7 tips for becoming the best pet owner ever

February is Responsible Pet Owners Month, so now is as good a time as any to start trying to be the best pet owner you can be.

Your pets don’t speak your language, so it can be difficult to understand their thoughts and feelings. So how can you tell if you’re being a good pet owner?

The truth is, you may never know for sure. This month is Responsible Pet Owners Month, so now is as good a time as any to start trying to be the best pet owner you can be. Here are some ideas for improving your pet ownership skills and becoming even closer to your furry friend.

Going for walks and exercising your pet

Physical activity is important for both dogs and cats. Similar to yourself, pets need to burn off the food they eat so it doesn’t lead to a pudgy stomach. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, about 35% of pets are overweight or obese, and that can lead to respiratory disease, diabetes, and liver disease. Regular exercise can prevent health issues, plus it’s a fun bonding experience for you and your pet.

Research the breed

Although certain rules apply to all pets, each breed is special in its own way. Find out whether your pet has problems with travel or making friends with other animals. Try to match your lifestyle with the temperament of your pet too. If you’re interested in a shelter animal, try to find out as much as possible about any trauma they’ve endured.

Keep them up to date on their vaccinations

Certain shots are required for your pets, and others are highly encouraged for their long-term health. The initial round of shots can be overwhelming, but it’ll save you money and subsequent visits to the veterinarian in the future. Consult with your vet about when to get booster shots so your pet has minimal problems for its entire life.

Be attentive at dog parks

If you decide to take your dog to a park or off-leash area to play, make sure you watch what they’re doing. They can easily wander off to find gaps in the fence or items they shouldn’t eat. You also should pay attention to how they interact with other dogs so they don’t get too aggressive or bullied. Socialization at these parks is highly recommended at an early age to prevent skittish or aggressive behavior.

Clean up after their messes

Cleaning up the yard or litter box after your pet goes to the bathroom is essential for keeping your home clean. Dogs are generally motivated to go to the bathroom in places they’ve already relieved themselves, while cats tend to avoid their litter box entirely if it is too dirty.

People in your neighborhood will also appreciate your cleaning efforts in parks and during walks.

Don’t leave them alone too often

Your pets can function independently, but it’s not a good idea to leave them home alone frequently. It’s possible for both dogs and cats to develop separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive or attention-grabbing behaviors. Try to maintain a consistent schedule. Plan to visit your pet during the day while you’re at work or arrange for them to go to a daycare where they can play.

Buy safe toys for them

Your pet can potentially choke on rawhide chews or bones if they swallow pieces that are too large. Don’t buy toys that are too small because they could be eaten. Rotating toys can keep your pet intrigued while preserving the toys they have, especially if they like to destroy anything that’s soft or squeaky.

Last but definitely not least, spoil your pet because they deserve it! Treats, cuddles, new beds, and fresh toys are priceless in the mind of your furry friend.

Have a question about pet health? Want to become the best possible pet parent? Find helpful tips, reminders, and insight to giving your furry friend the best possible care with For Pet’s Sake! Learn more at

Your pets don’t speak your language, so it can be difficult to understand their thoughts and feelings. So how can you tell if you’re being a good pet owner?

The truth is, you may never know for sure. This month is Responsible Pet Owners Month, so now is as good a time as any to start trying to be the best pet owner you can be. Here are some ideas for improving your pet ownership skills and becoming even closer to your furry friend.

Going for walks and exercising your pet

Physical activity is important for both dogs and cats. Similar to yourself, pets need to burn off the food they eat so it doesn’t lead to a pudgy stomach. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, about 35% of pets are overweight or obese, and that can lead to respiratory disease, diabetes, and liver disease. Regular exercise can prevent health issues, plus it’s a fun bonding experience for you and your pet.

Research the breed

Although certain rules apply to all pets, each breed is special in its own way. Find out whether your pet has problems with travel or making friends with other animals. Try to match your lifestyle with the temperament of your pet too. If you’re interested in a shelter animal, try to find out as much as possible about any trauma they’ve endured.

Keep them up to date on their vaccinations

Certain shots are required for your pets, and others are highly encouraged for their long-term health. The initial round of shots can be overwhelming, but it’ll save you money and subsequent visits to the veterinarian in the future. Consult with your vet about when to get booster shots so your pet has minimal problems for their entire life.

Be attentive at dog parks

If you decide to take your dog to a park or off-leash area to play, make sure you watch what they’re doing. They can easily wander off to find gaps in the fence or items they shouldn’t eat. You also should pay attention to how they interact with other dogs so they don’t get too aggressive or bullied. Socialization at these parks is highly recommended at an early age to prevent skittish or aggressive behavior.

Clean up after their messes

Cleaning up the yard or litter box after your pet goes to the bathroom is essential for keeping your home clean. Dogs are generally motivated to go to the bathroom in places they’ve already relieved themselves, while cats tend to avoid their litter box entirely if it is too dirty.

People in your neighborhood will also appreciate your cleaning efforts in parks and during walks.

Don’t leave them alone too often

Your pets can function independently, but it’s not a good idea to leave them home alone frequently. It’s possible for both dogs and cats to develop separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive or attention-grabbing behaviors. Try to maintain a consistent schedule. Plan to visit your pet during the day while you’re at work or arrange for them to go to a daycare where they can play.

Buy safe toys for them

Your pet can potentially choke on rawhide chews or bones if they swallow pieces that are too large. Don’t buy toys that are too small because they could be eaten. Rotating toys can keep your pet intrigued while preserving the toys they have, especially if they like to destroy anything that’s soft or squeaky.

Last but definitely not least, spoil your pet because they deserve it! Treats, cuddles, new beds, and fresh toys are priceless in the mind of your furry friend.

Have a question about pet health? Want to become the best possible pet parent? Find helpful tips, reminders, and insight to giving your furry friend the best possible care with For Pet’s Sake! Learn more at

Your pets don’t speak your language, so it can be difficult to understand their thoughts and feelings. So how can you tell if you’re being a good pet owner?

The truth is, you may never know for sure. This month is Responsible Pet Owners Month, so now is as good a time as any to start trying to be the best pet owner you can be. Here are some ideas for improving your pet ownership skills and becoming even closer to your furry friend.

Going for walks and exercising your pet

Physical activity is important for both dogs and cats. Similar to yourself, pets need to burn off the food they eat so it doesn’t lead to a pudgy stomach. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, about 35% of pets are overweight or obese, and that can lead to respiratory disease, diabetes, and liver disease. Regular exercise can prevent health issues, plus it’s a fun bonding experience for you and your pet.

Research the breed

Although certain rules apply to all pets, each breed is special in its own way. Find out whether your pet has problems with travel or making friends with other animals. Try to match your lifestyle with the temperament of your pet too. If you’re interested in a shelter animal, try to find out as much as possible about any trauma they’ve endured.

Keep them up to date on their vaccinations

Certain shots are required for your pets, and others are highly encouraged for their long-term health. The initial round of shots can be overwhelming, but it’ll save you money and subsequent visits to the veterinarian in the future. Consult with your vet about when to get booster shots so your pet has minimal problems for their entire life.

Be attentive at dog parks

If you decide to take your dog to a park or off-leash area to play, make sure you watch what they’re doing. They can easily wander off to find gaps in the fence or items they shouldn’t eat. You also should pay attention to how they interact with other dogs so they don’t get too aggressive or bullied. Socialization at these parks is highly recommended at an early age to prevent skittish or aggressive behavior.

Clean up after their messes

Cleaning up the yard or litter box after your pet goes to the bathroom is essential for keeping your home clean. Dogs are generally motivated to go to the bathroom in places they’ve already relieved themselves, while cats tend to avoid their litter box entirely if it is too dirty.

People in your neighborhood will also appreciate your cleaning efforts in parks and during walks.

Don’t leave them alone too often

Your pets can function independently, but it’s not a good idea to leave them home alone frequently. It’s possible for both dogs and cats to develop separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive or attention-grabbing behaviors. Try to maintain a consistent schedule. Plan to visit your pet during the day while you’re at work or arrange for them to go to a daycare where they can play.

Buy safe toys for them

Your pet can potentially choke on rawhide chews or bones if they swallow pieces that are too large. Don’t buy toys that are too small because they could be eaten. Rotating toys can keep your pet intrigued while preserving the toys they have, especially if they like to destroy anything that’s soft or squeaky.

Last but definitely not least, spoil your pet because they deserve it! Treats, cuddles, new beds, and fresh toys are priceless in the mind of your furry friend.

Have a question about pet health? Want to become the best possible pet parent? Find helpful tips, reminders, and insight to giving your furry friend the best possible care with For Pet’s Sake! Learn more at georgiamalamute.org

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18 Ideas for Starting a Pet Business

Do you love pets? Are you looking for a small business opportunity? With the pet industry growing rapidly, starting a pet business can be very profitable. More and more people are willing to put their money where their hearts are. Maybe you could be one of them?

A Growing Opportunity

According to the American Pet Products Association:

    • 67% of U.S. households own at least one pet.
    • Approximately 89.7 million dogs, 94.2 million cats, and 139.3 million freshwater fish were owned in the United States in 2017-2018 (the three largest categories of pets).
    • Americans spent $72.56 billion on their pets in 2018, up from $69.51 billion in 2017. This number has been rising steadily since 1994.
    • The pet services segment, including grooming, boarding, pet hotels, pet sitting, daycare and other services, has been the fastest-growing category; Americans spent $6.11 billion on pet services in 2018 and this figure is expected to rise to over 6$.31 billion in 2019.150 Unusual Pet Business Ideas to Consider Starting - Small Business Trends

In Canada, households spent $8.85 billion on pets in 2018, according to Statistics Canada.2 Another study showed that around 41% of households have at least one dog, and 38% of households own at least one cat.3 Internationally, China is experiencing compound annual growth rates in pet ownership of more than 7%.4

So how might you get into the pet business? This article presents 18 pet business ideas that might appeal to you.

The ideas below range from pet-based products to providing pet services that involve working with animals, but you won’t find any pet business ideas on the list that involve the retail breeding and selling of animals. Both the American and Canadian Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are opposed to this practice.

Pet Sitting

Pet sitting makes the top of the list because there’s nearly a universal need for it and it’s a very flexible business. For instance, if you live in a suitable place out of town, you can run a pet sitting business as a kennel operation with people bringing their pets to you and dropping them off.

But you can also go to people’s homes and look after their pets’ needs. Or you can combine a pet-sitting business with a house-sitting business and look after everything while your customers are away. Retirees, in particular, tend to travel regularly, making pet and house sitting a popular business for catering to seniors.

Pet Boarding

This is a riff on the pet-sitting business idea, where you have a facility set up where dogs and cats can be dropped off and looked after while their owners are gone. The main challenge with this model is zoning. You may not be able to do it where you are, so be sure you check your local bylaws and zoning restrictions first.

Doggie Day Care

Another pet business idea on the same theme, the doggie daycare has very similar pros and cons. There is an increasing need for this kind of pet service as more working people are discovering that dogs left alone day after day while the owner works can bark and be destructive. On the downside, though, you may find this a difficult business to locate because of zoning regulations and municipal bylaws.

Dog Training

If you can offer dog obedience training—and it well—you can probably write your own ticket. There are an awful lot of people out there who don’t have enough time or skill (or either one) to train a dog properly but for some reason, they’ve bought one anyway and now need someone to train it. The venue is not necessarily a problem; facilities to run dog training classes can be rented.Pets did help with your mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic. Here's  how

Pet Training

If you’re a skilled animal trainer and have an interest in media, a pet business specializing in training animals for film and TV may be for you. Remember Morris the cat? Lobo? Moose, the Jack Russell Terrier on the TV show Frasier? Some animals become huge stars. Hollywood Paws (based in Los Angeles) is an example of a business that trains animals and their owners to work in the entertainment industry.

Pet-Finding Business

Are you the kind of person who enjoys solving puzzles? Maybe you’ve even thought of being a detective at some point. If so, you might put your sleuthing skills to work running a pet-finding business. You can help distraught pet owners get their loved ones back and make money while you’re at it. Pure Gold Pet Trackers is one example of a business that uses the tracking skills of Golden Retrievers to find lost pets.

Dog Walking

Another dog-related service that busy pet owners need is to have their dogs walk regularly. The key to success with this pet business idea is time management. You’d definitely want to have enough clients in close proximity so you could take a number of dogs out for a walk at once, rather than cycling through them one at a time.

Dog Grooming

Dog grooming is a popular pet business since grooming is one of those chores of dog ownership that many would rather pay someone else to do than do themselves. Another reason for its popularity is that, like pet sitting, it’s quite a flexible business concept. You could operate a dog grooming business as a mobile service or run it out of a retail shop, for example.

Pooper Scooper

While we’re on the subject of chores related to dog ownership that people would rather avoid, don’t forget poop scooping. This involves visiting customers’ properties on a weekly or monthly basis and collecting and disposing of dog feces.

Yes, it’s dirty, messy work, but so are lots of things that people do to make money. On the plus side, there’s no special training or equipment needed and you can easily operate this business from home.

Dog Bathing

Having bathed dogs before, I can definitely see why some people don’t want to do this in their own homes. Wet and messy only begin to describe it. A dog-bathing business could be operated as a standalone business or as an adjunct to a pet-grooming business. Or you could run this as a do-it-yourself business, where all you provide are the facilities and the equipment.

Pet Massage Therapy

So far I’ve written about pet services related to pets’ basic needs. But there’s a whole growing sector of pet businesses related to their not-so-basic needs, as pet owners look for more ways to help their pets lead longer and healthier lives. Pet massage services are one of these niche markets that seem to be growing. I’ve also seen pet businesses offering acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and even psychotherapy. In many of these fields, there is specific pet-related training required to become a practitioner.

Pet Restaurant

And speaking of upscale pet services, what about restaurants devoted to dogs? No, not just restaurants that allow you to bring dogs with you, but restaurants where the dogs are the diners. Is this a pet business that would be allowed where you are? You’d definitely need to check both health regulations and municipal bylaws before moving forward.

Pet Food

Just as with the food they put into their own bodies, pet owners have become increasingly concerned about the quality of the food their pets eat. People are continually on the lookout for pet foods that they feel have additional health benefits. There are basically two approaches to pet food businesses: You can either produce the pet food yourself or become a distributor for a particular type of food. Dog bakeries, homemade healthy dog treats, raw foods, gourmet foods—any of these could be extremely lucrative if the pets (and the owners) like what’s on offer.

Pooch Couture

Pets or children? The difference between them has blurred considerably in the eyes of many pet owners. Many dog owners like to dress up their pets, which creates all kinds of pet business opportunities to supply dogs with fashionable, good-looking gear. (Cat owners know that they’ll be lucky to get away with putting a collar, let alone anything else, on little Tiger, so the opportunities for creating and selling cat gear are much more limited.) Once again, you can create the couture yourself or distribute someone else’s.

Pet-Supply Store

All kinds of pets need supplies and gear, and pet owners seem to like the convenience of being able to “one-stop shop”. This kind of pet business seems to be dominated by franchises, but it is still possible to start your own company from scratch. Such a business could also supply pet-related services as well, such as dog grooming. Picture an in-house “dog spa,” for example, surrounded by-products for sale.

Pet-Business Marketing

The key to success for many small businesses is to find and fill a niche market. Pet-business marketing is an example of this. There are so many pet businesses now that it’s possible to run a successful marketing business that caters to the needs of pet-business owners exclusively. FWV Fetching, for instance, provides everything from blogging placement and social media to trade show campaigns exclusively for pet businesses. If you have the marketing expertise, pet marketing might be the business you’ve been looking for.

Pet-Portrait Business

If you have artistic talent and love animals, you might start a business painting portraits of people’s pets. Along these same lines, you might start a pet photography business if that’s where your talents lie. You’ll probably need a lot of patience during the sittings required when you’re working to portray an animal, though. Be that as it may, as people give their pets greater importance in their lives, they seem to have an increasing need to commemorate them.

Veterinarian

Being a veterinarian is the original pet business. And nowadays, veterinarians are able to make good livings specializing in treating pets of all kinds. The downside is that this is a business that requires years of training and, like being a human doctor, has strict accreditation and licensing requirements.

Is a Pet Business the Right Business for You?

To run a successful pet business, you have to love and be knowledgeable about the animals you’re going to work with, and, as you see from the descriptions of the businesses above, that can sometimes involve years of specialized training.

But you also have to bear in mind that even that isn’t enough. A pet business is just like any other small business; the key to success is choosing the right business for the right time and place. You may be a wonderful dog groomer, but if you live in a small town and there are already three dog grooming businesses operating there, you’re going to have a tough time of it.

Before you start a pet business, do the research and work through a business plan, just as you would for any new business venture. The planning process is an important step in determining if your pet business idea will be a success.

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12 Disadvantages of having a Pet

There is no denial of the fact that pets are one of the most wonderful blessings one can have in their life. They love you, care for you, and make your life beautiful. A pet can be a better friend than most people, their loyalty and affection are unmatched. But keeping a pet is a tedious task. Besides having numerous positive reasons it also has some disadvantages and can cause inconveniences that might make you want to get rid of them. Read on to know about the top 12 such disadvantages that you should keep in mind while thinking about before owning a pet

  1. Time commitment– You need to commit a lot of time and effort to your pet which becomes quite a concern for you at times especially when you don’t have a fixed working schedule. A pet’s responsibility is not less than your own baby’s. One always has to be there to feed them, play with them or make them feel good. They also need your attention and someone who looks upon them. Many pets also require proper training to adjust to the house and its people. Pets are not supposed to be at home every time, they also need to go out and play and that is why it becomes a disadvantage to own a pet if you don’t have time for them. They have feelings too, they will be waiting for you always but it will make them sad if you don’t give them enough time.
  2. Cost– Buying a pet is pretty expensive. You might think that it’s just a one-time expense but the regular requirements of your pet can get heavy on your pocket. Buying clothes, toys, shampoos, food with good quality, and other accessories can knock off your budget.
  3. Requires a shelter– When you own a pet you also need to make sure that you provide them with proper shelter where they feel comfortable. You cannot let them sleep on your bed because of hygiene issues and that is why it is an important requirement for all pets. But buying a proper bed for a dog, a cage for your cat or birds can be quite expensive too.
  4. Cannot go on long vacations – As I said earlier you need to devote time, effort and care for your pet. This also means that your pet requires love and care when you are not around or when you are on vacation or maybe packed up with work at office. You cannot neglect the requirements of your pet while going out for days as your pet depends on you for everything as they cannot take care themselves thus you need to keep in mind to handover him/her to someone or some place where they can take care of your pet when needed or be prepared to see a semi destructed house on returning from your vacations. This might also disappoint your pet because they won’t be comfortable with everyone and everywhere.
  5. People are scared– pets are not be kept in cages or tied to a door, they need to be free too and there are times when people are scared of pets and hesitate in coming to your place and when they come they tell you to keep your pets away. This also creates curiosity in a pet’s mind and inconvenience for you and the one who has visited your place. They might not be comfortable while sitting at your place and your pet might behave differently when something like this happens because they aren’t aware of the situation and you cannot even explain this to them. They might get angry on this and behave strangely which obviously you won’t like.
  6. You cannot take them everywhere– There are a lot of places where pets are not allowed and you might even have a problem carrying them everywhere. some of the pets like dogs are scared of sitting in cars so you just cannot travel with them. Even if you wish to go nearby like to the grocery shop or salon or the super market you might already have a lot of stuff to handle and you cannot handle one more especially someone who keeps on running here and there.
  7. They can be dangerous at times– Your pet is used to getting attention and can behave weirdly if he doesn’t get the attention that he is used to. Even the cutest looking pets can be dangerous if moody causing serious trouble to people around you. Biting and scratching is a common problem that can cause infections because of being poisonous especially to the strangers visiting your home who the pet is unfamiliar with. There might be a possibility that your pet does not like kids and you cannot leave you kid around your pet carefree. you need to be cautious.
  8. They Shed- Animals naturally lose old and damaged hair by shedding. It is a normal process for them but some shed a lot, you’ll find their fur everywhere! Though the amount of shedding depends on the breed. This might annoy you sometimes, specially in winters because the fur tends to stick more on woolen clothes and coats and they might also dirt your shoes, clothes and house. You will have to maintain extra hygiene of your house.
  9. Cleanliness and hygiene- Regular baths are a must for pet to keep them away from allergies and sickness.But, its not as easy as it sounds as they usually hate baths and run away from it.  Also, they will poop anywhere in the house until they get proper training. So be ready to constantly clean it every now and then.
  10. Training- You will have to properly train your pet. Training doesn’t mean training them to do things that aren’t usual for them but the basic commands like sit, come, stay, leave etc. Some are easy to train while some are not, depends on the breed.
  11. Regular walks- You need to make sure your pet gets daily walks, outings, proper food and regular exercise. If you don’t follow the routine then there are chances that they may become lazy and weak! You have to be sure about your pets breed’s exercise needs and energy level that has to be maintained.
  12. Losing them is a heart break – Having a pet might have a lot of disadvantages but once you own one their loss is a heart break. For others it might just be a cat or a dog but for you they were an important part of your life, they were your family too . Losing a pet is not easy, it hurts. You might get so much attached to your pet that you just can’t take the pain of not having them with you the next day .
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Benefits of Having a Pet: Why Keeping Pets Gives You Positive Energy

Pets are hard work. Taking care of an animal is a financial investment, a time commitment, and sometimes a source of frustration. However, any pet owner can attest that their pet is worth all of the effort.

This is because pets, by nature, provide us with an influx of positive energy[1] that we can’t find anywhere else. Specifically, there are four important ways that pets provide positive energy that all pet owners should be thankful for.

1. They Support Your Mental Health

No matter what you’re going through, a pet will be by your side to help you through it. With the spread of COVID-19, the emotional support of our pets is more important than ever. There is increased fear, anxiety, and depression as we all face the unknown, experience loneliness from social distancing, and watch the confirmed cases and deaths rise. Our pets can provide real, critical support in the face of all this turmoil.

Some specific ways that pets help your mental health include:

Companionship

There are many times in your life where you will feel alone. Maybe you’re social distancing, you just moved to a new city, you’re going through a break-up, or you recently lost a family member. A pet will be there for you and can provide a stable relationship even when other relationships are unstable.

A study of 148 college women proved this when it found that those who owned pets had lower loneliness scores on the UCLA Loneliness Scale[2].

 

Stress Reduction

Life gets hard. Homework can pile up at school, projects can create tension at work, or deadlines can loom over your head. When these things happen, it’s nice to have a pet to come home to.

Pets are carefree, and petting, walking, or playing with them can take a load off after a long, not-so-carefree day.

Having Something to Care for

Pets need constant attention. For instance, dogs always need to be walked, fed, and played with. Even smaller pets like a gecko need constant care: they need food, water, tank cleanings, tank temperature checks, and great care when handling.[3] That’s a lot to attend to!

Having someone to care for helps your mental state by giving you a sense of responsibility over another life and by making you feel needed and important. Truly, pets rely on us for everything, and that can give your life an added sense of meaning and purpose.

They’re Cute!

Having an adorable little friend to come home to would put a smile on anyone’s face. Whether you have a dog with floppy ears and a big smile, or a gecko with big bright eyes and tiny little toes, having such a cute creature to call your own brings joy and is a source of pride.

ESAs (Emotional Support Animals) are proof of the mental support that pets can provide. ESAs are helpful for people with more serious mental health conditions like panic disorders, major depression, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder[4]. Dogs, cats, birds, and even pigs can be ESAs and have helped support people with these conditions in ways that other humans cannot express.

2. They Support Your Physical Health

In addition to supporting our mental health, pets also provide positive energy by supporting our physical health. According to the National Center for Health Research, here are some of the ways dogs improve physical health[5].

Exercise and Fitness

Exercise and fitness come to mind first when we think about physical health. This benefit is seen most in dog owners, since dogs are high-energy. They frequently need to go on walks or runs, and if your dog is walking, then so are you.

Routine exercise can be hard for non-dog owners to commit to. However, as soon as you adopt a dog, you have another life who is depending on you to establish and maintain that routine.

Allergy Immunity

Believe it or not, research suggests that kids who grow up around animals are more likely to develop an immunity to bacteria and pet allergens. This is especially true for kids who grow up on farms with animals like dogs, cats, cows, horses, and chickens.

Reduced Cardiovascular Risk and Lower Blood Pressure

Pet owners have less cardiovascular problems and lower blood pressure. This could be a result of more exercise, higher emotional support in the face of stress, or a combination of both.

 

A recent study by Washington State University[6] found that students who were able to pet an animal for just ten minutes significantly reduced the production of the stress hormone cortisol. Imagine how much you could reduce stress if you had an animal nearby all the time!

Less Medical Care

Studies have found that those who own pets, specifically dogs, seek general medical care less frequently than those who are non-pet owners. This makes sense considering the mental and physical benefits of owning pets. In a 1992 study, participants reported less general health complaints and a score improvement on the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-30)[7].

Easing Pain

People who experience chronic pain, such as migraines or arthritis, have reported that owning a pet helps them deal with that pain. The emotional support and lower stress that pets provide is a possible explanation for this. A less active, quiet animal may also be more comforting for those dealing with chronic pain.

The physical benefits that pets provide have an added bonus: when you feel good on the outside, you tend to feel good on the inside, too! So, the physical benefits that pets provide can double as benefits to your mood and mental health.

3. They Provide Social Support

Pets provide social support by being our best friends. A lot of people feel that they can relate to their pets, and even have similar personalities. For instance, more active people may adopt energetic dogs, and the bond between them is often quite strong.

Pets also provide social support by helping you meet new friends. For instance, talking about your pet can be a great icebreaker when you’re meeting new neighbors, classmates, or coworkers. In my own experience, people love hearing about your pets and seeing pictures, too! If the person you’re sharing with also has a pet, you automatically have something in common that can help foster a new friendship.

 

Dogs provide an added social support because of their active nature. You can meet new people or strike up a conversation with your neighbors just by taking your dog on walks or bringing them to the dog park.

Once you’ve met new friends, you can get to know them better by having doggy play dates or by sharing advice about training, illnesses, or behavioral problems. If you’re a cat owner, don’t worry; some cats also like having play dates with new friends, and fellow cat owners will also be a great source of advice and support in caring for your own cat.

Having uncommon, exotic pets has social advantages, too. If you don’t know many people who have the same type of lizard or bird that you do, for example, this gives you a unique connection to others who do have that kind of pet. Even if you don’t know anyone nearby, there are forums and online groups for people who own specific pets, and these can be great sources of both information and personal connection. They may be long distance, but the connections can be just as real, and just as positive!

4. They Offer Unconditional Love

If you have a pet, you know what true love is. They care about you no matter who you are or what you’ve done, and you will always matter to them. Even if you feel unstable in your human relationships, you will never have to question the security of your relationship with your pet.

Even if you have a quieter pet like a gecko or mouse, you can be certain that they love you just as much as a bouncy dog or cuddly cat does. They may show it in different ways, but that doesn’t make it any less real.

Pets are also an example of how to love better. If we showed the same empathy and compassion to everyone that our pets show us, then the world would be a much happier place. Not only that, but the world would also be a whole lot better if we loved everyone to the same degree that our pets love us.

 

Final Thoughts

Yes, pets can be difficult and take a lot of hard work, but that’s part of what makes our relationships with our pets so rewarding. The hard work we put in shows up in a healthy physical, mental, and social state, and creates a loving emotional bond to our pets. The positive energy that pets provide us with speaks for itself, and it’s not something that we should take for granted.

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4 reasons why pets are so good for our wellbeing

1. Pets reduce anxiety and stress

Everyone feels overwhelmed, under pressure, or stressed out from time to time.

While these feelings can be more frequent for some, research suggests they’re often more manageable among people with pets.

In a study from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, it was found that children with pet dogs were less likely to test positive on a screening test for anxiety.

It makes perfect sense when you think about it. Dogs are always down to cuddle – and they’re wonderful distractions that don’t talk back.

Companies like Amazon and Google don’t just have the occasional ‘Take Your Dog To Work Day’ – they’re pet-friendly every day. And guess what – the notion that animals can help combat chronic stress among employees actually works.

Similarly, dogs helped mellow out a group of university students, who reported decreased stress, increased happiness, and higher energy as much as 10 hours after their cuddle sessions.

Being around animals sparks the release of calming chemicals in the body, helping us feel a lot more chill. These powers aren’t just privy to dogs – studies on the presence of cats also found a reduction in stress, resulting in a lower risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease.

And on that note…

2. Pets are good for your heart

It’s easy to grasp why pets – particularly dogs – are good for our physical wellbeing.

According to the American Heart Association, owning a dog reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. There’s no black and white reason why, but there’s a good chance it’s due to all the exercise and attention that dogs need.

2017 Swedish study followed the health records of millions of over 40s for more than a decade, finding that dog owner who lived alone had a 36% lower risk of cardiovascular disease than those who lived alone without a pet.

Another study indicated that seniors who walked their dogs had a lower body mass index than those who weren’t mobile or didn’t have a dog, and also visited their doctor less.

Without a dog, it’s easy to forget to find 30 minutes of physical activity each day. But with an overly eager pooch basically begging you to get outside, it’s a whole lot easier to meet your daily activity requirements. And not to mention, embracing nature has plenty of well-being benefits in itself.

Of course for some seniors, walking a dog every day may not be possible, but there are still plenty of physical benefits of playing with pets at home.

3. Pets reduce depression

Pets are the perfect sidekick. They’re consistent in a world where nothing else is, offering comfort and companionship through thick and thin.

While animals make most of us smile, there are plenty of studies to confirm that they actually do help reduce symptoms of depression and improve emotional wellbeing.

In a recent study, it was found that interactions with animals increased levels of oxytocin, a hormone associated with positive, happy feelings. For those that own a pet, these feelings are even more amplified.

For older adults, in particular, loneliness is a major risk factor for poor mental health. In a 10 week study that looked at the benefits of animal-assisted therapy in nursing homes, residents showed fewer symptoms of depression after a 2-hour interaction with animals including dogs, cats, and rabbits.

But not only do pets provide one-on-one companionship – they encourage companionship with others, too.

4. Pets improve socialization

While there are plenty of physical benefits of taking your pooch for a stroll, the social benefits are worth wagging your tail about too.

A group of over 50s who frequently walked their dogs reported a stronger sense of community because of their canine companions.

A dog fervently sniffing another dog at the park naturally progresses into friendly banter between owners. Similar to the baby effect, it’s a lot easier to strike up a random conversation when someone has a cute puppy in tow.

Another study suggests that people in wheelchairs had more positive interactions with a service dog than without one. More smiles and conversations were recorded whenever the dog was around, showing that the benefits of service dogs go far beyond practical tasks.

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Building Bonds and Trusting Relationships with Your Pets

There isn’t a relationship around that can survive without trust. My relationship with my dog Peyton is deep enough that he will trust me most of the time, but there are still those moments when he looks at me and runs the other way. Often time when pets don’t obey they put themselves in harm’s way by running in the street or chewing something hazardous. Building bonds with your pet is an important part of being a good pet parent.

Ways to Increase Trust

Peyton and I have been working with a trainer to help us form a deeper bond based on trust. She explained that there are some other things I need to do beyond the daily walks to earn that trust. For example, taking him with me on errands or playing fetch, which will help him feel connected to me and special. I’ve been working hard to take the extra time to be with Peyton and one of our new favorite things to do are puppy massages!

woman giving a dog massage

Give Your Pet a Massage

I love massages and I know that they release hormones that help humans heal and relax. So I decided to give Peyton a massage and he loves it just as much as I do! He took a deep sigh and relaxed, feeling safe and trusting me to care for him while he took a nap.

Make Your Pet Feel Special

Another way to help your pet feel special is to make their food more enjoyable. I know that Peyton loves to eat and he loves it when I put little treats in with his feedings. I spoke with our vet to see which treats would be safe and healthy and, now I take an extra minute to add some meat, egg, or broth to his kibble!

cooking an egg for dog food

Our pets learn by playing, just like children, so I’ve started playing games with Peyton to engage both his brain and his body.  We started agility classes, have upgraded the ball to a Frisbee, and I play hide and seek games with his treats.  We found some other games for dogs that we are going to try soon.  I also found these fun games for cats, because they need just as much playtime as dogs.

Be Consistent & Offer Rewards

Consistency is very important for animals, so reinforcing all of these activities is key to really building your bond. I want Peyton to know that he can always expect his walks and his dinner at the same time. Our trainer’s approach to behavior and attention-seeking is that: dogs seek attention and if they don’t get enough good attention, they will seek bad attention. So you want to set up your pet to seek good attention and want him to try hard for the praise.

Enjoy the Bonds of Companionship

It turns out that my efforts to bond with my pet are rewarded with a lot of benefits. Studies now show that beyond the obvious cure for loneliness, having the companionship of a pet has proven medically beneficial. For elderly owners that own pets, there are fewer doctor visits and less depression. People that are chronically ill find that caring for pets is a motivator to continue to be engaged in life. In fact, people that have heart attacks are more likely to survive that important first year if they have a pet. Finally, pets help smooth the effects of the life-related setbacks that happen to everyone. But all of this is depending on you and your pet having a strong bond.

Dog loving companion

Peyton already sits at my feet while I work, and climbs on my lap when it’s available. With a bit more focus from me, Peyton and I will have an even tighter bond. I look forward to him listening to me all the time and our long, healthy life together!

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HOW TO FIND THE BEST QUALITY PET SERVICES

Pets are family and deserve the best. Whether you are looking for a vet or a pet grooming expert, they deserve the best quality pet services. As pet parents, it is our responsibility to take care of our pets. Sometimes, they need care that is outside our expertise. Washing, feeding, and grooming are something we can manage. But when it comes to checking their health or taking care of them in your absence, you will may some help.

Topeka Home Veterinary Service | Pet Care | Topeka, KS

There are many pet service providers in the market today all claiming to provide the best quality pet services.

But, how can you filter out the best from the not-so-good?

One of the hardest tasks for all pet parents is finding the best quality pet service, providers. Of course, all parents want the best for their pets. It is important for them to find pet professionals that are the right fit for them and their pets.

Here are things to keep in mind when searching for the perfect pet groomer or pet sitter.

Level of Service Provided

Pet services providers offer different services depending on the needs of the pet. Some pet groomers may want to include pet grooming services with live-in care while others may include outdoor exercise and training. Pet sitters may also want to include weight control or nutritional regimens in their services.

You need to identify what is the best service for you and your pet. A bit of research will help you find the best pet service provider for your pet’s needs.

Ask your vet

One of the best people to provide advice to you on the best quality pet services is your vet. In the case of an older pet, you may need a pet sitter who has a good relationship with a professional vet. You will be at peace knowing that your pet is safe should there be a medical emergency.

Word of Mouth

Why should I bring my pet in for a fecal exam? | Creature Comforts  Veterinary Hospital | Ankeny

Word of mouth may seem like the most ancient method to find the best quality pet services, but it works! You will find the best pet service provider from a friend or another pet parent. Let us face it, a service provider may look good on paper, but recommendations beat all this.

Select a certified pet service provider

You don’t just select your pet service provider because they claim to provide quality pet services. You need some proof that they are certified and legit. They need to have a valid license to show that they are operating legally.

Ask about their emergency plans

You have already found the best pet sitter or groomer for your pet. But, how well prepared are they in case an emergency occurs. Sometimes, accidents and mishaps happen when they are least expected. It is important that we are always prepared when they happen. Choose a service provider who can provide help in case an emergency occurs.

Compile a Questionnaire

In order to be sure that you will choose the best quality pet service provider, create a questionnaire for you to cross-check before choosing one. Can you provide written proof that you will take liability for any accident or negligence? Are you certified for the job? Is the pet safe against theft by a pet sitter or employees? These are some of the questions you can include in your questionnaire.

Ask for References

A good pet service provider will have a list of references that are ready to vouch for their services. When you get the contacts of the references, make sure you ask questions that cater to your expectations and what your pet needs.

Always double-check the contract

When you choose your pet service provider, keep in mind that you are placing the life in some else’s hands. Also, keep in mind that you might be given complete access to your home and belongings in case you are looking forward to hiring a pet sitter. Take your time to review what you have discussed is actually written down in the contract.

 Let your pet give them a tryout

Pet Business Marketing Guide: Boost Sales with Online Printing

You have finally hired the best high-quality pet services providers for your pet. However, your pet needs to approve them in order to know if they are a good fit. It feels great to know that your dog or cat approves their pet sitter or groomer and relates with them well.

You can travel with your furry friend everywhere or talk to them for walks every day. However, this is not possible! Finding reliable high-quality pet services providers is important for your pet’s needs especially if you are away. The above tips will help you find quality pet services providers for your beloved pet. All the best!

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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.

How to Find a Pet Sitter: 6 Best Pet Sitting Services to Know | Great Pet  Care

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?

How to Find the Best Dog Sitter - Petfinder

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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9 Types of Pet Care Professions

vet checking dog

According to the 2019 – 2020 National pet owners survey done by the American Pet Products Association, there are currently 136.4 million households that own a pet in the United States. If a household has an average of two people (statista.com has plotted this at 2.52 for 2019), then it would be logical to think that there are at least 272 million pet lovers because it’s very unlikely for a household to have a pet when there is at least one person who doesn’t like pets. This doesn’t even account for the people who can’t actually have pets because they either have a family member who is allergic to pets or who does want pets, so can you imagine just how many pet lovers there are in the U.S. today?

If you yourself are a pet lover, you must have, at some point in your life, thought about getting a job that’s related to taking care of animals, right? And how amazing would that be to actually get paid to do what you love and spend your days just taking care of pets or just be around pets, whether it is yours or somebody else’s… A pet lover is a pet lover.  And if not yourself, I’m guessing you know at least one person who doesn’t have to leave their house to have fun, as long as they’re with their pet.

Now let’s talk about the types of pet care professions that are actually out there, what it takes to be a pet care professional, and what you can get out of being in a pet care profession.

By definition,  pet care is the care and medical treatment of pets which means any job that has to do with taking care of pets would be considered a pet care profession. Now let’s take a closer look at them one by one.

Veterinarian

Jobs Working With Animals | Monster.com

If someone were to be asked to name a pet care profession, top of mind would probably be who we more commonly call the ‘vet’. After all, our local veterinarian would be the first person to come to mind whenever we see your pets not feeling well or needing medical attention.

Also called a veterinary physician or a veterinary surgeon, veterinarians not only care for our pet’s health. They also contribute to society by working to improve public health. To do this, they research diseases and medical conditions of a wide variety of animals. And of course, they diagnose and treat pets and livestock among others.

One might think that a veterinarian is better off than a doctor who treats humans, but really, their tasks might actually be a bit more complicated. An animal doesn’t get to a vet’s clinic all by itself. There has to be a human that helps the animal seek medical attention. This means that the veterinarian will have to deal with at least two individuals ALL THE TIME. He/she will have to treat the pet, and explain everything to its owner/s. Which leads us to the important topic of ‘what it takes to be a veterinarian’:

  1. A bachelor’s degree. They have to graduate with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited college of veterinary medicine.
  2. Communication skills. This is essential whether at work or in our personal lives, but this is critical when it comes to physicians. Lives literally depend on it. A vet does not only have to explain everything that’s going on to the pet owner, but they also need to make sure that their instructions to their staff are clear and understood correctly. In order to be able to give the best care possible to our pets, they have to be able to explain options and recommendations very clearly to the pet owners.
  3. Compassion and empathy. Especially when dealing with pets that are sick or dying, compassion makes a lot of difference in terms of relating to the animals and their owners. Kindness and respect are both very important when dealing with the animals, and it is equally very important to be sensitive when they deal with the owners.
  4. Manual dexterity. Because a veterinarian will find himself having to do surgical procedures on his patients, he has to be able to use his hands very skillfully. In line with this, they can’t have conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome which can cause numbness or loss of control in the hands.
  5. Problem-solving and decision-making skills. These two go hand-in-hand and are most critical when it comes to diagnosing and treating their patients. The most tricky part is that our pets can’t tell them exactly what they’re feeling and the vets can’t ask them probing questions.

It takes a lot to become a doctor and it takes a lot to continue to be one. But the rewards are definitely worth all the hard work.

 

Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary assistants are the pets’ second best friend whenever they’re at their doctor’s clinic. Vet assistants help with duties at the clinic; but more importantly, they help with exercising the pets and they also help with kennel work. This kind of job will also require someone to be compassionate, patient, keen on details, organized. And one very important quality is that a vet’s assistant will have to be able to emotionally handle situations where pets are very ill or in more unfortunate cases when pets have to be euthanized.

 

Dog Walking

Exercise is as important to dogs as it is to humans. So, for very busy people, hiring someone to walk their dogs is just like making sure there are milk and diapers for the baby. To be a dog walker, one can either join an existing company, be a private dog walker, or join a dog walking app for starters and get a feel of how things go and how much you can potentially earn from it. The CEO of one dog walking app estimate the average hourly rate of a dog walker to be at $17.50 per hour.

The job seems pretty simple, but there still are prerequisites to this profession. At the very least, a dog walker should be familiar with state laws, should know how to handle all kinds of dogs, and have the proper training for emergency situations.

 

Pet Sitting

Pet sitting pretty much works the same way as babysitting does, except that you’ll be taking care of a pet. This can also include dog walking, depending on the agreement between the pet owner and the pet sitter.

One of the benefits of pet sitting is that there is a very good chance that your list of clients will grow over time; and if you’re lucky, this could happen sooner than you expect. Because the pet owner is going to let the pet sitter into their home, the level of trust that is gained on your first or second assignment would most likely dictate if you are going to have a long-term business relationship with the pet owner. Trust is always important when pet care services are involved, but more so with pet sitting because the pet owner is letting a complete stranger into their personal space. And it is not just the safety and security of the pet at stake, but every member of the household.

Moreover, especially with pets who don’t warm up to people quickly, having someone who the pet is already comfortable with makes everything easier, not just for the pet, but for the pet owner and the pet sitter as well.

The great thing about pet sitters is they can even stay overnight sometimes when the pet owners have to go out of town for a vacation or a business trip and bringing their pet is just not an option. Of course, this set up would probably include more things to do like cleaning the house, watering the plants, etc. A pet sitter can either have a different rate for overnight stays or simply discuss additional fees depending on how much work needs to be done.

 

Pet Boarding or Kennel Attendants

Pet boarding attendants perform tasks that are a combination of a pet sitter and a veterinary assistant’s feeding, exercising, administering medication, and maintaining the cleanliness of the kennels. The main difference is that pet boarding attendants don’t get to choose the pets they look after as pets are taken to a pet boarding business, whereas pet sitting would involve the pet sitter going to the pet owner’s place. Pet boarding attendants are also sometimes required to be able to lift 40 to 50 lbs and should be able to stand or walk for extended periods of time. Also, pet boarding assistants may be required to work on holidays, especially if the business is open 7 days a week.

 

Dog Grooming

If you are someone who just loves seeing those poodles and chow chows with their hair trimmed, and the Maltese that looks like it has its hair brushed more times in a day than you brush your hair in a week, then the dog grooming profession wouldn’t be alien to your ears. When you’re the creative type, or maybe even a frustrated hairstylist, perhaps dog grooming would be twice the fun for someone who loves pets.

 

Pet Training

Let’s not forget our pets’ teachers. They can be dog trainers, cat trainers, or any other type of animal (whether domesticated or not) that requires a lot of expertise in animal behavior. Pet trainers teach our pets to listen, be obedient, and ‘have manners’. Being able to teach pets well is just as good as taking care of them and making sure they’re fed. Well-trained pets are not only able to help their owners by being less of a headache when it comes to having to clean up after them; some pets can even be trained to become service pets wherein they are able to help and be companions to their owners who have disabilities.

 

Veterinary Acupuncturist

Veterinarians who practice acupuncture as part of a pet’s treatment are called veterinary or animal acupuncturists. Their median salary, on average, is $48,400.

 

Dog or Cat Breeder / Assistant

Someone who is a big fan of puppies and kittens would perhaps find dog/cat breeding very appealing. The wonderful thing about being a breeder or an assistant to the breeder is that you get to spend a lot of time caring for the little ones while running the business of maintaining high genetic standards at the same time.

 

Basic Qualities Required of Someone in the Pet Care Profession

As with any job opportunity, there are certain skills that someone who chooses to care for pets should have. These include:

  1. Being reliable, responsible, and trustworthy. Pets are almost always considered ‘family’ by their owners. So, leaving a pet in someone’s care is like leaving a child to a nanny or babysitter.
  2. EmpatheticBeing able to put oneself in the shoes of another to understand how they feel is important not just to be able to respond appropriately, but also to be able to do it with sincerity.
  3. Being physically fit. Most pet care jobs will either require one to be able to handle/lift big dogs or be able to stand/walk for long periods of time. Endurance is equally important, especially for those who work long hours.
  4. Being patient / having great customer service skills. Pet care professionals deal with different types of owners and different types of pets on a daily basis–and they all have their own personalities. One must be able to adjust quickly and have the patience to deal with the more difficult customers.
  5. Having excellent communication skills and strong interpersonal skills. Whenever a job requires an exchange of instructions and information, it is always important that those involved can both understand and communicate clearly. Along with this is the inherent ability to be able to get along with all kinds of people from all walks of life.
  6. Being attentive and keen on details. This quality can never be understated. Having high attention to detail is especially very important when we deal with their lives. There is no room for error (or forgetfulness) when it comes to administering medicine, taking note of allergies, and even anxiety triggers.

If you are interested in getting yourself into a pet care profession, it’s important to take note of the qualities that will help you become successful in your chosen field. Do also take note of the level of education required and ask yourself if you are willing to put in the time and effort. There are jobs that do not require a college degree, nor formal training. A kennel attendant, for example, is a good entry-level position that an undergraduate or high school graduate would be qualified for. The same goes for being a pet sitter, especially if you are just doing this part-time and take care of your neighbors’ pets. However, if you plan on being a professional pet sitter, having training on how to handle emergency situations and relevant certifications can be an important asset that might increase your value as a pet sitter. These would also help convince a prospective client to get your services instead of going with a competitor who has no training at all. Annual income may range from $18,000 up to more than $48,000, depending on the type of job and whether you do it part-time or full-time.

Lastly, consider the hazards that go with pet care, i.e., dog bites, pets getting lost, you or a pet getting in an accident, and make sure you get the right protection. There are pet care insurance policies that are meant to cover the needs of professional dog walkers, pet sitters, and the like. But if you plan on starting your own business and hiring an employee or more, then you’d have to look into the relevant insurances designed to provide protection to the business and its employees in the event that any untoward incident happens. It is always better to be prepared than sorry.

Do you have the people skills to work with animals? | vet times jobs

If you have any questions or need more information about this article, please do contact us here. We’d love to hear from you.

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9 Tips for Choosing a Pet Sitter

9 Tips for Choosing a Pet Sitter

Select One Who’s Right for You

Planning a vacation or traveling for work? Instead of boarding Max at the kennel or burdening a friend with dog, cat or reptile duty, consider another option: professional pet sitters.

Selecting a Pet Sitter

Selecting a pet sitter takes a little more effort than dialing a random number you may see in the Yellow Pages. Elyse Marks, director of marketing for Fetch! Pet Care, the nation’s largest professional pet sitting and dog walking franchise, recommends the following guidelines when selecting a pet sitter:

209feedingcat
  • Check the company’s references; ask for at least three.
  • Ensure the company is fully bonded and insured.
  • Confirm that your sitter has undergone a criminal background check and has received proper training.
  • Pre-interview a sitter with your pet(s) present to observe interactions and establish a “comfort level” for both you and the pet(s).
  • Let your sitter know how you would like him/her to use their time in terms of walking, playing, feeding, cleaning, etc.
  • Verify that the sitter can accommodate both your pet’s daily feeding and walking schedule as well as your desired vacation schedule, even during the busiest holidays.
  • Ensure the company offers seven-day per week telephone and e-mail availability.
  • Provide medical and behavioral history about your pet(s) as well as veterinary and other emergency contact information, and gather all necessary supplies, including food, vitamins, and treats in one central location.
  • Ensure the company has “backup” measures in place should your sitter have an emergency that prevents them from completing your assignment.

Contact us for more information.

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