1. **Medical History and Needs**: Understanding any medical conditions, allergies, dietary restrictions, or medications is essential. Knowing the history and current health status helps in monitoring the pet appropriately and ensuring they receive their treatments on time. 2. **Behavioral Traits**: It's important to know about any behavioral issues such as anxiety, aggression towards other animals or people, fears (like thunderstorms), or any quirks that could affect how they interact with you or other animals. This helps in preventing stressful situations and managing their behavior effectively. 3. **Diet and Feeding Schedule**: Detailed information about what they eat, how much, and how often is crucial. Some pets may have strict diets due to health reasons or personal preferences of the owner. 4. **Exercise Needs and Preferences**: Each pet’s exercise requirements can vary widely based on their breed, age, and health. Knowing their routine, favorite activities, and physical limitations helps in planning the day to keep them active and healthy. 5. **Routine and Schedule**: Pets often thrive on routine. Knowing their usual schedule for meals, walks, potty breaks, and sleep helps maintain a sense of normalcy and security for them in the owner's absence. 6. **Emergency Contacts and Veterinary Information**: Always have a list of emergency contacts, including the pet owner, a backup contact, and the pet’s veterinarian. Knowing the location of the nearest emergency veterinary clinic is also vital. 7. **Special Commands and Training**: Understanding any specific commands the pet knows, training routines in place, and acceptable and unacceptable behaviors as defined by the owner will help you communicate effectively with the pet. 8. **Socialization and Compatibility**: Information on how well the pet socializes with other animals and people, and any specific likes or dislikes towards certain situations or individuals, will help you avoid potential conflicts and ensure smooth interactions. 9. **Legal and Safety Information**: Ensure that you are aware of any legal requirements, such as leash laws in the area, and have access to any necessary items like collars, tags, or microchip information. 10. **Comfort Objects and Sleeping Arrangements**: Some pets may have favorite toys, blankets, or specific sleeping arrangements. Keeping these consistent can greatly help in making them feel comfortable and secure.

As a dog sitter, each day is unique, but it revolves around a set of core activities that ensure the dogs I'm caring for are happy, healthy, and secure. Here's what a typical day might look like: 1. **Morning Routine**: My day starts early with a visit to the dog's home, where I first check on them to ensure they had a good night. I refresh their water and serve breakfast based on the diet instructions provided by the owner. We then head out for a morning walk, which helps the dog start the day with some exercise and mental stimulation. 2. **Mid-Morning Activities**: After the walk, depending on the dog’s energy level and needs, we might engage in some playtime, either indoors with toys or back outside in a secure yard. This is a great time for some one-on-one interaction, which helps in building trust and understanding between us. 3. **Noon to Afternoon**: I often schedule another short visit around midday to check on the dog, let them out for a bathroom break, and provide some companionship. If the dog is young or particularly active, we might go for a midday walk as well, or engage in some training exercises like sit, stay, or come. 4. **Evening Routine**: In the evening, I arrive back for dinner time. After feeding, we head out for another walk to help the dog wind down for the night. Evening walks are typically more relaxed and a good time for sniffing around and leisurely exploration. 5. **Night Check-In**: For dogs that may experience anxiety or separation issues, or when requested by the owner, I might do a late-night check to ensure they are settled and comfortable for the night. I make sure they have fresh water, a secure environment, and sometimes a bedtime treat if allowed by the owner. 6. **Daily Updates**: Throughout the day, I maintain communication with the dog owner, sending updates, photos, and any observations about the dog’s mood or behavior. This reassures the owner that their pet is in good hands and provides a record of our day’s activities. 7. **Flexibility and Emergency Preparedness**: Being flexible is key as a dog sitter; plans can change, and dogs can have off days just like humans. I’m always prepared to adjust the day’s schedule based on the dog’s health, weather conditions, or any special requests from the owner. I also have a first aid kit and am knowledgeable about local emergency vet services in case of an unexpected health issue. Each day is filled with activities that ensure the dogs are not only cared for but also loved and attended to in a way that respects their individuality and promotes their well-being. This daily commitment helps strengthen the bond between me and the dogs I care for, making each day rewarding.