Preparing Your Home for a Booking

Preparing Your Home for a Booking

House sitting or home visits are ideal for pets who thrive in their own environment. To ensure a seamless experience for your pet sitter and a comfortable stay for your pet, follow these guidelines:

==1. Arrange Key Handover==

**1.1. Key Exchange:**Plan the key handover in advance. You can arrange this during your Meet & Greet, leave the key in a secure location (such as with a neighbor), or meet your pet sitter directly to hand over the key. For added security, consider using a key handover contract, which you can download from the files at the bottom of this article.

==2. Prepare Pet Supplies==

**2.1. Food and Water:**Leave ample pet food and water for the duration of the booking. It’s wise to provide extra supplies in case of unforeseen delays.

**2.2. Medications:**If your pet requires medication, ensure you leave enough for the entire stay and provide clear instructions on how and when to administer it.

==3. Provide Essential Information==

**3.1. Emergency Contacts:**Exchange emergency contact details with your pet sitter. This should include your vet’s contact information and any other important numbers.

**3.2. Important Instructions:**Leave detailed instructions about your pet’s daily routine, including feeding times, exercise needs, and any specific care instructions. Also, provide information on where cleaning products are kept and how to use household appliances.

**3.3. Notify Neighbours and Vet:**Inform neighbors, friends, and family about the pet sitter. It’s also a good idea to notify your regular veterinarian of your absence and discuss what to do if any vet visits are necessary.

==4. Secure Your Home==

**4.1. Lock Doors and Windows:**Ensure all exterior doors and windows are securely locked. Place keys in a safe location where the pet sitter can access them if needed.

**4.2. Check Fences and Gates:**Inspect fences and gates for any gaps or potential escape routes and repair any issues to ensure your pet remains safe.

**4.3. Tidy Up:**Clean the house before you leave. Empty the dishwasher, dispose of any perishables from the fridge, put away clothes, and empty rubbish bins.

==5. Prepare for an Overnight Stay==

**5.1. Food Arrangements:**Discuss food arrangements with your pet sitter. Let them know if you will provide meals for them or if they can help themselves to anything in the house.

**5.2. House Supplies:**Ensure that basic household supplies like soap, toilet paper, and washing powder are stocked up.

**5.3. Accommodations for the Pet Sitter:**Prepare a bed with clean sheets for the pet sitter. Also, put away any valuables you don’t want left out and specify any rooms you prefer to be left untouched.

==6. Final Steps==

**6.1. Relax and Enjoy:**Once everything is prepared, relax and enjoy your time away knowing your pet and home are in good hands.

By following these steps, you can help ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for both your pet sitter and your pet. If you have any questions or need additional assistance, please contact our support team. We’re here to help make your experience with Mad Paws as effortless as possible.