Small Pet Sitting: What to Record for Rabbits & Guinea Pigs
How pet sitters can handle visits for small pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters: what to ask the owner, what to check, and what to write down.
Small pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters are often cared for by a sitter in short, quiet visits, and good notes matter even more because these animals cannot show their owners much through a photo. Ask for clear instructions, handle animals only as the owner wishes, and record what you see in simple, factual terms.
This is general guidance for independent pet sitters, not veterinary advice. Follow the owner's and the vet's instructions, and suggest that the owner consult their vet about any health concern.
Why are small pet visits different?
Small animals can be delicate. They may be easily frightened, need a precise diet, or live in a setup with specific temperature, bedding, and cleaning needs. Many are also quiet, so a change can be easy to overlook if you are not paying attention. Owners often have strong routines and a lot of knowledge about their animals, so you will need to listen carefully.
What should you ask the owner?
Before the job begins, ask the owner to explain or write down:
- Food and water: type, amount, and timing, including fresh items and any foods to avoid.
- Enclosure care: what to clean daily, what to leave alone, and where supplies are kept.
- Handling: whether you should handle the animal at all, and how.
- Out of cage time: whether there is a safe play area, and how long it should last.
- Normal behavior: what the animal often does and sounds like.
- Escape risks: doors, gaps, and other pets in the home.
- Contact details: who to call if you are concerned, including the owner's vet.
If you are not familiar with the species, say so honestly. A confident owner will often appreciate the question more than a mistake.
What should you check on every visit?
Describe what you see rather than interpreting. Useful checks include:
- Is the animal active, alert, or resting as expected?
- Has food been eaten, and is the water available and clean?
- Does the enclosure look as the owner described, with bedding, hideouts, and toys in place?
- Are there changes in droppings or eating habits compared to what the owner said is normal?
- Is the room temperature as the owner instructed?
You are looking for differences from the owner's description, not making a diagnosis.
When should you tell the owner immediately?
Use your agreement and the owner's instructions as your guide. In general, tell the owner promptly if you notice something new, sudden, or different from the usual pattern, such as an animal that stops eating, hides much more than normal, or an enclosure that has been damaged. Say what you saw and when, and ask what they would like you to do. If you believe the animal is in urgent trouble, follow the emergency plan the owner provided and contact the vet they named.
What should you write down?
Keep entries short and consistent. A useful note could be: "Fresh hay and vegetables given at 5 pm. Ate the greens right away, drank water, spent some time out of the hutch and settled in her favorite corner. Cleaned the litter area as instructed." Add the time of each visit and any change you noticed.
How should you update the client?
Owners of small pets often worry about whether their companion is eating and comfortable. A photo and two or three sentences are plenty. Mention food, water, movement, and cleaning. If it was a calm visit, say so. Consistent updates help the owner feel confident, and also make any change easier to spot.
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. It does not give health advice, and it is not released yet.
If you would like to hear when early access opens, you can join the early access list.