Apps & Tools
What Pet Health Records Should You Leave for a Dog Sitter?
A practical dog sitter handover checklist covering medications, feeding, vet contacts, allergies and emergency details in one easy-to-find record.
Published September 28, 2026 · Michael at Yuzool
Leaving a dog with a sitter is easier when the important information is written down before the handover. A message saying “the usual food is in the cupboard” is not enough if the sitter also needs medication instructions, the vet’s number or a clear answer about what counts as unusual behaviour.
The best dog sitter record is short, current and practical. It should help somebody act confidently without making them search through an old message thread.
Start with the everyday routine
Write down feeding times, portion sizes, treats, walks and the normal sleeping routine. Include small details that prevent uncertainty: whether the dog eats before or after a walk, where the lead is kept and whether the dog needs a quiet period after meals.
Routine is not just convenience. Familiar timing helps a dog settle while its owner is away, and it gives the sitter a useful baseline for noticing when something has changed.
Make medications unambiguous
For every medication, record the name, amount, timing and any storage instruction exactly as directed by the veterinarian. Do not rely on a label hidden in a cupboard or on memory. If a dose is missed, state who the sitter should contact rather than asking them to improvise.
The record should describe the prescribed routine, not offer new medical advice. For questions or concerns, the sitter should contact the owner or veterinary practice.
Include the veterinary and emergency details
Leave the regular vet’s name, phone number and address, plus an emergency clinic if one is used outside normal hours. Add the owner’s preferred contact method and a second emergency contact who can make decisions if the owner is unreachable.
It is also helpful to include the dog’s microchip details, insurance information and any known allergies or sensitivities. Keep this information current and remove old numbers after a move or a change of practice.
Describe the normal dog
A sitter needs context. Note the dog’s normal energy, appetite, toilet routine and behaviour around other dogs or visitors. A record that says “usually hides during storms” is more useful than one that simply says “watch for anxiety.”
PawKeep is designed to keep this kind of pet health and care information together on iPhone, so owners can prepare a clearer handover for a sitter, family member or vet visit.
Use a handover checklist
Before leaving, confirm that the sitter has:
- feeding and walk instructions;
- medication names, amounts and times;
- vet, emergency and owner contact details;
- allergies, sensitivities and important history;
- keys, supplies and permission for emergency care.
See the PawKeep pet health records app, read the dog sitter handover guide or try PawKeep on iPhone.