Tag Archive for: fort collins pet sitter

Will I Have the Same Pet Sitter My Entire Trip?

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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.

Top 5 Pet Friendly Restaurants in Fort Collins

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One of the best ways to spend sunny days is sitting on a patio watching the people. Appetizers on your plate, cool drink in your hand. And what is even better is enjoying the sunshine and people with your dog by your side. A lot of times restaurants and dogs don’t mix, but don’t fret! Luckily, there are some great places around Fort Collins where your pet is welcome.

Fort Collins – Pet-Friendly Restaurants

The Snooze Eatery

144 W Mountain Ave
Fort Collins, CO
(970) 482-9253

Perfect for a nice brunch out before hitting the park or shopping at a local pet store. They are Snooze is only open for breakfast and lunch, but it’s definitely a great place to check out with your dog.

Coppersmith’s Pub & Brewery

5 Old Town Square
Fort Collins, Colorado
(970) 498-0483

One of the most popular breweries in Ft. Collins, Coppersmith’s has a friendly staff as well as a dog-friendly patio for you to enjoy.

Ginger and Baker

359 Linden St
Fort Collins, CO
(970) 223-7437

In addition to great food, Ginger and Baker also has a menu of tasty dog treats ready for your pup to enjoy.

Five Guys Burgers & Fries

2842 Council Tree Ave # 173
Fort Collins, CO
(970) 204-9140

Enjoy Five Guys famous burgers on the dog-friendly patio with water bowls included. Relax on the corner with affordable food and fast service.

Wild Boar Cafe

1510 S College Ave
Fort Collins, CO
(970) 472-1074

Dine-in this special 1924 bungalow home-style cafe. Fresh food, friendly faces, and a great atmosphere with a patio perfect for your pet.

 

It’s always fun to include our dogs in our daily life outside of the home. What are some of your favorite pet-friendly restaurants in Fort Collins? Let us know on social media or Contact Us so we can add them!

 

Read About Places to Take Your Dog in Fort Collins
Learn About our Pet Sitters

How Much Does a Pet Sitter Cost?

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If you’re a pet owner, then chances are that you have thought about hiring a pet sitter for them at some point. And you’ve probably also wondered, what’s the cost? Is it worth it? How do they charge? Well, we have the answers for both our business and the industry standards.

A Breakdown of Standard Professional Pet Sitter Costs 

Common Charges:

Contributing Factors:

  • Charging for the length of time is most common
  • Some charge only by visit no matter how long it is
  • Location (metropolitan areas often have the highest rates)
  • Types of pets (horses, farm animals, birds, or possible medical conditions)

How we charge at Wet Noses Pet Sitters:

  • We charge for the length of the appointment
  • Our appointments can range from 15 minutes to an hour
  • The number and type of pets (this can vary a bit, depending on the pet family dynamics)
  • Sometimes we do extend services outside of our usual area for a slightly higher rate
  • We do not charge extra for holiday visits
  • Take a look at example schedules we recommend based on your pets

 

We pride ourselves on quality, consistency, and fairness. And while we’re not the least expensive pet sitter you’ll find, we are one of the best.  Our sitters are highly trained and dependable. We truly only want what is best for your pets.

If you’re looking book services, give a call or contact us online! 

Learn why pet sitters are worth the cost

 

 

6 Places to Go With Your Dog in Fort Collins

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Fort Collins is a very dog friendly town and there are plenty of places to explore with your pooch. Keep in mind that Fort Collins recently changed its health code rule. That means, often times pet dogs are not allowed inside outdoor patios any longer, but can be right outside the fence.

Sierra Trading Post

Who doesn’t love Sierra Trading Post, the discount outdoor wares store? Now fido can love it with you too. Sierra Trading Post is extremely dog friendly and loves to see pups in their store. You and your dog can check out their awesome pet section and maybe even pick out a new harness.

Bath Garden Center

Does your doggy love picking out new plants (or better yet, picking out new things to pee on)? Then head on over to Bath Garden Center. This store is very dog friendly inside and out and even has their own store foster dog. Just be sure to keep an eye on your dog, you don’t want him peeing on a plant that isn’t yours yet!

Home Depot

This large warehouse store is friendly to dogs. Many dogs love perusing the isles and getting to greet the friendly people who work there.

Jax

This outdoor recreation store is extremely dog friendly. Your dog will love getting to say “Hi!” to the friendly employees and plan for your next adventure with you.

Walrus Ice Cream

While this beloved ice cream shop does not allow dogs inside, they do have a special treat for canine companions. Every Sunday is dog day! Where Fido can get a bit of doggy ice cream to enjoy with you. Busy on Sunday? That’s okay, you can ask for a doggy scoop of vanilla ice cream to share with your dog.

Gryphon Games and Comics and the Purple Cup Cafe

Even though dogs are not allowed inside the coffee area, they are welcome to go into the store and hang out in the game area. Dogs love to go shopping with their folks and enjoy the sunshine!

General Guidelines for Taking Your Pet With You:

  • Always keep your dog leashed, on a hand held (non-retractable) leash
  • Always be under your control
  • Should be potty trained
  • Have all his shots and be healthy (for his and other dogs protection)
  • And be friendly to other dogs and strangers

It’s always fun to bring your pet with you with you’re out an about. Just make sure your pet is comfortable and follow the above guidelines for a good time. Also, brush up on the newest leash laws too.

Do you have a favorite place to take your pet? Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook page!

Find the best Fort collins dog trails!
Contact Us to Schedule Your Dog Walks

Socializing Your Adult Dog

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Most pet parents know it is best to socialize your pooch at a young age. Ideally when they are the most sensitive, between three and 20 weeks of age. As they age, it is increasingly difficult for a puppy to accept anything new and unfamiliar. But what if you’ve recently adopted an adult dog companion, or you weren’t able to acclimate your pup to social situations due to illness or lack of time? Whatever the reason may be, it doesn’t mean he has to settle for a life void of pet friends and social interaction.

adult dogs

Dog-to-dog socialization

This is usually pretty simple with pups; they can be let loose together to learn how to interact and play. However, the same scenario can be catastrophic with adult dogs. Mature dogs, typically between the ages of 1-3 years, do not necessarily enjoy being in large groups of unfamiliar dogs. Your Fido may attempt to avoid the other dogs, stand closely by your side, or even snap and growl. Rather than putting your furry friend in a stressful situation, try these tips.

Start with daily walks

and introduce him to other pets and people as the opportunity arises. Walks are wonderful for socializing dogs as they’ll have less pent-up energy resulting from exercise, making them calmer and more submissive. During your daily walks, maintain a calm yet assertive energy; avoid pulling back on his leash or yelling if he barks or acts up as doing so will only increase his level of excitement and create a negative experience. Practice using a quick sideways tug on the leash or a simple touch to distract him as needed.

Introductions to other pets and people should be gradual. Invite a friend with a gentle, easy-going dog to join you on a walk. Keep a polite distance between the two pooches while they get to know one another. If both appear at ease, allow them to sniff each other, keeping their leashes loose and their interaction brief. However, if either dog appears to stiffen up, call your dog to you with a soft, relaxed voice; and if they wag their tails and remain at ease, consider an off-leash playdate in a fenced area, using the same brief sessions and positive reinforcement.

Don’t rush things

Try to introduce your adult dog to one new activity per week. For example, take him to the local dog park, but rather than throwing him into the mix and hoping for the best, start by exposing him to the scene with a leashed walk around the outside of the fence, allowing him to see the other dogs playing and having fun.

Socialization of any kind is beneficial and enjoyable for your furry buddy. Be patient, gentle and kind, and remember, making new friends can be taxing, for dogs and people alike!

 

Read: 6 Causes of a Fearful Dog
Contact us to Set up Dog Visits

Bulldogs are Beautiful Day

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We know that we don’t really need a special day to appreciate the beauty of bulldogs, but why not take the to celebrate them anyway, right?!  With their short little legs and adorable smushed faces and sturdy physique, they are truly a breed of their own.

 

Early history:

Early Bulldogs have a bit of an interesting and brutal history. Butchers used to use dogs to control control livestock. This can be traced back to the 5th century in England and a breed called the Alaunt. Around the 15th century, bulldogs were used for around farms for catching horses, cattle, and boars. Unfortunately, bulldogs were also used in the barbaric “sport” called bull-baiting, in which trained dogs would latch onto a tethered bull’s nose and not let go until the dog had pulled the bull to the ground or the bull had killed the dog (source). And, thankfully this was finally banned in 1835.

The newer breed:

Well, after the brutality was finally banned Bulldogs found their place in the world. They were still used for herding in the US and Germany and were being bred with smaller dogs, like pugs in England. They slowly made a huge comeback becoming a wildly popular companion and mascot for Universities like Georgia State University and Gonzaga University.

 

Temperament & Training:

Don’t let their grumpy face and stout build fool you. Bulldog are generally they are an easy going breed that gets along with people, other pets and even children. They aren’t big on barking and love to sleep. The AKC Standard says the disposition of the English Bulldog is usually “calm, courageous, and friendly; dignified but amusing.” They are also ranked at the 4th most popular breed according to the AKC.

Even though bulldogs may have a reputation for being stubborn, but that doesn’t mean that they are untrainable. With patience and consistency they can easily be trained just like any other dog. The sooner you can bond with and start to train your bulldog the better.

 

Cute Famous Bulldogs:

My personal favorite is Meatball, Adam Sandler’s bulldog. I may be a little biased because I am a huge fan. Plus, he sent me an autograph picture after I sent him a Valentine’s Day card back in 1996. But here he is, Meatball, the adorable bulldog!

bulldogs

Photo from Adam Sandler

And of course, Ice T and Coco’s beloved Bulldogs Spartacus (RIP) and Maximus. They are so cute with baby Chanel!

bulldogs

Photo from ET

Tillman, who is a skateboarding English Bulldog that happens to hold the Guinness World Record for the fastest 100-meter on a skateboard by a dog. And when Tillman appeared on the show, Greatest American Dog, and he rode the Natural Balance float in the Rose Parade in 2009. And well, that is pretty amazing!

Bulldogs

Photo from Bulldogs World

And no Bulldogs Are Beautiful Day post would be complete without a hilarious YouTube video of them playing around and being silly…enjoy!

Do you have a bulldog? If so, make sure to share your pictures with us! Post on our Facebook page and Twitter, let us know your loves!

Homemade Valentine’s Day Cat Treats

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Is your cat that lucky Valentine this year?  After all they are our special friends and constant companions. So celebrate the day with these delicious Valentine’s day cat treats!  And show your precious little fur baby some extra love.

Baked Tuna Valentine’s Day Cat Treats 

 

These treats add a little oomph to plain canned tuna.

Ingredients:

  • Canned tuna
  • Cat friendly garnish (like catnip or wheat grass)

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place parchment paper on a baking sheet
  2. Mix one can of tuna and one tablespoon of garnish in a medium bowl
  3. Use a teaspoon to scoop the tuna mix onto the baking sheet
  4. Form tuna mix piles into a heart shape on the baking sheet
  5. Bake these treats for about 5 minutes or until they are warm

Feed this Valentine’s day cat treat in moderation, too many treats can give your cat a stomach ache.

Spinach and Chicken Valentine’s Day Cat Treats

Many cats crave some roughage (like spinach) in their diets, it’s the reason many cats try to eat house plants. These treats are a great way to add some variety to your cat’s diet, all in the form of a tasty treat.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 pound of steamed boneless, skinless chicken thigh
  • 1 cup of spinach leaves
  • 1/4 cup of flour
  • 1 cup of quick cooking oats
  • 1 egg

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit and place parchment paper on a baking sheet
  2. Place the cooled chicken, spinach, oats and egg into a food processor or blender and blend until the mixture is smooth with some chunks
  3. Pour the chicken mixture into a bowl and add the flour, mixing with your hands
  4. Roll the dough out on a floured surface and cut with a small heart cookie cutter OR make thumbnail sized balls and flatten them
  5. Place the shaped dough on the baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick can be cleanly removed

Be sure to completely cook the chicken before adding it to the treat mixture. Feed these treats in moderation and break larger treats into cat sized pieces .

Cooked Salmon 

Cooked salmon is great as a special Valentine’s day cat treat. Many cats love this tasty fish. Be sure to cook all salmon thoroughly (by steaming or grilling) to make it safe for your cat. For this special treat, dice a small amount of cooked salmon and feed it to your kitty in a dish.

 

Valentine’s day can be filled with dangerous food for your cat. However, these Valentine’s day cat treats are sure to safely woo that special feline in your life.

Valentine’s Day Gifts for Cat Lovers

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Does your Valentine love cats? Because cat lovers are a very passionate bunch. And that means they usually love to get gifts from them or about them. So, here are some Valentine’s Day gifts for cat lovers sure to make that special Valentine in your life happy.

Cat Valentine’s Day Cards

There are many amazing Valentine’s Day cards with cats on them or cat-themed. Check out Etsy and Pinterest for some cute handmade cards to send to that special Valentine.

Fancy Cat Supplies 

While your cat may not need those fancy,new ceramic bowls, they sure would look good in your house. Many cat lovers would enjoy some nice looking cat accessories. For nice bowls and beds check out TJ Maxx or your local pet store.

Cat Clothing

No, I don’t mean clothing for cat (although that could be a good gift)! Cat clothing is anything with cats on it. For some cool T-shirts check out the Fort Collins Cat Rescue, or other rescue organizations. For other cool cat items, check out Etsy or Amazon. They carry everything from cat gloves to cat necklaces.

Self-Defense Cat Key Chain 

This is a really great Valentine’s Day gift for cat lovers. It combines two awesome things, cats and self-defense. This key chain is shaped like a cat, you put your fingers in the eyes and can use the ears to poke your attacker. This gift is sold all over and can also be found on Amazon.

Sponsor or Adopt a Cat

Most rescue organizations have a sponsorship program for their cats. In these types of programs, a donor pays for the cats adoption fee and sponsors some of its care. This makes it easier for shelters to take care of the cat and helps the cat find a home. You can sponsor a cat or donate in someone else’s name as a gift.  This can make a great Valentine’s Day gift for cat lovers.

Whether you are looking for gifts to give a cat lover on your behalf, or on the cats, these gifts are sure to please. I hope your Valentine enjoys these Valentine’s Day gifts for cat lovers.

Do You Know All The Great Things That Pet Sitters Do?

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Did you know that our pet sitters can do more than just walk and play with your pets? Because we can ! And while we can do a lot, there are a few things we can’t do. Here are a few questions to help you find out about the extra services we can provide.

Will a pet sitter….?

Take out my trash?

If you are out of town on trash day we will be happy to roll your bin out to the curb and bring it back in. We will also dispose of any waste from your animal during our visit.

Water my plants? 

Sure! As long as you don’t have a forest in your home, we’d be happy to water your house plants for you.

Bring in my mail? 

Yes! We are happy to bring in your mail and leave it on your counter top for you. This is especially perfect for when you’re out town for the week. Also, we can also turn lights on and off while you’re out of town to make it look like someone is home.

Clean my house? 

Yes and no. We will clean up any mess from your pets, but we aren’t maids. We can’t clean up any general messes in your home.

Clean my kitchen? 

We have a lot of pets to visit in a day and we simply don’t have time to clean your kitchen for you. If your pet’s food and water is in the kitchen and they’ve spilled it, we will make sure that is all swept and mopped up. However, we can’t clean up your dishes from breakfast.

Do my laundry? 

No, unfortunately we won’t be doing any of your laundry. If your pet messes up their bed or linens, we will do our best to make sure it is clean. If something needs to be thrown in the wash, we will put it in your laundry room and leave you a note.

As you can see, pet sitters can do a lot more than walking and comforting pets, but we can’t do everything around your home. Don’t hesitate to give us a call and set up an appointment!

Dog Treats for Valentine’s Day

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When we think of Valentine’s day, we think of a day of love that is filled with chocolate and flowers. And there is no reason not to include your canine companion with these dog treats for Valentine’s Day. After all, they have a piece of your heart too.

Remember to always keep your dogs away from candy, but making them there own special dog-friendly treats is a great way to include them.  Check out these easy to make recipes for your dog this year!

 

Heart Shapped Pup-cakes

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup of peanut butter (xylitol free)
  • 1 cup of shredded carrots or chopped broccoli
  • 2 1/2  tablespoons of honey
  • 1/2 cup of buttermilk
  • Cream cheese as frosting
  • Strawberry (optional)

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit  and grease your cupcake pan with butter or vegetable oil
  2. Mix the flour and baking powder in a small bowl
  3. Add the oil, peanut butter, and honey to the flour mixture
  4. Add the buttermilk in a small amount at a time and mix
  5. Add in the carrots or broccoli
  6. Place the mixture into the cupcake pan and bake until a toothpick can be cleanly removed from the cupcake
  7. Let the cupcakes cool for 20 minutes and remove them from the pan
  8. After the cupcakes are cooled mix up your frosting

For frosting:

  1. Apply softened cream cheese to ice the cupcake
  2. Optional: cut up strawberries and mix them into the cream cheese
  3. Spread the strawberry cream cheese on the cupcakes

No- Bake Peanut Butter Balls

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup of plain greek yogurt (make sure there are no dog toxic ingredients like artificial sweeteners)
  • 1 cup of peanut butter (dog safe)
  • 3 cups of rolled oats

Directions:

  1. Mix the yogurt and peanut butter to make a paste
  2. Add oats 1/4 a cup at a time and fully mix all the oats with the wet ingredients
  3. Scoop out tablespoon sized portions of the mixture and roll it into balls
  4. Place the balls on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and cool in the fridge for one hour

These treats can be stored for 7-9 days if kept in the refrigerator.

It’s true that many Valentine’s Day presents are chocolaty hazards to your dog. But, these delicious homemade treats are the perfect way to share the sweetness with your dog.