How To Choose A Professional Pet Sitter

Leaving your pet at home? Use these guidelines to find a pet sitter who will love your furry friend like their very own!

Decide Which Care Option Is Best For You

In-home care is a great option for pet owners going out of town, however, it’s best to consider other options to find the solution that works best for you and your loyal companion. Boarding at a pet resort is best for active and social dogs, offering them a chance to get lots of outdoor playtime with other dogs. In-home visits are a good way for your pets to receive care in a more familiar and comfortable environment. Similarly, overnight visits ensure that your pets will be cared for throughout the night and receive extra attention. This is great for senior dogs and cats or pets with special needs. Give us a call at (301) PET-CARE to hear about our services and we’ll help you figure out the best care options for your fur baby.

Do your research!

What’s more reliable than reviews and testimonials from fellow pet owners? Check Angie’s List, Google, or Yelp! for reviews that detail other customers’ experiences with the sitter or company to know what you’re getting into. Numerous glowing reviews show trustworthiness and reliability and are a great way to gauge what your experience will be like with that company.

How often will they visit your home?

For in-home care, you will want to schedule services at one to five visits per day depending on your pet. Cats and dogs will need their food and water refreshed every day. Don’t forget that dogs may need extra time during visits for walks and cats will need to have their litter scooped every few days. Additional time for enrichment and play to prevent anxiety and boredom is a big bonus and your furry friend will thank you for it! We usually suggest no more than 3-5 hours in-between visits for most dogs.

Why You Should Always Hire A Professional Pet Sitter

There are many benefits to hiring a professional pet caretaker over a hobbyist. Professional pet caregivers are bonded and insured and should be employees, not independent contractors. Additionally, they should require all their clients to complete a service contract/customer intake form. You can be sure that they’ll know what they’re doing and act in a professional and trustworthy manner.

To learn more about Pet and Home Care’s team of dependable caretakers, check out Meet Our Team! Ready to schedule a professional pet sitter? Sign up here or call us anytime at (301) PET-CARE.

The Definitive Howliday Pet Care Guide

“How do I keep my pets out of the presents?” “My cat won’t stop climbing the Christmas tree!” “Is turkey safe for dogs?” We’re answering all your howliday pet care questions in one place!

My dog loves to open Christmas presents! What should I do?

The simplest answer to this problem is of course to hide the gifts until they are ready to be opened. However, for many in small apartments, there isn’t always extra space to keep wrapped presents hidden away. In this case, training your dog to ignore the presents or distracting them with other toys could do the trick. Boredom can often lead dogs to destructive behaviors so getting them to run around outside is a great way to get them to settle down. Better yet, try out doggy daycare! Daycare is the best way for your pooch to play all day with their puppy pals and return home dog tired and happy. Want to try it out? Mention this howliday guide to receive two daycare services from Pet and Home Care for the price of one at our Pet Resort!*

What holiday foods are safe for pets to eat?

Your dog will no doubt be begging for a taste of the holiday feast but before you hand over a little slice of ham, be sure to know what is safe for them to have! Most common seasonings and spices can be harmful to dogs (onions, garlic, sugar, salt) so make sure whatever you give your dog is plain and unseasoned. While plain turkey is fine for dogs, hams are usually full of sugar and salt making them a bad treat for your pup. More good foods for your dog include plain pumpkin, sweet potato, carrots, and green beans. And when all else fails, stick to dog food and pet treats.

Are mistletoe and poinsettia safe to have around pets?

Both poinsettia and mistletoe are toxic for dogs and cats. If ingested, they will lip smack, drool, and shake their heads excessively. It’s best to keep these plants out of reach completely or opt for artificial plants.

How do I keep my cat from climbing in the Christmas tree?

There are several measures you can take to prevent a cat from using your Christmas tree as a playground (and potentially creating a huge mess for you in the process!). Cats are sensitive to certain smells which can encourage them to stay away from your tree. Check out this cat repellant spray formulated with bitter scents your cat will be inclined to stay away from. Another method for keeping your feline friend from making “the climb” involves wrapping the base of your tree in aluminum foil, which cats dislike the sensation of walking on. You can drape the base of the tree with a festive tree skirt to mask the foil. If your cat just can’t shake their itch to climb, consider buying a cat tree. Cat trees offer a place to climb, scratch, and lounge that doesn’t involve toppling your Christmas tree!

Should I get my kid a pet for the holidays?

Pets are a big responsibility. You should put a lot of thought and planning into deciding whether or not to get an animal companion. Giving a pet as a gift may sound like a fun idea, but that gift is a living animal that will be with you for the next ten to twenty years. Make sure your family can handle a new addition, adoption fees, vet bills, pet care, and time that goes into caring for them. It’s best to avoid impulse when deciding whether to get a new pet. If you and your family have already discussed and planned on getting a new pet, this could be a great opportunity to surprise them and make the holidays extra special! And don’t forget: Pet and Home Care has your tail covered with puppy care, cat care, and more!

The holidays are a time of joy and cheer but they can just as easily be stressful and exhausting. Whether you need to distract your little present-muncher with a walk or board your pup while visiting family out of town, Pet and Home Care is here to help you get through the howlidays stress-free. Whatever you need from us during this time, we will do our absolute best to have all your bases covered. Please feel free to inquire about our many services including overnight pet sitting, dog training, and adventure walks. Contact us at (301) PET-CARE or visit our website at https://petandhomecare.com/

 

*This offer only applies to new daycare clients. Offer expires 1/31/2021.