Before you leave, give your pet sitter keys, enough food and litter for the whole trip plus two extra days, written feeding and medication instructions, your vet's contact, an emergency contact in Israel, the location of the safe room and the carrier, and your house rules. A clear checklist prevents most problems and takes about 20 minutes to prepare. Below is the full list we recommend to PetHome Israel clients.
1. Access to your home
- Keys for the apartment door, building entrance, gate and mailbox if needed.
- Codes for the intercom or building door.
- A spare key with a neighbour or family member in case a key is lost.
- Parking instructions if the sitter comes by car.
- Alarm code and how to switch it off, if you have one.
Test every key before handing it over. Locks that are "a bit tricky" are a common reason for missed visits.
2. Food and supplies
- Food for the whole trip plus two extra days in case your return is delayed.
- Exact portions: how much, how often and at what times. A measuring cup helps.
- Treats and what is allowed or not allowed.
- Litter, bags, poop bags, cleaning spray and paper towels.
- For small pets: hay, greens, bedding, fish food.
Put everything in one place and show the sitter where it is.
3. Medication and health information
If your pet takes medication:
- the medication itself, in the original packaging;
- written instructions from your vet: dose, time and how to give it;
- what to do if a dose is missed or refused.
Also write down allergies, recent illnesses and any behaviour the sitter should watch for. The sitter follows your vet's instructions and does not make medical decisions. Medication adds 30 ₪ per visit for tablets or drops and 50 ₪ for injections.
4. Contacts
- Your phone and WhatsApp, and your time zone if you are abroad.
- A trusted contact in Israel who can make decisions if you are unreachable.
- Your vet clinic: name, phone and address, plus the nearest after-hours clinic.
- Written consent on how much the vet may spend in an emergency, and how you will pay.
5. Safety and sirens
- Where the protected space (mamad or shelter) is, and how to get there.
- Where the carrier and the leash are kept.
- What to do with your pet during an alert: carrier, leash or let a cat hide.
- Windows and balcony doors: which may be opened, which must stay closed.
The sitter always follows Home Front Command instructions first.
6. Daily routine
- Walk times and route for dogs; rules about other dogs and off-leash areas.
- Where your pet sleeps and which rooms are closed.
- Play, grooming and anything your pet loves or hates.
- What "normal" looks like: how much your pet usually eats, sleeps and drinks.
7. House rules for overnight sitters
If the sitter stays at your home:
- bed linen and towels;
- Wi-Fi password;
- which rooms and appliances may be used;
- rubbish and recycling days;
- whether guests are allowed (usually not).
8. Documents
- Vaccination booklet and microchip number.
- Municipal dog licence if relevant.
- Pet insurance details if you have them.
Before you leave
Book a meet-and-greet a few days before your trip. Walk through the checklist together, hand over the keys and let your pet meet the sitter while you are at home. Send the checklist in writing, so the sitter can refer to it.