Taking Off with Tails: A Flight Attendant’s Guide to Pet Sitting

As a flight attendant, leaving your pet at home during your trips can be a difficult process, not just for you, but for your furry companion as well. A pet sitter can alleviate this burden, but it requires preparation to ensure they can properly take care of your pet. In this article shared courtesy of CaptainLaura.com, we’ll show you some essential steps to take when preparing your pet sitter for your absence.

Spare Key

The most fundamental step is providing a spare key to your pet sitter. This facilitates easy access to your home and reduces the chance of any unforeseen issues, such as a lost key. You could leave the key in a secure and easily accessible hiding spot or give your sitter a trusted neighbor’s contact information. Always make sure to instruct the sitter on any home security measures like alarm systems, to avoid any accidental disturbances.

Talk About Payments and Cancellations

Transparency is key when dealing with monetary aspects. Discuss payment terms and any potential cancellation policies upfront to avoid misunderstandings down the line. Clearly communicating the agreed-upon compensation is vital, as is establishing the procedure for cancellation, should that be necessary. Providing this information beforehand shows respect and professionalism, fostering a trustworthy relationship between you and the sitter.

Grooming Supplies

Your pet’s grooming routine doesn’t stop when you’re away. Leave necessary grooming supplies, such as brushes, shampoos, nail clippers, and any specific grooming tools your pet requires, with the sitter. Make sure to instruct them on how to use each tool properly and any special routines your pet may have, to ensure your pet remains comfortable and well-groomed during your absence.

Share Your Travel Itinerary

Keep your pet sitter informed about your travel plans. Sharing your itinerary – including departure and return dates – can help them plan their schedules accordingly. Also, brief them about potential changes to your schedule, such as flight delays or trip extensions, and how they should handle such scenarios.

Express Gratitude

It’s crucial to show appreciation for your pet sitter’s help and dedication. Even a simple thank-you note or a small token of appreciation can go a long way in fostering a positive relationship. Regular expressions of gratitude can also motivate them to provide the best possible care for your pet.

Keep Pet’s Schedule Consistent

Pets thrive on consistency. Request your pet sitter to maintain a regular daily routine for your pet. This includes feeding times, exercise, potty breaks, and medication administration, if needed. Giving your sitter a written schedule will help them understand your pet’s needs and ensure they are met, even when you’re away.

Make Digital Copies of Important Documents

One of the best ways to equip your sitter is by compiling essential pet-related documents. These include vaccination records, emergency contacts, and medical history. Digitizing these as PDFs and sharing them with your sitter ensures they have all necessary information at their fingertips.

Benefits of Switching to PDFs

The advantage of saving documents as PDFs is manifold. It not only facilitates easy sharing, but also ensures accessibility across various devices. This will help you convert to PDF online, making your documents more versatile and user-friendly. Moreover, saving documents as PDFs retains the original formatting, ensuring that the information is accurately conveyed no matter where it’s viewed.

Proper preparation for your pet sitter is integral to a smooth transition for your pet while you’re away. By following these key points, you can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for both your pet and their sitter. While your responsibilities as a flight attendant, flight crew, or passenger may call you away from home often, these steps can provide peace of mind that your pet is in safe, capable hands. Here’s to happy and stress-free travels! For more information, you can go to www.TravelTipTank.com!

Wishing you Blue Skies and Smooth Flights!

Captain Laura with Kurt Brown