If you’ve ever tried to pack for a holiday while your dog gives you the sad eyes or your cat parks itself in the suitcase, you’ll know leaving pets isn’t easy. That’s where a pet sitter comes in – someone to keep your furry pal’s routine ticking over while you’re off living your best life.
Here in Dublin, plenty of us prefer pet sitting over kennels because it means the pet gets to stay in their own space, no big changes, no stress. But to make the whole thing run smoothly, there are a few bits and bobs worth sorting before your sitter arrives.
I’ve pulled together some tips from years of minding pets around Dublin, Meath and Louth – from bouncy labs in Clontarf to snoozy cats in Navan – so you can head off knowing your best friend’s in good hands.
1. Leave a “Pet Bible”
Alright, maybe not an actual Bible, but jot down all the important stuff in one place.
Think of it like the “cheat sheet” for your sitter:
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Feeding times – is the breakfast bowl filled at 7am sharp or do they like a bit of a lie-in?
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Food brand and amounts – no one wants a poorly belly while you’re away.
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Treat rules – some pets are allowed a nibble, others will take the whole packet if you’re not watching.
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Walking routine – routes, times, and what to avoid (e.g. that dog down the road they don’t get on with).
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Vet’s name, number, and address.
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Your emergency contact – someone local who can help if needed.
💡 Tip: Pop a printed copy on the kitchen counter and send a photo of it to the sitter beforehand.
2. Stock Up Like You’re Expecting a Snowstorm
Don’t leave your sitter short – they can’t magic up cat food at 10pm on a Sunday.
Make sure you’ve got:
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Enough food for the whole trip, plus a few days extra in case your flight home gets delayed.
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Litter, poop bags, and cleaning supplies.
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Favourite toys (yes, the slobbery tennis ball counts).
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Medication, with clear instructions.
💡 Local tip: In a pinch, places like Petstop in Blanchardstown or Maxi Zoo in Tallaght deliver same-day around Dublin.
3. Give the Place a Quick Once-Over
You don’t need to deep-clean like your mam’s coming over, but make it easy for your sitter:
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Check all gates and fences are secure (you’d be surprised how many pets find escape routes).
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Put dangerous stuff out of reach – cleaning sprays, chocolate, string, or toxic plants. Did you know common Irish household plants like lilies, daffodils, and foxglove can be toxic to cats and dogs?
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Leave clean bedding for your pet’s usual nap spot.
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Set the heating if you’re away in winter – pets feel the chill too.
4. Do a Walk-Through Beforehand
If possible, invite your sitter over before you go. Let them meet the pet, see the routine, and get a feel for your home.
Show them where everything lives – food, leads, litter tray, favourite hiding spots.
If they’ll be walking your dog, take them on the usual route. Whether that’s a spin around St Anne’s Park, a trot along the Grand Canal, or the quiet greenways in Lucan, it’s good for them to know the lay of the land.
5. Keep It Simple for the Sitter
Label drawers or tubs so there’s no confusion. Food in one place, treats in another, meds clearly marked. You’ll avoid 9am texts asking, “Is this the right one?”
6. Pet-Proof Like You Mean It
Even the calmest pets can turn into little goblins when they’re left to their own devices.
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Close doors to rooms they shouldn’t be in.
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Put bins somewhere secure – you don’t want to come home to a kitchen floor of shredded rubbish.
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Hide cables and small chewable bits if you’ve got a curious pup.
7. Prepare for the ‘What Ifs’
It’s rare, but emergencies do happen.
Leave:
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Vet’s details (again – stick it somewhere obvious).
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A signed note giving the sitter permission to get vet treatment if needed.
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Your pet’s medical history in an envelope – even a quick list will do.
8. Make It Nice for the Human Too
Your sitter’s not expecting hotel service, but a bit of thought goes a long way.
Clean towels, a stocked kettle, and Wi-Fi details for sending pet pics all make life easier. If you’ve got tricky appliances, jot down quick instructions.
9. Sort the Updates Beforehand
Some people want a photo a day, others just a quick text mid-week. Agree what works for you before you go.
Trust me – nothing lifts your holiday mood like a snap of your dog flopped upside-down on the sofa without a care in the world.
10. Leave a “Comfort Basket”
This one’s more for your pet than your sitter. Fill a basket with their favourite things:
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Toys
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A blanket from their bed
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Something that smells like you (an old hoodie works a treat)
It helps keep them settled while you’re gone.
Quick Pre-Trip Checklist
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Pet info sheet done
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Keys tested
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Supplies stocked
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Vet info ready
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Home secure
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Meet-and-greet done
Why Pet Sitting Works So Well in Dublin
Dublin’s a busy spot – and we’ve got no shortage of kennels – but for a lot of pets, nothing beats staying in their own home. No strange smells, no different food, no new barking neighbours.
A good sitter keeps their world the same – the same walks, same sleeping spots, same belly rubs. And for you? It’s peace of mind knowing they’re happy while you’re away.
At Pet Angel Sitters, we’ve minded every sort from rescue greyhounds to chattery budgies. We’re not just topping up bowls – we’re company, playmates, and part of the family for however long you need.
So next time you’re heading away – whether it’s a weekend in Galway or a two-week jaunt abroad – a little prep now will mean a smoother ride for everyone… paws, whiskers, feathers and all.
