• Viljandi · Tartu · Tallinn · selected areas in Harju County

Preparing for Pet Sitting: A Checklist for a Worry-Free Holiday

Your pet sitter is arranged, the suitcases are packed, and your holiday can begin! To truly relax while you’re away, good preparation for pet sitting is essential. When everything is thoughtfully prepared, the sitter has everything they need, your pet’s routine stays familiar, and you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind.

Preparing for Pet Sitting: 5 Important Steps

Food and supplies. Make sure there is enough food, treats, and litter to last for the entire care period (it’s always better to have a little extra). Leave your pet’s brushes, toys, and other essentials in a visible and easy-to-find place. It’s also helpful to leave out cleaning supplies in case your pet makes a mess or has an unexpected accident related to their health.

Written instructions. Even though we usually discuss everything during the Meet & Greet, written instructions are a big help for the sitter. Write down exact feeding amounts, schedules, and any specific habits or needs your pet may have. Leave the notes somewhere visible, such as on the kitchen table, so that no important detail is forgotten.

Health and veterinary care. If your pet needs medication, prepare clear instructions on how and when it should be given. It’s also important to let the sitter know which veterinary clinic your pet normally visits. You are always the primary contact for the sitter, but in case of an emergency where you are temporarily unreachable, this information allows the sitter to act quickly.

Emergency contact and spare keys. It’s a good idea to leave the sitter the contact details of a trusted friend, neighbour, or family member who is available during your trip. This gives the sitter someone local to reach out to if an unexpected situation arises or if spare keys are needed.

Additional information. If the sitter needs to take care of other small tasks—such as watering plants or emptying the mailbox—write those requests down as well. It’s also helpful to mention where the vacuum cleaner is kept, where household waste should be taken, or if there are rooms your pet should not enter.

A Relaxing Holiday Begins with Preparation

These small steps create a clear structure for the sitter and a safe, stable environment for your pet. This way, the sitter can focus fully on your pet without needing to interrupt your holiday with additional questions.

If you have any questions about preparing for pet sitting or anything else, feel free to get in touch in whichever way is most convenient for you—whether by phone, email, WhatsApp, or Messenger.

Laura

Balancer & Whisker Guard

Animals have been a part of my life since childhood. I grew up primarily around cats, and our family has had several wonderful whiskered companions. The most special of them all was Sofi, my childhood cat; she lived with us for a full 18 years and taught me just how strong and unique the bond between a human and an animal can be.

Today, I share my home with Zera, a cat adopted from a shelter. She has deepened my love for animals and taught me even more about patience, attentiveness, and recognizing the individual needs of each animal.

I work as a florist, but caring for animals has been close to my heart for years. I joined Vurruvalve because I know from personal experience how wonderful it is to travel knowing your pet is well looked after. I want to provide every animal with care, a sense of security, and attention, while giving their owners the peace of mind that I value most myself.

Anett

The Cuddling Master & Whisker Guard

I grew up with cats and have felt a special bond with animals since childhood. To me, animals have always been more than just pets; their company brings me peace, joy, and a sense of security. I have deep empathy for animals and sincerely love them all.

I volunteered at Pesaleidja for several years, gaining further experience and reaffirming the importance of providing animals with care, patience, and love. At home, I have a feline lady named Po—soon to turn 17—who is a true soulmate to me.

I never mind petting a cute dog on the street or spending time with cats if there are any nearby. You can almost always find me in the company of animals.

I decided to become a pet sitter because caring for animals and ensuring their well-being is something I am truly passionate about. I want to offer pets calm and caring companionship while their owners are away.

Keiu

House Spirit & Whisker Guard

Animals have always played an important role in my life. My empathy and attentiveness towards them came from my mother, who taught my sister and me from an early age how to live alongside cats and dogs. After years in e-commerce and project management, I felt I wanted to do something that was truly close to my heart. That is how I found my way to pet sitting.

Two cats adopted from a shelter, Fred and Gaia, live in my home and have been part of my life for six years. I value the honesty and genuine nature of animals; often, simple presence and calm attention are enough to establish a connection and build a secure bond.

Every animal is different: some need more activity and play, while others need peace and their own space. It is important to me that the animal feels safe and cared for, even when its people are away.

I am currently beginning studies as an animal behavior consultant to deepen my knowledge in this field.

In addition to pet care, I can also help with light housekeeping upon request, ensuring a pleasant return home after your absence.

Additional services

€10 per service (one-time fee)
Additional services include:
• key exchange
• nail trimming for cat(s)
• administering deworming medication to cat(s)
Key exchange means that the caretaker collects the keys separately before the care period or returns them afterward. No additional fee applies if keys are handed over during the introductory visit or delivered by the owner. Deworming medication (to be provided by the owner) and nail trimming are only carried out, and charged for, if they can be done safely and without causing stress to the cat.

In-home pet sitting

€30/visit (up to 1h)
€85/24 hours
We offer pet care exclusively in the pet’s own home. We firmly believe that a familiar home environment is the safest and least stressful option for animals. When the owner is away, a familiar space and a trusted caretaker help the pet feel calm and secure.

For daytime visits, it is possible to agree on a longer care duration or a custom solution based on your needs. The price for 24-hour care includes professional pet sitting services as well as full responsibility for the well-being of your pet and your home throughout the entire care period. During overnight care, the caretaker stays in your home and looks after your pet(s) strictly according to your instructions.

The price includes interaction with the pet, feeding, administering medication or supplements, walks, and all other agreed-upon tasks. The caretaker also ensures that your home is left in the same condition as upon arrival. If needed, we can assist with small household tasks such as watering plants or accepting courier deliveries. Naturally, we provide regular updates on how the care is going, in a format that suits you (photos, videos, or written updates).

Meet and greet

FREE
To build mutual trust, the caretaker will visit you and your pet(s) at an agreed time before the care period begins. During this meeting, we can assess whether the service is suitable for the pet, the owner, and the caretaker. It is also an opportunity to discuss all important details, go over care-related locations in the home, share instructions, and, if desired, hand over the keys. If it becomes clear during the introductory visit that the service does not feel suitable for any reason, both parties are free to decline further cooperation.

Melissa Lisel

Dog Whisperer & Caregiver

I have been an animal lover my entire life, with dogs holding a particularly special place in my heart. In 2024, I developed a strong desire to better understand and support dogs. This led me to Nordic Dog Trainers, where I am currently studying dog behavior, body language, and emotional balance under experienced professionals in the field.

Although my studies are still ongoing, I genuinely feel that I can already support both dogs and their caregivers by helping them better understand one another and create a more harmonious everyday life. In my work with dogs, I place great importance on an ethical approach, understanding, and patience.

I decided to become a Vurruvalvur out of a deep love for animals and a desire to help dogs feel as safe and secure as possible, especially in stressful situations. As an added bonus, working as a Vurruvalvur allows me to closely observe and deepen my understanding of canine communication.

Eleryn

Pet Companion & Caregiver

I’ve had animals in my life for almost as long as I can remember. As a child, both my sister and I had our own parrot, which was one of my first experiences learning to care for another living being. I truly believe that animals have much to teach us – empathy, patience, and unconditional love. At home, I share my life with my cat Käbi and my dog Pluto, who bring joy and warmth to every day. I’ve also volunteered at an animal shelter, an experience that strengthened my passion for caring for animals and making their lives better.

I joined Vurruvalve because I love helping where I can. While I work as an engineer in my day-to-day life, I enjoy reading, going to the gym, and maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal time.