The holiday season is just around the corner—a time for festive gatherings, travel plans, and taking a well-deserved break. But as you map out your holiday itinerary, don’t forget to plan for one very important family member: your dog! Entrusting your furry friend to a pet sitter can feel daunting, especially when you want them to be comfortable, safe, and happy while you’re away. Luckily, a little preparation can go a long way in making sure that your dog enjoys a smooth, stress-free experience with their sitter.

Whether you’re booking a trusted pet sitter in Calgary or leaving your dog with family and friends, getting your dog’s caregiver set up with everything they need is key to keeping your dog’s routine on track and their stress levels low. From sharing daily routines to preparing emergency contacts, there are a few essentials every pet owner should check off the list. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to ensure your pet sitter is ready for the job, so you can travel with peace of mind—knowing your dog is receiving excellent care right here in Calgary!

Choosing the Right Pet Sitter

Finding the ideal pet sitter is one of the most important steps to ensuring your dog’s comfort and safety during the holidays. A trusted sitter will understand your dog’s needs and provide attentive, personalized care while you’re away, making the experience a positive one for everyone involved.

Understand Your Options

In Calgary, pet care options are varied—from traditional kennels to in-home pet sitting services like Paws Pros’ “Your dog, our home” service, which offers a homely alternative to kenneling. Many dog owners prefer an in-home pet sitter for the familiarity and comfort it provides, helping to keep dogs calm and at ease.

Vet Your Sitter Carefully

To ensure your dog receives top-notch care, take the time to find a sitter with experience and training. Look for sitters who are skilled in dog behavior and understand how to handle various personalities. Don’t hesitate to ask about their experience with dogs similar to yours—whether they’re active and playful or shy and reserved. A well-qualified pet sitter can make a huge difference, especially if your dog has any specific needs.

Choose a Pet Sitter Who Prioritizes Routine and Comfort

One of the benefits of an in-home pet sitter is the ability to maintain your dog’s daily routine. Dogs thrive on consistency, so a sitter who can follow their usual schedule of feeding, potty breaks, and exercise will help minimize stress. Paws Dog Daycare’s pet sitters are trained to keep routines intact, ensuring your dog feels safe and happy in your absence.

By choosing the right sitter and taking time to understand your options in Calgary, you’re setting your dog up for a holiday that’s as enjoyable and stress-free as your own.

Pawlo Can Help You Manage All of This Information

Preparing your dog’s care details for a sitter doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With Pawlo, you can organize everything in one place—health records, daily routines, emergency contacts, and even behavioral notes. Pawlo lets you create a complete profile for your dog, so any caregiver can access the information they need with just a few clicks.

Instead of relying on handwritten notes or multiple texts, Pawlo streamlines the process, giving you peace of mind and ensuring your dog receives the consistent, familiar care they need. Sharing your dog’s profile is as simple as a tap, making Pawlo the perfect companion for stress-free pet sitting, travel, and emergency preparation.

Stock Up on Essentials Before You Leave

Before you head out for the holidays, make sure your dog’s pet sitter has all the essentials they’ll need to provide seamless, high-quality care. Having familiar items on hand helps your dog feel secure and comfortable, while equipping the sitter with everything they might need minimizes any last-minute stress or supply runs. Here’s a checklist of must-haves to make sure your sitter and dog are well-prepared.

Food & Treats

One of the most important items to prepare is enough food to last the entire time you’ll be away, plus a little extra in case of travel delays. This consistency in diet helps avoid stomach upset or disruptions to their routine. Be sure to provide clear instructions on meal portions, specific feeding times, and any favorite treats your dog enjoys. Familiar flavors can be a comfort, especially if they’re feeling a bit nervous in your absence.

Toys & Comfort Items

Dogs find comfort in familiar scents and belongings, so be sure to leave a few of their favorite toys, blankets, or beds. These items can help your pet relax and feel more at ease in their temporary environment. If your dog has a special toy that they often sleep with or play with during the day, let your sitter know to keep it nearby to provide added comfort.

Grooming & Cleaning Supplies

Life with dogs can get messy, especially if you’re away for more than a day or two. Providing grooming and cleaning essentials like waste bags, pet-safe wipes, and a brush can make a sitter’s job easier and keep your dog feeling fresh. For long-haired dogs or those with specific grooming routines, a few grooming tips and tools, such as a comb or gentle detangler, can be helpful. This is especially useful if your pet’s routine includes regular brushing, as it helps them stay comfortable and clean.

Health and Safety Supplies

In addition to food and comfort items, leave a basic pet first-aid kit in case of minor scrapes or emergencies. A kit stocked with pet-safe antiseptics, bandages, and other first-aid essentials will help your sitter handle minor issues with ease. Including emergency contact information for your vet (as well as any medications your dog may require) will also provide peace of mind for both you and your sitter.

Create a Dog-Specific Emergency Plan

While no one likes to think about unexpected situations, having an emergency plan in place is essential for your dog’s safety and your own peace of mind. By preparing ahead, you ensure your pet sitter has the tools and knowledge to handle any situation that may arise. Here are some key elements to consider when creating a thorough emergency plan for your dog’s holiday care.

List Emergency Contacts

Leave your sitter with a list of reliable contacts they can reach out to if needed. Include the phone numbers of trusted friends or family members in Calgary who know your dog well and could step in if an emergency occurs. If possible, choose someone who lives nearby, as they’ll be able to offer quicker assistance if your sitter needs it.

Provide Veterinary Information

In case of a health concern or injury, make sure your sitter has all of your vet’s contact details, including clinic name, address, and phone number. It’s also helpful to leave the contact information for an after-hours emergency veterinary clinic in Calgary, as regular vet offices may have limited holiday hours. Let your vet’s office know in advance that a pet sitter will be caring for your dog and may contact them if needed.

Prepare a First Aid Kit for Pets

Even small injuries, like scrapes or minor paw irritations, can happen while you’re away. By leaving a pet-specific first aid kit (affiliate link), you equip your sitter to handle minor issues before they escalate. Include essentials like pet-safe antiseptics, bandages, tweezers, and any specific medications your dog might need. A well-stocked first aid kit can help your sitter provide timely care and keep your dog comfortable.

Outline Your Preferences for Emergencies

Discuss with your sitter how you would like them to handle emergencies. For instance, would you prefer that they take your dog to a specific clinic in Calgary, or would you like to be contacted first, even for minor concerns? Clear instructions can help ease the sitter’s decision-making process and ensure that your wishes are respected in any situation.

Arrange for Backup Pet Care, Just in Case

While it’s not always needed, having a backup plan can be reassuring. Let your sitter know if there’s someone else they can contact for support if an unexpected situation prevents them from continuing care, such as illness or an emergency of their own. With a backup plan in place, you’ll know that your dog is covered, no matter what.

By creating a simple, dog-specific emergency plan, you give your pet sitter confidence to act quickly and appropriately should an unexpected situation arise. These steps ensure your dog’s health and safety are prioritized, so you can focus on enjoying your holiday while knowing your dog is safe and well-cared for.

Pawlo enhances emergency preparedness

Pawlo makes it easy to keep all of your dog’s emergency information organized and accessible in one place. You can store key details like emergency contacts, your vet’s information, and instructions for handling different types of situations—all within your dog’s profile. When a sitter needs this information, they’ll have immediate access to everything they need to make quick, informed decisions.

With Pawlo, you can set up trusted contacts who can be notified if an emergency occurs, helping to ensure backup support is ready when it’s needed. By organizing your dog’s care details in Pawlo, you provide your sitter with peace of mind and the guidance to handle any unexpected situation confidently, keeping your dog safe and comfortable.