How to Write an End-of-Stay Pet Sitting Summary

An end-of-stay summary should answer one question in the first line: how was the whole stay, not just the last day. After that, walk through the pet's patterns, the notable moments, anything unusual, and the state of the home, in that order.

This is general guidance for independent pet sitters and dog walkers. Follow the owner's and the vet's instructions, and suggest that the owner consult their vet about any health concern.

How is an end-of-stay summary different from a visit report?

A visit report covers one visit: what you did, how it went, anything to note. An end-of-stay summary covers the whole stay, so the client can hand it to the vet, the neighbor, or no one at all and still have the full picture. It is longer, but it is written once per trip instead of once per day, so the extra length is worth it.

Aim for 150 to 300 words. Long enough to be a real record, short enough to read on the train home.

What should the summary cover, in what order?

The overall line. One sentence on how the stay went. "Bella had a great week; she settled into the routine by day two."
Daily patterns. Food, water, sleep, energy, potty or litter, in one or two lines per pattern, not per day. "Ate all her meals every day, slept through the nights, two solid potty breaks each morning."
One or two notable moments. The thing that made this stay this stay. "On day three she found the squeaky toy under the couch and it has not been the same since."
Anything unusual, and what you did. "On Thursday her stool was softer than usual. I noted it, kept her food the same, and it was back to normal by Friday. I would mention it to her vet at the next visit."
The home. What you left behind: dishes washed, plants watered, trash at the curb, the couch in its usual spot.
Anything the owner needs to know on day one. "She may be tired and clingy the first morning back, so a quiet room can help."

What should you keep out of the summary?

A day-by-day diary. Patterns, not a log. If the client wants the daily log, that is a different document.
Medical conclusions. Describe what you saw and when. Leave the diagnosis to the vet, and follow whatever instructions the owner gave you.
Complaints about the home. If the kitchen was cluttered, that is not the summary's job.
Anything you would not want the client's family to read. The summary will be forwarded.

How do you close the summary?

End with one line of thanks and one line that keeps the door open:

Thank you for the trust with Bella this week. She was an easy one to look after. See you next time, and give the couch a check for the toy.

That last line does double duty: it is warm, and it reminds the client you are the person they call for the next trip.

What does a full summary look like?

Overall: Bella had a calm, happy week and was herself by day two. Patterns: Ate all meals every day, water bowl topped up twice a day, two potty breaks each morning and one evening. Slept through the nights. Moments: Found the squeaky toy under the couch on day three. The couch has not been the same since. Walked the park loop each afternoon; she chased the seagulls at least twice. Unusual: Nothing that worried me. Thursday's stool was a bit softer, noted it, back to normal by Friday. Worth mentioning to her vet if it happens again. Home: Dishes washed, plants watered, trash at the curb for Monday pickup, couch back in its usual spot. Day one for you: She settles fastest in the quiet room. Give it a try the first morning. Thank you for the trust with Bella this week. See you next time.

Adapt the six parts to your pets and your homes, and keep the same order every time. Clients learn the shape quickly, which makes each summary easier to read.

Where does Pawstcard fit in?

Pawstcard is a pet sitting report card app we are building for independent sitters and dog walkers. You take your photos, the app drafts a note in your voice, you review it, and your client gets a link with no app or account needed, so each day's update is already written when you sit down to summarize the stay. It does not write the end-of-stay summary for you, and it is not released yet.

If you would like to hear when early access opens, you can join the early access list.