PET CARE INSTRUCTIONS FOR A BACKUP CAREGIVER
DearFile blank template

Fill this in privately with the owner and agreed caregiver.
Use one sheet per pet. Copy current instructions accurately.
This template does not grant veterinary authorization.

PET
Name:
Species and identifying description:
Recent photo location:

PEOPLE AND AGREED HELP
Owner name and confirmed phone:
Backup contact name and confirmed phone:
Caregiver name and confirmed phone:
Tasks the caregiver has agreed to do:
When care should begin and who will notify the caregiver:
If the caregiver is unavailable, contact:
Home access privately arranged and tested (yes/no; date):

DAILY ROUTINE
Food type and owner-provided amount:
Feeding times and preparation instructions:
Food, bowls, and measuring equipment locations:
Water instructions and bowl location:
Walks and exercise routine:
Litter or habitat care and supplies:
Handling notes and known escape risks:
Leash, harness, carrier, or transport equipment location:
Transport arrangement:

VETERINARY CONTACTS
Regular clinic name:
Confirmed phone and address:
After-hours clinic name:
Confirmed phone and address:
Date clinic contacts were checked:

CURRENT HEALTH INFORMATION
Location of current owner-provided veterinary instructions:
Location of medicines and necessary supplies, if applicable:
Location of current veterinary/vaccination records:
Pet-specific concerns the caregiver needs to know:

Follow current written veterinary instructions supplied by the owner.
If instructions are unclear, ask the veterinarian. Do not improvise doses.
For illness or injury, contact the veterinarian or emergency clinic promptly.

AUTHORIZATION AND PAYMENT
What the clinic requires from a temporary caregiver:
Who may approve care, as confirmed with the clinic:
Signed authorization location/status:
Financial limits and payment process agreed with the clinic:
Questions still open and who will resolve them:

CHECK TOGETHER
Caregiver can find the correct food and supplies:
Caregiver knows the veterinary contact and transport plan:
Private access arrangement works:
Last reviewed together:
Who holds a current copy:

PRIVACY AND UPDATES
Share only with the people who need this information. Keep passwords,
door codes, payment-card details, and unrelated private records off this
sheet. Arrange access and payment separately. Update when care or contact
details change and replace old copies.

General organizing guidance for U.S. pet owners. Confirm individual care
needs with your veterinarian. No diagnosis or treatment instructions are
provided by this template.