HPS Contractor Training – Section 8: House Sitting & Boarding Standards

Welcome to the House Sitting & Boarding Standards section!
This section covers procedures, expectations, and reporting for house sitting and boarding pets in a professional, safe, and high-quality way. Whether caring for pets at the client’s home or your own, attention to detail, safety, and communication are essential.

🎯 Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, you will:

• Understand HPS house sitting and boarding tiers, hours, and responsibilities
  
  

• Provide proper feeding, medication, and enrichment for pets during house sitting and boarding
  
  

• Maintain safety and hygiene standards for pets and client property
  
  

• Use TTP Report Cards to communicate accurate visit details and updates
  
  

• Maintain professionalism, observe pet behaviors, and report any changes
  
  

🏠 House Sitting (Client’s Home)

• Arrive at the scheduled start time and check the client’s profile for notes or special instructions.
  
  

• Follow the agreed-upon tier schedule:

  1. House Sitting: 8:00 PM-8:00 AM

  2. House Sitting Plus: 8:00 PM-8:00 AM + 2 Daytime Visits

  3. Full House Sitting: 24-Hour Care
     
     

• Feed, administer medications, and provide enrichment exactly as instructed by the client.
  
  

• Check all doors, gates, and alarms before leaving.
  
  

• Observe pet behavior, noting energy levels, interactions, and any unusual changes.
  
  

• Document all activities, meals, potty breaks, and behavior in TTP Report Cards.
  
  

• Keep communication professional and clear with HPS; do not make service decisions independently.
  
  

• Respect client property: keep areas clean, tidy, and secure.
  
  

🐶 Boarding (Sitter’s Home)

• Follow the client’s feeding, medication, and care instructions precisely.
  
  

• Provide a safe, secure, and comfortable environment for each pet in your home.
  
  

• Ensure pets have their own designated areas, especially when multiple animals are boarding.
  
  

• Monitor pets closely and adjust exercise or enrichment according to individual needs.
  
  

• Record all meals, potty breaks, behaviors, and playtime in TTP Report Cards.
  
  

• Communicate promptly with HPS about any health, safety, or behavior concerns.
  
  

• Respect client belongings and keep their items separate from other pets’ items.
  
  

• Boarding pets must never be left unattended in unsafe conditions or areas.
  
  

💬 Communication & Reporting

• Use TTP messages and Report Cards to document all activities for each visit or boarding day.
  
  

• Highlight positive behaviors and endearing moments; note concerning behaviors only when necessary.
  
  

• Avoid discussing payments, service changes, or policy exceptions with clients — HPS handles these.
  
  

• Notify HPS immediately of any incidents, injuries, or unusual pet behaviors.
  
  

⚠️ Safety & Hygiene

• Always follow client instructions regarding access, pet handling, and safety.
  
  

• Keep all areas clean and sanitized, including feeding areas, litter boxes, and bedding.
  
  

• Monitor pets for signs of stress, illness, or discomfort, and report to HPS promptly.
  
  

• Ensure pets cannot escape or access unsafe areas.
  
  

💡 Tips for Success

• Review client instructions thoroughly before each visit or boarding start.
  
  

• Bring necessary supplies: leashes, waste bags, cleaning items, and enrichment toys.
  
  

• Observe pets carefully; subtle behavior changes may indicate stress, health issues, or discomfort.
  
  

• Use TTP to document every activity, including positive behaviors and small wins — clients love the details!
  
  

• Communicate early and often with HPS if any issues arise or schedules need adjustment.
  
  

• Remember: House sitting and Boarding are premium services — consistency, attention to detail, and professionalism are key.