Petsitter's Preparedness Kit

It's a petsitting job, not a three-week long vacation. Pack light and pack smart.

Pets are like children. You can never really be too prepared.

Since pets can be so unpredictable and unable to be reasoned with ("Now, Fido, you don't jump on 30-pound children in the park just because their toy looks like a Frisbee. It's dangerous and just plain rude! Apologize."), you'll want to do all you can to prepare yourself for each petsitting job.

WHAT TO PACK, NO MATTER THE PET

• Cell phone. Should something go wrong while you're petsitting, you won't want to waste precious minutes searching for the owner's house phone, which just so happens to be off the headset, in the bathroom, hidden under a magazine.
• Your driver's license. Regardless of whether you're driving, it's good to carry ID.
• A flashlight. In case a favorite toy or (gasp!) beloved hamster goes missing, an easily accessible flashlight will help you search those common, dark crevices.
• A clean shirt. Hey, animals are messy. Not to mention they lack manners. The last thing you want is muddy paw prints, aquarium water or cat vomit all over your top when you're scheduled to grab cocktails with your crew in 5 minutes.
• A copy of the emergency numbers. In case you misplace the first set.
• A copy of each pet's physical description. A picture is even better.
• Bottled water. You can never have too much water, especially if you'll be taking a dog on a walk.
• Tweezers. In case the pet gets a splinter or something else you'll need to fish out.
• Scissors. So you don't have to tear through the owner's house trying to find his pair in case you need them to remove a string or other dangling item that can pose a threat to a pet.
• Rubber gloves. Because things can get messy.
• Matches. Always a good safety precaution and a better option than lighters, which can run out of fluid or become too moody to work.
• Plastic baggies. Especially useful on a walk with a dog. 'Nuff said.
• Sunglasses. In case you have to drive in the sun, to combat the dangerous glare.
• Towel and/or washcloth. If things get too messy over at the house, or if the pet gets wet and a flimsy paper towel isn't going to cut it.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR DOGS

• Spare leash. In case the dog's leash malfunctions or breaks, you'll still need a way to control him on the walk home.
• A foldable dog bowl. When you're on a walk and the sun is beating down, the dog will need some water - and not the mosquito-infested puddle festering in the street. Gross.
• A Frisbee. Anyone up for some Ultimate?
• First aid guide. A home veterinary handbook for dogs appears here.
• A totally comprehensive first-aid kit for dogs can be found here.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR CATS

• First aid guide. A home veterinary handbook for cats appears here.
• Manual can opener. In case the owner's breaks or can't be found.
• Catnip. Check with the owner first to see how the cat responds to it.
• An old sock. Put the catnip in the sock. Hours of fun for Fluffy.