A good care sheet helps your reptile’s sitter follow familiar routines and spot problems early. Before you leave, write down the details that matter for your individual animal: what and when it eats, whether it should be handled, and how to check its habitat. Add clear emergency contacts and walk the sitter through the setup in person when possible. Keep the instructions easy to find, specific, and current so no one has to guess.
Write Clear Feeding Instructions
List each food item, portion size, and feeding schedule. Include preparation details, such as whether greens need washing or food should be thawed before serving. Note which supplements to use and how much, if your reptile receives them. If your pet is not due for a meal while you are away, say so clearly rather than leaving the sitter to decide.
Explain how to offer food and what to do with leftovers. Tell the sitter whether uneaten food should be removed, and when. Include any known appetite patterns or foods your reptile should never eat. Store supplies together and label containers so the sitter can match each item to the written instructions.
Describe Handling Preferences
State whether your reptile should be handled during the visit or left undisturbed. If handling is part of care, explain how to approach and support the animal, and identify any situations when handling should stop. A sitter should not assume that a normally calm reptile will welcome contact in a new routine or unfamiliar setting.
Share signs that your pet is stressed, such as repeated attempts to escape or defensive behavior, and explain what the sitter should do if they appear. Mention any recent shedding, injury, or other reason to limit contact. If possible, demonstrate the routine before your trip and let the sitter ask questions.
Record Habitat Settings
Write down the required temperature ranges for each area of the enclosure, along with the usual day and night settings. Include lighting hours, humidity targets, and instructions for water, misting, or substrate care. Use the ranges recommended for your species and individual animal rather than relying on a general reptile guide.
Show the sitter how to read the thermometers and hygrometer, operate lights and heat sources, and adjust settings safely. Explain what to check if equipment is off or a reading falls outside the target range. Keep backup supplies, such as spare bulbs if appropriate, in a labeled place, and give instructions for contacting you before making unfamiliar changes.
Add Emergency Contacts
Put your phone number and a backup contact on the care sheet. Add your reptile’s veterinarian, clinic phone number, and address, plus any relevant medical history, medications, or allergies. Confirm the clinic’s current contact details before you leave. Tell the sitter when to call you, when to contact the veterinarian, and how to reach the backup person if you are unavailable.
Include the location of the carrier, cleaning supplies, and any medication the sitter may need. Write down practical signs that require prompt attention, such as unusual breathing, injury, or a major change in behavior. Keep the care sheet near the enclosure and share a copy digitally so the information remains accessible if plans change.
A thoughtful care sheet gives your sitter a reliable guide and helps keep your reptile’s routine consistent. Review it together before you go, make sure the sitter can access supplies and contact details, and update the instructions whenever your pet’s needs change. San Diego Scale Sitters can help you plan care for your reptile while you’re away.