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Pet Sitter Tools & Supplies: What’s in your trunk?

Beth Stultz-Hairston, PSI


Much like Scouts whose motto is to always “be prepared,” professional pet sitters must be ready for any situation they may encounter throughout the day. And, because much of the day is spent traveling from assignment to assignment, it’s important any supplies or tools they may need are with them—either carried on their person or quickly accessible from their automobiles.

In a recent discussion in PSI’s private Facebook group, Professional Pet Sitters Chat, we asked: What’s in your trunk?

As you may imagine, the question yielded a long list of answers ranging from the expected (poop bags) to the potentially less expected (knee pads).

Read through the list of items provided by pet sitters in PSI’s Facebook group and see which ones you are currently carrying around in your vehicle:

  • Baby wipes
  • Bags (plastic and paper)
  • Black light
  • Blankets
  • Bowls
  • Business cards & marketing materials
  • Cat brush and toys
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Client leave-behinds
  • Collars
  • Dish soap
  • Dog treats
  • Extra clothes
  • Face masks
  • First aid kit (for humans and pets)
  • Flashlight
  • Garbage bags
  • Gloves
  • Hand soap
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Knee pads
  • Leashes
  • Lint roller
  • Litterbox scoopers
  • Muzzle
  • Paper towels
  • Pet carriers
  • Pet shampoo
  • Pet food (dry and canned)
  • Plastic bags
  • Poop bags
  • Puppy pads
  • Scissors
  • Shoe covers
  • Small dustpan and brush
  • Smaller cooler with ice
  • Snacks
  • Spoon
  • Sunblock
  • Toilet paper
  • Toilet plunger
  • Toolbox
  • Towels
  • Water

What’s in your trunk?

How many of the above items do you currently carry with you on pet-sitting assignments? Are there any additional items you carry not listed above? Let us know in the comments section below.

Comments

Nazim

September 7, 2021  |  1:k PM
I want to take a backpack.

caitlin reynolds

May 5, 2021  |  12:k PM
i bring a backpack, journal, planner, mini calendar, books, crafts, poop bags, portable water bowl, water bottle, leashes and collars, towels, dog first aid kit, dog treats, harness, baby wipes, head lamp, dog whistle, black light, blankets, cat brush and toys, dish soap, extra clothes, face mask, human first aid kit, pocket knofe, reflective vest, rain poncho, umbrella, phone book, checklist, dry erase marker, and puzzles

Polly

August 6, 2019  |  3:k PM
Disposible gloves always comes in handy, maybe treats if a pet get loose

Terri Rimmer

August 23, 2018  |  12:k AM
I work for this company. I also keep a big sheet in the trunk in case I need to transport a pet to cover the back seat. And also a small notebook to take notes in case I meet with a new client or we go to the vet.

Mary

August 21, 2018  |  5:k PM
All of the above - lol - plus a can opener, graphite, WD-40, tool kit

Jack Feldmann

August 20, 2018  |  10:k PM
Large carabiner

Kelly Craft Abram

August 20, 2018  |  6:k PM
Be careful keeping canned pumpkin, and canned wet food in a hot trunk as it can go bad.

Candy

August 20, 2018  |  1:k PM
I need a bigger car.

Auntie Donna

August 20, 2018  |  10:k AM
Great list. I also include nail clippers, scissors, pocket knife, reflective vest, tire pressure gauge, and fecal/urine collection vet package too.

Lisa Trace

August 20, 2018  |  10:k AM
WD-40, for stuck or uncooperative locks.

Susan Deisher

August 20, 2018  |  7:k AM
Rain poncho and umbrella.

Amber

August 17, 2018  |  10:k PM
I know it's old school, but I keep a phone book too. If my phone ever dies in an emergency, veterinarians are listed and there is also a city map in them. I've yet to need it, but you never know.

Nancy

August 17, 2018  |  1:k PM
Canned pumpkin is always good to have on hand when pet sitting. Helps when pets have the occasional diarrhea.

Alicia Heidorn

August 17, 2018  |  12:k PM
All the above plus several sizes of cat bags, tire pump with emergency lights (the type that you can plug in your lighter).