables during a sit?
• Questions to ask before accepting a house sit
• What to pack for a house sit
• What to prepare for your international house sit