How to Be a Rock Star Pet Pawrent (Even When You’re Not Home)

Tips for Setting Up Your Pet — and Your Sitter — for Success

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from working with hundreds of loving, devoted pet pawrents, it’s this: the best pet pawrents aren’t the ones who never leave their pets. They’re the ones who prepare for when they do.

And guess what? That’s exactly what you’re doing when you bring in a professional sitter - especially one who knows the difference between just “getting the job done” & truly showing up for your pet.

But even the best sitter can only do so much without the right prep. Just like you wouldn’t leave your kiddo with a new babysitter & forget to mention allergies or bedtime rituals, your pet deserves that same thoughtful setup. Think of it as a collaborative care mindset.

Here’s how to help us help you — no overwhelm, no pressure, & absolutely zero judgment.

Don’t Worry, We’re Not Judging Your Mudroom (or anything else for that matter)

Let’s start here: we’ve seen every version of “organized chaos” you can imagine. Half-empty treat containers, tangled leashes, five brands of dog food (only one they actually eat), & enough tennis balls to open your own sporting goods store.

It’s okay. We’re not here to judge. We’re there to love your pets & keep them safe.

That said, a few small steps can make our visits easier, safer, & less stressful for everyone involved — especially your pet:

• Leave leashes/harnesses by the main exit we’ll use

• Keep food & treats in one easy-to-access spot

• Have any meds, wipes, towels that are approved for wiping muddy paws, or trash bags in a labeled bin

• Post any special instructions inside your pet’s profile

  
  

Even a quick “Hey, everything is in this basket by the door!” in Time to Pet goes a long way.

Routine = Reassurance

You know how your dog starts pacing 10 minutes before dinner, or your cat meows exactly once at 7:02 am? That’s because animals love predictability. It makes them feel safe. So, when their favorite humans go away and things shift, maintaining their usual rhythm becomes even more important.

We do our best to stick to your routines, but we can only follow the map you give us.

If walk time is usually at 11:30, let us know that — not just “late morning.” If your pup only eats after their walk, note that too. If your cat needs a few minutes to warm up before meds, say so.

These things might seem small, but to your pet, they’re everything. And they help us keep visits smooth, calming, & joyful — even if you’re halfway across the country.

Communication Is Kindness

The strongest pet care is rooted in partnership. And like any good partnership, that means keeping the lines open.

Our Time to Pet software isn’t just there for scheduling — it’s your best friend when it comes to keeping us in the loop.

A few key things to check in your profile before each booking:

• Meds pupdated? If the dose changed or you switched to a different method (pill pockets, peanut butter, etc.), pupdate the profile. Don’t rely on memory or last-minute texts — we always check the portal first.

• Feeding instructions clear? “Half a scoop” is fine — if we know which scoop. Be as specific because we want to get it right.

• Any changes at home? New alarm code? Moved the litter box? House guest staying downstairs? These are things that help us avoid awkward surprises.

  
  

You don’t need to rewrite the novel every time — just keep the highlights fresh. Your pet will thank you for it (in tail wags or purrs, obviously).

The Magic’s in the Details

We love knowing that your dog barks at trucks but not buses. That your cat will swipe at you if you open a can of tuna & don’t share. That your rabbit only poops in the left corner of the litter tray. Why? Because it helps us treat them like your pet — not just a number on a schedule.

Some of our favorite notes in Time to Pet include things like:

• “He won’t poop if someone’s watching, so walk a little ahead & pretend the trees or grass is really interesting.”

• “She loves going swimming in the pool, she would swim all day if we let her. Her coat is a mess because of her love for the water. Don’t feel obligated or let her guilt you into letting her swim she will survive while we are gone.”

• “Don’t fall for his lies. He’s been fed.”

  
  

These are the things that make a visit feel familiar, not foreign. They help your pet feel safe. And they help us show up the way you would, if you were home.

From Pawrent to Pro Team

At the end of the day, working with a pet sitter or dog walker isn’t a transaction — it’s a team effort. You’re not just handing over responsibility. You’re inviting us to be part of your pet’s extended care circle.

We don’t take that lightly.

Every bowl we fill, every leash we clip, every belly we rub — it’s all done with the same love & attention we’d give to our own pets. But the foundation for that care is built on what you provide: insight, prep, & trust.

So even when you're not home, you’re still the rock star in your pet’s life. And we’re honored to play backup vocals.

Being away doesn’t make you less of a devoted pet pawrent — it just means you need the right support system in place. And with a little prep, a lot of love, & the occasional poop bag restock - we can work together to make sure your pet feels safe, seen, & loved every single day.

That’s what being a rock star pet pawrent is all about.

With love (& lots of treats),

Kaley Reinhart ✨🐾

CPPS & Fear Free Certified Professional

Owner, Fairy Dogmothers LLC

fairydogmothersllc.com | @fairydogmothersllc