Prepare for your Pet

• Ensure that there is enough food, kitty litter, etc. for the time you will be away.
• Notify your pet sitter about any medications that your pet is taking - leave written instructions on use and how to administer.
• Show your sitter where the leashes and pet carriers are kept.
• Make sure your pets have their ID tags on before you leave.
• Make sure your veterinarian has your pet sitters information and leave a credit card on file with the veterinarian in case your pet needs treatment.
• OPSA sitters are required to have their clients complete a veterinary release form.

Prepare your home

• Inform your sitter of anything that is out of the ordinary (sinks that don't drain properly, toilet that overflows, etc.)
• Make sure the sitter knows where and how to operate your thermostat.
• Set your thermostat on a comfortable temperature for your pets while you're gone.
• Secure your yard and lock any gates.
• Put dangerous items and items that can be broken out of your pets reach - even the best behaved pet might act differently in your absence.
• Make sure cleaning supplies are accessible.
• Leave outside lights on if your sitter will be visiting your pet after dark.
• If you rent, give your landlord your pet sitter's name in case of an emergency. Give your pet sitter the landlord's name also.

Contact Information

• Prior to leaving your pet sitter your contact information, flight details, etc. If for some reason your pet sitter were unable to get into your home, leaving the information on the kitchen counter would be useless.
• If you will not be able to be contacted while you're gone, be sure to provide the name and phone number of someone who will be able to make decisions on your behalf.

Disclaimer:

Omaha Pet Sitters Association (OPSA) provides a pet sitter locator service as a courtesy to the general public as well as a benefit for our members. OPSA assumes no liability for any business practices of any of its' members. OPSA does, however, require that all members be insured and adhere to the codes of ethics set out by the two national pet sitter associations, PSI and NAPPS. While we expect and encourage our members to provide excellent, caring, honest service that elevates the credibility of the pet sitting industry, OPSA has no authority or control over individual member companies. We do encourage each pet parent to carefully interview and check references of any of any prospective pet sitter and to make very clear to the sitter the pet parent's expectations.