Should You Leave The Radio/TV On For Your Pets? Header

Should You Leave The Radio/TV On For Your Pets?

Should You Leave The Radio/TV On For Your Pets? Header

Should You Leave The Radio/TV On For Your Pets?

When you’re leaving the house, should you leave the radio/TV on for your pets?

It’s up to you!

While the data is limited, there are studies such as the one conducted in 2002 by animal psychologist Deborah Wells from Queen’s University in Belfast, Northern Ireland 1 2 that indicate it can be beneficial to leave on the radio/TV for your pet but only if it’s playing the right kind of content – most notably classical music. But really, each animal has their own preference and it’s up to you to experiment with what works best for your pet. Some dogs liked heavy metal while others liked the sound of people talking.

What if I don’t have a Radio/TV?

With many of us moving to subscription based streaming you might find yourself without a TV or radio. There are streaming TV stations that are designed to cater to our canine and feline companions but if you have cut the cord there are numerous YouTube channels out there. Keep in mind, any media that runs advertisements can have suddenly loud and jarring sounds that can disturb your pet. One of my cats is currently recovering from a cystotomy so we’ve been enjoying the videos by Paul Dinning on YouTube. Some places like the Monterey Bay Aquarium offer livestreams of their various exhibits. These livestreams tend to have some calming background music but you can search for ones that don’t.

Do you leave the TV on for your pets? What about the radio? Let us know in the comments what your pets favorite thing to listen or watch is.

Wet Noses Pet Sitting Live Q&A

Wet Noses Pet Sitting Live Q&A Header

Below is a video we filmed live in 2017 covering some of your most commonly asked questions about pet sitting and dog walking.

Transcript:

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What Do We Do if Your Pet Sitter Gets Sick?

 

This is a stressful time with Coronavirus going around, but it is important for all pet sitters to have a solid plan for what to do if a sitter gets sick or otherwise cannot make it to a visit. This can happen if a sitter is ill, is in an accident or has a family emergency.

  • If a sitter is a solo sitter then they should have a backup system in place for emergencies
  • If it is s pet sitting company then there should be a thorough system for another sitter stepping in

When a backup sitter may be needed:

  • If a pet sitter becomes too ill to continue with visits
  • If a pet sitter is in a car accident or otherwise injured
  • If the pet sitter has a family emergency

How we prepare for a sitter getting sick:

  • Sitters tell their managers when they first feel sick
  • Sitters check in multiple times a day after that
  • Sitters check into a visit on our software when they arrive, so we can track them throughout the day
  • We verify all of the necessary information for pet and home care is up-to-date, including an extra key
  • We prepare a backup sitter to take over if necessary

What YOU can do to be prepared:

  • Make sure your information is our booking software is up-to-date at all times
  • Be sure your pet sitter has 2 keys or another backup way for a sitter to enter your home
  • Be understanding of any changes – we notify the client as soon as any changes are made and offer frequent updates

In stressful times like these we can all get through it if we stick together!

We are doing daily Facebook Live posts like these, so join us to learn how to make the best of it!

 

How Did Wet Noses Pet Sitting Get Started?

 

“How did you get started with that?”

When people learn that I own a pet sitting company, the most common question is “How did you get started with that?” A lot of people pet sit, but very few have a large, professional company that has been operating for more than a year or two. Many people get burned out long before that, or do not have enough experience to really handle the difficulties of a company such as this.

A little about me

I am Liana, the owner of Wet Noses Pet Sitting. Just like many young folks, I grew up watching my neighbors pets and homes when they were on vacation. I volunteered with different rescues doing foster care and on-site work. When I was 16 I had my first job at the Larimer Humane Society. That was followed by various other positions in animal related businesses. I love working with animals and never considered taking a job in another field.  During my years working in these various job, I began to slowly gather casual pet sitting clients.

The change

It was over the Christmas of 2009, I realized I had too many clients. Up until then I was still working in other jobs and pet sitting on the side. This was the first holiday when I had to turn people away. I had to take time off of work for my pet sitting. It was a hard year for me because all of these people and their pets were family. I did not want to send them to another pet sitter. At that point I really had to make a decision about whether I wanted to continue the way I had been, pet sitting in my free time, or take the leap and start a business.

In March of 2010, we turned it into a professional pet sitting company and added sitters. Originally named Sidehill Sitters after the neighborhood where I was living at the time. In 2016, we decided to change the name to Wet Noses Pet Sitting and here we are today!

How Late Can I Cancel a Dog Walk?

 

 

When can I cancel a dog walk?

If you are a client of Wet Noses Pet Sitting then you will want to know how to cancel a dog walking appointment. Everyone has to do it at some point, due to weather, illness, or just a change of plans.

  • To get credit for the walk, or not be charged – cancel by 7 am the day of the dog walk.
  • After 7 am, you will be charged for the dog walking appointment. At that point, the sitter has set aside the time for your visit and we are not able to fill the spot.
  • You are never charged if you cancel a dog walk due to an “Act of God” such as extreme weather or a government shutdown.

How do I cancel a dog walk?

  • If you are cancelling more than 48 hours in advance, you can cancel a scheduled dog walking appointment by logging into your account and just cancelling the appointment.
  • If you are cancelling within 48 hours, contact us directly to cancel a dog walk. That way we can notify the sitter directly of the change.

Wet Noses Pet Sitting strives on making our clients happy, but our schedules can be tight. That’s why we ask that you use consideration and cancel an appointment for a walk as soon as possible. This allows us to fill the spot for your sitter and adjust schedules as needed. Although we understand that unexpected situations arise that change plans!

Do You Have Experience with Exotic Pets?

 

People always ask what types of pets we watch. In case you are curious, we watch the most dogs and cats, but we also watch so much more! The truth is, we love when we get unique furry, feathered and scaled friends to spend time with.

What we will watch

  • Backyard chickens and goats
  • Small animals: ferrets, rabbits, mice, rats, hamsters, chinchillas, hedgehogs and all the little friends
  • Reptiles: snakes, iguanas, chameleons, lizards and scaly friends
  • Birds: large parrots down their their mini cousins
  • Horses and ponies
  • Other farm animals
  • Other friends: hermit crabs, fish, tarantulas and more!

I am sure I am forgetting something!

Choosing a sitter

If you have an exotic pet and are needing a pet sitter, please reach out to us to discuss your situation. While we do watch all animals, every household requires different care. While any sitter can watch a hermit crab, a house with 10 parrots will need a little more care in pairing a sitter.

When we speak to you we will determine:

  • The normal routine for your exotic pets
  • How much direct contact they will have with your sitter
  • If any of your exotic pets have health concerns

Based on these factors we determine the level of experience your sitter will need have. Whenever possible we pair exotic pets with sitters who have prior experience with the same species. Some animals require more prior experience than others. For instance, horses and large parrots require a person with prior experience in case a health problem arises.

Cost

When watching exotic pets we take the entire household into consideration. If your exotic pets do not require much additional care then we will not charge any extra. For animals that may require specific expertise, such as parrots and horses, we do charge a bit extra. We take great lengths to have sitters on staff that have such experience, and they are hard to find!

Should I Hire a Professional Pet Sitter?

 

When you are leaving town, whether it be for an overnight trip or a three week vacation, you want your pets to be as well cared for as when you are home.So do you have friend or family member help out, or do you hire a professional pet sitter?

When we are contacted by a new client we often end up discussing what they have done previously for pet care and the most common answer we get is:

My friend, family member or neighbor helped me out.

Inevitably something goes wrong with this scenario and pet owners are left scrambling for another option, often deciding to opt for a professional pet sitter this time.  Granted, when a friend or neighbor watches your pets your fur kids are often able to stay in your home, but there are many advantages to having a professional care for your pets instead of a well-meaning friend.  Let’s take a look at some of these advantages:

Your pet can follow his regular diet and exercise routine.

Friends and family have the best of intentions but visits will often be done around their schedule and what is convenient for them.  After all, they are doing you a favor!  As professionals, we at Wet Noses Pet Sitting work to set up a schedule that is ideal for your furry friends. It can be extra stressful if your normally active dog all of a sudden just gets a quick potty break twice a day so we try to keep their routine as normal as possible.

Your pets are the priority!

Friends mean well but they often have their own pets and responsibilities.  Our Wet Noses pet sitters arrive at your home ready and excited to focus on your pets and their needs.  If your dog needs a walk in the snow or cat needs some extra cuddle time to feel happy, that is what we will do.

Wet Noses pet sitters are experienced with a variety of medical and behavior problems.

Unfortunately pets do get sick and occasionally develop behavior problems, partially due to the disruption of their normal lives.  As professional pet sitters, we try to keep everything as routine and fun as possible, but there will be one major change in their lives – you are gone!  When problems such as a sick cat or a depressed dog arise we have a plan in place to work with the situation and eliminate any stress on your part. Our managers are always on call to help, whether it be ideas or a second pair of hands to assist your sitter.

There is always back up.

Good professional pet sitters will always have back up in place in case an emergency arises.  At Wet Noses Pet Sitting we always have other sitters and managers ready to step in at a moment’s notice when needed.  If a friend is watching your pets and becomes ill what will they do?  If they are in a car accident will anyone else even know to stop by and feed your dog?  More than once we have received calls from people already out of town whose sitter never showed up and they are frantically trying to find someone to take over.  Don’t let this be you!

Bonding and insurance covers you, just in case.

Some circumstances cannot be predicted, such as a friend slipping on the ice outside your home or your dog getting bit by a loose dog on a walk.  If you are not using a professional you might be responsible for these costs, including expensive medical bills!  Real professionals have at least one, and often multiple, types of insurance to make sure they are covered as well as you and your home. It is important for you to know how you are covered.



Not all pet sitters are created equal, nor are they all professional.  In hiring a professional pet sitter, it is important to make sure you have chosen the right person to care for your beloved pets!

Will I Have the Same Pet Sitter My Entire Trip?

 

 

When you’re away from home for more than a few days you may wonder, will my pet always have the same pet sitter? And we have the answers for you!

For the most part, the answer is YES. You will have the same pet sitter the entire time.

If you’re booking us for a vacation or long trip, we will match you with a pet sitter that is available your entire trip. We’ll make sure that you have the best sitter for your household and your pets so you won’t have to worry while you’re away.

What if there is an emergency?

In case your usual sitter has an emergency then a manager will step in and take care of your pets. That’s on of the best things about hiring a professional pet sitter. No matter what happens, broken down cars, sickness, or any other emergency, your pet(s) needs will be met.

Regular Sitting Clients

We will try our hardest to have your usual sitter cover your entire trip. However, sometimes schedules don’t always align and your usual pet sitter may not be available. If that is the case we will match you with someone else that either do the entire time or split it up between two sitters.

Dog Walking Clients

Depending on the frequency of your dog walks, you may or may not have the same pet sitter the entire time. If you’re an occasional dog walking client then yes, you will have the same walker while you’re away. However, if you have more frequent walks, then we usually split your walks up between two walkers.

Will I Get to Meet the New Sitters or Walkers?

YES! We want you to feel as comfortable as possible. That’s why whenever a new sitter or walker is introduced you will have a chance to meet them. In fact, we will set up a free meet and greet opportunity so that your new sitter can meet you and your pets before you leave. You will always be notified of any changes.

Wet Noses Pet Sitting is always here for you to give you extra peace of mind.  You don’t need to worry about your pets during your vacation. After all, vacations are meant for relaxation, right?!

Contact us today to book your sitting and walking services for your vacation.

Is There a Charge to Meet My Pet Sitter?

 

When you are getting started with a new professional pet sitting company, you want to be sure you are comfortable with the person who will be working in your home. We want you to be comfortable as well! When first getting started with Wet Noses Pet Sitting, we will answer all of your questions via phone and email. We work our hardest to make sure you understand the process of working with us, that we have an understanding of the care needed for your pets and that we have scheduled visits that are going to make your pets happy while you are gone.

Setting up your meeting

After we have set up your first appointment, we will pair you with a sitter whose schedule and experience matches your household. About a week before your first visit, your sitter will contact you to set up a meeting time. We intentionally have sitters meet with you just before you leave so that all of the details are fresh in their minds. In addition, there is a higher likelihood that your pets will remember your sitter if they have met recently. This helps to make your pets more comfortable with a new person coming into their home for the first time.

Charges

We believe this introductory meeting is necessary and there is no charge for the meeting! In the occasion that you need more than one meeting then we will charge for any additional meetings. This can happen if you have a dog that is particularly shy or uncomfortable with strangers.

Shy dogs

Unlike some professional pet sitting companies, we do accept dogs that sometimes need a little more care, and thus a few more meetings. How many meetings will depend upon you and your dog and we can discuss this before setting up your first meeting with your sitter.

Future sitters

We attempt to keep you with your same sitter whenever possible, but if you are with us long enough then you will eventually have a new sitter. Anytime we change sitters we will offer up a new meeting at no charge. On some occasions clients chose to forego these meetings, but that is up to you.

 

We feel it is vitally important for you to feel comfortable with your sitter and do not feel that your should pay for this meeting. We hope you will join our family soon!

Will You Watch My Dog if She is in Heat?

 

We often have clients ask, will we watch your dog when she is in heat? Well, the short answer is yes. The long answer is that there are a lot of stipulations we require in order to make this safe. We will try to cover all of the details here and definitely feel free to contact us if you have further questions.

Our primary concerns with dogs in heat are safety and time.

At Wet Noses Pet Sitting we want to be overly safe. We make sure we do not run into any problems, so we have put together these rules:

  1. Dogs that are in heat will only be exercised under supervision within their own yard.  This means that they will not be taken on walks.  If there is not a fence, we will walk your dog in the immediate vicinity around your home.
  2. When the fence is not found to be sufficient (too short, dog is able to climb it, holes, etc) the dog will be kept on leash even when in your own yard.
  3. If there are intact males in the house then there must be a foolproof way to keep them separate.  Solid walls, preferable two, will need to separate them at all times!
  4. We will change diapers as long as the female is agreeable, which must be determined by our sitter before the trip.
  5. Any messes must be contained to hard floors, we will not clean up blood messes on carpet or in crates. We will change out blankets when needed.
  6. Appropriate time must be scheduled taking all of the concerns in consideration. We do require 30 minutes for dogs, but if your dogs cannot be together then we might require a 45 minute or hour long visit in order to make sure they all get enough attention and activity. We also need to factor in any cleaning time that might be needed.

I myself have had intact dogs so I understand the concerns that go into their care. At Wet Noses Pet Sitting we want to be sure that your dogs receive the best possible care is the safest fashion whether you dog is in heat, or not. Feel free to contact us with any questions!