How Much Do Alaskan Malamutes Cost?

The Alaskan Malamute is a large dog that was originally bred as an Alaskan sled dog, making it one of the oldest Arctic sled dogs on the market.  Very similar to a Siberian Husky in terms of looks, the Alaskan Malamute tends to be very timid, loyal and very loving.  The cost of an Alaskan Malamute will mostly depend on the age of the dog, the breeder, its bloodline, colors, the quality and inclusions with the adoption.
IMG_1774 by shotofwhiskey, on Flickr

How much does an Alaskan malamute cost?

On average, an Alaskan Malamute can cost anywhere from $400 for a puppy without paperwork to as much as $2,500 from an AKC registered breeder. 

At the time of this writing, for instance, PuppyFind.com, a popular online dog classified website, has close to 250 listings, with prices ranging from $650 to as much as $1,800 for a limited AKC registered puppy.  Those who would want a full registration could pay $2,100 to $2,500.  Most breeders, from at least what we saw, they would include registration paperwork, up-to-date vaccinations, a vet exam, health guarantee and pedigree paperwork.

Researching the official AKC Marketplace, we had found listings ranging from as little as $800 to $1,800 for partial registration.

What is going to be included in the adoption fee?

Most breeders will have each of their puppies up to date with current vaccinations and health-related paperwork, showing everything that has been done at a local licensed vet clinic.  Aside from this, a reputable breeder should also include a written health guarantee, a microchip, spay/neuter and/or a travel crate if it were to be shipped.

What are the extra costs?

If the dog has to be shipped across the United States, airline fees can start at $150 and be as high as $400, depending on the distance traveled.

Recurring costs need to be factored in, as with any pet, such as a food, accessories, shelter, and routine/surprise vet visits.  A healthy dog owner should be prepared, at a minimum, to spend $600 to $900 per year to take care of their dog.  If a problem were to persist and your dog required surgery and/or lengthy treatments, the costs could be much more.

Even though they are considered to be highly intelligent, they can be stubborn at times, and because of this, they will require training at a younger age, just like any other dog breed.  At a minimum, they should learn the basics such as sit, lay down and stay.  You should also teach your dog the basics of crate training if your dog needs to stay in a confined environment while away.

The dog does require a good brushing a few times per week and is considered to be a very heavy shedder.  If you don’t have the time to groom your dog weekly, it’s highly advised you take your dog in for monthly grooming sessions to keep its coat clean and healthy.

Breeding rights, if available, can often cost another $700 to $1,000.

Tips to know:

This breed is known to have hip and elbow problems, and to prove the dog doesn’t have the chance of these problems, they may offer an OFA certification.  This type of certification will take a close look at the puppy’s relatives to see if any problems existed.

The Alaskan Malamute can grow up to 85 pounds and can stand as tall as 25 inches.  Its coat tends to be a double-coat, similar to many huskies, coming in common colors such as black, gray, or sable.  The top coat will be thick and coarse, protecting it from all sorts of weather, while beneath the coat will be a softer and dense oily coat.

Its temperament is known to be highly intellligent, friendly and can often be a very calm dog when trained right.  With this friendly temperament, don’t expect this dog to be a great watch dog.

When healthy, the lifespan can range from 10 to 14 years.

The Alaskan Malamute is known to be very energetic, active, and because of this, they will require a lot of space to roam throughout the day.

Separation anxiety is very common if the dog is left alone for prolonged periods of time.

How can I save money?

Check out a local rescue group or even the Humane Society.  While you may not be able to find this breed, you could find a puppy that closely resembles the look.  Adopting is a great way to offer a dog a forever home; plus, the costs will be much less when compared to working with a breeder.

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What Does a Pet Sitter and Dog Walker Do?

TimeToPet-Academy-What-Does-A-Pet-Sitter-Do

What professional dog walkers and pet sitters do

You probably already have a pretty good idea of what dog walkers and pet sitters do. A dog walker walks dogs, and a pet sitter is like a babysitter for pets. Easy enough, right? While both of those statements are true—that’s only the tip of the iceberg! There is a lot more involved behind the scenes than just the time you will spend caring for pets.

Pet safety and wellbeing:

No matter what type of service you are providing or what kind of pet your client has, the most important thing is to make sure that pet is well taken care of. You are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of any pet that is in your care. Clients are trusting you with their beloved companions—and this is not a responsibility to take lightly. Make sure you have all the necessary tools and knowledge to provide the best care possible. This includes being knowledgeable about pet behaviors and learning pet first aid. We have a lot more great information in our blog post on Pet First Aid for Dog Walkers and Pet Sitters.

Be professional:

There is a big difference between hiring a professional dog walker and paying the kid down the street $10 to walk your dog after school. A pet care professional is appropriately insured and bonded. You can find more detailed information on insurance in our Academy lesson on Pet Sitting Insurance. You will also need a Service Agreement with your clients that outlines what is expected from both parties.

Being a professional means that you are responsible for creating and keeping schedules. This involves coordinating many schedules at the same time as your business grows and you have multiple employees. As the owner of the company, you are ultimately responsible for making sure that every service is completed.

For dog walks, make sure they are completed at the scheduled time and for the agreed-upon duration. Pet sitters provide care for all types of pets. It can be done as a pop-in visit, overnight stay, or a stay at the pet sitters home. They ensure that pets are well taken care of—fed, given water, bathroom breaks, and anything else a pet might need.

Other responsibilities include:

  • Meeting with clients — you are the face of the company, so it’s essential to make a good impression. See our article on Mastering the Meet and Greet for more information.
  • Key management — keeping track of a couple of keys in easy, but once you have a hundred clients, you’ll need a system!
  • Going to customers’ homes and sometimes providing additional services like taking in the mail or watering plants
  • Invoicing and receiving payments — you’ll be delighted you have pet sitting software once it comes time to invoice and receive payments.

Other considerations for dog walkers and pet sitters:

While taking care of pets can be a dream job, it can also be challenging. As a dog walker or pet sitter, you will have a constantly changing schedule and work environment. On any given day, you might be out in the field, visiting clients’ homes and walking dogs in a variety of locations. You will be dealing with a variety of different pet personalities and needs.

You also have to consider that being a professional dog walker or pet sitter involves being available and reliable. This means working rain or shine, and often on holidays—usually the busiest times of the year for pet sitters.

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What Services Do Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers Offer?

TimeToPet-Academy-What-Services-To-Offer

Start Simple

Deciding which services you will offer is an essential part of starting and growing your dog walking or pet sitting business. It really comes down to what type of animals you want to care for and what resources you have available. Do you want only to walk dogs? Can you do overnight stays at a client’s home?

You can always add more services later. Focus on being the best you can at what you offer. We recommend keeping services as simple as possible. It can be easy to go overboard and offer dozens of types of services like cat sitting, dog walking, pet sitting, evening sitting, early morning walks, etc.

In reality, most of these services are probably very similar and have the same price point as well. Instead of offering tons of separate services, it’s easier to offer just a handful of services based on the duration of the event. There are just way too many inconsistencies when charging per task instead of by a certain amount of time.

For example—you may have a 15-minute visit, a 30-minute visit, and a 60-minute visit. Each visit can be the same for cats, dogs, walks, birds, morning, night, etc. Even though you may be doing different things at each event, you are still spending the same amount of your time. This makes the process much more straightforward when customers are requesting services—and more uncomplicated for you as well.

Keep your rates consistent and straightforward. In many cases, there is no need to add an extra dollar for giving oral medications, changing litter boxes, watering plants, or bringing in the mail. These additional services can all fall under the designated time of the visit. If a pet needs extra attention (or the visit requires more time for other services), then the visit should be for a longer duration.

One of the first things most people do when searching for a new pet sitter or dog walker is look at their prices. Make sure your prices are clearly stated on your website and are easy to understand. You will be more reliable, and clients will know what to expect, which leads to fewer misunderstandings about rates. If you are interested in finding out more information about how to set your rates, take a look at our blog post, The Ultimate Guide to Setting Your Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Rates. You can also use our Free Rate Calculator Tools to help determine rates!

It’s always better to keep it simple, but here are some ideas for services to offer:

  • Dog walking
  • Dog running
  • Dog hiking
  • Dog park visits
  • Training
  • Pet sitting for any animal type or time duration
  • Overnight stays
  • Emergency visits
  • Medications and/or vitamins administered as needed
  • Cat litter cleaned
  • Plants watered (indoor and outdoor)
  • Mail and newspaper collected
  • Pet waste clean up
  • House and home security checks
  • Individualized, Customized Dog (and cat) Exercise Programs
  • Pet food pick up and delivery
  • Pet taxi
  • Pet wedding attendant
  • And much more.
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8 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Getting a Family Pet

They’ve been pleading, begging and bargaining…for a furry friend! And honestly, who wouldn’t want to add more love to their family? Pets are beloved companions for a reason. Being in the presence of animals has been shown to relieve stress (and add joy!), as they quickly become like a member of the family! It is a big decision, though, since dogs and cats can live for ten years or more years, with added responsibilities to take care of your new best friend. Still on the fence and trying to decide whether or not to go for it? Here is a list of eight questions to ask yourself before getting a family pet that just may help you decide.

1. What Type of Pet Should You Get?

 

Cat, dog, hamster…lizard—did you grow up with a cat, dog or other? Your answer may help inform your choice: picking an animal that you are already comfortable cohabitating with. If you’re still not sure, think about your family’s lifestyle. Are you super active? Maybe a dog! Are you traveling often or prefer more lap snuggles? Maybe a cat. Or snake? Decisions, decisions.

 

2. Where Should You Get a Pet?

 

You can’t go wrong with adopting from the shelter! Chances are, there is a local animal shelter or two near you. They have lots of cats and dogs to choose from: Large, medium and small breeds, pure breeds and mixes, puppies and adult dogs (already potty-trained, bonus!), cats and kittens of all kinds. A good deal of the people working in animal shelters are volunteers and very pet-savvy. They can help you pick the purrfect pet that fits your family’s personality and preference.

 

3. Will Your New Pet Be Safe Around Your Kids?

 

Yet another reason we love shelter adoptions: The shelter caregivers tend to know their animals very well, from history to how they currently interact with people and other pets. Ask which pets have experience with younger kids or families. Like any new friends, once you take a new pet home, be sure to supervise any interactions as your baby and new fur baby slowly get to know each other—just watch that animal-human bond grow!

 

4. What Responsibilities Will The Kids Have?

 

It’s a good idea to make this clear before choosing your new bestie: Caring for a pet is a team effort. It’s also a great way to encourage responsibility and time-management skills in your kids. Like us, animals thrive on a routine; eating, going for walks, sleeping and yes, going “potty” around the same time every day. For younger kids, making sure their pet has food and water is an excellent way to involve them. Older kids can help with walks and clean-up. We promise the rewards of having a pet, and the love you get back, will be well worth the effort!

 

5. How Will Having a Pet Change Your Day-to-Day Routine?

 

See the answer to question four. Pets need care, so setting up an “eat, walk, potty” schedule is crucial. Puppies are adorable but potty training, much like with a child, can be a challenge. If you’re not up for that, try an older dog or cat! They still have so much love to give and lots of fun to share with your family. Also, if you travel often or work long hours away from home, remember you will need a pet sitter or kennel drop-off (or just a really good friend to hold the leash while you’re gone, who loves your pet as much as you do!).

 

6. Are You Prepared for The Extra Cost?

 

Caring for a pet can add up. This is another reason why we love shelter adoption. Not only are you saving an animal in need but you only pay a small fee to adopt rather than a large sum to a breeder, which can be upwards of a thousand dollars. A dog or cat will need food, vet visits, spay or neutering, grooming (nail trims and baths…) and health care throughout their lives, so keep that in mind. You may also want to check out Pet Insurance. It’s very affordable and can help in case your pet falls ill or is injured.

 

7. How Do You Feel About Pet Hair (Everywhere)?

 

You get a new pet and before you know it, you’re covered in pet hair 24/7. There are plenty of great pet-hair removing vacuums out there which you may want to consider, also the old school tape roll on a stick (hey, it works!). If you experience any allergy symptoms from pet fur, consider getting an allergy-friendly breed. Some dogs have fur, which sheds and some have hair, which grows out and needs to be trimmed from time to time. The latter tends to be more hypo-allergenic but be sure to check with your doctor and ask your local shelter helper!

 

8. What’s Your Care Plan When You’re Away?

 

If you are home all day, you’re set for snuggles! If not, you may need to hire a pet walker or pet sitter. Dogs and cats can certainly be on their own for a while but need bathroom breaks and play, just like us. There are even doggy daycares if you need more full-day work coverage. And hey, pets need to socialize, too, so it’s a win-win!

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Questions to ask before hiring a pet sitter

You love your pets and want the best care for them. You also want to be there for them, but that’s not always possible. Your next best choice is to hire a pet sitter who will give your pet as much love and attention as you do. Choosing a reliable, caring pet sitter isn’t difficult, especially if you know what to ask. Here are five key questions to ask a pet sitter.

5 questions to ask a pet sitter

1. Why do you enjoy being a pet sitter?

This open-ended question gets the conversation flowing between you and the candidate. By listening to how they talk about animals, you can quickly get a feel for their personality and decide if they’re a good match. Based on their answers, determine whether the sitter enjoys caring for animals or views it as a way to earn money.

2. What is your pet sitting experience?

It’s essential to ask how long they’ve been caring for animals. You want to ensure you’re hiring someone responsible and trained to handle your pet in any emergency. Find out if the candidate has any professional training with animals, such as a vet tech or groomer.

3. What services do you provide?

Let the pet sitter know what services you’re expecting and any specific needs your pet has. For example, some sitters offer both house and pet sitting services, while others will only watch pets in their own homes. Some sitters may not feel comfortable taking care of multiple pets in your home.

Before meeting with the candidate, consider these questions to ask a dog or cat sitter:

  1. Can you follow a daily feeding schedule?
  2. If needed, can you provide around-the-clock care?
  3. Will the sitter be able to handle both cats and dogs?
  4. How much exercise will your pet require each day?
  5. Will the sitter feel comfortable caring for pets with unique health and dietary needs?
  6. Do they have experience giving medication and shots?
  7. Has the sitter previously cared for your specific breed or older pets?

4. What are your fees, and do I need to sign a contract?

Ask the sitter upfront about their fees and if they require that you sign a contract. Before signing a contract and agreeing to their fees, ensure you clearly understand their rates — do they charge hourly or daily? Also, be very clear about your expectations regarding duties and responsibilities.

5. Can you provide a list of past clients?

Ask previous clients about their personal experiences before hiring a pet sitter. Consider what questions to ask a pet sitter’s references. You can ask if they were pleased with the sitter’s services and if they would hire the sitter again to watch their pet. It may also be important to ask if the pet requires any medical attention while in the sitter’s care.

Before you start setting up interviews with potential pet sitters, it makes sense to create a pet sitting checklist, so you’ll be fully prepared when choosing the best fit for your pet. Loving your pet means keeping them protected as best you can. Learn about pet insurance and how pet insurance works.

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How to choose a reliable pet sitter

Leaving your beloved companion home while you’re at work or travelling is hard enough; finding a trustworthy pet sitter shouldn’t be. Faced with hectic schedules and long commutes—or even a pet who’s dealing with separation anxiety—more people are hiring professional sitters to ensure their animals’ health and happiness. But there’s a lot to consider when choosing a sitter.

Not only are they caring for valued family members, they’re coming into your home. They should be trustworthy, professional, knowledgeable and able to handle emergencies. And your pet should feel comfortable around them.

Here are some tips to help find that perfect sitter!

Start online

The internet (including neighborhood and community websites) is a great place to start. Professional pet-sitting associations such as the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters and Pet Sitters International list members on their websites. Reading online reviews and even checking out candidates’ Facebook pages can help narrow down your search.

Seek firsthand recommendations

Check the bulletin boards at local stores or your veterinarian’s office for ads, then reach out to potential sitters for their references. You can also ask friends, relatives and neighbors for referrals. Or connect with your veterinarian and local humane societies, which may have employees who are part-time pet sitters. Just keep in mind that people with full-time jobs may not have the availability you need.

Prepare for the interview

Take some time to think through what you want to ask candidates before interviewing them via phone or video chat. Don’t be afraid to have a long conversation; you can get a good sense of someone’s personality and character that way. Here are some topics to consider:

THE BASICS

Find out how long they’ve been in business, what their level of experience is with your pets’ species and what their backup plan is if something prevents them from coming to your house.

FEES

There’s no point in moving forward if you can’t afford their services. At the same time, don’t just go with the cheapest rate; you want a qualified professional.

SERVICES

Ask what specific services they offer—are they comfortable administering medications? Do they have special training or certifications? Are they bonded and insured (which could protect you in certain situations, such as if your dog bites another person while on a walk with the sitter)?

It can also be helpful to pose one or two emergency scenarios to see how candidates respond: What would they do if the air conditioning breaks on a hot day or your pet starts vomiting?

Get ready for the meet-and-greet

Before you book a pet-sitting date, you and your pets should meet the candidate. This will allow you to get to know the person better, flesh out special instructions and observe how they interact with your animal. You may even want to ask a candidate to do a trial walk to see how they handle your dog.

Don’t forget to ask for credentials such as references and copies of their bonding and license. You might also want to get a criminal background check.

Accept that it might not work out

The best screening in the world may not prevent you from hiring the wrong person. But you can take some simple steps to help determine whether the person is doing their job.

For example:

  • Ask your sitter to leave notes about each visit or share photos with you via text or email.
  • If you have a doorbell camera, check whether your sitter comes at the agreed-upon times.
  • Get a GPS for your dog’s collar to ensure they’re being walked every day.

Still not sure whether your sitter is up to snuff?

Here are some potential red flags to look for:

  • Pee puddles, feces or vomit in the house.
  • Untouched treats or toys you’ve left for the sitter to give to your pet during a visit.
  • Failure to provide detailed reports of your pet’s behavior.

While it’s good to be cautious when starting with someone new, keep in mind that most people who choose pet-sitting as a career are animal lovers. Over time, a sitter can become a trusted friend to you and your pet!

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3 Reasons Your Local Professional Pet Sitter is Your Best Pet-Care Option

3 Reasons Your Local Professional Pet Sitter is Your Best Pet-Care Option

While this event likely makes you think of local boutiques, neighborhood restaurants or independently-owned jewelry or home décor shops, there’s another business you shouldn’t overlook when you focus on shopping local—your local professional pet-sitting business.

 

While the growing need for pet-care services has prompted many tech companies and venture capitalists to enter the industry in recent years and launch large pet-sitter directories, don’t let the click and select convenience of the online sites and apps overshadow the benefits of selecting and supporting a local professional pet-sitting business established in your community.

While some apps and sites offer on-demand pet sits and dog walks, there are many advantages to taking the time to seek out—and book—the services of a local professional pet-sitting business:

  1. You are able to avoid the middle man. When you use your local professional pet-sitting business, you are able to contact the pet-sitting business owner directly and book your services through him or her. You also handle payment directly through the business (versus a third-party site) so this gives you more flexibility in payment options, depending upon the pet sitter’s policies.
  2. Your pet-care provider will have insurance customized to his or her specific business needs. While some online pet-sitter directories may provide insurance for pet-sitting visits booked through the site, using a local professional pet-sitting business—that maintains its own pet-sitter insurance—allows you to confirm that the pet sitter has insurance specific to his or her business and the services offered.  It’s important to note that the insurance coverage offered by some of the pet-sitter directory sites and apps require a large deductible to be paid by the pet owner should an issue occur.  When using your local professional pet sitter, you are able to ask for proof of insurance and confirm that the business has an insurance policy that is customized for pet sitting. This ensures that your pet (and home) are covered should an accident occur during the pet-sitting assignment.
  3. You put more money into your local economy.  While apps and online pet-sitter booking sites may offer a convenient online payment option, most sites and apps keep a portion of the payment, with pet sitters able to keep only around 80 percent of what the client pays. Working directly with a local professional pet-sitting business allows you to fully contribute to your local economy, with your entire payment for pet-sitting fees going to a local business owner—who in turn, is likely supporting other local businesses. It’s a win-win!

Take the time to “shop local” for your pet-care needs.

With more pet-care options than ever before, it’s more important than ever that pet owners devote time for their search to find the perfect professional pet sitter for their pets. The peace of mind that comes from using a professional pet-sitting business that is insured, bonded and can offer proof of a clear criminal history is priceless.  Plus, seeking out the services of a local professional pet-sitting business ensures you are utilizing the services of a local professional that is rooted in your community, involved in local pet-related efforts and is contributing to your local economy.

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5 Tips for Choosing the Right Pet Sitter

Two dogs standing on a dockHiring a professional pet sitter can be a great option. Some dogs don’t do well in a busy boarding kennel environment. They might not get along well with other dogs, or they might get too stressed out from all the barking. For those dogs, hiring a professional pet sitter allows them to stay in the comfort of their own home while receiving plenty of one-on-one attention and exercise.

But how do you go about finding the right pet sitter? Here are five tips.

Choosing the Right Pet Sitter

1. Plan ahead so you don’t feel rushed.

The last thing you want to do is head out of town feeling uneasy about the pet sitter you hired at the last minute. Make sure to give yourself at least a month to start finding the right sitter. You could start by looking at a few of the local pet sitter’s web sites. Read their About pages to see who might be a good match for your unique pets. Look for a testimonials page and search for reviews on Google + or Yelp.

It’s also important to find someone who will meet your pet’s unique needs. For example, if you have a high-energy dog you definitely want to hire a pet sitter who is in good shape. Some pet sitters will consider a “walk” a five-minute stroll around the block. Others will take the dogs on some serious power walks or running sessions. As another example, maybe your cat requires medication at specific times every day. You’ll definitely want to find a pet sitter who is comfortable giving medication to cats.

2. Set up a meet and greet.

It’s a common procedure for sitters to set up a meet and greet with each potential new client. This is your opportunity to ask questions and get to know the person. Ask about her experience such as how long she has been offering pet sitting. The pet sitter will most likely have some forms for you to fill out at this time, but don’t feel like you have to commit to this particular pet sitter quite yet. If you want to take some time to think about it and meet another sitter or two, that would be OK. It’s great if there are a few options in your area.

3. Watch how the person interacts with your dog or cat.

When you meet the pet sitter, does he seem like he likes dogs and cats? Is he down on the ground interacting with your dog? Does he seem to have the right energy? Some dogs may need someone with a calming energy, while others do better with a more upbeat person.

You could also ask the pet sitter to take your dog for a short walk while you go along. Just say something such as, “Hey, sometimes Lucy is a little nervous around strangers. Could we take her for a five-minute walk and see how she does with you?” This will give you an opportunity to watch how the pet sitter handles your dog, especially if you have a big, strong dog and are at all worried about your dog getting away. This is also the perfect time to point out specific routes you might take or to ask questions about the pet sitter’s training techniques. If your dog wears a specific type of training collar, make sure the pet sitter knows how to use it.

4. Ask if he or she is insured.

All professional pet sitters should carry pet sitting insurance. Don’t bother hiring someone who does not.

5. Ask for references.

If it makes you feel better to hear from a few others who have hired this pet sitter, it’s OK to ask. All pet sitters should be able to provide references upon request.

Additional safety tips: Make sure the pet sitter has emergency numbers for your pet’s veterinarian before you leave town. Also make sure your dogs and cats are wearing pet ID tags. You just never know when they could slip out the door, and that would be extra stressful if you are out of town. Make it easy for your pets to get home.

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The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Pet Sitter

The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Pet Sitter

Whether it’s for the evening out or a two-week vacation, leaving your dog can be a stressful experience. There are many options for making sure your dog is taken care of when you aren’t able to – you can ask friends and family, browse apps, hire a pet sitter or take your dog to a kennel – but knowing which one is right for you and your dog is not always easy. In this article, we have outlined why we believe that hiring a professional pet sitter for your dog is the closest you can come to being there yourself.

What Makes Pet Sitting So Great?

There are many benefits to hiring a professional pet sitter to take care of your dog when you’re away. More and more pet owners on leaning towards convenient in-home pet care thanks to the following benefits:

Pets Stay At Home: The first and most evident advantage is that your dog can stay in his own home and can stick to his own routine. Depending on his character, your dog might find boarding in a kennel to be very stressful, and hiring a pet sitter can substantially diminish these negative feelings. It’s much easier to relax on vacation when you know that your dog isn’t stressed and nervous the whole time!

Customizable Service: A professional pet sitter can also work with you to determine the service level that would best suit your dog. If your dog only requires a few walks per day, or if he is more comfortable having someone stay overnight, the pet sitter can tailor their services to you and your dog’s needs.

One-on-One Attention: Another benefit is that your dog is guaranteed one-on-one time from the pet sitter. They are not juggling many dogs at one time; the time being spent with your dog is focused and personal.

Flexibility: You can hire your pet sitter regardless of the reason – if you’re having a busy work week, your pet sitter can come by in the afternoon to give your dog a walk, and if you’re going out of town for a few weeks, you can rely on them to ensure your pup is well taken care of.

Pet Health: Your dog’s health and safety won’t be put at risk. He won’t be exposed to other dogs with potential illnesses and if something does go wrong, your pet sitter will notice immediately and be able to contact your vet right away.

It’s convenient! When you hire a professional pet sitter, you don’t have to worry about transporting your dog to a facility, dropping him off and picking him up at a specific time, or having someone else check in on your house while you’re gone.

Avoid burdens: It won’t burden your personal relationships – sure your friends and family love your pooch and are willing to look after him every once in a while. However, with a pet sitter, you won’t have to worry about asking too often or about your inexperienced loved one not caring for your pet properly.

Professional Pet Sitter Santa Cruz County

ot Just Any Pet Sitter – Hire a Professional

When hiring a pet sitter, it is essential to make sure that you are hiring a professional and not someone random off of an app. Looks for a pet sitter that is a member of Pet Sitters International (PSI)National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS), and/or Pet Sitters Associates.

Here is why you should trade the convenience of these apps for the expertise of a professional pet sitter:

Knowledgeable and Skilled: Signing up to be a pet sitter or a dog walker for an app or website can be very easy – they often don’t require any form of certification, training or background check before being entrusted with your pets. In contrast, a reputable and professional local pet sitting company will always require certification, specialized training, and background checks before a pet sitter would be allowed to care for your dog.

Trained and Experienced: Professional pet sitters are well trained and experienced with all types of dogs. They understand that dogs all have different personalities, needs, and quirks, and will know how to tailor their services based on this experience.

Medication Administration: The professionals are also trained to administer medication properly, and they also know how to look for signs of illness. They will be able to tell when a dog might need veterinary attention, whereas an amateur pet sitter is more likely to miss the warning signs.

Insured: People employed through apps are often not insured in case anything goes wrong – these apps are often more interested in protecting themselves as companies rather than their customers and employees. In the event of an emergency or a mishap, most professional pet sitters will carry insurance policies that will protect themselves, your pet, and your property.

Responsible and Trustworthy: Professional pet sitters are reliable and take responsibility for their work. For them, this is their career or their own small business, and they take it very seriously. Therefore, if they will always care for your pet to the best of their abilities. In contrast, you will not likely find this level of dedication and reliability when hiring an amateur pet sitter, who is just looking to make some extra cash.

We hope that the next time you need someone to take care of your dog when you’re not available, you consider hiring a local and professional pet sitting company to do the job. You will be able to rest easy, knowing that your dog is in the hands of a caring and reliable pet sitter. Contact us for more information.

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How to Find the Best Pet Sitting Service, Based on Your Pet’s Personality Type

Can’t take Fluffy and Fido with you on vacation? Don’t feel guilty. Find the best sitter option so they’ll barely miss you while you’re gone.

As pet owners know, it’s not always possible to bring a furry companion along when traveling for work or going on vacation. That’s no reason to feel #momguilt (or #dadguilt), though—today’s different pet-sitting options cater to all personality types, and if you need to make arrangements for your dog or cat, you can use this guide to find the best match for their comfort level and care requirements.

woman on couch with dog and cat

Pet-Sitting Services

Pets who are solo types and don’t like change are ideal for pet-sitting services. The beauty of a pet sitter is that the sitter comes to your house for a specified number of visits per day, and your pet’s daily routine stays consistent. “Pets are less stressed at home, and their exposure to disease is minimized because they’re not encountering other pets,” says Beth Stultz, vice president of marketing and operations for Pet Sitters International.

A meet and greet with the sitter at your home before you leave is always a good idea. And get granular with the questions: Are you trained in pet first aid? How much time will you spend on each visit? Do you send texts or pictures after visits? What is your contingency plan in case of bad weather?

In-Home Pet Boarding

Social butterflies do best in this environment. Boarders take pets into their own homes, so they often have a crowd. This can work for animals who enjoy having playmates and someone around all day. However, your pet may be on a different routine and more likely to be stressed, says Erin Askeland, training, and behavioral expert at Camp Bow Wow in Westminster, CO.

Visit the border’s home beforehand with your pet and make sure she’s adhering to your state laws and local zoning ordinances regulating pet boarding. With the rise of apps offering on-demand pet care, you want to be doubly sure the border’s home is pet-safe. Ask if the boarder can follow your pet’s routine as closely as possible and if there’s alone time for each animal.

Kennels

Kennels are good for pets who adapt to change. While a kennel is a social atmosphere, too, dogs (and cats) in boarding kennels should be able to handle change to their routine and periods of being alone. Of course, the smells and sounds of a kennel can be stressful for some animals.

Tour the kennel beforehand with your pet, and ask if you can board your pet for a half-day to see how it responds. A few things to ask: Does the pet get individual attention? What are the opportunities to interact with other animals? What’s the feeding schedule, and what will the kennel do if your pet won’t eat? For all types of sitters, make sure they’re licensed and insured.

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