Before contacting me, please be prepared to answer the following questions:
1) Health, safety, and emergencies
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Who should I contact in case of an emergency if I can’t get in touch with you?
Where does your dog go to the vet? What are their contact details?
Does the dog have any health issues I should know about?
Is your dog currently ta
king any medication? If so, can you please talk me through the dosage amount?
Does your dog have any allergies?
Can I take your dog in the car if there’s an emergency? How do they respond to car rides?
How will I pay for veterinary treatment if your dog requires attention while you’re away?
Is there anything else I need to know about your dog’s health before you go away?
2) Behavior and temperament
---------------------------------------------------How comfortable is your dog when meeting new people? How are they around children?
Do they get along well with other dogs?
What about if we meet a new dog while out walking — how do they react when meeting an unfamiliar dog when on a leash?
Are there any unfriendly local dogs we might encounter while out walking?
Do they have any behavior issues I should be aware of? Do they bark at the neighbor’s cat? Are they ever protective of their food or toys? If you’re looking after more than one pet: how do all the animals get along, and are there any potential triggers that can cause problems between them?)
Does your pup suffer from separation anxiety when you’re away? Do you have any tips on the best way to settle them down if this occurs?
Does your dog have any unusual but perfectly harmless behaviors that I may notice?
What sort of training methods work best for your pup? How do you reward them for good behavior?
3) Daily routines
----------------------------------------------------When does your dog eat? What food do they need and how much? Do you have enough food for me to give your dog while they’re away?
What about treats? Which ones do you use and how often do you give them to your dog?
Where does your pup sleep? Do they sleep in a crate or somewhere else? What is their usual bedtime and when do they wake up?
Where are their food and water bowls, food, leash, and other necessities located?
Where do they go to the toilet? How do they let you know when they need to go potty?
Does your dog require any regular grooming?
What about exercise — how often do you walk your dog? When do you usually walk? How far do you go? Do you have any favorite routes or destinations?Does your dog enjoy playing games? What games do they like? Do they have any favorite toys?
Do they have any other favorite activities I should know about?
Are there any areas of the home or yard where your dog is not allowed to go?
4) House sitting
----------------------------------------------------What are your exact departure and arrival dates and times?Are there any alarms I need to set?Are there any visitors or tradespeople that might turn up while you’re away?Do you want me to water the plants?
