Feeding routines
Should I ask a house sitter to keep my exact feeding times
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Yes, asking a house sitter to stick as closely as possible to your dog's usual feeding times, with clear written instructions and pre measured portions, keeps the routine familiar during what is already a change for your dog with you away.
Why matching your usual times helps
Keeping meal timing close to normal is one of the few parts of the routine a house sitter can fully control, and it gives your dog a reliable, familiar anchor point during a period when their usual person and surroundings routine has already changed.
Making it easy for the sitter to succeed
Providing a written schedule with exact times and portions, along with food pre measured into labeled bags, removes guesswork and makes it far more likely the sitter sticks closely to your dog's normal routine throughout your trip.
Allowing reasonable flexibility
Asking for exact times does not need to mean the minute; a window of 30 to 60 minutes around your usual schedule is a realistic and fair expectation for a sitter managing their own day alongside caring for your dog.
Key takeaways
- Ask sitters to match your dog's usual feeding times as closely as possible.
- Written instructions and pre measured portions make this easier to achieve.
- Consistent timing gives your dog a familiar anchor while you are away.
- A realistic 30 to 60 minute window is a fair expectation for a sitter.