8 Imperatives to Prepare for a Pet Sitter

Your vacation is scheduled and you prefer to have your pet stay at home while you are away. In choosing the perfect sitter you should of course interview them, check references and make sure the sitter is licensed, bonded and insured, and LOVES pets. But there are some additional steps you should also take to help ensure your pet will receive the best care possible:

Schedule - Most pet sitters book appointments far in advance. Make reservations as early as possible to guarantee a spot for your pet’s care. If your schedule changes, alert your pet sitter so additional care can be scheduled if necessary.

Pre-visit introduction - Make sure your pet has had an opportunity to meet the sitter before your vacation. Give your sitter your pet schedule, feeding and medication instructions.  If possible, have the sitter take your dog for a walk so that your pet and sitter get accustomed to each other, or bond for a few minutes with you cat or other pets.

Pet care information and supplies - Don’t make your sitter search for pet care items. Place everything your sitter will need in one specific place. This includes food & treats (including a can opener, utensil to mix/chop food and scoop for measuring dry fare), extra food and consumable supplies just in case, medications (with clearly written instructions), leash and collar/harness, paper towels and cleaning supplies, broom/dust pan or vacuum cleaner, plastic bags for waste disposal, litter and scooper, and potty pads if used. Clearly write out and review with your pet sitter any special instructions you want them to perform.

Thermostat - Your pet will be in your locked, sealed home. Make sure the thermostat is set at a comfortable temperature for your pet. Leave instructions on how to adjust the temperature range for your thermostat in case of a power-outage.

Pet proof your home - Pets can be more inquisitive and bored when they are left alone and get into mischief. Put toilet lids down, close cupboards and closets, store medications, perfumes, loose small objects and household cleansers away and out of your pet’s reach.

Alarms, off-limit areas, home access - Are there areas where your pet is not allowed? Make sure you close off the rooms and let the sitter know that those areas are to be kept off limits. Close and lock doors, including garage, and patio doors and windows before you leave. Use timers to control indoor lights so your pet’s day/night schedule is similar to when you are at home. Check to make sure gates and fences are closed and locked. 

Visitor list - If you live in an apartment or gated community, advise and authorize security that your pet sitter will be visiting and, if appropriate, let you neighbors know too. Also, if you plan to have friends, family or someone else also checking on your house and pets in your absence, let the sitter know.  Clearly explain what the pet sitter is responsible for and what the other visitors will be doing to avoid confusion. Also let the sitter know about gardeners, pool or house maintenance providers who might also be on the premises in your absence.

In case of emergency - Your pet sitter should have the information about where to take your pet in case of a health emergency. You should also notify your veterinarian in writing that a sitter will be watching your pet and authorize the veterinarian to provide medical care during your absence if necessary. If there is a natural disaster and your sitter needs to remove your pet from your premises, have a pet emergency kit available and a pet carrier too.  You should also communicate with your sitter how you would like to get updates about your pet, via text, email or phone.

Preparation is the key to make sure your pet sitter has all of the information they need to properly care for your pet while you are away. If they don’t have to search around for your pet supplies and instructions, they will have more time to spend giving love and attention to your pet.

Written by Kathleen Huffman, General Manager orFetch! Pet Care Palm Desert

Best Holiday Gifts For Your Pet

The holidays are here and it feels like “the most wonderful time of the year”! This is a great opportunity to remember what is truly important, and our pets certainly make that list.  In honor of the pets we’ve put together a list of the best pet gifts, so you can show your pet just how grateful you are for them!  We’ve created a list for both dog and cat lovers.

Dog Holiday Wish List

Our doggie wish list starts with the essential soggy doggy door matt. This magical door matt can tackle even the biggest wet messes! They offer assorted colors and patterns to blend in with any home décor. 

Click here for Soggy Doggy door matt

Next on our list is another basic essential: the Flik-it ball launcher. This isn’t your average ball launcher, the Flik-it arm pivots to increase power, accuracy and range, all while reducing your joint and muscle strain.

Click here for Flik-it ball launcher  

If you’re not able to make it to the park, keep your dog busy with the Bionic Bone. Your dog will be busy for hours!  Bionic Bone is built with super sturdy rubber, and designed to fit the curvature of your canine’s mouth – this will keep even the most aggressive chewer occupied!

Click here for Bionic Bone

Now for a little fun, we’ve included The Illuminated Leash on our list. This fun light-up leash will brighten any evening or early morning walk.  The light is visible for one quarter mile away, helping you keep safe and look cool all at the same time!

Click here for The Illuminated Leash

Last but not least, if you’re having any formal events at your home this bow tie collar will make sure your pooch is dressed to impress! For fun outings you may choose the skull and bones design, or for a formal get together pinstripes may fit the bill! In any case this bow tie collar is a must!

Click here for Bow Tie collar

Cat Holiday Wish List:

Now for our favorite cat gifts! We think the holidays should have the perfect balance of play and rest. That’s why we’ve chosen this cat trapeze. The suspended design challenges cats to climb to the top—then provides a comfortable place to rest! We think every cat will love this cat trapeze.

Click here for Cat Trapeze

Next on our list is fun, yet practical. Every cat needs a place to scratch, why not make it enjoyable at the same time? This Cat Scratch DJ Deck lets your cat scratch records on a turn table for hours of fun and laughs.

Click here for Cat Scratch DJ Deck

If you’re cat is more of a lounging kitty, this is the perfect gift for them! This bamboo hammock is made with eco-friendly materials, offers a unique sleeping surface, is stain resistant and has a reversible cover. 

Click here for Bambu Hammock

While you’re out holiday shopping, this great DVD will keep your kitty company. This DVD is designed to keep your cat’s attention without being too repetitive. They may not even know you’re gone!

Click here for DVD for Cats: While you’re away

Last but not least is the Senses Play Circuit. This toy incorporates your cat’s sound, touch and sight senses for a dynamic playing experience!  By engaging with your cat’s natural hunting instincts your cat will be busy playing for hours!

Click here for Senses Play Circuit

Whichever gift you decide to give your pet we know it will be a special time of year. Here at Fetch! Pet Care, we wish you and your family a happy and safe holiday! 

Pet Proofing your Home for the Holidays

November officially kicks off the holiday season! Nothing says the holidays like turkey, decorations and family. But while you’re hauling in the tree and baking holiday treats, remember to consider how these things can affect your pet. In an effort to help your kitty or pup avoid any holiday accidents, here are some “Do’s” and “Don’ts”.

Tempting holiday treats may cause harm

- DON’T feed your pet Thanksgiving Dinner. Turkey and other poultry have small brittle bones that pose a choking hazard to animals. Avoid feeding your pet any turkey.

- DO guard your left overs. Make sure all of your leftovers are in a secure place and that the garbage is not within your pet’s reach.

- DON’T feed your pet your dessert. It’s tempting to share your holiday pies and treats but these foods can cause your little guy a big stomachache. Treats with chocolates are absolutely off limits, as they are highly toxic and deadly to dogs.

- DO stick with your pet’s regular diet to avoid any stomachaches or trips to the vet. If you want to give your pet a festive treat, take a trip to the pet store for a pet appropriate surprise!

Decorations should bring cheer not fear!

- DON’T let your pet play with the Christmas tree. Tree decorations, lights and pine needles can all cause serious problems for your pet if they are digested.

- DO trim low hanging tree branches that your pet may see as a tempting toy or treat!

- DON'T let your pet drink from the tree’s water bowl. Stagnant water can grow bacteria that are hazardous to your pet’s health.

- DO secure a Christmas tree skirt around the bottom of the tree. This will keep pets away from the tree trunk and clear of the lights, decorations, water bowl and from accidentally knocking over the tree!

- DON’T leave poinsettias, lilies and mistletoe on the ground. These plants can be toxic to pets, so keep them out of licking and chewing range.

- DO keep decorations at eye level. This will keep most hazards out of your pet’s way.

- DON’T leave holiday presents under the tree or on a coffee table. Pets like to open gifts too! Holiday paper and ribbons can be deadly if they get stuck in your pet’s digestive tract.

- DO speak with guests about pet safety hazards so they don’t unknowingly break the rules and put your pet in harms way.

Remember, the best present you can give your pet for the holidays is a warm safe home! We hope these tips help you and your pet side step any holiday accidents and we wish you a Happy Holidays from everyone at Fetch! Pet Care!

October is “Adopt a Shelter Dog Month”

October is “Adopt a Shelter Dog Month” and the need for good homes for dogs is higher than ever. For us at Fetch! Pet Care, shelter dogs hold a very special place in our hearts, as many of our Fetch! owners volunteer for shelters and have adopted shelter pets themselves. The owner of Fetch! Pet Care of the Hollywood Hills in California, Peggy Kennedy, took the time out of her busy day of dispatching her pet sitters to perform professional pet sitting and dog walking services to speak with us about her two shelter dogs, Duval and Roo, who are an irreplaceable part of her family.

Peg first meet Duval, a Pit Bull, when he was a Fetch! client. Peg and Duval became instant friends on their walks together, and when Duval’s owner could no longer take care of him, Peg took him in. Peg’s husband initially needed some convincing, but after a few cuddle sessions with Duval he was sold!

During the day, Duval stays busy going to elementary schools where he is a certified therapy dog and reads with children once a week. He enjoys tagging along with Peg to pet and adoption events. His favorite foods are muffins and pastries—but these are not a part of his regular nutrition regimen!

And then there is Roo! Peg met the Pit Bull mix when she was “red listed” by the shelter, meaning Roo had been recommended to be euthanized. Roo was suffering from Mange; a skin disorder caused by parasites, and she didn’t get along well with others. Because of the skin sores caused by Mange and her social problems, Roo didn’t have much chance of being adopted.

Peg took her home temporarily, so Roo could avoid being euthanized. Over the next three months Peg spent endless hours with Roo helping her to overcome her behavioral problems and, when Roo still couldn’t find a home, Peg decided she was there to stay! Unlike Duval, Roo is full of energy and spends her days at agility classes, running and hiking. Rue’s favorite food is popcorn!

Many people say that shelter dogs seem more grateful to their owners, but Peg says she’s the one who feels differently towards her dogs because she knows what would have happened to them had she not adopted them. By adopting them, she opened the door for these two great dogs to have a good life, while making room at the shelter for another dog to get the same opportunity. You can give a shelter dog the opportunity for a better life by adopting or fostering; contact your local shelter to learn how you can make a difference.