information to leave for a house sitter?

[binny]

We have a house sitter coming for the Holidays to stay with the animals and watch the house, what information do you usually leave for them?
What do you normally ask of them?

Help?? Thanks
Binny

 

[BlkBearSuz]

For the past couple years, I housesat for my friends when they went on vacation. They always left me their cell phone #s, numbers where they could be reached at, their landlord's number, the name and number of their vet and any other numbers they thought would be important. It's nice to leave a note with instructions of how you want things done and what your expectations are. My friends had 5 cats so I would feed them canned food everyday, make sure they had water, clean the litter, etc. When they would come home from vacation, I would make sure the house was clean the way they left it. They always appreciated coming home to a spotless house. Hope this helps.
Sue

 

[DoeWDW]

Make sure you know where the main water shut-off valve is! If there are any plumbing or water problems at all, this can truly minimize the damage.

 

[ahutton]

We started using house sitters instead of kenneling our pets for trips. I leave a list of what needs to be done on which days (plants watered, garbage cans to curb and such) and also some basic comforting things for the pets (like they prefer whoever is staying there use our room, it is more familiar) and what the normal pet routine is (dog goes out usually at what times, feeding times). I also leave cell numbers and contact numbers for where we are staying, as well as emergency vet numbers, and have a list out our builder provided of emergency service providers like plumbers, electricians and such.

 

[DocRafiki]

You also need to make sure the sitter can pay for any emergency services needed. I have left a credit card with a note saying that the person has my permission to use it, and of course a long list of phone #'s to call w/any questions since I'm sure some would still be reluctant to accept the credit card even with the note. The last thing I want is for my pets to not be taken care of just because they don't have my permission to treat.

 

[floridafam]

Make sure they know where the electrical box is in your house.

I would also leave the number for your homeowner's insurance company.

The usual emergency service and vet numbers.

Password or code to your security system if you have one.

The numbers where you will be and a close relative or friend to call if they can't reach you.