This past year proved to be monumental for Pet and Home Care. We expanded our pet care team and office staff, made new investments in our facilities, and improved our technology to deliver an even better customer experience for both pets and their parents alike.

The biggest change came when we launched a new app and online customer center back in March. Both our clients and team members seamlessly adapted to the new tech, and it has made a better all-around user experience for booking, scheduling, communications, and payments. If you haven’t done it yet, we strongly encourage you to download the Apple or Android app today!

As much as things evolved this year, we’re constantly updating our business to adapt to a shifting pet care industry. By keeping up with new trends and practices, we’re better positioned to accommodate both our clients and our team members alike.

In this spirit, here are a few more changes and updates that are coming for Pet and Home Care in 2023.

RATE INCREASES ON JANUARY 3

OK, we get it: we can hear you screaming “NOOOOOO!” through your screen. No one likes paying more, but we had to make this difficult decision for two major reasons:

1. Our team is bigger than ever.
2. They’re staying with the company longer.

Both of these trends are welcome developments for our clients who rely on our staff’s invaluable experience and their familiarity with your pets. They also mean well-deserved raises and promotions and more benefits to administer. In the end, both our clients and our company are better served by long-tenured, well-compensated, and happy team members!

We did everything we could to minimize rate increases for 2023 — which will officially go into effect on January 3 after the New Year’s holiday — and we took lengths to make sure we’re still competitive with other local pet care companies, without having to implement additional increases anytime soon.

Check out the menu laying out the new prices for our most popular services:

We recognize that many of our clients have already booked services in 2023. If an invoice has already been generated for these services, we will honor those existing rates. We will also honor existing rates for any 2023 bookings made before the end of this year. So if you know you need care in January and beyond, we encourage you to book your services before the New Year and save!

If you are a client with daily or weekly recurring visits we will honor our existing rates through the middle of February 2023. The exact date will vary by each recurring client’s invoicing schedule.

PET AND HOME CARE POLICY CHANGES

As Pet and Home Care continues to grow, we’re constantly evaluating our existing policies. Some policies that once made sense a few years ago — or even this time last year – don’t make sense now. After our most recent review, here our some new policies that Pet and Home Care is implementing for 2023:

Free Meet-and-Greets

We know how important it is for our clients to feel good about the people they allow into their homes to provide care for their pets. Pet and Home Care is finally in a place where we no longer need to charge for meet-and-greets, so all new clients will be able to meet with their primary sitters at no additional cost before their services start!

Simplifying and Reducing ‘Extra Pet’ Fees for In-Home Visits

A lot of clients have given us feedback that our pricing structure for extra pets was too confusing, so we made changes and updated the policy to clear things up:

• All our base prices will now reflect service for the FIRST PET ONLY, no matter what type of pet it is.
• If additional dogs or cats require servicing in the same visit we will charge an extra $4 per pet, starting on January 3. This will be a decrease from our existing extra pet fee of $5 (YAY!).
• Care for additional exotic pets (including but not limited to small caged mammals, birds, fish, lizards, snakes, farm animals, etc.) will be charged at custom rates established with our office managers. Please contact us at care@petandhomecare.com to discuss these custom rates.

Updated Late-Booking Policy

We’re always happy to accommodate last-minute bookings made within 24 hours of needed service, but we are increasing our late-booking fee to $15 for standard in-home visits and daycare, and $25 for last-minute overnights and boarding requests. Of course, the best way to avoid these fees is to book your care well in advance (or at least more than 24 hours before your requested service).

New Cancellation Policy

Up until now, we’ve maintained a lenient cancellation policy where clients could cancel services up to 12 hours ahead of time with no penalty. But in the last year we found that the existing policy would regularly throw our schedule into turmoil, affecting services for other clients. So starting in 2023, we are extending our cancellation policy to a minimum of 24 hours before the start of any scheduled services to avoid any penalties.

Of course, we know that some last-minute cancellations are the result of forces out of a client’s control and we will consider account credits in lieu of penalties on a case-by-case basis.

One More Holiday on Black Friday

We updated our holiday calendar earlier this year to include all major holidays and their federally observed dates. In 2023, we’re adding the day after Thanksgiving (Black Friday) to the mix. There are no changes to the additional 30% fee on all designated holidays.

OTHER CHANGES

Here’s a sneak peak at all the other fun stuff we have up our sleeve for the coming year…

Yummy Treats at the Resort!

Don’t have time to pack a doggie snack pack? Or maybe you think your daycare or boarding pup deserves an extra treat for being a good boy or girl? Well, we have your tail covered!

The Pet and Home Care Dog Resort is thrilled to introduce a new menu of healthy treats available as delicious add-ons to your pup’s daycare or boarding stay! We call it our Doggone Good Barkery Treats & Eats!

Starting in January 2023, we’re rolling out our menu of delicious treats from puppy ice cream, to veggie bowls and meal toppings, to other seasonal offerings and calming CBD add-ons. We’re really excited about this delicious new addition to the resort, so be on the lookout for more information coming soon!

Brand New Website!

We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to roll out a new PetAndHomeCare.com that’s cleaner and easier to navigate. Our goal is to make it simpler to learn about our services, rates, and the team members that care for your pets. Target date to launch the new site is mid-January 2023.

If you’d like to learn more about the most updated pricing and policies at Pet and Home Care, please reach out to us through our app or at care@petandhomecare.com.

Pet and Home Care, Maryland’s biggest and longest running pet care provider, has officially rolled out a new client software platform that promises to simplify and expand on its award-winning customer service.

The platform, developed by PHC’s partners at Time To Pet, is recognized as the leading customer service technology in the pet care industry. It streamlines the booking, servicing, and account management process so both customers and PHC team members can spend more time caring for the pets they love!

Here are just a few of the software’s helpful features:

• A dedicated app for both Apple and Android devices
• Simplified process to book new services
• Intuitive interface to manage accounts
• Mobile push notifications so you never miss an update on your services
• New communication options, including in-app chat and texting

New clients can sign up for an account and start booking service HERE.

Existing Pet and Home Care clients can easily access their accounts and manage services through the online portal. But for the best experience, all customers are encouraged to download and use the Time To Pet app on their mobile devices:

Download the Time To Pet App for ANDROID Devices

Download the Time To Pet App for APPLE Devices

Both the app and portal are designed for easy and intuitive use. But users with specific questions can turn to either Time to Pet’s mobile app help page or its online portal help page. New users may also prefer to watch Time To Pet’s video tutorial.

Access Pet and Home Care’s easy-to-use platform and book your upcoming pet care now!

Today is National Dog Biscuit Day! Not that you need another excuse to spoil your favorite fur babies, but today’s an especially great day to indulge them with their favorite treats!

We suggest doing something extra nice by cooking up fresh dog biscuits from scratch. Try this yummy recipe and let your pups know you truly care, from your oven to their bellies! And if your dog goes ga-ga over these treats, feel free to make them a regular staple in your kitchen any time of the year!

INGREDIENTS

• 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 2 large eggs
• 2 1/2 – 3 cups whole wheat flour
  

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat; set aside.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat pumpkin puree, peanut butter and eggs on medium-high until well combined, about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups flour at low speed, beating just until incorporated. Add an additional 1/4 cup flour at a time just until the dough is no longer sticky.
3. Working on a lightly floured surface, knead the dough 3-4 times until it comes together. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Using cookie cutters, cut out desired shapes and place onto the prepared baking sheet.
4. Place into the oven and bake until the edges are golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.*
5. Let cool completely.
6. Fill the bellies of your favorite furry friends!

What started as an after-school gig back in the late-90s is now a thriving pet care business that services thousands of clients in Maryland and DC. So what’s the secret to Pet and Home Care’s success? Here are six things that even the most loyal long-time customers may not know about Pet and Home Care.

Signs Your Pet is in Pain (And What to Do About it)

September is Animal Pain Awareness Month. If you’re the parent to a fur baby, you know that your pets feel pain just like you and I do. According to the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) “the proclamation of the month is in keeping with IVAPM’s commitment to encouraging pain management for all animal species through education and advocacy.” Here are some signs your pet may be in pain and what you can do to help them!

• Heavy Breathing – It is absolutely normal for your dog to pant or breathe heavily after exertion. However, continued heavy panting is a sign of respiratory distress and should be monitored.

• Vocalizations (growling, whining, whimpering, hissing, crying) – You mean you don’t speak cat? Vocalizations are the ways your pet communicates their needs, wants, and fears. More often than not, whining, crying, and hissing are signs something is wrong.

• Excessive Grooming, usually localized – Regular grooming is required for your furry loved one but when your pet is excessively grooming themselves, it can be a sign of a stress-related disorder like OCD.

• Sudden, Unexplained Aggression – Sudden aggression is a common cause of pain in pet’s, especially dogs. Consider it their way of protecting themselves.

• Difficulty Getting Around – Old age is not a disease. If you see your pet limping or moving slower than usual, it could mean that something hurts when they move. Don’t dismiss it as they’re just getting older.

Take some time this month and monitor your pets behaviors, watching if they’re displaying any of these signs of pain. If your pet is frequently showing any of these signs of distress, don’t make assumptions. Most importantly, if they are, be sure to advocate on their behalf and take them to your local vet. See our August blog if you need local recommendations.

From Clarksburg to Chevy Chase, we have your tail covered!

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The BEST Veterinarians in Maryland

August is National Immunization Awareness Month! Taking your pet to regular check-ups can be a lot of fun if you have the right vet. Here are the local vets we’ve come to know and trust most from Clarksburg to Chevy Chase.

• Seven Locks Animal Hospital have been serving pets in the Potomac community for over 30 years. Their clients boast that they’re the best vets in Maryland! Dr. Popa takes a special interest in your pets, big or small, and ensures your questions are answered and concerns addressed. He even volunteers his time and resources to support programs that train guide dogs for the blind.

• Clarksburg has many 5 star rated veterinary practices but none quite like Clarksburg Animal Hospital. Known for longer appointments – up to 30 minutes! – their goal is to get to know you and educate you about your pet’s needs. It’s easy to make an appointment and their office is efficient. Their client’s boast that the customer service and pet care they receive are nothing short of PERFECT! If you’re looking for customized care for your furry loved one, check them out. https://www.clarksburganimalhospital.com/

• Pet parents will travel from Germantown to Frederick for their beloved pets to visit Kingsbrook Animal Hospital. While they care for dogs and cats, they are known to have rabbit savvy vets as well! Providing care for exotic pets like hedgehogs, ferrets, and reptiles is very important at Kingsbrook. Their staff is patient, kind, compassionate and overall amazing. They are a staple in the community often donating time and resources to local shelters and rescue groups. https://kingsbrookvet.com/

• Known for handling 80lb dogs with precision, there’s no better place to take your fur baby than Flower Valley Veterinary Clinic. When you visit them, it feels like home. So much so, that many of their clients have called the clinic home for over 20 years. You can be sure your pet will receive the very best care at each and every visit. If you’re still unsure, you can schedule a special tour of the facility to ensure it fits the needs of you and your fur baby. https://flowervalleyvet.com/

Was your favorite vet or clinic listed? We’d love to hear about your experiences. If not, comment below and let us know where your pet gets medical care. Don’t wait for an emergency before locating your local vet, clinic, or hospital.

From Clarksburg to Chevy Chase, we have your tail covered!

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Top 5 Ways for Maryland Pet Parents To Beat the Heat

For many, the heat during the summer can be unbearable. Depending on where you live it may be difficult to avoid the humidity and summer storms causing power outages. Pets and people both need to cool off during the summer month. You can do so much more than just sit in the air conditioning. Here are some fun activities that you can try with your pet!

Do you have a dog? Try these cool (pun intended) activities with your fur baby

• Kiddie Pools: They will enjoy it for the same reasons your human kids do!
• Frozen Dog Toys: Freeze their favorite toy and help them have fun and stay cool!
• Watermelon & Pupsicles: Can you say yum?! Be sure to remove the seeds and avoid the rind.

Don’t worry, cats can enjoy cool fun activities too! Try these with your cuddly cat.

• Cat Fountain: Cats need adequate hydration and a fountain can help encourage them. Look for ones that provide a steady flow of clean filtered water all day long.
• Frozen Cat Treats: Freeze some cat treats in an ice cube; frozen tuna snacks, frozen cat food, and even plain ice!

Fun is not limited to your four legged pets.

• Frozen Water Bottle for Rabbits: Take a regular plastic water bottle and throw it in the freezer. It will keep the area your rabbit is in, nice and cool.
• Kiddie Pools for Mini Pigs: This will be just the right size for your pig to enjoy a swim.
• Cool Water for Reptiles & Amphibians: If you’re using tap or well water, don’t forget to treat the water first for your reptiles and amphibians.

There’s no excuse to be stuck inside during the summer. Here are the essentials; water, shade, and something fun to do is all your pet needs to enjoy the sun. There’s nothing you can do about a power outage but keep these things handy and you’ll be prepared for the worst of the heat. In the meantime, grab something to keep you and your pet cool and head outside to enjoy the sun!

From Clarksburg to Chevy Chase, we have your tail covered!

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What to Tell Your Pet Sitter BEFORE You Head Out of Town

So you’re headed out of town and can’t take your beloved pet with you. But, you did the responsible thing; you hired a pet sitter!

It’s normal to be anxious before leaving your pet at home for a vacation. Be sure to tell your pet sitter these things, so that they can take purrfect care of the pet you love!

1 – How They Should Enter Your Home. In order for the sitter to tend to your pet, they will need to get inside. If you have a smart door lock, be sure that you give them the code. If you have a traditional lock, arrange for them to get the key or tell them where you plan to leave it for them. Don’t forget the code to your alarm system.

2- Your Pet’s Medical History. If your pet requires medication or has a recurring or chronic condition, be sure to let your pet sitter know. You should also provide details on the pets medication and possible side effects.

3 – Your Pet’s Behavioral History. No one pet is the same. It’s important that your sitter is able to identify what’s normal and uncommon for your fur baby. Is your cat normally aggressive when it’s hungry or will your dog whimper when it’s tired? These are things your sitter should be made aware of and not have to assume.

4 – The Details of Their Mealtime Routine. What time does your pet like to eat? Does it like the small bowl for breakfast but the bigger bowl for dinner? Dry or wet food? Don’t forget to let them know these details to guarantee a smooth mealtime.

5 – Your Pet’s Bedtime Routine. Some pets have their own sleeping quarters and some sleep with their pet parents. There are even some pets that like a belly rub before having sweet dreams. If your pet should be outside at night or in a particular room, give these details to your pet sitter.

6 – The Location of Supplies. Where do you store the pet food, pee pads, medications, and toys? Your pet sitter shouldn’t have to search your home for pet essentials or the things that keep your pet entertained.

7 – Emergency Information. Emergencies can happen at any time and you don’t want your sitter to have to figure it out on their own or do something that goes against your wishes. Provide the vet’s number and any relative or friend they should notify if you’re unreachable. Ensure the sitter knows and understands your wishes if something were to happen to your pet.

These are just a few things to keep in mind when you’re headed out of town and a pet sitter will be taking care of your furry loved ones. Do your best to share the details of what makes and keeps your pet happy!

From Clarksburg to Chevy Chase, we have your tail covered!

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