6 Tips For Finding The Right Pet Sitter

Your pets are special to you, and if you have to be away, you want your furkids to be in the hands of someone who is passionate about animals and will provide the care they deserve. Personalized attention and an alternative to boarding in a kennel are available from a pet sitter.

Check Out Pet Sitter Profiles

Pet care providers put up profiles with details about the services they offer and the area they serve on websites that provide the service. To find the caregiver that’s right for your pet browse the profiles to find out about their experience, their personality, and what they offer clients. You may find someone that catches your interest right away, but you can browse through several profiles for the right person.

Read Reviews and Testimonials

A good indication about a pet sitter is to read reviews and testimonials on their social media page. Pet owners want the best care for their pets when they have to leave them in the hands of a stranger and want a reputable person who genuinely loves animals. When a pet owner is happy with the service, they’re likely to give the pet sitter a good recommendation. However, negative reviews even about minor issues could be a red flag.

Contact the Pet Sitters At the Top of Your List

Fill out a profile so petsitters can find out more about you and your pet. Message the people that sound like a fit. Arrange meet and greets with several people to see how they interact with your pet and if your dog is comfortable around them. A neutral place like a park is a suitable place for introductions.

Is the Chemistry Right?

The best indicator of whether a particular pet sitter will be a great caregiver for your furkid is to get them together. Animals are very perceptive about people and know when someone is a good, compassionate person. Watch the interaction between the sitter and your dog. Does your pup warm up to this person or shy away? Suggest some playtime or a training session for a younger puppy, or a walk for an older dog to observe how they get along. It’s essential for the pet sitter to be consistent and follow your rules. Keep in mind that some dogs take longer to bond with new people than others.

Questions and Answers

Ask about the sitter’s knowledge of working with dogs and their previous pet sitting experience. Find out about their caring for dogs of different ages, temperaments, and breeds. If your dog has any special requirements like medications, can the sitter handle it?

You should pay attention to the questions that the sitter asks. Is the sitter interested in the activities your dog enjoys most? Do they want to know about favorite foods and treats? Do they inquire about allergies or medical issues? Do they want to know if your dog prefers to play in the backyard with you or go to the dog park? All of these questions are valid and should be addressed. Never feel obligated to hire a pet sitter if you have any reservations.

Qualities Of A Great Pet Sitter

When you’re choosing someone to care for your pet, there are particular qualities to keep in mind.

The caregiver should have an easygoing personality and be able to remain calm and patient at all times. They should be sensitive to your pet’s needs and act accordingly if your pet doesn’t want to play or needs some quiet time. Hire a person who always shows affection for your pet.

The person you hire should accommodate a flexible schedule if you need a sitter for something unexpected, should be trustworthy and have experience with your breed. Get a background check, references, and a certificate showing their qualifications.

Meeting the pet sitter at a meet and greet will tell you what you need to know. Chemistry is the key to the right person to care for your pet. When your dog is happy and relaxed around the sitter, you’ll know you’ve found the perfect pet sitter.

Sources

https://www.podium.com/resources/online-reviews/

https://www.petfirst.com/pet-care/finding-the-right-pet-sitter-for-your-dog/

https://www.care.com/c/stories/6206/10-things-to-look-for-in-a-pet-sitter/

Tips For Creating A Pet-Friendly Yard

Our pets are our family, and that means they should always be treated as such. So if you’re about to get a pet, you need to think about what that means and the sacrifices you need to make, particularly for active dogs. Some people don’t think about the yard when it comes to pet shopping, but it’s such an important thing to any dog that you want to have outside. When you are preparing your backyard for your pet, it is good to take some of the below precautions for a pet-friendly yard.

#1: Choose Safe Plants

Did you know that there are a number of plants that are poisonous to dogs and cats? Educate yourself on this matter by checking out this list of harmful plants from the ASPCA. Be mindful of what your backyard currently has, and what you will add in the future.

#2: Install a Fence

Having a fence in general is a good idea if you own a pet. It makes trading easier and gives your pet a place to play freely. Vinyl fences are usually the best option for pets because they are soft, non-abrasive, don’t need yearly painting or frequent cleanings, all while being strong enough to keep in your pet. That being said, if you feel like your dog won’t be contained with a simple vinyl fence, look into more options including chain link or tall wood fences or repair or reinforce existing fencing with sturdy materials such as bailing wire.

#3: Use Natural Pesticides

If your yard is sprayed with pesticides or other lawn care products, you’ll want to make sure they are natural. If ingested, these chemicals may cause harm or a threat to your pet’s health and well-being.

#4: Buy a Dog House

If your yard is wide open, it is best to purchase a dog house that will provide shelter/shade for your dog on a sunny or rainy day. If you have a cat, you may want to find something similar. It’s important to have comfortable and safe spaces for your furry friend. If you fail to provide one, it could even be considered neglect.

#5: Rethink Surfaces

Grass is best, but if you have gravel or a walkway, be sure that the surface isn’t too hot or sharp for your pet’s paws.

#6: Leave Water Outside

If your pet will be outdoors often, it is best to fill up a water bowl daily and leave in a shady spot of the yard. Staying hydrated is very important for everyone, even your furry friend.

#7: Keep Grass Tidy

Be sure to maintain the grass in your yard to prevent your pet being bit by a tick. The taller the grass, the easier it is for ticks to latch on. Also, you don’t want any dogs to get into the bad habit of treating your yard as a toilet because of the hiding potential of your tall grass. And you definitely don’t want other people’s dogs doing the same thing.

#8: Fence Off Pool Area

If applicable, make sure the pool area is closed off by a fence. Most dogs can swim, and cats might not like the water, but that doesn’t mean that accidents don’t happen and that having that space open could cause them harm. Additionally, you usually want to keep your pool water clean, and unless your pet is squeaky clean at the moment of frolicking around your yard, you should keep them away.

Be mindful of the above, and your yard will be a safe space for your pet to roam, play, and enjoy the weather.

 

5 Things To Consider When Shopping For A Dog

According to the ASPCA, approximately 78 million dogs are owned in the United States, and 44% of all households in the United States have a dog. Being a dog owner means taking on a significant commitment to love and care for your fur baby for several years. From searching and selecting the ultimate companion to overcome the inevitable hardships of pet ownership, we’ll examine all the critical aspects of owning Man’s Best Friend.

What Breed to Buy?

Many hopeful dog owners start their search by narrowing down their breed preferences. Researching the pros and cons of your favorite dog breed can provide a clear understanding of the specifics of what owning a particular dog means. Try to select a dog breed that fits your lifestyle. Some dog breeds are more prone to biting and chewing. Other everyday activities, such as traveling and road trips, can encourage this behavior due to an anxious response. Each breed has its own personality, so knowing the quirks in advance is beneficial for both the dog and your lifestyle.

Do you have the time to commit?

Owning a dog is much like raising a young child. They demand time, patience, and training. Spontaneous weekend getaways or extended vacations now require extensive planning. Do you hire a pet sitter? Take the dog to a kennel? Traveling with your new furry friend may be on the agenda, but be sure to give your dog plenty of breaks so that he doesn’t become restless or agitated. Be sure to consider whether you’ll need to travel with your dog and how this may be a liability if you choose a species that is prone to biting. What about potty training? Will you be available to run home during the workday to let your fur baby out or is kennel training a better match for your schedule? Be sure to ask yourself the crucial questions.

Have you considered all the costs?

Many dogs are returned shortly after being purchased/adopted, frequently through no fault of its own. Being a responsible dog owner means factoring in all of the related dog ownership costs: vet bills, food, professional training, fencing, etc. Be sure to account for the “emergencies” and the cost to spay/neuter. Also, don’t forget the toys and pet ID tags.

Is everyone in your house on board with getting a dog?

Is adding a dog to the picture a family decision, or did you make the choice on your own? Making sure that everyone is on board with ownership will also relieve the stress that comes with dog ownership. Assign “dog duties” for family members to help contribute with pet care and training. Additionally, if you have frequent guests or people coming over to home often, be sure that your dog is well-trained and obedient, as they can cause some issues if they bite someone. So be sure to socialize them, play non-aggressive games with them, and advise your guests to leave them alone. 

Getting your dog spayed/neutered

Many shelters and pet stores will spay/neuter the dog at eight weeks old automatically. PetMD notes that getting your dog spayed/neutered helps reduce aggressive behaviors, prevents surprise puppies, and also decreases the number of homeless animals in shelters.

So much goes into shopping for the perfect fur baby to add to your family. Do your research, calculate the costs, and consider the time and commitment associated with dog ownership. Fostering a practical analysis of owning a dog will be beneficial for both you and your new best friend.

References & Resources:

Pet Statistics | ASPCA

Doggin’ it Out: Dog Bites & Homeowner’s Liability Insurance | Insurance Guide Local

How to Socialize a Dog Through Dog Training Classes & More | Dogster

Dog Breeds | AKC

How to Create a Safe Outdoor Space for Your Dog | All Storage Online

11 Fun Facts About Dogs

Man’s best friend is loyal, caring, and will do anything for you. A dog is always happy to see you, caring and concerned when you are down or sick, and protective when they sense danger.

These are all standard characteristics of our furry companions that we all know. There are, however, some lesser well-known facts about dogs that will make you even more crazy about your fuzzy snuggler.

Dogs Have Stealthy Noses

A dog’s sense of smell is over one million times more accurate and effective than a human being’s sense of smell. That pizza on the counter that you smell when you walk into the kitchen was probably detected by your canine companion before you even entered the house after your walk. Be aware of this if you are using especially harsh cleaning chemicals, or dabbing on strong perfume before going out for the evening. You might appreciate the extra smell, but your dog will not.

A Dog’s Speed Is Impressive

An average dog runs at about 19 mph at full speed, and they can sustain this for over a mile, if necessary. Large dogs, of course, will have more endurance than smaller dogs, but we are no match for their quick land coverage. If you are a glutton for punishment, consider racing your dog down the sidewalk at full speed during a walk; you will be humbled.

An Adult Dog Has 42 Teeth

And it is essential that we keep them healthy and looking their best. Taking your dog to the vet for regular dental checkups and cleanings will have your dog’s bit in top condition.

Thirty-Three Percent Of American Families Own A Dog

With over a third of American homes now protected by a dog, it is not a very wise idea to go prowling around your neighbor’s yard looking for your son’s lost baseball. You may find yourself in a situation that requires some fancy footwork to escape.

Spaying And Neutering Are Essential To Controlling Pet Population

If a pair of dogs is not spayed or neutered, they can produce over 66,000 puppies in as little as 6 years! Do everyone a favor and help control the pet population by taking them in for this necessary procedure.

A Dog’s Nose Print Is Like A Fingerprint

Before you get too upset about those smudges on your sliding glass door, consider that you are looking at a work of art. Your dog has an individual nose print that is unlike any other dog’s nose print on the planet. Looking at it from that perspective might calm you down a little as you wipe off those streaks.

Dogs Have An Average Lifespan Of 11 Years

Owning and caring for a dog is a commitment of time and expenses. A dog can cost almost $13,500 over the course of his life when you factor in things like food, supplies, toys, and trips to the vet. If you are not prepared to handle these expenses, then maybe you should consider a pet with a shorter lifespan.

A Dog’s Sweat Glands Are Between Its Toes

Dog’s don’t sweat, they pant. Actually, they do have small sets of sweat glands that reside between their toes, but this is not an adequate cooling system for the dog’s body. Panting cools off the body more efficiently, and it is a visible signal to you, the owner, that Fido needs a little rest.

Dogs Were Sent Into Combat During D-Day As Paratroopers

Our loyal friends were actually used to test the waters as paratroopers during that fateful day known as D-day. Sadly, most dogs were injured or lost soon after they exited the aircraft, and there was some emotional fallout that had to be dealt with when these dogs were recovered and nursed back to health.

Hot Dog!

The average temperature of a dog is a steamy 101.2, higher than most humans would feel comfortable living with. For dogs, however, this is no problem, as they have an efficient system of cooling themselves off when they feel too hot.

Seventy Percent Of People Sign Their Pet’s Names On Greeting Cards

Now don’t feel bad if Fluffy didn’t sign your last birthday card—it really is a strange phenomenon that we humans feel the need to include our furry friends in all of our social affairs as well. If you get a pet paw signature, consider it a bonus.

 

There is so much personality and warmth that is shared with us through our pets. Dogs have so many unique and special qualities, and we are lucky to have them as our companions as we travel through life.

 

Resources:

One of Your Dog’s Most Awesome and Striking Natural Talents | Healthy Pets

Top 10 Dog Dental Questions | Pet Health Network

Honoring Military Dogs for National K9 Veterans Day | Low VA Rates

Fascinating Stats About Pet Ownership in the US | Joybird