Traveling? Here’s Your TLC Pre-Trip Pet Care Checklist

TLC Blogger
1 hour ago
2 min read

Headed out of town? Set your pets up for a low-stress week at home and give your sitter what they need to deliver consistent care. Use this checklist before you leave, and share any changes with us as they happen.

Beagle in a red scarf beside an open suitcase with a Santa hat and gift while someone packs for holiday travel on a bed.

At-a-Glance Checklist

Update your travel dates and contact info with TLC.
Confirm your Precise Pet Care profile is current.
Add or refresh your emergency contacts.
Set up reliable home access and a backup.
Stock enough supplies for the full trip plus 2–3 days.
Book or confirm your meet-and-greet.

1) Keep Us Up-to-Date While You Travel

Share your flight times, hotel, and best on-trip contact number. If plans shift, message us right away so we can adjust visit times or add a day.

Pro tip: If cell service may be spotty, add a trusted local contact we can reach fast.

2) Update Your Precise Pet Care Profile

Open Precise Pet Care and confirm these fields:

Contacts: primary, secondary, and vet info.
Pet details: food amounts and timing, meds and dosing, allergies, mobility needs, favorite hiding spots.
Home notes: alarm instructions, camera locations, off-limits areas, thermostat guidance, trash day, package handling.
Access preferences: gate codes, parking notes, lockbox code, smart lock instructions.
Schedule: visit frequency and windows (e.g., AM, midday, PM, late).

If you prefer, send us edits and we’ll update your profile for you.

3) Refresh Your Emergency Contacts

List at least two local people who can help in a pinch, plus your preferred emergency vet. Include names, numbers, and any access limitations. Tell them you’re traveling so they recognize our call.

Female pet sitter in red polo enters code on a smart keypad at a stucco home; metal house number 364 in Arizona golden-hour light.

4) Confirm Home Access and a Backup

Choose one primary method and one backup:

Lockbox: place two working keys; confirm code in your profile.
Smart lock: share permanent or time-bound code; verify batteries.
Physical key: hand-off at meet-and-greet; label without your address.

We recommend a lockbox on-site even if you use a smart lock.

Flat lay: AM/PM food containers, treats, meds with syringe and pill organizer, litter scoop, poop bags, harness, leash, towels, spare batteries, key, and ‘BACKUP’ bag.

5) Stock Supplies for the Whole Trip

Plan for your full itinerary plus a 2–3 day buffer in case of delays.

Food and treats
Litter and liners; poop bags or pads
Medications, syringes, pill pockets
Cleaning supplies, paper towels, enzyme cleaner
Spare leash, collar with tags, harness
Carriers or crates as needed
Towels for rainy days, grooming wipes
Water filters or bottled water if required
Batteries or chargers for smart devices tied to pet care

Label anything new and show your sitter where backups live.

6) Schedule or Confirm Your Meet-and-Greet

We’ll review routines, test access, walk through meds, and confirm visit cadence. Ideal timing is 7–10 days before departure. Need a quick refresher visit? Ask for a 15-minute key and code check.

7) What We Do During Visits

Expect time-stamped check-ins with notes and photos. We refresh water, feed per plan, handle meds, clean litter or potty areas, and do a quick home sweep for comfort and safety.

House care add-ons: plants, packages, blinds and lights, bins to the curb, and basic pool checks. Request what you want covered in your profile.