Ten dog commandments
Thursday, 4th October 2012 at 12:45 PM
I came across this today and thought I would share it on our pet sitting blog as it is so very true! It should be issued to every new dog owner!
Hungry?
Monday, 1st October 2012 at 17:00 PM
A live in pet sitter is there to do just what it says on the tin: be with your pets offering one to one care throughout the day and night to be on hand for company, entertainment, grooming, tickles, walks, clean up operations and feeding .. there is just a chance this dog thinks this means they should be involved in ALL feeding though! There has to be a line, honestly, there does!
Dog walking the live in way!
Friday, 28th September 2012 at 13:45 PM
Having just got back from a full mornings dog walking I thought I would write a little about the different service you get with a live in pet sitter to that you get with a dog walker or pop in service. I wonder how many people realise what an enhanced service we do offer for their pets? There are no time limits to walks with a live in sitter so whether your dog likes a few short gentle walks or a good few hours your sitter will oblige. We are also happy to split them into groups and walk them seperately if required. Dogs also benefit from one to one care so you don't need to worry about other dogs they are walking with and can be sure that we are understanding of their little quirks! You pay no extra for this making our 24 hour service only slightly more expensive than booking a dog walk if you have a dogs who need a good few hours walking a day: terrific value and a great way to get the very best care for your pet and home!
Your pet sitters are there to care for your pets and your pets alone so you do not have to worry that they are rushing off to the next job or clock watching to ensure that they only cover the alloted time. Our sitters are also flexible with timings so if you have a dog who does not get on with other dogs they can ensure they pick quieter times. It also means that if the weather is awful walks can be split to ensure they are as pleasant as possible for your dog! Mind you, after getting soaked to the skin while a very happy dog paddled in the pouring rain this week I am not sure this is always the case!
Cat Yoga?
Wednesday, 26th September 2012 at 16:44 PM
Our pet sitters often come back to us with stories about the talented cats they look after but how about some cat yoga? We posted this on our Facebook page today and would love to see any pictures you may have of your own cats demonstrating some moves! Why not pop over and show us?
Pet Blood Bank UK
Monday, 10th September 2012 at 09:50 AM
Pet Blood Bank UK is the first and only charity of its kind that provides a canine blood bank service, helping to save the lives of many loyal companions across the UK.
For all dog owners who give blood themselves, and recognise its importance for helping save the lives of others, the same applies for our canine friends.
C Dunbar, owner of a dog who received blood from Pet Blood Bank UK comments:
“My beloved Whippet, Corrie, took very suddenly and seriously ill. He needed a blood transfusion straightaway. Without Pet Blood Bank UK, we would have had to beg local people to put forward their dogs to the vets as donors, and hope for a match. I don’t think Corrie would have survived the wait.”
We have on average three collection sessions a week, seeing up to 22 doggy donors at any one session. The donor will not only receive a full health check but also receive a goody bag containing “I’m a lifesaver!” bandana and toy of their choice.
It doesn’t take long either - on average 40 minutes, of which 10 will be for the actual donation itself. During this time, the donor is encouraged to lie down and relax with their owner by their side.
J Sanderson, owner of two long standing doggy donor Dobermans comments:
“The whole process involving the collection of the blood is very easy and the team are very good, putting both the owner and donor at ease. If the donor isn’t comfortable, then they don’t go ahead.”
Dobermans are typically of a negative blood type breed, and with levels of this blood type low, owners of negative blood donors are being called for (but not exclusively). Other typical negative blood type breeds include Greyhounds, Boxers, German Shepherds, Flat Coated Retrievers, Airedale Terriers Weimaraners, Lurchers, American Bulldogs, Pointer (English), English Bull Terriers and Mastiffs (various breeds).
There’s also a criteria for donation. Donors need to be fit and healthy, and meet the following:
· Have a good temperament
· Aged between 1 – 8 years old
· Weigh more than 25 kilos
· Be up-to-date with vaccinations
· Not traveled outside of the UK and Eire
· Not on any medication
If you think your dog meets the above criteria, or know of one who does, please register for your nearest session at www.petbloodbankuk.org or call us on 01509 232222.
Best of friends?
Thursday, 6th September 2012 at 11:51 AM
This sweet photograph has reminded us that using a live in pet sitter means that best friends are never separated when you are away however unlikely the friendship! Going into kennels or a cattery or home boarding can be a stressful experience for your pet as they are separated from their home environment, routine and companions. With our live in pet sitters this never has to be the case.
Back to school
Wednesday, 5th September 2012 at 16:39 PM
So it is back to school week .. where did the summer go? Down the drain I think! Even though we don't really feel like we had a summer we did manage to have an amazing time enjoying the Jubilee and Olympics so I guess we can't really complain can we?
This is always a very busy time of year for us. We normally find that office wise we are busy in the spring when people start to plan holidays and sit wise summer is obviously the time our sitters pack their cases, look at their full diaries and take a deep breath! However we tend to get a double whammy in September as many of our clients prefer to go away once the schools go back while parents take advantage of the peace to plan their next escape! This means our office is busy making sure everyone is where they should be and that our clients who know to get in early have their favourite sitters booked in for next year!
September is also the time when many people start to think about Christmas. Things are looking very busy this year and we have already got to the point where we have very, very limited availability so please make sure you get in touch as soon as possible if you are planning to be away.
We use September to start thinking about the next year. I am busy updating paperwork, giving everything a fresh look, updating our systems and looking at pricing for next year. We always strive to keep our prices as competitive and reasonable as possible but I'm afraid there will need to be a price increase for 2013. Considering the level of service we give we are still the best option around though; it isn't always about cost!
Enjoy the peace this week!
Day Sits
Wednesday, 5th September 2012 at 16:18 PM
When I first took over Pet and Property Sitters many people would ask me why we offered day sits as none of my competitors did! Many appeared to view it as a hindrance as it can take a sitter out of a longer term sit and only saw the financial benefits in not providing them. I have never agreed with this view as I firmly believe with a little planning it is perfectly possible to offer a simple service that can be so very useful for our clients. It shows our commitment to doing the best for their pets and in turn building an effective working relationship with them. They like to know that we will go the extra mile to help them out on occasional day sits in order to provide continuous care with a sitter their pet knows well. It is also an excellent way for sitters to get to know a pet a little better before they undertake a longer booking and can put minds at rest on both sides!
In the last couple of years I have noticed that many of our competitors are now coming over to this view but I do wonder if it is for a genuine reason! Many still charge a minimum rate for day cover which can make it extremely expensive compared to our reasonable charges.
Our day sit service does exactly what it says on the tin. We will be there when you can't be and offer the same level of service you would get with a longer sit. If you have pets they will be cared for as normal. We will be on site for deliveries (often much more cost effective than taking time off work), to supervise workmen, visitors, viewings .. anything you need! It is extremely useful if you have been invited to a function or event that will mean you being away from your pets and home for a longer than you would like. Our sitters are all friendly and flexible and will remain on site for as long as you need us.
We are also happy to provide day cover in holiday accommodation. Providing we have a sitter local to you they will happily spend the day in a hotel or self catering cottage and look after your dog while you spend time away. It is lovely to be able to take your dog away with you but also very tying so it can be really handy to know that a professional can babysit when you could do with a dog free day. You can also be assured that because you sitter is part of Pet and Property Sitters you will get the same service you are used to . . you never know, we might even be able to book your usual sitter!
This service also extends to family events and weddings both at away from and at home! You can find full details on our day sit page.
If you would like to discuss any requirements you may have for a day sit please do not hesitate to contact us and we will see what we can do for you.
Sleeping with pets?
Tuesday, 4th September 2012 at 11:42 AM
One of the most frequent questions we get asked when arranging a pet sit is if our pet sitters would be happy to maintain the usual sleeping habits of pets. Many clients actually sound surprised that we have no problem in allowing a pet upstairs or even on the sitters bed if that is what they normally do! Remember, we are not a kennel or home boarding service; we do our best to replace you in the home and do what you would do! Our pet sitters are recruited because they love animals and as such the majority have no problem with a dog sharing the bedroom or bed. Just make sure you let us know so that we can check!
Unlike the majority of the larger pet sitting companies I still carry out occasional sits personally as it is the best way to know my business inside and out. I often find that after getting into bed I will hear that telling sound of a charge of mine deciding that it might be good idea to get a cosy spot and it is good to know that they trust you enough to do so. Personally I actually like to have them room with me (if this is the norm) as I know where they are and what they are doing - maybe I'm too soft! However there have been many times when I have woken up with a dogs backside in my face and reconsidered this view!
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