Puppies: what to keep in mind before leaving them with a sitter
Puppies have different needs than an adult dog. What you need to evaluate before booking your first care with a puppy or kitten.
Having a puppy is wonderful. It also means more responsibility: they are still learning everything, are more vulnerable, and leaving them with someone for the first time requires careful planning. Here is what to evaluate before booking.
At what age can you leave a puppy with a sitter
The general rule:
- Before 8 weeks: ideally no. The puppy should be with their mother and siblings until that age. If for some reason you already have them and need help, think of a family member or close friend before a sitter.
- Between 8 and 12 weeks: only if strictly necessary and the sitter has specific experience with young puppies. The first vaccinations are still incomplete, so contact with other dogs should be avoided.
- From 12 weeks onwards: with complete vaccination, you can leave the puppy with a sitter with reasonable safety.
- From 6 months onwards: very similar to an adult dog, but still requires extra supervision.
What makes caring for a puppy different
They eat more times per day
A puppy under 6 months eats 3-4 times a day, not 1 or 2 like an adult. Calculate precise portions and leave the sitter clear instructions.
They need to go to the bathroom more often
Until they have sphincter control (around 4-6 months), they may need to go out every 2-3 hours. If you are leaving a young puppy, the sitter must be able to handle this, especially at night.
They learn fast (everything)
The first months are key for learning. If you leave your puppy with someone who does not reinforce the guidelines you have been teaching (do not get on the sofa, do not chew the furniture, pee outside), you can come back and find that they have been "untrained".
Talk to the sitter beforehand and leave clear rules that you want to maintain.
They are more emotionally sensitive
A puppy misses you more, gets scared more, depends more. Separation can be hard. Some sitters have a very good ability to comfort puppies and others not so much. Look for that specific skill.
They need controlled socialization
The socialization stage (3-12 weeks) is critical for them to grow up stable. If your puppy is in that stage and you are going to leave them with a sitter, make sure they can expose them to new stimuli (people, sounds, other vaccinated dogs) without overwhelming them.
What to look for in the sitter
Specific experience with puppies
Caring for adult dogs is not the same as caring for puppies. Ask:
- "Have you cared for puppies before? Of what age?"
- "Do you know how to handle a puppy that cries the first night?"
- "How do you manage meal schedules and bathroom training?"
Adequate space
For puppies, space matters for safety. It must be:
- Enclosed: so they cannot escape to the street (closed doors, balcony with net).
- Without dangerous objects: cables, toxic plants, cleaning products.
- With their own area: a bed or quiet place to sleep.
Available time
A puppy requires much more attention time than an adult dog. Confirm that the sitter is at home most of the day (not working outside for 8 hours and leaving the puppy alone).
Rate
Not all sitters adjust their rate for puppies, but some do because they require more attention time (more meals per day, more rounds for bathroom training, more play). Ask the sitter before booking whether their rate varies with young puppies.
What you leave prepared
Exact food and clear schedules
Weigh the daily portions. Write down on a piece of paper:
- Which brand of kibble they eat
- How many meals per day and at what time
- If they take any medication or supplement
- If they have any known allergy
Wipes to clean accidents
You will need them. Bring the sitter a good supply.
Chew toys
Puppies chew everything. If you do not give them appropriate toys, they will chew the sitter's furniture (which becomes your problem). Bring 3-4 safe chew toys and toys.
Blanket or clothing with your scent
More important than with adult dogs. The smell of their family calms them.
Vet details
Critical for puppies: they can have unexpected problems (vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy). The sitter has to know who to call and you have to have a direct channel.
Updated vaccination card
Bring it or take photos. Some boarding services require it specifically.
Kitten puppies: the specifics
Kittens require equal or more attention than young pups:
- Up to 4 months: ideally 2-3 daily visits from the sitter.
- Clean litter box: they get it dirty fast and many refuse a dirty box.
- Food several times: like puppies, they eat little but often.
- Lots of playtime: kittens have endless energy and need to release it.
For small kittens, consider someone who can sleep over during the first long stays instead of just visits.
The first stays: short and close
If you are going to leave your puppy with a sitter for the first time, start with short stays:
- First time: 1 day, ideally someone close to your home.
- Second time: 2-3 days if the first one went well.
- After several successful stays: you can now leave them for longer.
Do not go on your first 14-day vacation after never having left them with anyone. Run adaptation tests beforehand.
In summary
- Wait at least 12 weeks and complete vaccination.
- Look for sitters with specific experience with puppies.
- They eat and go to the bathroom more often - confirm the sitter can handle those schedules.
- Leave clear instructions and behavior rules.
- Start with short stays and increase gradually.
Do you have a puppy? Find specialized sitters in your area.