Rufus and Maebe Enjoy the Benefits of In-Home Pet Care

Maebe, my Daisy, and Rufus pose after walking in downtown Dover!

Have you ever thought that in-home pet care keeps your pets from the socialization that kennel care provides? Maebe and Rufus have been delighted to socialize with my dog, Daisy, for 30 - 60 minutes per visit since Friday while their parents are out of town! In addition to befriending a new pack member they have consistently met neighbors, other dogs, and store owners along the way and this fun combination has

tired these precious pups out! The other great thing about in-home pet care is that pets get to relax on  THEIR couch in between visits which is so much nicer than them trying to relax on an UNFAMILIAR floor or bed at the kennel! 

Let me provide you and your pets with the peace of mind that is well deserved! Leave your pets in the comfort of their own home and let me give your pets the same level of care they receive from you! 

For more information about my services, please visit www.teacherspetsitservice.com today! 

If you live outside of the Dover, NH, area you can easily locate a professional pet sitter on the Pet Sitters International website!

My 9 Item Checklist to Help You Find a Professional Pet Sitter

We live in a society where instant gratification can be achieved by clicking on an app in order to get our needs met in the blink of an eye. I can certainly understand why it is tempting to take advantage of these apps because they save time and money but for me personally (yes, I have a professional pet sitter on hand at anytime I need a lending hand) I would not take advantage of popular pet sitting apps such as Care.com, Rover, or DogVacay because sacrificing quality in place of a quick "fix" would not make me comfortable in regards to visiting my pets. 

What concerns me about the individuals on these apps is that they are HOBBY SITTERS; in other words, they may have a genuine love of pets but aren't invested in giving clients professional service. For me, I need someone who considers pet sitting as a career and who is passionate about what they do because my pets are my TOP priority and they deserve the best care possible.

To further help you find that perfect pet sitter I recommend the following:
 

1) Make a list of everything you need in a sitter and a list of the needs of your pet.   

For example: Does your pet require medication? Would your pet be happier with a male or a female pet sitter? Do you want a pet sitter who will water your plants, take out the trash, etc, at no extra cost?

2) Seek recommendations from your veterinarian and vet techs.

Some vet techs provide pet sitting services for clients at a low cost. Many veterinarians, like those at Northside Animal Hospital in Hooksett, NH, have a community bulletin board where pet sitters advertise their services. 

3) Contact PSI (Pet Sitters International) for referrals. 

Pet Sitters International offers a certification program for qualified pet sitters.

K9 Kaos, located at 432 6th Street in Dover, NH, has a large inventory of pet supplies for dogs and cats.

4) Speak with employees at your local pet store for recommendations.

Patty had no problem introducing herself to her new pet sitter during her new client meeting!

5) Make sure your potential pet sitter insists on meeting you and your pet in your home before hiring him/her.

I always meet new clients in their home because we want the pets to become familiar with us while making sure I know where everything related to the pet's care is located.

6)Every pet sitter should arrive at your home with paperwork for you to review and complete.
  

If he does not have these available be sure to leave detailed notes pertaining to the care of your pets so that he can refer to them whenever necessary. Be sure to provide him with contact information, phone numbers and addresses of your vet, and friends and neighbors who can help out if necessary.

7) Make sure he is licensed and bonded and has excellent references and experience.

8) Make certain your pet sitter is able to handle an emergency and is aware of the phone number and location of the nearest veterinary emergency hospital and/or the vet’s office.

If this information has been helpful, please leave feedback! I hope you find your perfect pet sitter just in time for your next vacation!

 
 9) Be sure your pet sitter promises to communicate with you on regular basis.

I always offer to update clients in whatever form they are most comfortable with so they can rest assured that their pets are safe and happy. For many years, visit logs were popular with my clients but lately their preference has been to receive texts and/or emails.

I hope this list helps you find that perfect pet sitter for your beloved companions! If you can think of any other pet sitting requirements that I missed, please leave a comment below! Thank you! 

10 Types of Dogs Who Benefit From a Mid Day Break

Gimli loves looking at the birds and squirrels during mid day walks!

A break in the middle of your work day is the ultimate gift of love for your pets. Pet sitting companies such as mine (Teacher's Pet Sitting Service)offers mid-day breaks as well as morning, late afternoon, and evening breaks according to your scheduling needs.
 

From left to right: Delainey, my coon hound, Daisy, and Emma, look forward to their mid day and evening walks.

In a professional pet sitting company (see What to Look for in a Pet Sitting Company), a  pet sitter will let your pet out to go to the bathroom, get some fresh air, stretch and let off some anxiety, play, have some treats and always get lots of TLC and personal attention during the day while you are away.

Here are a few types of dogs who benefit from a mid day visit:

• Puppies - Very young puppies (under a year old) that are not house broken yet may need 1-2 breaks while you are at work. They need a bathroom break about every 3 hours.

• Elderly Dogs - Dogs who are 7 years and older may need to go to the bathroom more often.

• Crated Dogs – dogs that are crated should be let out of their crates every 3-4 hours to stretch their legs.

• Pets with any health issues – A pet with a health issue may benefit from having someone check on him during the day and give medication if necessary.

• Adopted dogs of any age – Newly adopted dogs in a new home may not be on a schedule yet. Having a break in the middle of the day, helps them acclimate and not be so lonely coming from a kennel type environment where there we lots of people and attention.

• Pets who are destructive – Destructive pets need to expend that energy in a constructive way so as not to destroy the house or something that may be harmful (such as electrical cords) to their well being. 

• Pets with separation anxiety - A pet sitter can help remedy anxiety simply by visiting once, several times a day, or by the hour. Having a constant routine such as this has been known to help dogs adjust to their owner's absence but if your dog still exhibits issues please consult a dog behaviorist.

• Pets who are prone to bladder issues and/or urinary tract infections – Bladder issues can be genetic but they can occur in any pet. Holding urine for long periods of time can heighten the possibility of a pet developing a bladder infection and urinary tract infections just by the mere fact that any bacteria in the bladder has more time to multiply.

• High energy dogs – Dogs with a lot of energy will definitely benefit from more exercise. For these pets you may want to book the extended time slot.

• Dogs who are overweight- As with any pet (or human), excess weight increase all kinds of health problems as time goes on, regular daily walks can help keep pets in shape and healthy. Some health risks for overweight pets are diabetes, heart problems, joint problems, arthritis and more.  

  

  Jack Russell Terrier mix, Beatrice, is happy to enjoy the sunshine with her mouse in the afternoon!

  
  
• If you live outside of the Dover, NH, area and are looking for someone to visit your pets during the mid day (and more) you can locate one easily by visiting www.petsit.com! 

Ten Tips To Help You Find Your Perfect Pet Sitter

As mentioned in my previous post, hiring a pet sitter to care for your companions in their own environment is a wonderful alternative to kenneling but I forgot to tell you HOW to find a pet sitter....until now.  

The following 10 tips will help you find your perfect pet sitter:

1) Make a list of everything you need in a sitter and a list of the needs of your pet.   

For example: Does your pet require medication? Would your pet be happier with a male or a female pet sitter? Do you want a pet sitter who will water your plants, take out the trash, etc, at no extra cost?

2) Ask pet owners in your neighborhood for recommendations.

3) Seek recommendations from your veterinarian and vet techs. 

Some vet techs provide pet sitting services for clients at a low cost. Many veterinarians, like those at Northside Animal Hospital, have a community bulletin board where pet services are advertised. 

4) Contact PSI (Pet Sitters International) for referrals. 

Pet Sitters International offers a certification program for qualified pet sitters.

Pawsitive Pet Nutrition, your one-stop-shop for pet nutrition, dog training, and pet care advice!

5) Speak with employees at your local pet store for recommendations.

6) Your local animal welfare or rescue organization may know of capable, caring, professional people who pet sit.

Patty had no problem introducing herself to her new pet sitter during her new client meeting!

7) Make sure your potential pet sitter insists on meeting you and your pet in your home before hiring him/her. 

We always meet new clients in their home because we want the pets to become familiar with us and we want to know where everything related to the pet's care is located.

8)Every pet sitter should arrive at your home with paperwork for for you to review and complete.  

If he does not have these available be sure to leave detailed notes pertaining to the care of your pets so that he can refer to them whenever necessary. Also provide him with contact information, phone numbers and addresses of your vet, and friends and neighbors who can help out if necessary.

9) Make sure he is licensed and bonded and has excellent references and experience.

10) Make certain your pet sitter is able to handle an emergency and is aware of the phone number and location of the nearest veterinary emergency hospital as well as your vet’s office.

If this information has been helpful, please leave feedback! I hope you find your perfect pet sitter just in time for your next vacation!

What Are The Advantages To Hiring a Pet Sitter?

Our 2006 pet sitting brochure featured our furry clients, Lucy, Buster, and Betty. Sadly, these pups moved away in 2007 and we miss them terribly! 

Caring pet owners know that most pets adjust better to their owner’s absence and experience less anxiety and stress when they can remain in their home environments. Pet sitters make this possible with visits to your home when you cannot be there.

What services will my pet sitter provide for my animals?

Our client, Garbo, munching on her favorite wet food, Fancy Feast!

In addition to meals,

Amos, my pet sitting partner, walking our Miss Daisy with our clients, Molly (to your left) and Cooper

       exercise is available for one visit per day or for multiple vacation visits with dog and cat clients

Amos rubbing Norton's belly while Norton's brother, Gus, looks for squirrels!

and playtime 

and cleaning litter boxes,  

 Amos is experienced in administering insulin injections for Chloe and other pets who are in need.

and professional pet sitters may also administer medications,



Our old kitty client, Fred, needed transport to the vet for hydration treatments.



and perform other pet-care duties such as transport to and from the groomer, the vet, or to doggie daycare.

Our King Charles Spaniel client, Gracie, gets one-on-one attention from her pet sitter.

That’s why in-home pet care is the choice of pet owners and the “pet-preferred” method of vacation and travel care.

What home care tasks will my pet sitter perform at no extra cost?

Pet sitters may also provide vital home-care services while you are away, including mail or newspaper pick up,



These plants are very imPAWtent to our pug client, Fenway!



                 plant care and watering,

Our Corgi-mix client, Dewey, loves helping us put the trash on the curb!

          placing trash outside for pickup

or rotating the lights and opening or closing the blinds to make your house look lived in. A professional pet sitter provides peace of mind for everyone.




What are the advantages for my pets?

Playful little Cali is very relaxed in her own home while her owners are away!

Reduced Stress: Your pet stays in its own familiar secure environment where all the sights, smells and sounds say “Home!”

Nugget, a cat who thinks he belongs to one of our clients, gets fed outside by "his" pet sitters at each visit.

Diet and Exercise: Customary diet and exercise routines are followed, with no interruption to upset your pet.

Health Concerns: With a pet sitter, there is minimal exposure to illness from other animals which was important for our former King Charles Spaniel client, Nellie, while she battled syringomyelia and other ailments caused from the disease.

Amos poses with former clients Amadeus and Morgan during a home visit.

T L C: Most importantly, your pet receives love and personal attention while you are away!
................................................
So tell me, friends, have you enjoyed the services of your pet sitter? If so, please share your stories! I'd love to hear all about it!

Why Fred Prefers In-Home Boarding Vs. Kenneling

Last year, Fred hopped in his owners car and enjoyed the ride until the car parked in front of an unfamiliar dog boarding facility and then his owner walked him through the front door, said goodbye, and promised to return soon.

Since Fred is a social, lovable dog his owners thought their pooch would have make plenty of doggy and human friends during his weekend stay but that was not the case. Instead, Fred secluded himself from the other dogs, barely ate or drank, and came down with a case of diarrhea. Fred's personality changed from happy-go-lucky to depressed and by the time his owners picked him up on Sunday night they barely recognized him. They were sure Fred would perk up by the time they arrived at home but that was not the case. Instead, Fred hung his head down low, barely touched his food, and was not interested in going for walks.

After two days of this strange behavior, Fred was examined at the vet's office where he received medication for his stomach virus and a recommended diet of chicken and rice until his stomach settled. Needless to say, Fred taught his owners a valuable lesson: some dogs do not thrive in kennels and prefer in-home boarding instead. 

  

And that is how Fred ended up in our kitchen last weekend! We weren't sure how he would adjust to in-home boarding but he soon settled ....

                                                          on his pet sitter's bed

and in his other pet sitter's lap

                                                            and in his pet sitter's car

and on his three-time-a-day walks in the neighborhood!  

  

                                                                                    
                                    I am happy to say that by the time his owners arrived for pick-up Fred hopped in the car and thanked them for his stress-free in-home boarding experience and he can't wait to visit us again!

                                       Where do your pets go when you vacation? Are they boarded at a daycare? Does a pet sitter visit them in their own home? Do they stay at a friend or relative's home? What type of personality does your pet display when you return?