Getting
You’ve booked the trip, sorted the flights and confirmed the hotel. Then a thought arrives: who’s going to look after Biscuit? Getting ready for a pet sitter starts long before you pack.
If that question sends you into a spiral of sticky notes, you’re in good company, and there’s an easier way.
That’s why I put together Getting Ready for a Pet Sitter, a free online course for pet owners. It’s self-paced and lives in the Corks Critter Care client portal. It walks you through everything your sitter needs to know, so you can leave with a lighter heart.
I’m Corrine, though most people call me Cork. I’ve been a Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT) since 1998. I’m also a Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS), and I founded Corks Critter Care in 1999. We’ve been caring for Calgary pets since 2000. This course gathers the tips I share with families every week.
In this post, you’ll learn who the course is for and what each module covers. You’ll also see how your trip book works and how to get started.
Sign up for the free course here
Who this free course is for
This course is for any pet owner who wants to feel ready before they head out the door. That includes:
- First-time pet owners planning their first trip away
- Families with pets on medications, special diets or fussy routines
- Anyone comparing a pet sitter, a kennel or a helpful friend
- Seasoned travellers who’d like a better system than a note on the fridge
You don’t need to be a Corks Critter Care client; the course is useful with any sitter. If you’re looking for a Calgary pet sitter, you’ll know what to ask. If you already have someone you trust, you’ll hand them a clearer picture of your pet’s world.
What you’ll learn, module by module
The course has five modules plus a practical wrap-up, for 18 short lessons in all. Work through them in one sitting with a cup of coffee, or spread them out over a few evenings.
Module 1: Getting started. Welcome from Cork. Why pets do best at home. How to use this course and your trip book.
Module 2: Choosing the right care. Pet sitter, kennel or a friend? Questions to ask any pet sitter. Red flags. For a head start, read our guide to choosing the right professional pet sitter or dog walker.
Module 3: Your pet, in your words. Write a pet profile for each pet. Feeding, medications and routines, step by step. Hiding spots, quirks and what normal looks like.
That last lesson matters more than people expect. Your sitter can only spot “not quite right” if they know what “normal” looks like for your pet. A cat who always hides under the guest bed is having a regular Tuesday. A cat who suddenly won’t come out for breakfast may need a closer look.
Module 4: Your home, ready for the sitter. Supplies to stock, with extra. Pet-proofing room by room. Home security while you’re away. Calgary extras: furnace, frozen pipes, snow and summer heat.
Module 5: Health and emergency planning. Your vet, the nearest emergency clinic and a spending limit. Vet care release and medication permission. Emergency guardian and spare key plan. Signs that mean call the vet now.
This module helps you write down your vet’s details and your wishes ahead of time. Your vet remains the expert on your pet’s health. That way, your sitter can reach your vet quickly. They’ll also know what you’ve authorized if something comes up. Does your pet need medications, injections or fluids while you’re away? Our veterinary nursing care visits can help.
Wrap-up: Get the most from your pet sitter.
Your trip book: everything in one place
As you move through the lessons, you’ll build your own trip book. Think of it as the instruction manual your pet would write if they had thumbs. Choose the format that suits you:
- A Google Sheets working file you can update before every trip (needs a free Google account)
- A printable, fillable PDF you can fill in and leave on the counter
Taking the course itself doesn’t need a Google account. Inside, you’ll find three free downloads. They include What to Look for in a Reputable Pet Sitter. You’ll also get A Pet Owner’s Checklist and A Before You Go checklist.
When you finish, you can download a certificate of completion. It won’t go on the fridge next to the kids’ art, but you’ve earned it.
Why getting ready matters for Calgary homes
Getting ready for a pet sitter in Calgary comes with a few local wrinkles. Our weather can swing from a chinook to a cold snap in a day. Your sitter may need to find the furnace or check for frozen pipes. They should also know who clears the snow. In summer, heat brings its own list: cool rooms, fresh water and safe walking times.
That’s why Module 4 includes a lesson on Calgary extras. Live in Calgary, Airdrie or Chestermere? A little planning helps your sitter care for your home and your pets.
Pets often settle best when their routine stays familiar. Tell your sitter the feeding times and the favourite toy. Share your rabbit’s preferred nap spot too. Then your pet has a better chance of a calm stay. And you get to enjoy your trip.
How to start the free course
- Go to the Getting Ready for a Pet Sitter signup page.
- Sign up to get access in the Corks Critter Care client portal.
- Begin with Module 1 and choose your trip book format.
- Work at your own pace, and come back any time before your next trip.
Questions about the course? Email me at corrine@corkscrittercare.com. Course support is by email only, and I’m happy to help.
Frequently asked questions
Is the course free?
Yes. Getting Ready for a Pet Sitter is a free, self-paced online course.
Do I have to be a Corks Critter Care client to take it?
No. The course is useful whether you use Corks Critter Care, another pet sitter or a trusted friend.
Do I need a Google account?
Not to take the course. You only need a free Google account if you’d like the Google Sheets version of your trip book. The printable, fillable PDF works without one.
How long is the course?
It has five modules plus a practical wrap-up, for 18 lessons in all. Because it’s self-paced, you choose how quickly to work through it.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes. A certificate of completion is available when you finish the course.
Ready when you are
Your pets trust you to plan ahead for them. This course gives you a simple, step-by-step way to do it. You’ll go from choosing a sitter to writing down what “normal” looks like for each pet. Grab a coffee, open your trip book, and give your next trip a calmer start.
