Presentation: Elderly Pet Health Issues

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This is the recording of a presentation on Elderly Pet Health Issues given by Dr Kelly Rohn DVM, owner of Hidden Springs Veterinary Care. Dr Rohn walked us through the symptoms we will see in elderly pets and steps we can take to improve their quality of life. Dogs and cats can easily hide symptoms or they can be overlooked as your pet grows older and becomes less active.

This series is hosted monthly by the Pet Honor Society.

LEARN MORE
Hidden Springs Veterinary Care is a mobile veterinary practice that caters to both elderly pets as well as animals that would prefer to be seen in their own home.

Pet Honor Society is dedicated to helping you through end of life pet care. She hosts a monthly Pet Parent Series where a guest speaker addresses an issue important to us all. Visit their website to see dates for upcoming events.

 

PREVIOUS PRESENTATIONS

How to Make Your Own Pill Poppers At Home!

Take Amazing Pet Photos With Your Phone

Why Should I Learn Agility With My Dog?

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Welcome to Our Pet Care Tips Series!

Thanks for following our Pet Care Tips Series where each week we talk to an animal expert in our community to get you one tip that every pet lover should know.

Guest of the Week: Amy Creaven with Trust Your Dog Training

Amy is a Certified Karen Pryor Training Partner in Fort Collins, Colorado. She services northern Colorado and provides in-home consultations for behavior problems. She also teaches agility classes on her property, which you see in the video, and during the summers she teaches rattlesnake training using positive reinforcement methods. In our talk today Amy discusses the advantages of learning agility with your dog, beyond just that fact that your dog will run around and have fun! There is actually so much more to agility and almost any dog will love something about it, even it they are not the fastest one around the course.

 

Trust Your Dog Training

Trust Your Dog Training is located in north Fort Collins, Colorado. Agility classes are taught outdoors but Amy also provides provides private consultations.

If you want to learn more about Trust Your Dog training, visit them online or contact Amy to learn more:

Follow the Whole Pet Care Tips Series!

Thanks for reading this blog as part of our Pet care Tips Series! Every week we interview an animal expert in our community to ask them one question:

What is the one thing you believe all pet lovers should know?

This varies from tips about training, medical problems, general pet knowledge and more! We interviewed dog trainers, veterinarians, groomers, grief specialists and a variety of other pet experts, people you may not even know exist.

To make sure you see the whole series:

  • Subscribe to our YouTube channel for a new video each week
  • Subscribe to our Email Newsletter where each week we send out a summary with pet tips and tricks

Previous topics:

Are you a local pet expert? Contact us to become a part of the Pet Care Tips Series!

What is Fear Free and How Can it Improve My Trip to the Veterinarian?

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Welcome to Our Pet Care Tips Series!

Thanks for following our Pet Care Tips Series where each week we talk to an animal expert in our community to get you one tip that every pet lover should know.

Guest of the Week: Dr Julie Gamble with Gamble Pet Care

This week we met with Dr Julie Gamble from Gamble Pet Clinic in Fort Collins, Colorado. She discussed with us how Fear Free practices work and how to make your dog or cat more comfortable when going to see the veterinarian. Unfortunately a lot of pets do not visit the veterinarian as often as they should due to the level of stress and anxiety involved. In addition, once you arrive at the veterinarian your exam and care may not be as thorough as it could be if your pet is not willing to be handled easily. Fear Free is a new movement that you may not have heard of yet but is taking the animal community by storm! The general idea is to make visits to places like the veterinarian as stress free as possible for your cat or dog. This may mean taking steps in advance to coordinate with your veterinarian, breaking vet visits up into multiple trips, getting your pets used to the car and more. Dr Gamble talks about a lot of these ideas that you can use at home, or even better, discuss with your veterinarian and see if you can apply them to your visits.

*** Special note: Gamble Pet Clinic just received practice certification for Fear Free, making them the first Fear Free Certified Veterinary Practice in Larimer County, Colorado! Congrats!

 

Gamble Pet Clinic

Gamble Pet Clinic is located in Fort Collins, Colorado, and specializes in preventative veterinary care for dogs and cats. As a disclaimer, Dr Gamble has been my veterinarian (this is Liana writing) for my entire adult life and watching her clinic develop and grow over the years has been an amazing privilege. Not to mention that my pets have also all loved her and her staff!

If you want to learn more about Gamble Pet Clinic, visit them online or contact them to learn more:

Fear Free Happy Homes

Fear Free Happy Homes is the program developed by the Fear Free organization for pet owners. They have both a complimentary membership and a paid membership, but the free side is a great place to start to learn more. They provide tips and resources to enrich your pet’s life, as well as information specifically on improving visits to the veterinarian. To learn about about them and join their program, visit their website Fear Free Happy Homes.

 

Follow the Whole Pet Care Tips Series!

Thanks for reading this blog as part of our Pet care Tips Series! Every week we interview an animal expert in our community to ask them one question:

What is the one thing you believe all pet lovers should know?

This varies from tips about training, medical problems, general pet knowledge and more! We interviewed dog trainers, veterinarians, groomers, grief specialists and a variety of other pet experts, people you may not even know exist.

To make sure you see the whole series:

  • Subscribe to our YouTube channel for a new video each week
  • Subscribe to our Email Newsletter where each week we send out a summary with pet tips and tricks

Previous topics:

Are you a local pet expert? Contact us to become a part of the Pet Care Tips Series!

How to Make Your Own Pill Poppers At Home!

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Pill poppers are a fantastic tool that make it much easier for you to pill your dog or cat without a huge hassle. Put the pill inside and feed it like a treat. Other foods things like cheese will fall apart in your hands, but these treats form around the pill and make it hard to separate, so your pet will not just eat around it. However, commercial pill poppers are made with tons of preservatives and only come in a couple flavors, plus they are a little costly. Instead learn how to make your own pill poppers at home!

Advantages of Making Pill Poppers

  • All healthy ingredients that you control
  • Adjust the flavor based on the preferences of your pets
  • Work around any allergies
  • Inexpensive to make a large batch
  • No preservatives

In this video Sue Carroll with Bones du Jour teaches us all how to make pill poppers and even demonstrates how easy it is!

At the end stay for a demonstration on how to make scary Halloween monster dog cookies!

 

The Host

This class was part of a Pet Talks Series of presentations hosted by Claire with Pet Honor Society. If you love this be sure to take a look at future classes being held by Claire. You can find her upcoming events on Facebook. I will also be there filming, so come down and visit with me or subscribe to our email newsletter to make sure you see future videos!

Pet Lovers Guide to Windsor

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Are you one of the many pet lovers living in Windsor? Or maybe you are thinking of getting a pet soon. Either way, eventually you will need a Pet Sitter, Dog Walker, Cat Sitter, Vet, Dog Trainer, Groomer, Rescue or Pet Shop.

But how do you find the best solution for you and your pets? We have put together a list of resources for pet lovers to make this easier for you!

 

Windsor Pet Sitter

Pet Lovers Guide to Windsor

Choosing the right pet sitter for your pet can be difficult. You want to ensure your sitter is correct for your household and your pets. Because of that, we put together an ebook A Pet Owner’s Guide to Hiring a Pet Sitter or Dog Walker to give you all of the information you need to hire a pet sitter that is a good match for you.

Download our printable checklist on Hiring a Pet Sitter or Dog Walker to help in your search.

To learn more about our pet sitters take a look at our About Us page. To learn about our services, visit our Services page.

If you have a pet sitter and want to make sure you are prepared for your trip, download our Preparing for Your Pet Sitter Checklist.

 

Windsor Dog Walker

Dog walkers are great for dogs who have a lot of energy and people who do not have enough time. A dog walk can be nice for a day when you work late, or just cannot get away to take out your pup. To learn about how to hire a dog walker, take a look at our ebook A Pet Owner’s Guide to Hiring a Pet Sitter or Dog Walker. This can guide you through why you may need a dog walker, how they work and how you find one that is a wonderful match for your household.

If you want to learn about the Benefits of Regular Dog Walks, read our recent article. If you want to learn about our dog walking services, take a look at our services page.

 

Pet Supply Stores Around Windsor

Windsor is not as large as Fort Collins but there is still a great place to do your shopping! We are a huge fan of shopping local whenever possible, and we believe locally-owned stores tend to have better-educated employees to give you advice.

We have collected a list of our favorite pet supply stores in town:

A good pet supply store should be able to offer suggestions on products based on your pet’s health needs. Ask some questions and if you do not feel comfortable then try a different store.

 

Windsor Rescues

As such an animal-friendly city, Windsor has a wide variety of rescues. It would be impossible to list them all here, but we wanted to provide you the groups that are large and most likely to be able to meet your needs. Whether you want to adopt a new pet or just have questions, these rescues are all great!

Here are the rescues most likely to be of assistance:

  • Humane Society of Weld County – General shelter for Weld County. They have adoptable animals and accept surrenders.
  • Windsor Animal Control – If you are having an animal-related problem in Windsor contact them at (970) 686-7433
  • Weld County Animal Control – These are the folks you contact for animal issues in unincorporated Weld County.
  • Larimer Humane Society – General shelter for Larimer County. They also house animal control, pet licensing and concerns about rabid wildlife. Although Windsor is in Weld County, parts of Windsor are technically a Fort Collins address.
  • Big Bones Canine Rescue – Specializing in rescue for Mastiffs and Great Danes.

If one of these organizations cannot answer your questions, they will refer you to someone who can.

 

Windsor Veterinarians

With Windsor being so CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital, we are flush with amazing veterinarians. Choosing a veterinarian that is a good fit for you can make a huge difference in the life of your and your pets.

Here is a list of veterinarians in Windsor:

Learn more about each of these clinics to see which one is a good match for you! Best Vets in Windsor

If you need help choosing your new veterinarian, read our recent article 5 Tips to Picking a Veterinarian You Love.

 

Windsor Emergency Veterinarians

When you have a pet emergency, you want to make sure to get the best care for your animal, no matter what time of day! Emergency vet clinics are open 24/7, 365 days a year and can be a lifesaver when you need one. It is important to know where your closest clinic is so you know where to go right away.

Here are emergency veterinary clinics:

 

Windsor Dog Trainers

All dogs can use a little training, whether it be the normal sit and stay or learning how to stop your puppy from chewing on your shoes. Plus training classes can be fun for you and your dog to have some bonding time! Dogs are smart animals and need to use their brains to keep them from getting bored.

Here are trainers that use positive reinforcement training:

When choosing a dog trainer you want to pick one that works with your dog in a positive and fear-free manner.

 

Windsor Dog-Friendly Hotels

If you are coming to Windsor to visit or if you find yourself needing to stay in a hotel for a while, you want to have a hotel that is friendly for your dog.

We have made a list of hotels that are dog friendly and wonderful for you!

If you are visiting Windsor and need to leave your dog while you go out for an activity, consider having a pet sitter come to stay in your hotel. This will give your dog company and make sure she does not get in any trouble while you are gone. We provide extended stays for these types of trips which you can learn about in our services.

 

Windsor Dog Groomers

A good haircut is important to the health and happiness of your dog. Considerate groomers can make the grooming process as easy as possible.

We have collected a list of groomers in Windsor:

If you would like to get tips on how to pick the perfect groomer, read our recent article 5 Places for Dog Grooming in Fort Collins.

 

Self-Service Dog Washes in Windsor

If your dog does not need all the trimmings, it can sometimes be easier to clean them up yourself. It is wonderful to go to a self-service dog wash where you can use their space to get your pup clean without making a mess of your bathroom.

We have collected a list of self-service dog washes in Windsor:

To learn more about costs of using a self-service dog wash, read our recent article How Much Does it Cost to Use a Self Service Dog Wash?

 

Windsor Catteries

When you are traveling you can either hire a pet sitter or board your cat in a cattery. There are advantages of each, and if you decide to board your cat there are a variety of options.

We have collected a list of catteries in Windsor:

If you are considering hiring a pet sitter, look at the advantages of cat sitting and take a look at our services.

 

Dog Boarding Kennels in Windsor

 When leaving town you can either hire a pet sitter or board your dog in a kennel.

We have collected a list of the top places to board your dog in Windsor:

If you are considering pet sitting, read our recent article Why Should I Hire a Dog Sitter, and look at our services.

 

Windsor Doggy Daycare

When your dog needs some extra exercise, you have two options:

  1. Send your dog to daycare
  2. Hire a dog walker to exercise your dog

Dog daycare can be great for well-socialized dogs who enjoy the company of other dogs. If you are unsure if daycare is a good option, read our recent article Doggy Daycare vs Dog Walker.

We are currently unaware of any dog daycares in Windsor. Sorry!

If you are thinking about using a dog walker take a look at our services.

 

Windsor Poop Scooper

If you love your dog but do not love cleaning up after him then you may need a poop-scooping company!

 

Top Pet-Friendly Restaurants in Windsor

During nice weather, it can be a bonus to be able to take your dog with you when you go out to eat. In Windsor we have many, many food options to choose from, so you might as well pick one where you can bring your pup!

These are good pet-friendly restaurants in Windsor:

 

Windsor Dog Parks

In Windsor, folks love their dogs and we want them to have as much fun as possible! For well-socialized dogs, that can mean a trip to the dog park is a wonderful way to get those zoomies out!

Here in Windsor, we have 2 dogs parks, learn about them here!

To learn more about dog park rules in Windsor take a look at this article.

 

Windsor Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails

Hiking is one of the most popular hobbies in Colorado, for good reason. The trails are beautiful all year round and there are many where you can bring your furry friend with you.

Two of our favorite Windsor trails are:

  1. Windsor Lake Trail & Dog Park
  2. Poudre River Trail

 

Do you have a resource you think should be added to the Pet Lovers Guide to Windsor? Let us know via our contact form so we can check it out!

What Pet Sitting Visits Do I Need For My Kitten?

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Are you going out of town but are worried about your kitten? Kittens are the cutest but they need a lot of attention and have a knack for getting in trouble when they are alone! It is important that you arrange pet sitting visits that work well for your kitten to make sure she gets plenty of playtime, cuddles and supervision that she needs.

Cute kitten plays with kitten sitter

Kitten Option #1

This is an ideal schedule for social kittens that sleep in the bed with you.

 

30 Mid-Day Visit 

Your sitter will arrive and check up on your kitten. She will start out with lots of cuddles and playtime while checking to make sure your kitten did not get in to anything. She can give her fresh food and water, alternate her toys and send you an update so you know your kitten is doing great! This visit is a nice way to break up the day so she is not home alone for so long.

12 Hour Extended Overnight Stay 

Your sitter will arrive around 7pm and spend the evening giving your kitten lots of cuddles and playtime. These generally alternate and sometimes there are catnaps in between! Some kittens have an evening routine or just really like to play now that it is dark outside. When your kitten is ready, you sitter will settle down for the night wherever you (and your kitten) think is best. If your kitten sleeps with a specific member of the family, then she would probably prefer to have someone in that bed to keep the routine the same. In the morning your sitter will go through the regular schedule of feeding, playtime, litter box cleaning, cleaning out water bowls and generally setting your kitten up for the day.

Kitten chews on basket

Kitten Option #2

This is a good schedule for kittens who like to get some extra attention.

 

1 Hour Breakfast Visit

Your sitter arrives in the morning for breakfast and playtime! Or maybe she prefers a warm lap to cuddle with for awhile. Your sitter will take care of breakfast, cleaning the litter box, giving your car fresh water and then will settle in for some more playtime to tire your kitten out! Does she have the morning zoomies? Then a good play session with your cat’s favorite toys is in order! Your sitter will send you a picture with an update so you can rest easy knowing your cat has company. Before leaving, your sitter settles your kitten in for the day and makes sure she is comfortable.

1 Hour Dinner Visit

Your sitter will arrive around dinner time. Your kitten will be ready for some more playtime and cuddles, as well as dinner! This is also a great visit for your sitter to bring in the mail, put out trash for the morning pickup, and any other small tasks that need to be done. At the end of the visit your sitter will make sure your kitten is comfortable for the evening. Some kittens like their beds arranged a certain way or a heating blanket turned on for them.

Grey kitten playing with toy mouse

Kitten Option #3

This is a good schedule for kittens who have shorter playtimes.

 

30 Minute Breakfast Visit

Your sitter will arrive in the morning and will check on your kitten. She will undoubtedly want some playtime and cuddles first thing! Then your sitter will feed her, clean the litter box and send you and update so you know your kitten is doing great! 3 visits a day is perfect for kittens who like to play for a short period then take a nap for awhile. 

30 Minute Mid-Day Visit

Mid-day playtime! Your kitten has had a nap and is ready to go! Your sitter can give her cuddles and keep her playing until she is nice and tired for the afternoon.

30 Minute Dinner Visit

Your sitter will finish out the day with playtime, feeding, water and litter box. There will be a few moments for bringing in the mail and turning on some lights so your home appears lived in. Your sitter can send you an update and let you know how the visits went with a cute picture!

Grey kittens playing with mouse

Our Considerations for Kittens

For kittens, there are some very specific steps we take to keep them as safe and happy possible.

  • Kittens that are left loose in the house can get into a lot of trouble. We recommend kittens be kept in a single room when unattended to make sure they stay safe.
  • Kittens can make a mess of their food and water (and everything else). Your sitter will need access to cleaning supplies you prefer in case they are needed.
  • When scheduling visits, consider when your kitten is the most active. Some kittens play all the time, but most sleep during a chunk of the day. We want to have our visits coincide with the times that your kitten is naturally awake and active to make the most of that time and so we can supervise as much of her waking time as possible.
  • If you have litter mates kittens, they often entertain each other and will not need as much playtime with a sitter. Then again, they can get in more trouble, so it depends on the kittens.
  • If you are taking a long trip you want to make sure you have plenty of visits. Kittens can get especially lonely and people often assume they are self-sufficient and do not schedule as many visits as they would puppies. Kittens do use a litter box, but they still need a lot of interaction and companionship to be happy and healthy.

Orange kittens sleeping on stool

Time to Customize!

We want to work with you to set up the best possible schedule for your kitten, so you are all happy during your trip. We also know that each home is different, and a lot of people have more than just one pet! After you have the basic idea of your schedule we sit down to figure out the nitty-gritty:

  • Are there any other pets in the home that need feeding, medication, etc? We make sure your visit has enough time to get everything done.
  • We have time to clean out food and water bowls, clean up any messes, etc.
  • Many people who love animals, also love plants! Short visits do not have a lot of time for plants. If you need the sitter to water more than 1-2 plants, we will need to schedule a longer visit for those days. If you have beautiful summer gardens, then we need to see how long they take to water and add that on to your normal visits.
  • Household tasks such as; bringing in the newspaper, collecting the mail, turning lights off and on and taking out the trash. This can all be done on your normal schedule.
  • Do you want updates every visit? Many clients do, just keep in mind that your sitter will take a couple minutes to send an update.
  • Keep in mind that it will take a sitter a bit longer to get the work done than it takes you. Especially if you have extensive routines for your pets and home. You have had years to perfect your system! We always try to make sure your pet sitter will have enough time for everything. That way they will not feel stressed and your pets will receive the focus they deserve.

Work With Us to Keep Your Kitten Happy While You are Gone!

Set Up Your Appointment!

How to Find a Missing Pet in Larimer County

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Loosing a pet can be extremely scary, especially if you do not know where to start looking. There is a lot of information out there on how to find a missing pet, but I wanted to write something specific to Larimer County (Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, Wellington, Berthoud, Timnath) so you can just go down the checklist and get it done.

1. The Basics

For the first few minutes after a pet goes missing, you want to start with the basics.

  • Do a patrol of the area to see if you find any evidence of Fluffy
  • Talk to the neighbors, especially anyone working outside, to see if they noticed Fluffy going by
  • If Fluffy is a dog, swing by her favorite places to walk or any place for play dates to see if she went there
  • Read up on How to Catch a Loose Dog for some tips if you do see her running free

2. Who to Contact First

You have done the basic search and turned up nothing. This is typically 15-30 minutes after you have realized Fluffy is missing. Now it is time to reach out for help.

  • Larimer Humane Society – call to speak to animal control over the phone and give them a heads up that you just lost your pet. To submit a lost report you have to go into the shelter.
    • (970) 226-3647
    • 3501 E 71st Street, Loveland, CO 80538
  • If Fluffy has a microchip, contact the company to let them know she is missing and how to reach you, just in case your information is not up to date.
  • Contact any veterinarians, groomers and pet supply stores in your immediate area (around a mile from where she went missing), in case someone picks her up and brings her in.

3. Social Media Time!

The internet is your best friend when it comes to finding a pet. Your friends and complete strangers are going to be happy to help you search the interwebs for any news of Fluffy.

  • Post on all of your personal social media networks. Include a recent picture, where and when she went missing and any directions you want people to follow, such as how to contact you, not to chase Fluffy, Fluffy is afraid of men, etc. Specifically ask people to share the post. If you know any people in the animal world, such as your normal dog walker or groomer, ask them to share since they have such a large reach.
  • Post on these pages. There are many pages specifically dedicated to helping reunite missing pets with their people. Post on as many as you can, but start with Facebook. That is where we have had the most luck in recent years.
    • Lost and Found Pets of Northern Colorado – Facebook group that is very active and easy to post in.
    • Nextdoor – This is a newish system for people to coordinate with their neighborhoods on various subject. When you post it can be seen by those directly in your area.
    • Post on Craigslist in the Community -> Pets section as well as Community -> Lost+Found. There is no charge to do so.
    • Helping Lost Pets – You have to fill out their online form, which gives you a flyer you can use and their website has a ton of helpful tips. Once you fill out the form, they will post it in their Facebook group.
    • PawBoost – You can pay for upgraded service, but they list your pet for free on Facebook and in their database.
    • LostMyDoggie – They post on Facebook but they also alert local shelters and rescues.
    • PetKey – A smaller page, but everything helps!
  • Head out and continue looking for Fluffy. Make sure you are able to answer the phone if someone calls! Ask your neighbors to check their garages, sheds and yards to make sure she is not hiding there.

4. What is the Next Step?

If you are approaching evening, there are a few steps you can take, especially if Fluffy is shy and still might be in the area.

  1. Double check with any neighbors coming home to make sure they did not see her earlier in the day.
  2. Consider leaving your door open so Fluffy can come in at night, if she was lost from your home.
  3. If Fluffy is a cat, place her litter box outside where she can smell it.

5. The Next Day

You have done all of the fast, easy options and Fluffy has not been found. Now is time to dig in and spread the word that Fluffy is missing.

  • File a lost pet report with Larimer Humane Society, if you have not already done so. Consider also reaching out to the Humane Society of Weld County, the Cheyenne Animal Shelter, the Longmont Humane Society or the Humane Society of Boulder Valley. Animals can travel a surprisingly long ways and folks sometimes pick them up and take them to their local shelter, which may not be Larimer County.
  • Post a lost pet ad in the Coloradoan or Reporter Herald, or small local papers. It may seem outdated, but they are still read regularly.
  • Contact local breed rescues that relate to Fluffy. For instance, if she is a Golden Retriever, contact the local Golden rescue. There are too many for me to list here, and they change regularly, so search online for one. You can also contact All Breed Rescue Network at (888) 440-6467. They keep a running list of breed rescues in the Colorado area. Sometimes breed rescues will be able to offer more suggestions or help specific to your breed.
  • Print off flyers from one of the sources you used yesterday. Post flyers in veterinary hospitals, groomers, trainers, pet supply stores, the dog park and anywhere animal related. Many local businesses also have community boards. Start with businesses near you and increase the distance the longer Fluffy is missing. Posting flyers on mailboxes and phone poles is illegal, although many people do it.
  • Continue to update posts online. People will be wondering if you found Fluffy and you want to keep them searching. Ask for help again and for people to keep sharing your posts.
  • Talk to people in the neighborhood where Fluffy went missing. Offer a reward for any information leading to finding her.
  • If you hear of people spotting her, go to that area and search. Shy animals can be very hard to catch, especially during active times of the day when there are a lot of people around. If you believe she might be in the area, go out during quiet times in the evening or morning when she is more likely to appear. You can also look at renting a humane trap if you are sure she is there but cannot catch her.

6. DO NOT Give Up Hope

The longer you search the more discouraged you become. Keep looking! Here are a few searches I have helped with over the years for people I know:

  • A small, very shy dog went missing. We tracked her to a neighborhood where kids had spotted her (we paid them to keep an eye out for her). After a few days we were not able to find her until a kid came forward. A woman in the neighborhood had picked her up and had given her to a family member in Colorado Springs. Once confronted we were able to get her back.
  • A dog ran out his front door. The neighbors a few houses down saw him, but not not the people at the end of the block. He vanished! They continued searching and found him late that night being walked by a nice couple who lived down the street. They had been leaving earlier when they saw him run by, so they put him in the garage and then left for a few hours. They had just returned home.
  • A woman’s dog had been missing for months. She sent out flyers to shelters across the country and he showed up here, in Larimer County. Turned out a trucker had picked her up and driven her across 3 states before dropping her off at the local shelter!

We regularly hear stories of animals being reunited years after going missing due to their microchips. Keep that information up-to-date and continue your search!

7. Once you Find Your Pet

Congratulations! I am so excited for you and you must feel so relieved!

  • Take the moment and enjoy it. Do not scold Fluffy, she is just happy to see you!
  • Plan a trip to the vet if your pet was gone for awhile or appears to be injured.
  • Go back and take down those flyers, lost pet reports and postings online so that everyone knows you found your fur kid.
  • Return the favor and share information about missing pets for other people!

If you have a resource that is not listed, Please Let Us Know so we can get it added!

Checklist for Hiring a Pet Sitter or Dog Walker

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If you are thinking about hiring a pet sitter or dog walker, you want to make sure you find the best person. Sometimes the hardest part when hiring the right pet sitter is know what questions to ask! So we made you a nice printable checklist with all of the important questions. Once you have these answers you will be in a much better situation to decide on a pet sitter for your fur kids!

Download a Printable Checklist Now!

What Pet Sitting Visits Do I Need For My Cat?

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Are you going out of town but are worried about your cat? Those of us sharing our lives with cats know that they like to stay in their own space and to feel safe and secure. Cats also love routines! Their favorite sleeping spots, times that they eat, when they get attention. Cats like their lives to go just the way they like it and that helps them stay happy and stress-free! You want your cat to be happy so she does not get sick or act out in unpleasant ways. We, as pet sitters, want to make sure your cat gets the care and attention she needs to be happy and healthy. All cats are different! Some cats are happy as long as their food is fresh and litter boxes are clean. Other cats need a person cuddle with during the day and overnight. You need a schedule that match your cat’s preferences and daily schedule!

*If you have a shy cat, take a look at our specialized recommendations for shy cats.

 

Cat Option #1

This is an ideal schedule for cats who are used sleeping in the bed with a person.

 

30 Minute Dinner Visit 

Your sitter will use this visit for dinner, litter box cleaning and playtime and/or cuddles. This visit should come at a time when your cat normally is fed to keep up the regular routine. If your cat likes to be brushed or just get lots of attention, this visit is perfect. Your sitter can also bring in the mail, turn on the lights so it looks like someone is home for the evening, and take care of other small tasks.

9-10 Hour Overnight Stay 

Your sitter will arrive in the evening (around 9 pm) and settle your cat in for the night. Some cats have an evening routine or just really like to play now that it is dark outside. When your cat is ready, you sitter will settle down for the night wherever you (and your cat) think is best. If your cat sleeps with a specific member of the family, then she would probably prefer to have someone in that bed to keep the routine the same. In the morning your sitter will go through the regular schedule of feeding, litter box cleaning, cleaning out water bowls and generally setting your cat up for the day.

 

Cat Option #2

This is a good schedule for cats who like to get some extra attention.

 

30 Minute Breakfast Visit

Your sitter arrives in the morning for breakfast and playtime! Or maybe your cat prefers a warm lap to cuddle with for awhile. Your sitter will take care of breakfast, cleaning the litter box, giving your car fresh water and then will settle in for whatever type of attention your cat prefers. Does she have the morning zoomies? Then a good play session with your cat’s favorite toys is in order! Your sitter will send you a picture with an update so you can rest easy knowing your cat has company. Before leaving, your sitter settles your cat in for the day and makes sure she is comfortable.

30 Minute Dinner Visit

Your sitter will arrive around dinner time. Some cats are more active in the evening (or vice versa) so your sitter can adapt the visit based on your cat’s normal routine. If she prefers cuddles in the morning and playtime in the afternoon, we can do that. This is also a great visit for your sitter to bring in the mail, put out trash for the morning pickup, and any other small tasks that need to be done. At the end of the visit your sitter will make sure your kitty is comfortable for the evening. Some cats like their beds arranged a certain way or a heating blanket turned on for them.

 

Cat Option #3

This is a good schedule for cats who really just want to be fed.

 

15 Minute Breakfast Visit

Your sitter will arrive in the morning and will check on your cat. Then comes feeding, water and cleaning the litter box. These short visits are designed for cats that really do not feel the need for attention and are content to do their own thing. If you have a shy cat, take a look at our special shy cat recommendations.

15 Minute Dinner Visit

Your sitter will finish out the day with a check in, feeding, water and litter box. There may be a few moments for bringing in the mail and turning on some lights. Your sitter can send you an update and let you know how the visits went with a cute picture!

 

Our Considerations for Cats

For cats, there are some very specific steps we take to keep them as safe and relaxed as possible.

  • Your sitter will want to know where your kitty likes to hide and rest. If your cat does not come out to greet us, we want to be sure we know where to look for her so we can make sure she is healthy.
  • Cats that are stressed can stop eating, drinking and using the litter box. We make sure to monitor food, water and litter extra closely to make sure they are being used. If we see any signs of concern we investigate further.
  • We like to get to know details of your cat’s normal behavior. When cats are not feeling well, sometimes the only sign you get is a slight change in behavior. If we know what to look out for then we are much more likely to catch any problems in the early stages.
  • Each cat has a very specific play style. If your cat prefers different toys, we would love to hear that! Does she love toys that fly through the air or ones that creep around corners? If we know what your cat prefers then we can make friends with her faster.
  • If your cat receives medications, we are happy to give them to her. If is is a pill or other mediation that needs to be given directly to your cat (not in food) then we will want to come do a trial visit to make sure she will be accepting of us. If you want to discuss trial visits with us, please Contact Us!
  • If your cat is diabetic, please read up on our recommendations for Diabetic Cats.

 

Time to Customize!

We want to work with you to set up the best possible schedule for your cat, so you are all happy during your trip. We also know that each home is different, and a lot of people have more than just one cat!

After you have the basic idea of your schedule we sit down to figure out the nitty-gritty:

  • Are there any other pets in the home that need feeding, medication, etc? We make sure your visit has enough time to get everything done.
  • We like to allow enough time for feeding, changing water, cleaning the litter box and some cuddles (if your cat is so inclined).
  • There needs to be enough time to clean out food and water bowls, clean up any messes, toys, etc.
  • Many people who love animals, also love plants! Normal visits have time for a small bit of plant watering. If you have beautiful summer gardens, then we need to see how long they take to the water and add that on to your normal visits.
  • On your normal schedule, we can complete household tasks like bringing in the newspaper, collecting the mail, turning lights off and on and taking out the trash.
  • Do you want updates every visit? Many clients do, just keep in mind that your sitter will take 5+ minutes to send an update and that is time during your visit not focused on your pets.
  • It will take a sitter a bit longer to get the work done then it takes you, especially if you have extensive routines for your pets and home. You have had years to perfect your system! We always try to make sure your pet sitter will have enough time for everything so she will not feel stressed and your pets will receive the focus they deserve.

Let us Work Together to Keep Your Cat Happy While You are Gone!

Set Up Your Appointment!

Fort Collins Shelters in Need – Ways to Help Your Local Shelters

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Our local shelters do so much for our community. They take in pets without homes and help them find families to call their own. Without them, the streets would be overcrowded with strays. However, it truly is a labor of love. Often these shelters operate on a shoestring budget and rely on volunteers and donations. Thankfully, there are some things that we can do to help.

 

Ways to Help Your Local Shelters:

  • Be a Photographer

You can be a professional or amateur photographer, either way, you can be a great asset to your local shelter. Getting great photos of the animals can help immensely when trying to find them a home. You can also hold a workshop to teach shelter workers how to take the best photos so they can keep up the good work.

  • Help with Transportation

Since a lot of people “shop” shelter animals online they don’t always live close by. Sometimes a foster or adoptive home may be an hour or two away. You can volunteer to shuttle dogs to their home and get a fido fun-filled road trip at the same time. Plus, you get to be an integral part of helping them get out of the shelter and into a home.

  • Donate Items

If you’re cleaning out your closets don’t forget about your local shelter for donations. They are always in need. Even if you don’t have gently-used pet beds or leashes, you can donate towels and sheets. They are used for comfort, bedding and also privacy curtains in the shelter.

  • Share Your Computer Skills

Are you good at graphic design, writing or social media marketing? Chances are your shelter could benefit from your skills. Most shelters need these things, but they are often out on the back burner for more pressing operations.

  • Check Affiliate Sales

Some places, like Amazon Smile, allow you to donate a percentage of your purchases to the charity of your choice. Check with your local shelter and see if they have programs like this.

 

You don’t have to just write a check to help shelters in need. Consider your skills or surplus in the home and you’re sure to find some way to help out. Then contact your local shelters and see what their needs are to get started.

 

Shelters in Fort Collins are always in need:

 

2200 N Taft Hill Road Fort Collins, CO 80524
Ph: (970) 224-DOGS (3647)

2321 E. Mulberry St., Units 1 & 3 Fort Collins, CO 80524

Shelter: (970) 484-8516
Clinic: (970) 484-1861