It can be so hard to leave our fur babies. Even just for a few hours to go to work. At the back of our mind, we’re always wondering, “what if something happens and I’m not there?” And these worries can be even worse going out of town. What if something happens at the kennel your dog is boarding at? What if it’s too scary for your dog and he doesn’t settle in? Of course, you could always ask a neighbor to pop in. But what if they have their own emergency and have to leave? Worst of all, what if someone breaks in?
Aside from the convenience, there are a lot of reasons why you should consider hiring a professional pet sitter. Safety is the absolute number one reason. You’re probably wondering what a pet sitter can do that Bill from across the street can’t. The answer is… we can do quite a bit.
Let us tell you how Karen’s Pawsome Pet Care keeps your pet safe, whether you're gone for 8 hours or for 8 days.
Why Your Pets Are Safe With Us
No kennel altercations. Every playground has a bully. Kennels and Doggie Daycares are no different. There’s often one dog who hasn’t been properly trained or plays too rough who causes an incident during free play. Nipped ears, bites, and broken bones are 3 injuries that are most common at kennels and doggie daycares.
No exposure to viruses. You don’t want to come home from vacation to a sick dog or cat. While all kennels require an animal's vaccine record, there is still a chance of viruses spreading between dogs and cats. The most common of these is Bordetella, also known as Kennel Cough. It is a highly contagious respiratory virus that causes a harsh cough and can even lead to pneumonia if left untreated. Cats are just as likely to catch it as dogs are. And just like the flu, Kennel Cough has many strains that may not be accounted for in the vaccine your pet receives. Speaking of the flu, canine influenza is another virus that spreads like wildfire through boarding situations. It mimics Kennel Cough and can also develop into pneumonia.
Less chance of parasites. There’s always a chance that your dog will get some kind of nasty critter in his gut. It could be from drinking water in a muddy puddle or from eating another dog’s “tootsie rolls” at the dog park. When dogs are in close quarters, like in a kennel, chances are higher that your dog will get a parasite. Fleas can also spread quickly between dogs in close proximity. It only takes one flea pop onto a dog who hasn’t had his flea treatment. Soon, the whole kennel will become a symphony of scratching. Cats might be less likely to catch intestinal parasites from other cats since they aren’t let out in a run, but they can get fleas, so keep that in mind when selecting care for your cat.
Your pet will be less stressed at home. This is especially true if you’re going out of town for a few days. Being thrown out of his routine can cause stress, leading to stomach upset and even regression in behavior. Think of all your friends who talk about their dog or cat “getting even” when they come back from a trip. Your pet’s mental health and safety are just as important as their physical health, and just like in people, they can be linked. There’s no need to make the transition in their routine even scarier by sending them to a strange place.
We’ll notice any problems right away. Karen’s Pawsome Pet Care specialists aren’t just popping in and filling your pet’s dish. We’re spending time with your pet, playing with your cats, and walking your dogs. If you are a regular client, we might know your pet almost as well as you do. This means that if your pet is sick or injured, we’ll notice. If something is off about your dog’s gait, or your cat isn’t eating right, we’ll be able to notify you so you won’t be taken by surprise.
Your home will be safer. We all know an empty house can be a target. The coming and going of a pet sitter will make it look like your home is still occupied, preventing any shady characters from targeting you.
We can also notify you if something is wrong in your house that could be a concern for your pet. When the days are hot here in Phoenix and air conditioners are on full blast, the last thing you want is a malfunctioning A/C. If your A/C stops working, this can be extremely dangerous for your pets. If your A/C is leaking, we can also help keep your pets and home safe. Our job is to notify you of these things so that we can come up with a safety gameplan together!
No medication confusion. If you have a pet that needs medication like an insulin shot, or a pill, you can be sure your pet is getting it and in the right doses. Your neighbor might be hesitant to pill a cat and might think just missing a few won’t hurt. That won’t happen with us. We have years of professional experience, and we know how important it is that your pet gets their medication in a timely manner.
We care. When you book services with Karen’s Pawsome Pet Care, you and your pet become part of our family. Your pet isn’t just a job to us. Their safety and wellbeing are of the utmost importance, and we strive to ensure that they are safe and happy until you return home.
How You Can Help Us Keep Your Pet Safe
Keep your pet’s profile updated with any changes to feeding and/or medication.
Have their veterinarian’s phone number in an accessible place.
Let us know if your pet has any allergies or special needs.
Keep your emergency information updated, and have a backup in case we can’t reach you.
And hey! While we’re on the topic of safety, March is Pet First Aid Awareness month! When was the last time you checked the supplies in your pet’s first aid kit? Don’t have one, and you aren’t sure what you should have in it? Check out this blog for tips on building a first-aid kit for your pet.
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