The House & Pet Sitting Life: Creating Comfort, Trust & a Home Away From Home

By Lisa Kiely | LisaKiely.com

House and pet sitting is more than a gig—it’s a relationship. When someone invites you to care for their pets, plants, or home, they’re offering you trust. I honor that deeply, showing up with calm, clarity, and love for the animals and spaces I’ve been asked to protect.

Some sits include energetic pups, elderly cats, or even exotic pets like parrots and tortoises. Others are about keeping a beautiful home safe and cared for while someone’s away. Every sit is different—but every one deserves respect, communication, and heart.

What Animals (and People) Really Need

We all feel more secure when we keep to our routines. Whether it’s administering daily meds, brushing coats, or knowing which toy is off-limits, consistency matters.

To help pets thrive, I:

• Follow daily routines for feeding, meds, walks, sleep

• Tune into behavioral cues and unique quirks

• Administer flea, tick, and heartworm treatments as directed

• Keep grooming schedules or transport pets to appointments

• Provide play, enrichment, and companionship

• Send regular updates with photos/videos to give peace of mind

Beyond Pets: Home and Plant Care

Some sits don’t involve animals at all. In these cases, it’s about stewardship:

• Watering indoor plants and garden beds

• Managing mail, trash/recycling, and deliveries

• Keeping the space tidy, secure, and lived-in

• Communicating with household staff (housekeeper, gardener, cook)

Before the Sit: Communication Is Key

An in person (when possible) or Zoom meeting allows both sides to feel prepared and connected. During that call, we’ll:

• Tour the home

• Meet the pets

• Review all routines and expectations

• Clarify logistics (arrival/departure, car use, key exchange)

The Ultimate House & Pet Sitting Checklist

To be completed by the homeowner before confirming a sit

🏠 Home Details

• ☐ Full address

• ☐ Wi-Fi network name & password

• ☐ Trash & recycling days and special instructions

• ☐ Mail collection? ☐ Deliveries expected?

• ☐ Alarm/security system info

• ☐ Thermostat/heating/cooling controls

• ☐ Where are cleaning supplies kept?

Kitchen Amenities (check all that apply):
☐ Microwave ☐ Coffee Machine ☐ Refrigerator ☐ Dishwasher
☐ Garbage Disposal ☐ Instant Pot ☐ Toaster Oven ☐ Blender

Laundry:
☐ Washer/Dryer available
☐ Laundromat nearby (if no washer/dryer)
Special Instructions: _______________________

Fitness Equipment (if any):
☐ Scale ☐ Hand weights ☐ Yoga mat ☐ Resistance bands
☐ Other: _______________________

Pet Details (repeat per pet if needed)

• Pet name, species, breed, age: ___________________________

• Feeding schedule & amount: ____________________________

• Medications (include schedule, dose, method):
  ☐ Daily meds
  ☐ Flea/tick prevention
  ☐ Heartworm treatment
  ☐ Supplements

• Grooming needs or upcoming appointments

• Walk schedule, route, and leash preferences

• Behavioral notes or quirks (e.g., storm anxiety, other dogs):

• Sleep routines (e.g., crate, couch, human bed)

• Play and enrichment preferences

Exotic Pets (if applicable)

• Species and habitat requirements: _________________________

• Feeding schedule and food source/store: __________________

• Cleaning needs for enclosures: __________________________

Plant & Garden Care

• ☐ Indoor plants – watering schedule: ____________________

• ☐ Outdoor/garden plants – days/time: ___________________

• ☐ Garden tools/supplies kept where? ____________________

• Notes about sensitive or high-needs plants: _______________

Household Staff (if applicable)

Housekeeper

• ☐ Scheduled days/times: _______________________________

• ☐ Expected tasks:
  ☐ Laundry
  ☐ Ironing
  ☐ Dishes
  ☐ Deep cleaning
  ☐ Other: ______________________

Gardener

• ☐ Scheduled days/times: _______________________________

• ☐ Responsibilities: _________________________________

Cook or Other Staff

• ☐ Days/times: _____________________________________

• ☐ Responsibilities: ________________________________

Emergency Info & Contacts

• ☐ Vet name, clinic address, phone: ________________________

• ☐ 24-hour emergency vet clinic: __________________________

• ☐ Backup contact person while you’re away

• ☐ Pet insurance provider (if applicable)

• ☐ Nearest pet supply store or food source

Transportation & Local Tips

• ☐ Vehicle available?

  • Make/model: ____________________

  • Keys located: ___________________

  • Insurance & rules: _______________

• ☐ Nearby bus routes or transportation suggestions

• ☐ Favorite restaurants, cafés, gyms, trails, or activities?

Contact & Closing Info

Please send Lisa Kiely your questions/comments for this Zoom or reach me by clicking here:
👉 https://www.lisakiely.com/contact