Before pet sitting, it’s important for me to know each pet’s daily routine, feeding schedule, portion sizes, and any medications they need. I also like to know about their behavior—such as if they are shy, reactive, aggressive with other animals, or have separation anxiety—so I can keep them comfortable and safe. It’s helpful to understand their exercise needs, favorite activities, and any triggers like loud noises or things they’re afraid of. For dogs, I also ask about leash behavior and how they interact with other dogs on walks. Finally, I always ask about emergency contacts, the vet’s information, and any health conditions or allergies so I can respond quickly if anything comes up.

When I pet sit, I make sure each pet gets enrichment based on their personality and energy level. For dogs, I’ll do neighborhood walks, play fetch, tug-of-war, and supervised backyard playtime, plus basic training like sit, stay, and leash manners to keep them mentally engaged. For more active pets, I can include longer walks or sniffing games to help them burn energy in a healthy way.