Dear Pet Parents,
Please, I kindly urge you not to reinvent the Welcome Guide. It’s a vital tool for your sitter to ensure your pets are happy and your home is cared for exactly as you wish. To make sits smooth and stress-free, I ask you to fill it out completely—include as many details as possible about your pet’s routines, habits (both good and bad), and behaviors.
While tips about local food and wine spots are nice, they pale in importance to understanding how your pet behaves and what care they need. Every small insight into your pet’s quirks—whether it’s a preference for certain toys, nervousness around strangers, or specific routines—makes a big difference in how we provide the best possible care.
To TrustedHousesitters:
I’d also suggest reviewing the format of the Welcome Guide to make it easier for pet parents to update and modify. A printed Welcome Guide should be mandatory, with critical information—like the internet password and emergency contact numbers—front and center on the first page.
As a sitter, I’ve noticed a growing trend among pet parents here in the U.S. to overload their sitters with non-pet-related chores. For instance, during one recent sit, the homeowner requested that I wash and fold a large bag of her housekeeper’s rags. When I respectfully declined, I was made to feel like the bad guy. This is where a clear, thorough Welcome Guide would help establish boundaries and expectations ahead of time.
Additionally, last-minute updates can sometimes be problematic. On one sit, a pet parent messaged me saying they’d updated the Welcome Guide, but when I checked, the guide displayed a block of garbled code. When I asked for clarification, they dismissed it, and upon arrival, I discovered a handwritten list of “last thoughts.” To my dismay, it included a note that the gardener would arrive the next day- early Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m., and I was to unlock the door in case he needed to come inside to use the restroom. This type of situation is entirely avoidable with a properly filled-out guide shared in advance.
To the TrustedHousesitters Community:
Have others experienced challenges with incomplete Welcome Guides, poor manners, or unreasonable requests? Are there solutions being worked on to address these issues? I’d love to hear your input.
As sitters, we want to provide the best care for your pets and homes. A comprehensive, clear Welcome Guide isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. It ensures a better experience for everyone involved.
Thank you for your input and consideration!