Do most people bring along pet food for their animals or should I be providing it? What do you usually ask that they bring?
I require pet parents bring all the basics required for care, including food, collar, leash, and any supplements or medication they take. I also recommend that they bring bedding or a favorite toy from home to ease the transition to my house. It's not good for dogs to change diets suddenly; for most dogs this results in GI distress while their system adjusts, so it's critical that owners provide their regular diet.
Also dog bags! For a long time, I didn't think to ask, but then one of my clients happened to send some with their dog. Now I mention it to clients and universally they respond with "oh! I never would have thought of that!"
I require that all owners bring their dog's food. Things I recommend are treats, toys, food and water bowls (unless you have extras you don't mind using), a bed/blanket/kennel depending on where the dog sleeps, harness/leash for walks, and medications/supplements if applicable.. Basically anything that will make the dog feel at home and allow him to follow his normal routine.
As a full time sitter, I have extra bowls, toys and leashes that I prefer on hand, but I ask that owners bring enough food (or extra just in case) for the stay, a collar, leash, crate or bedding, and toys/treats if they would like. During my meet and greet I have a paper with questions including any medications or allergies and if it is okay that I give treats. That way, when it is time for the stay I can reference back to the paper for play time, food allergies, feeding routine etc.
How about what foods should owners provide for overnight sitters 3-6 days/nights ??
Owners should provide everything that their dogs need, it is bad enough for the dogs not to see their parent for a long time .To make them as comfortable as possible, they might need their own blankets and toys.
I always ask clients to bring food, dishes, leash, and a bed or crate depending on where they normally sleep. I tell them they can bring anything else they want but discourage toys because other dogs could destroy them. I have a stockpile of toys plus extra dishes, leashes, beds and crates in case something is forgotten. ( bowls are surprisingly forgotten quite often!)
I ask that the owners bring the basic items such as dog food, bowl, leash and anything that they would think their dogs needs/wants. Maybe their favorite dog toy and pet bed. Also any medications if they are on any. I also make sure I have a few extra of those items myself in case they forget anything!
If being left in a strange home isn't disruptive enough to the digestive system, switching dog foods surely would push them to the edge. For that reason, I require the owners to bring their own food. In addition, they also bring their own treats and a special toy or two. This helps supplement what I provide.
I also encourage owners to bring an item of their clothing (not freshly laundered), which I lay with the dog when it goes to sleep. This provides an extra level of security, especially for first timers.