Testimonials
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"GoodDogz.org has been a very positive force for animal rescue in Northern Virgina. The Reston Pet Fiesta has given our group wonderful exposure each year and has brought a lot of people out to see rescue dogs. We have also referred many adopters and potential adopters to the GoodDogz.org website for links to valuable resources. Keep up the good work!" Pam McAlwee, Founder, Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation |
Adopters Step By Step Guide Should You Get A Dog? Canine Nannies
Canine Nannies - Pet Sitting And Dog Walking Services Most
pet owners would prefer to take their dog with them when the
travel. But what if that is not practical, or dogs aren't
allowed at your destination? When your constant companion
has to stay behind while you travel, who will care for him?
There are several options available to today's pet owner:
asking a friend or neighbor to stop in and visit your dog
several times per day; hiring a professional pet sitter; or
kenneling your dog - either at a traditional vet, or a more
upscale "doggy spa."
If your
trip will be short, you may wish to ask a friend or neighbor
who is very familiar with your dog to care for him. Your friend
can either take your dog to her house for a few days, or keep
him at home, where he is comfortable and content. Your friend
should visit three times per day: morning, midday, and evening,
with no more than nine hours elapsing between visits.
For puppies
or dogs kept in a crate, visits should be more frequent: at
least once every five hours. The general rule of thumb is
that a puppy is only able to "hold it" for one hour
more than his number of months in age. So a four-month-old
puppy can go five hours at the absolute maximum between potty
breaks.
Many pet
owners don't like having to inconvenience their friends too
often, so they frequently choose to sign up with a professional
pet sitting service. Pet sitters provide a wonderful service
by maintaining your pets' schedule at home while you travel.
There are many services out there, so you must do your homework
before choosing one. A lower price should not be the deciding
factor for pet owners, as different companies offer different
services. Make sure you understand how long the visits will
be, what is included in each visit (feeding, watering, walking,
mail and newspaper service, etc.), and how vet emergencies
will be treated. Professional pet sitters are bonded and insured,
and should provide client references upon request. They should
complete a client service agreement (contract) with you, and
should be very compatible with your pet.
Whether
using a professional pet sitter or a friend to care for your
dog at home when you travel, here are some suggestions to
make the transition much smoother:
The last option available to traveling pet owners is to board their dog, either at the vet, a kennel, or a more upscale doggy spa. At any facility, your dog will spend its day in a cage or "condo", with breaks for walks, but not very much human interaction. Some dogs do just fine in this environment, but many crave more companionship than boarding provides. Take your dog in for a "test run" - kennel him for a day or so to see how he'll do on longer trips. Make sure to provide his food and some personal items from home, so he doesn't get too lonely. Get plenty of feedback from the staff - make sure your dog was eating well and wasn't too depressed - before you commit to boarding him for a longer period of time. With research, planning, and plenty of advance notice, your dog will be well cared for, loved, and happy while you travel. Just imagine the reunion when you return! by Beth Greenberg, All Friends Pet Care  Beth
Greenberg and partner Pam Ahart are founders and co-owners
of All Friends Pet Care, and are committed to providing quality,
professional pet sitting throughout Northern Virginia. All
Friends Pet Care was a natural progression from our years of shared dedication and
passion
toward our animal friends, and our desire to build a business
where"your best friend is our best customer."
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