A good first visit starts before anyone rings the doorbell. Your pet has a routine; your home has its own little practical details. Putting those details in one place helps you and your carer agree what the visit should look like.
You do not need a long manual. A short, specific note is often more useful than several messages sent just before you leave.
Start with the everyday routine
Write down what your pet eats, the portion you normally serve and where the food is kept. “One level scoop from the blue container” is clearer than “the usual amount”. Identify each pet’s bowl if you have more than one animal, and explain any routines that keep mealtimes calm.
Add the location of water bowls, cleaning supplies, litter equipment and favourite toys. Tell the team which rooms your pet can enter and which doors must stay closed. Discuss any medical or specialist needs before booking so the team can confirm whether the requested care is suitable.
Explain the greeting
Some pets head straight for the door; others prefer to watch from a quiet corner. Describe what usually happens when someone enters. Share familiar cues, hiding places and any handling or escape concerns. Give the carer useful observations rather than assuming your pet will behave the same way with a new person.
Make access part of the plan
Confirm the building name, entrance and unit, along with any reception or visitor-registration requirements. Agree how keys or access instructions will be shared securely. Do not put a door code into a public comment or a shared care-report caption.
If someone else may be at home, explain that in advance. Also disclose relevant cameras and household hazards so everyone knows what to expect.
Leave a reachable contact
Provide your contact details, a backup person authorised to help and your preferred veterinary clinic. Agree what the team should do if you are temporarily unreachable. These arrangements are best discussed before the visit, especially when you will be travelling.
Check the confirmation once more
Review the dates, visit windows, address, pets, agreed tasks and price. A submitted request is still awaiting confirmation; do not assume the visit is booked until Pawley confirms it directly.
Ready to plan the first visit? Check your community and request care. You can also read how Pawley booking and pricing work.