1. Start with a one-glance profile
| Field | What to leave |
|---|---|
| Dog | Name, age, current photo, and identifying markings |
| People | Owner and authorized backup contacts |
| Routine | Usual wake-up, outing, meal, rest, and bedtime order |
| Equipment | Exactly which collar, harness, leash, or restraint to use |
| Home | Allowed areas, access instructions, and restricted spaces |
| Care | Veterinarian, emergency clinic, and original professional directions |
2. Write the routine in plain language
List events in the order they normally happen. Use flexible time windows where a precise minute does not matter. Record the established routine instead of asking the sitter to invent a new feeding, exercise, or training plan.
- Morning exit and equipment
- Meals using labeled supplies and the written care plan
- Midday outside break, water check, and companionship
- Evening routine and familiar activity
- Bedtime location, final exit check, and doors to close
3. Make escape prevention unmistakable
A scent hound can follow a trail into danger. Tell the sitter exactly which doors and gates need attention, whether the dog stays leashed outdoors, and how deliveries or visitors should be handled.
- Leash and backup-equipment location
- Yard check before access
- The sequence for opening each exterior door
- What to do if equipment is damaged or does not fit
- Whom to contact if the dog gets loose
4. Separate food and medication information
Label each dog’s supplies. For food, write the established schedule and storage location. For medication or other veterinary care, leave the original label and directions from the veterinarian or pharmacy. Confirm that the sitter is comfortable following them before departure.
5. Ask for a small daily update
A concise record is more useful than expecting the sitter to decide what is medically significant. Give them a direct route to the owner, backup person, and veterinarian.
- Meals and water handled as instructed
- Outings completed
- Rest and general behavior
- Any household issue
- Any change the sitter wants to discuss
- One photo, if practical
6. Prepare the backup plan
- Regular veterinarian and nearest emergency clinic
- Authorized local backup contact
- Written veterinary authorization if appropriate
- Carrier, crate, or safe transport location
- Home alarm, lock, spare key, and return instructions
- A plan if the sitter becomes unavailable
One-page basset hound sitter instructions.
Fill this in with your dog’s real routine and the current directions from qualified professionals. Keep original medication labels and veterinary records with it.
Dog & people
- Dog name, age, photo, and identifying markings
- Owner phone and return details
- Authorized local backup
- Regular veterinarian
- Nearest emergency clinic
Everyday sequence
- Wake-up and first exit
- Meals, water, and labeled supplies
- Outside breaks and familiar activity
- Rest and alone-time routine
- Evening and bedtime sequence
Home & safety
- Exact door and gate procedure
- Harness, leash, and backup equipment
- Allowed and restricted areas
- Visitor or delivery routine
- Home access and spare-key plan
If something changes
- When to contact the owner
- Emergency escalation order
- Loose-dog action plan
- Safe transport location
- Plan if the sitter becomes unavailable
Frequently asked questions
How long should sitter instructions be?
Keep urgent daily-use information to one page. Attach veterinary records, authorization forms, and longer house notes behind it.
Should the sitter meet my dog first?
A meet-and-greet lets the sitter see the equipment, exits, routine, and handling needs before taking responsibility.
What if the sitter cannot reach me?
Name an authorized local backup and leave regular and emergency veterinary contacts. Discuss emergency authorization with the clinic before traveling.
Should I leave medication directions?
Leave the current original veterinary or pharmacy directions and confirm that the sitter understands them. Do not provide homemade dosing guidance.
Sources & boundaries
This guide offers general organization and planning information. It is not veterinary, medical, nutritional, behavioral, legal, or emergency-response advice. Follow current facility rules, veterinary directions, and local authorities. Sources were reviewed September 2, 2026. Read our editorial standards and correction process.