Pet Sitter Information Sheet: What to Include (Free Template)

A pet sitter information sheet is only as useful as the information it contains and how quickly the sitter can find what she needs. The goal is not a complete record of your pet's life. It is the specific information a caregiver needs to act correctly in any situation that comes up during the visit.

Below is a complete template. Each section is followed by what to include and why it matters.

Section 1: Pet Identity

Pet's full name and any preferred nickname
Species and breed
Age and date of birth
Distinguishing markings (color, coat pattern, any identifying features)
Microchip number (if applicable)
Recent photo

The photo and markings matter more than most owners realize. If the pet escapes, the sitter needs to describe her accurately. If a vet needs to verify identity, having the microchip number on hand can speed things up.

Section 2: Allergies and Toxins [PUT THIS FIRST OR SECOND]

This section must be prominent: near the top, never buried in the middle of care instructions. In a stressful moment, a sitter will not search. She will look at what is visible.

For each allergy or known toxin sensitivity:

Allergen or substance name
Severity: life-threatening / severe / moderate / mild
What the reaction looks like
What to do immediately (vet, emergency vet, call owner)
Hidden sources to avoid

Example: Chocolate. LIFE-THREATENING. Even a small amount can cause vomiting, muscle tremors, and seizures. Call emergency vet immediately (555-0911). Do not wait for symptoms to develop. Do not induce vomiting without vet instruction.

Also list common household items to avoid that the sitter may not think to check: sugar-free products containing xylitol, certain houseplants, human medications left on counters.

Section 3: Medications

For each medication your pet takes or may need:

Medication name (generic and brand name)
What it is for, in plain language
Exact dose
How and when to give it
Location in the house
Whether it requires owner approval before giving
What to do if a dose is missed

Example: Apoquel (oclacitinib). For itching and skin allergies. 1 tablet (16 mg) in the morning, hidden in a small amount of plain yogurt. Located in the cabinet above the microwave. Give without calling first.

Section 4: Medical Conditions

For each relevant diagnosis:

Condition name
Plain-language explanation
Symptoms to watch for
What to do if symptoms worsen
Vet's name and phone number

A sitter caring for a diabetic pet needs to know what low blood sugar looks like. A sitter with an epileptic dog needs to know how to respond to a seizure: stay calm, do not restrain, time the seizure, call vet if it lasts more than 2 minutes. Do not assume she knows.

Section 5: Feeding Schedule

Meal times (exact times, not just “morning and evening”)
Amount per meal (exact measurements, not estimates)
Food type and brand name
Location of food and measuring tools
Whether treats are allowed, what kind, how many
Water: refill frequency, filtered vs. tap, number of bowls
Whether the pet tends to eat quickly or slowly
What to do if the pet does not eat

If your pet is on a prescription diet or weight management plan, make this explicit: “She will act hungry after eating. That is normal. Do not give more.”

Section 6: Do-Not-Feed List

Human foods that are off-limits (beyond obvious toxins)
Treats that cause digestive problems for this specific pet
Foods the pet will beg for but cannot have
The rule for when the sitter is unsure

The default rule: “If you are not sure whether something is safe, the answer is no. Text me if you want to check.”

Section 7: Behavioral Notes

How the pet reacts to unfamiliar people
Known triggers: thunderstorms, loud noises, children, other dogs, strangers at the door
What to do when the pet is anxious or distressed
Whether the pet guards food bowls, sleeping spots, or toys
Any bite or scratch history, including minor incidents
What calms the pet down
What makes the situation worse

Section 8: Exercise and Outdoor Access

Walk schedule and typical duration
Leash requirements at all times, or off-leash in specific areas
Whether the pet comes back reliably when called off-leash
Routes to avoid and routes that work well
Dogs or situations to avoid in the neighborhood
Yard access and fence condition

Section 9: Vet Contacts

Primary vet: name, clinic name, phone number, and address
Emergency or 24-hour vet: name, phone number, and address
ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435 (fee may apply)
Whether the sitter is authorized to approve emergency treatment
Any known billing arrangements with the vet

Clarify authorization upfront: “If you cannot reach me and the vet says treatment is needed, please approve it. We will sort out payment later.” A sitter who does not know if she can authorize emergency care may hesitate when hesitation is dangerous.

Section 10: Custom Instructions

Bedtime and sleep routine: crated or free-roaming? Where does she sleep?
Enrichment or toys she cannot have unsupervised
Any quirks that are normal and not a sign of distress
What the sitter should do that is not covered elsewhere

The limitation of a paper sheet

A printed pet sitter information sheet is better than a verbal handoff. But it has real drawbacks:

It cannot be updated. If the medication changes, the sheet is wrong.
You have to remember to print it and hand it over.
If the sitter forgets it at home, she has nothing.
There is no record of whether she actually read it.

A mobile-accessible version, sent via a link before the visit, solves all of this. The sitter can access it from her phone anywhere. You can update it anytime. You can see in your dashboard when she opened it.

Baton Pass for pets is built around this template. Every section is structured, organized the same way every time, allergies at the top. Share a time-limited link before each visit and revoke it when you are back. Free to start.