4 Phone Numbers for Pet Parents & Their Pet Sitters

as pet parents, there are (at least) FOUR numbers you should already have in your contact list for your pet's benefit. share these phone numbers (and this blog post) with your family and pet sitter so everyone is on the same page about how to best care for your loved one.

*I have an easy way to share these numbers at the end of this blog.

1.) Your Primary Vet (number, address, hours of operation)

Having the vet's phone number comes in handy if your pet is behaving oddly such as sleeping more than usual, loss of appetite, and change in energy. In most cases, your pet sitter's name will have to be on your pet's file in order for the staff to see them.

Call before you go: There's a chance that the primary vet is unavailable to see your pet because they are fully booked or because they are closed. That's where the second number comes in handy!

2.) Urgent Animal Care Center (number, address, hours of operation)

Just like a human urgent care, the staff can assist with non-emergency scenarios like minor cuts, skin irritation, ear infection, and mild allergic reactions.

This resource has limited hours, but it could be an option when your primary vet is booked or closed.

3.) Nearest Emergency Vet (number, address)

Emergency Animal Hospitals are open 24/7.

Emergency symptoms include choking/trouble breathing, difficulty moving, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, loss of consciousness, fractured bones, an object sticking out of their body like a large stick, to name a few.

*if your pet is staying at someone else's house, discuss vet options with the pet sitter; there may be different resources that are closer to the pet sitter's home.

*TIP: when adding these contacts to your phone, include "vet" in the name of each contact and keep the name detailed/direct.

during an emergency, you might forget the exact name of your go-to doctor, but typing in "vet" will then populate your options! maybe one is "home vet" which is 15 minutes from your house, and another is "beach vet" for those summers down the shore.

4.) Neighbor

You might have more than one contact for this because it depends on the scenario and the neighbor's availability, but this should be people who have a car and a spare key to your house. You should also share your pet sitter's information with the chosen neighbors.

If your pet is staying at their own house, this person is the contact if your pet sitter needs help in a medical emergency pertaining to your pet, including moving/stabilizing the pet, or a ride to the vet.

Also choose someone who can take over care if the pet sitter has to travel last minute because a family member needs help, maybe the home is no longer safe for your pet after a fire or flooding, or maybe the pet sitter had to go to the hospital.

When your pet is in distress, ending your trip short seems like the right choice, but consider the time it would take to get home whether driving or flying. Or maybe you don't have the option to cut the trip short, like when on a cruise.

If encountering the scenarios described above, this neighbor may have to take care of your pet at their own house, at your pet's house, or at the pet sitter's house until you can get home. That said, this should also be someone who your pet is comfortable with, but it's okay if they don't know everything about your pet. More on that below!

Sharing these Phone Numbers

with Family & Pet Sitters

To keep all these numbers in one place, download my Pet Sitter's Playbook!

This 3-page profile includes space for your pet's daily routine, their unique traits, and these emergency numbers!!

Available for dogs or cats!

While I hope your pet sitter never has to use these phone numbers, when we're prepared for the worst times, we can enjoy the best times!

Boop your pet for me! - Jes