If I'm staying overnight, something I like to know is how your pet tends to sleep. If your pet prefers to sleep isolated, I'll be sure they're set for the night before letting them rest. If your pet likes sleeping with company, I'll be sure I'm close. I'm not fond of sleeping with a pet in the bed or on a couch with me, but I'll do it if they have mental issues that require it for their wellbeing. Other than that, standard information about behavior and health are expected.

I generally let the pet decide what they want to do, barring occasions where I take them out to get some exercise or prevent them from doing something they shouldn't. Something to note is that there's a difference between letting them decide their playtime and simply neglecting them. For example, I've cared for a dog who was obsessed with retrieving balls. When he came to me with a ball, I knew what had to be done. If I see that a pet is getting antsy, I'll experiment to see what they like to play with. Another dog I cared for loved tugging on a rope during one overnight stay, but preferred balls during my next visit a few months later. I adapt to the pet and act accordingly.