Free template · updated August 2026

Pet Care Handover Template

A free handover note for a pet sit. One page that does not change, one that runs the day in order, and one for the exceptions. It is free to use. For the full guide to writing each part, read the full guide.

Replace anything in square brackets and delete what does not apply.

Part one: the page that does not change

1
Animals. [Name], [species and breed], [age], [colour and markings], desexed [yes or no], microchip [number] on [registry]. Photo attached.
2
Vet. [Clinic], [address], [phone], open [hours], file under [surname].
3
After hours. [Emergency clinic], [address], [phone], about [X] minutes away.
4
Insurance. [Insurer], policy [number], excess $[amount], pre-approval [yes or no].
5
Authority. The sitter may approve treatment up to $[amount] without reaching me. Above that, call [number]; if no answer within [X] minutes, [name] decides. All veterinary costs are mine.
6
People. Me on [mobile], away [dates], in [place], [timezone]. Local contact [name], [number], [suburb], able to attend within [X] minutes.
7
Paperwork. Certificates, records and repeat scripts are kept [location], copy in our message thread.
8
Food. [Brand and variety], kept [location], [X] weeks' supply, from [shop]. Never feed: [list].

Part two: the day, hour by hour

1
First thing. [Time]. [What happens]. Watch for [the latch, the gate, the cat at the door].
2
Breakfast. [Time]. [Animal]: [amount] of [food] in [bowl], [where]. [Animal]: [amount] of [food], fed [together or separately].
3
Morning medication. [Time]. [Name on the label], [dose], [before, with or after food], kept [location], given [method]. If refused or brought back up, [what your vet told you to do].
4
Walk or outside time. [Time]. [Route or yard], [on lead or off], [X] minutes. Hot day version: [earlier time or indoor alternative].
5
Alone. [Time] to [time]. Longest they are used to: [X] hours. They settle [where], with [radio, blinds, door left open].
6
Second feed. [Time]. Amounts as above.
7
Evening medication. [Time]. As above.
8
Company. From [time], [brushing, a game in the hallway, the couch, a lap], about [X] minutes.
9
Last thing. [Time]. [Toilet], [doors, windows, gates], [where each animal sleeps], bedroom door [open or shut].

Part three: normal, and the exceptions

1
Normal. Appetite [X]. Water [X]. Toilet [X]. Sleep [X]. Movement [X]. Greeting [X]. Message me if two change on the same day.
2
A hot day. Above [temperature] the walk moves to [time], they stay [where], with [fan, tiles, shade, extra water]. The car is not an option at any temperature.
3
A storm or fireworks. They hide [where]. [What helps]. Shut [which door] first.
4
Will not eat. Leave it [how long], then ring [clinic].
5
If one gets out. Microchip [number] on [registry]. Ring [council] and [nearest pound], post to [local community page], tell me.
6
A warning for this area. On a Watch and Act for [suburb], [what the sitter does]. Carriers and leads are [location]. Destination [address]. In a life-threatening emergency, call 000.

Print the day sheet and tape it where the work happens. Paste the finished notes into your Sitterly message thread as well, so a page that falls behind the fridge is an inconvenience rather than a problem, and you both hold the same timestamped copy.

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This template is general information, not legal advice. An unpaid sit between two individuals sits largely outside Australian Consumer Law, so your written page is what you both rely on. For anything turning on your state's tenancy or insurance rules, ask the relevant agency.