Have you ever planned an exciting trip to get away from it all only to be faced with the dilemma of what do I do with the Dog/Cat? The difficulty of leaving your pets behind during a family vacation or weekend getaway is one of the number one reasons people decide not to travel. The pet parent guilt of leaving your fur baby behind can be tough to overcome. Knowing your pet care options before going away will help you to make the right choice for you and your pet(s). Choosing the right pet care option is the key to peace of mind while on vacation!
Before you start the search for pet care there are a few questions you want to answer for yourself and your pet.
Where will my pet be most comfortable?
How much care does my pet need daily? (consider feedings, medications, puppy needs, etc.)
Does my dog/cat get along with strangers (human and animal)?
What is my budget for pet care?
What will give me the most peace of mind while I am away?
PET CARE OPTIONS
Professional Pet Sitting
Hiring a professional pet sitter is an excellent way to maintain peace of mind for both you and your pet during your time away. Pet sitting is the most customizable option for your pet! Does your pet feel most comfortable at home? This option allows your pet to remain in their familiar surroundings 24/7 while you are away enjoying yourself. A pet sitter is also a great choice for keeping your pets’ schedule as normal as possible for them. From feeding times to walks/let outs you can customize a timely schedule with the pet sitter and their visits each day. A pet sitter generally holds several pet safety certifications (particularly true of established pet care businesses), adding to your peace of mind. They will keep you up to date with personalized notes or text messages and of course provide lots of love for your fur babies while you are away. Pet sitting can double as a “home watch”. Many pet sitters will bring in your mail and newspapers and even water your plants, making your home appear “lived in” during your time away. BONUS!
In-Home Boarding
Boarding your pet in a pet sitters’ home is a wonderful option if you are not comfortable with letting someone new into your home or if you pet is protective of the home, i.e. does not allow strangers into the home. This can also be a less expensive option compared to hiring a pet sitter to come to your home multiple times a day. In-home boarding keeps your pet under the watchful care of an experienced pet sitter around the clock. In many cases, your pet will be socialized with other pets in a monitored and safe environment. In-home boarding also means your pet is never left alone overnight. When looking to book in-home boarding be sure to ask how much time the pet sitter generally spends away from the home or how much time they anticipate your pet will be crated or left alone in the home. Answers will vary depending on the pet sitter so to make the best choice for your pet it is a good idea to ask.
Kennels/Boarding Facilities
A standard option for around-the-clock pet care is a boarding facility. If you prefer to board your pet at a facility make sure it is reputable: read reviews, and ask your fellow pet parents for recommendations. Confirm that the facility holds the required boarding certifications, i.e. PCSA certified. Be sure to ask about the qualifications of the care-takers as well as detailed information on the daily schedule for pets under their care. It is important to note that boarding facilities often do not have staff on location after a certain time of day. Refer to the questions you answered above to determine if a boarding facility is a good fit for your pet. Find qualified boarding facilities at the International Boarding & Pet Services Association
Friend/Neighbor
Does your best friend LOVE playing with your cat, or maybe your neighbor has a teen dying to walk your dog? Consider asking them to pop over for feedings and playtime/walks. Having an established relationship with the person coming into your home can be comforting for both you and your pet. This is a great option if your pet has difficulty with new people or if you need someone to pop over on short notice. If they have pets themselves offer to return the favor next time they plan a trip. An important thing to remember when using a friend or neighbor is that life happens and there is always the possibility that something “comes up” last minute making them unavailable. Be sure to have a backup plan just in case.
Take them with you
What greater peace of mind than to have your fur baby right alongside you while you are away? If your pet is comfortable in new places, enjoys car rides (for road trip travels), or offers comfort to you as a pet owner they could be an excellent travel companion. There are many pet friendly travel options out there. From Airbnbs to restaurants and shopping, pets are becoming widely accepted in both public and private places across the country and the world. If your pet has a hard time being away from you or with new people, bringing them along will be your best option. Searching sites such as bringfido.com will give you detailed information on recreation, businesses, lodging and more that welcome our furry friends! Even if your pet does well boarding or with visits by a pet sitter/neighbor you may want to consider researching your destination for pet friendly options. After all, what is a family vacay without the family pet? Download our Free Guide to Traveling with Pets for all you need to know when you travel with your pets.
From hiring a pet sitter to in-home or traditional boarding to traveling with your pet, you have many options for pet care when you vacation. You know your pet best – think about which option will be the best fit for them and for you and go with that! Whichever form of pet care you choose, always do your due diligence. This means reading reviews, researching the business/person/facility, checking their history of pet care and certifications. It is your right and responsibility as a pet owner to gather as much information as you can before you trust someone with your precious fur baby.
Want to give traveling with your pet a try? Download our free Guide to Traveling with Pets for all the tips and tricks of traveling with your furry family members.
Is there anything worse than finding a tick behind Fluffy’s ear? Or that moment when you see a flea jump from Bruno’s tail right onto the living room rug? YUCK! Keeping our pets flea and tick free is part of our duty as a pet parent but it is not always as simple as year-round treatment. These 6 tips will keep your dog and cat flea- and tick-free both indoors and out all year long.
Why are Fleas and Ticks bad?
Besides being just plain yucky, fleas and ticks are parasites that may cause serious harm and discomfort to our precious fur babies. They transmit dangerous diseases such as Lyme disease, Dog Ehrlichiosis and let us not forget…the Bubonic Plague (Flea transmitted disease). These sneaky parasites are out to get our furry friends, but with a few simple steps your pet and your home will remain flea- and tick-free!
6 tips to prevent flea and ticks
Year-round treatment
A monthly pill or collar to prevent fleas and ticks for your dog and cat is a must year-round. No matter what region you live, continuing treatment through the winter is extremely important. These parasites survive temperatures as low as freezing (30 degrees). The unpredictable weather these days makes remaining diligent with your pet’s treatment more important than ever. All it takes is a few winter days in the 30’s for fleas and ticks to be right back to their pesky ways. No bones about it, continue your pet’s treatment 365 days a year.
Throw out old preventatives
If you have old flea and tick treatments from previous years or other pets it can be tempting to use them on your current pet. However, most treatments have specific expiration dates and become ineffective over time. These parasites evolve and often become immune to older products. Always check with your Vet for the most effective brands/products available to you. In addition, be sure to use pet specific products, canine products for dogs and feline products for cats. Swapping one for the other can cause serious harm to your pet.
Keep backyard clean
Our own backyard is the number 1 place pets contract fleas and ticks. Keeping the grass, trees and shrubs trimmed will keep your yard from looking too appealing to fleas and ticks. A regular mowing and grooming will continually disrupt the possibility for these sneaky parasites to make their home in your yard.
Clean home regularly
Flea eggs can stay alive all year long in your home, even through the cold months. Once eggs are laid, they can multiply as quickly as 100 per DAY! A thorough routine cleaning will keep your home flea free. There are a few things you do not want to miss during your cleaning that specifically target removing/keeping fleas at bay.
Washing pet and human bedding in hot water
Cleaning curtains, couches and other fabric materials that are a playground for fleas
Dispose of vacuum bag/empty canister (outside) after EVERY use. Flea eggs can continue to hatch and multiply even after being vacuumed.
Spray/clean carpeted areas frequently
Do regular tick checks
Looking for more peace of mind when it comes to wondering if Fido has a tick? Do a regular tick check yourself. Start this when your dog is just a puppy or your cat is a kitten to get them used to the unique full body search that an older pet may otherwise not be comfortable with. Regular baths will also help to prevent fleas and ticks. Bath time is also a fantastic time to do a flea/tick check.
Regular Vet checkups
Checking in with the professionals will ensure you have your pet on the best preventative plan possible. They will check the efficiency of your current program and make sure your pet remains on the safe track for being parasite free! A thorough checkup provides the utmost peace of mind for a pet parent, which is priceless. Do not delay, schedule a checkup with your pet’s veterinarian today.
Keeping your dog and cat flea and tick free makes for a happier, healthier pet. When your pet is armed with an effective year-round treatment with a nicely manicured yard to play in, a clean bed to rest their head, smelling fresh from routine baths, and gets a gold star from their vet check fleas and ticks don’t stand a chance! These 6 tips will have your pet saying THANK YOU again and again.
Do you have a best kept secret for preventing fleas and ticks in your pet(s)? Share with us in the comments!
Just Around the Corner offers daily Dog Walking and Cat Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!
Hydration is a crucial part of keeping your pet healthy, especially during these hot summer months. Hydrating your pet is so essential the US has declared the month of July National Pet Hydration Month. Did you know that your dog should drink 1 ounce of water per day for every pound of body weight? For large breed dogs that means a lot more water than the recommended 64 oz for humans every day.
Why do pets need more water than humans? It may come as a surprise, but dogs and cats are made up of 80% water, as opposed to the human 55-60%. This means it is 20-25% more likely for a pet to become dehydrated. How do I know if my dog/cat is drinking enough water? We understand it is not always easy to know exactly how much water intake your pet has had each day. Here are some important symptoms of dehydration to look out for.
Loss of appetite
Reduced energy levels
Lethargy
Heavy panting
Sunken eyes
Dry mouth/gums
Loss of skin elasticity
If your pet experiences any of these symptoms try to entice them with a fresh bowl of water. Whenever possible monitor your pet’s water intake. In addition to watching for these symptoms, performing the skin elasticity test is a great way to detect if your pet is experiencing dehydration. If the symptoms persist/worsen you will want to give your veterinarian a call as medical attention may be needed.
Tips to keep your pet hydrated
Providing fresh water for your pet daily may sound like a no-brainer, but there are a few tricks that will ensure your pet stays hydrated even through the hot and dry season.
Keep water bowls clean
Your pet may not seem to mind day old water but a freshly clean bowl with fresh water is ALWAYS more enticing than a slimy, lukewarm dish. Cleaning your pet’s dish daily will also keep the harmful, biofilm at bay!
Use more than one water dish
Increase opportunities for your pet to drink water by placing a few water dishes throughout your home as well as in several outdoor areas. This will help to up their water intake exponentially.
Frozen Treats
Offer your pet frozen treats, such as ice cubes, frozen broth, or pet-healthy smoothies. These refreshing, fun treats keep your pet coming back for hydration again and again.
Get a drinking fountain
While some dogs or cats may not mind standing water, others are far more interested in drinking from a bubbling fountain. Can you blame them? Drinking fountains often also filter the water which removes tastes and odors that may prevent your pet from drinking up.
Add water to your pet’s food
This is an especially good idea for older pets. Start with a small amount of water until they feel comfortable with the change. You can safely add water to any type of pet food from kibble to canned food. It is a great way to up their hydration without them feeling like they are being forced to drink, drink, drink.
As always, our goal as pet parents is to have the happiest and healthiest pets possible. Knowing the signs of dehydration and tips for how to keep your pet hydrated will keep your fur baby living their best life all summer long. Just remember, every time you reach for a drink of water for yourself, think of your pet. Or, maybe keeping your pet hydrated will help you to stay hydrated too!
Click here to get a downloadable infographic reminder for Pet Hydration.
How are you keeping your pet hydrated this summer? Share your tips and tricks in the comments!
Just Around the Corner offers daily Dog Walking and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!
We know you have many, many options for dog walkers. Knowing what questions to ask and when to ask them is the key to finding the perfect Dog Walker. Detailed questions allow you to match your dog with a walker that meets your needs and gives you peace of mind. That’s really what hiring a Dog Walker is all about, right? Knowing your dog is in the most capable hands possible for their needs on every single walk.
TIME SAVER: Are you a busy bee and don’t have time to read this, probably why you need a walker in the first place? Skip the read and download our FREE Dog Walker Question Guide to get started on your search for the best Dog Walker for you, today!
Before reaching out to your potential Dog Walker
Even before picking up the phone to inquire there are a few things you should know. From pricing to scheduling almost no Walker/Dog Walking company operates exactly the same. Your perfect match is out there, you just need a good understanding of what your needs are. Before you call answer these questions for yourself:
What is your budget?
What type of services does your dog need? Maybe Fido isn’t a huge fan of other dogs and needs a short solo stroll with only the Dog Walker. Does Lilly have so much energy anything less than an hour long group hike won’t do the trick? Get specific.
Are you looking to have the same Dog Walker every visit or would you prefer Shadow to have the flexibility of having backup Dog Walkers?
How much flexibility do you need with your schedule? Do you anticipate needing to cancel last minute frequently with the way your schedule works? Would a cancellation fee be a deal breaker?
Is your dog anxious around new people/other dogs?
Has your dog ever been home alone when someone they don’t know comes into the house? How does that go?
Answering these questions will put you in a great place to start your search for your perfect Dog Walker.
Inquiring about Dog Walking
Before you commit to a meet and greet there are questions to ask that will let you know pretty immediately if a Dog Walker has the expertise and credentials that you prefer. It is important to have a solid idea of what your expectations are going into a phone inquiry. Every pet owner is different and staying in tune with what works for you and your dog will give you a clear understanding when/if someone isn’t a good fit.
What services do you offer?
What are your prices?
How long have you been in business?
How many Dog Walkers work with you? If you are solo, is this your full-time job?
Are you local?
What areas/regions do you cover?
Do you have a Meet and Greet with all of your clients?
Can you supply 3 references or online reviews?
Keep in mind that the answers to these questions are only right/wrong based on your preferences. Some people may prefer to see a 10 year history of being in the business and 3 pages of references. Other owners and dogs may be totally comfortable with a part-time college student looking to earn some extra cash. Different strokes for different folks. Again, knowing what is right for you and your dog is the most effective way to sort through a list of local Dog Walkers.
Meet and Greet with your new Dog Walker
The greatest benefit of a Meet and Greet is being able to see how your dog responds to the person coming into your home. The way your dog and the walker react to each other may tell you all you need to know. Once everyone has met and things are going smoothly these questions will take it to the next level.
Are you Pet First Aid and Pet CPR certified?
How do you ensure the safety of the dogs you walk and those around them?
What would you do if a dog got off his/her leash?
Where will my personal information be stored?
What is the procedure in the event of an emergency with my dog?
What is the key policy? Giving someone access to your home and your pet is a privilege and should not be taken lightly.
During a meet and greet you want to make sure the physical aspects of your dog with the Dog Walker are cohesive. If they are unable to harness/leash your dog without the dog running to hide or baring teeth you may need to consider a few “trial visits”. If you just didn’t get a good vibe keep looking. There can be any number of reasons your dog doesn’t mesh with this particular Dog Walker.
The Dog Walk
Hiring a dog walker means trusting another person with your precious fur baby. You deserve peace of mind while you are away, knowing that your pup is in the most capable hands possible. Ask specific questions regarding the walk itself. The questions below will give you a better understanding of how each visit should/will look day in and day out.
Are you able to feed and water my dog during your visit?
Where will you walk my dog?
Will they be in a vehicle? If so, how do you ensure their safety?
How do you handle unruly behavior among dogs?
What would you do if my dog got off his/her leash?
Do you provide daily updates of how my dog is doing and what they did on their walk?
What supplies do you keep with you on the walk?
How can I (the Dog Owner) contact you (the Dog Walker)?
Asking the right questions is the key to finding the perfect Dog Walker. Don’t miss a single one! We have compiled an exhaustive list of questions for you (BEYOND the ones listed above) all in one place! Get your FREE downloadable Dog Walker Question Guide today!
See something missing? Let us know! Comment below with any Questions you have found to be helpful when in your search of the perfect Dog Walker.
Hiring someone to come into your home to care for your precious fur baby isn’t a decision to take lightly. When you look at the benefits, you see that hiring a Dog Walker can increase the quality of both you and your pup’s life exponentially. Whether you’re looking to get Fido a little more fresh air, hoping to help Gracie shed a few pounds, or just wanting to increase the quality of Lucy’s daily life a Dog Walker can be a great option for you and your baby.
Here are some of the ways that having a Dog Walker in your pet’s life will help:
Peace of Mind
Do you find yourself worrying about your dog having to “hold it” or wondering if they are lonely all day? The guilt of a working pet parent is real and a dog walker may be able to help! Peace of mind is knowing that your precious fur baby is not crossing their legs or sitting at home being lonely all day. This can help you to be more productive at work and give you more balance in your human/dog relationship. Peace of mind goes a long way in the overall yin and yang of pet parenting!
Exercise is good for the soul!
Exercise is a crucial component to any dog’s life no matter their age. Finding the right dog walker to give your pet the appropriate amount of physical movement for their breed, age, and energy level is important. Exercise improves the overall health of your dog which can increase their life span. Who doesn’t want their precious pup around as long as possible?!
Saves You Time
Are you a Busy Bee? Early mornings/late evenings? Never enough hours in the day? You want to give your dog a beautiful, long walk just for them everyday but simply don’t have time? A dog walker helps to ease the stress of one more thing on your to-do list. Enjoy having a happy, tuckered out, pup post-walk and the peace of mind that you provided something just for them that day without the stress of squeezing it in!
Improves Pet Behavior
A well-exercised pup is a well-behaved pup. Many times our dogs have energy that we can’t help them exert. That energy can manifest negatively in chewing on the furniture, barking at every squirrel that runs by the window, or giving the mailman a piece of their mind. Sound familiar? When our dogs are well-exercised they release those held energies through exertion and stimulation of their senses improving their overall behavior at home.
Socialization!
While you may not be a social butterfly and you think your pet isn’t either, socialization is a wonderful way to build their confidence. Meeting a new person and building trust with them as they walk will expand your pet’s “social circle” which ultimately lessens fears and apprehension they may be carrying. Likewise, group hiking/walks is an excellent way for them to socialize with other dogs. This can help to ease the alpha dog mentality they may have, making them a happier more well-rounded pup.
BONUS: Benefits of Exercise for your Dog
Whether you walk your dog yourself or you hire a dog-walker, good exercise is one of the most important gifts you can give to your dog. From their everyday health to their overall confidence, exercise is the best medicine you can give your dog for a happy, healthy lifestyle!
Top three benefits of exercise for your pup
Positive overall health “If you don’t use it you lose it” is true for our pets, too. It may seem obvious to you, but you may be surprised by how many dog owners don’t actually walk their dogs on a daily basis. Exercise in dogs has been known to drastically reduce the risks of heart disease, nasty infections and even depression. Daily exercise keeps obesity at bay, stimulates over all healthy joints, and ultimately causes fewer visits to the vet. This means a fuller heart as a pet parent, and keeping a little money in your pocket isn’t a bad perk either!
Improves behavioral problems such as excessive barking, licking, chewing, digging, and overall anxiety. Many pet owners may not realize that most often these behaviors occur out of boredom. Every walk stimulates your dog with thousands of new scents and sights, which actually makes them even more tired. In addition, the exertion of their energy makes them feel more fulfilled and ultimately calmer when back at home. This reduces their need to bark, dig, chew, scratch, etc. creating a more positive living environment for everyone involved.
Builds Confidence Exercise outside of the home can help your pet trust their environment more. From scents to sights, the exposure that physical activity gives your pet builds confidence with every walk they take with you or your walker. If your dog does not receive exercise they will find a way to release their energy in destructive behaviors. By giving them a place to exert that energy they are able feel a sense of comfort and control, all thanks to you!
Even in the “New Normal” world there are pets (thank goodness!) and those pets need to be cared for! We at Just Around the Corner have worked diligently to enhance safety for our clients, their pets, and our employees. Aside from masks and extra sanitizing we hope our furry friends won’t even notice a difference! These last few months have had us asking things like… How will we ever return to “normal”? What will the NEW normal look like? Can we reopen? If so, WHEN? What can we change to ensure the safety of our family, friends and clients? All questions that you may have asked yourself recently too, right? Fear not, your favorite pet care company has the answers for you regarding our services and the adjustments we are making.
Safety Guidelines
Before the job starts
If an employee is not feeling well or discovers any safety/health concerns they will immediately contact the office and their schedule will be reassigned until they are back to feeling 100%.
We ask that if you as a client will be home during the scheduled visit and are not feeling i.e. fever, body aches, cough, etc. that you contact the office immediately to reschedule your pet’s visits.
Minimizing exposure is of the utmost importance to us, and while it may not always be convenient we are committed to the safety of our clients, your pets, and our employees.
On the Job
All employees will wear an approved face mask covering both the nose & mouth for the duration of every visit.
Antibacterial sanitizer will be used by all employees several times throughout each visit.
Employees will sanitize directly before starting each visit or touching any part of client property including but not limited to lockboxes, gates, newspapers/mail & doors.
Minimizing Exposure
In order to keep exposure to a minimum we will be handling only what is necessary to care for each pet.
We will continue to use the client’s designated collars/harnesses/leashes and encourage our walkers to disinfect prior to and post use.
Moving forward we will not be handling toys, treats, food dishes or water dishes in an effort to minimize exposure for everyone.
We urge you to leave extra water out (if needed) for your pet(s). You are welcome to leave specified treats or pre-portioned food in their bowls on the counter if you would like your pet to receive those things during their visit.
Our walkers/pet care associates will also be practicing safe social distancing (6’ apart) at all times.
New Chat Feature
We are excited to introduce the new Chat Feature as a replacement to our previously handwritten notes. PPS (Power Pet Sitter) now has a mobile app with a Chat Feature. When you log into the PPS app, you will see a new box in your visit labeled “chat”. When you tap on the Chat button you will see that a note is waiting for you from your walker/sitter for that day. This will, again, help to limit the number of items touched and overall exposure during each visit. PLUS, you will get to see the note as soon as your visit is complete, no more waiting until you get home to see how it went for the day. YAY! Please note: We will no longer be leaving handwritten notes at the end of each visit as these awesome messages will replace those. Please download the app today! Android, Apple
At the JAC Office
Management at JAC will continue working diligently to keep our team safe and healthy as we make this transition into our “new normal” as safe and easy as possible. We have created these new guidelines in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and all State and local municipalities in response to Coronavirus.
Our Mission
At Just Around the Corner our mission has always been “Peace of Mind for our clients” and “One size does not fit all”. Please know that within these new guidelines we will continue to take situations/requests on a case by case basis. If something listed above may cause harm/discomfort to you as a pet owner or your pet, we are available to discuss the situation with you and come up with a positive solution for everyone involved.
We are all in this together and look forward to our soft reopening May 18th. Please do not hesitate to call or email with questions or concerns. We are here for you and your fur babies, always. 508-245-1389 or [email protected]
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