Pet Sitting Medication Log: How to Record Doses Clearly
How pet sitters can handle medication instructions and keep a simple dose log: what to confirm, what to record, and when to call the client or vet.
When you give a pet medication, confirm the instructions in writing before the stay, then log every dose with the date, time, and what you gave. A medication log protects the pet, because it prevents missed or doubled doses. It also protects you, because it shows exactly what happened. If you ever feel unsure about an instruction, the safest step is to ask the client or their vet before the visit, not guess during it.
This article is general guidance for independent sitters and dog walkers. It is not veterinary advice. Medication decisions belong to the pet's vet and the client, so follow the vet's instructions and the label, and never change a dose, timing, or method on your own. Your own comfort level matters too, since not every sitter takes every kind of job.
Should you accept medication jobs at all?
That is your choice. Some pets take a pill hidden in food, which is simple when the vet's instructions allow it. Others need injections, eye drops, or a complicated schedule. Think honestly about what you are trained and comfortable doing. If a task is outside your comfort level, say so at the meet-and-greet, before the booking is confirmed. A polite "I'm not able to do that" is much better than an unsafe attempt.
What should you confirm before the stay?
Write down these details, ideally from the medication label or the vet's written instructions rather than from memory:
- The name of each medication, exactly as it appears on the label
- The dose and how it is given: by mouth, in food, drops, topical, or another way
- When and how often, and whether it must be given with food
- How long the course lasts, and whether it continues after the client returns
- Where it is stored, and whether it needs refrigeration
- How the pet usually takes it, and any tricks that work
- What to do if a dose is missed or spit out, according to the client or vet
- Any warning signs the client wants you to report right away
- Whether there is enough supply for the whole stay, plus a little extra
Ask the client to show you the first dose if you have never given that type before. A demonstration is worth more than a paragraph of directions.
What does a good medication log look like?
Keep it simple and consistent. A table in your notes app is enough:
| Date | Time | Medication | Dose | Given by | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 30 | 8:05 am | Pill A | 1 tablet | Me | Took it in cheese |
| Oct 30 | 6:10 pm | Pill A | 1 tablet | Me | Spat out once, took on second try |
What matters is that you record each dose at the time, not later from memory. If a pet refuses a dose, write that down as well, with the time and what you tried.
What should you tell the client?
Put the medication line in the visit update, where the client will see it:
Medication: gave Pill A at 8:05 am with a bit of cheese. Took it right away.
If something was different, lead with it:
Quick heads-up: Luna turned her head away from her afternoon pill twice. I tried again the way you showed me and she took it on the third try at 4:20. Wanted you to know in case you see this at home too.
Keep it factual. Describe what you saw and did, and let the client or vet decide what it means.
What if something goes wrong?
- A missed or unclear dose. Contact the client, or follow the backup plan you agreed on. Do not guess or double up.
- A pet that will not take the medication. Tell the client and follow their or the vet's guidance on what to try next.
- A reaction or anything that looks wrong. Follow the emergency plan: contact the vet and the client, and write down what you observed.
If you aren't sure, ask. Clients nearly always prefer a quick question to a silent mistake.
What else helps with special-care pets?
- Ask for a one-page routine that lists medication, feeding, and anything unusual
- Confirm the vet's contact details before the stay starts
- Keep medication in its original container, with the label readable
- Wash your hands after handling and store things where other pets or children cannot reach them
- Keep your log for as long as you keep the client's other records
Where does Pawstcard fit in?
Pawstcard is a pet sitting report card app we are building for independent sitters and dog walkers. It is not a medication tracker, and it does not replace a careful dose log. It is meant for the visit update: 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. It is not released yet.
If you would like to hear when early access opens, you can join the early access list.