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5 Things to do in Castle Rock this Fourth of July

5 Things To Do In Castle Rock This Fourth of July

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5 Things to do in Castle Rock this Fourth of July

Fourth of July is coming up. It’s best to get your pet sitter booked early. Here are some activities happening in and around Castle Rock, Colorado this Fourth of July.

Remember – ONLY fireworks purchased at stands in Castle Rock are legal and ONLY only July 4. Fireworks that leave the ground, explode, or break off into pieces are illegal. This is great news for dogs and cats who are afraid of sudden, loud noises.

Fireworks Show

Fireworks are a staple of Fourth of July. This year Castle Rock’s 15-minute fireworks show will be visible throughout the Interstate 25 corridor, including from within Downtown Castle Rock. If you’re local to Castle Rock, it’s recommended you watch from your neighborhood. If you’re new to the area, the City of Castle Rock has compiled a list of places to watch the fireworks from. These include:

  • Castle Rock Service Center
  • Bison Park
  • Deputy Zack S. Parrish III Memorial Park
  • Metzler Ranch Community Park

More details:

  • When: Monday, July 4, 2022 @ 9:30PM
  • Where: Santa Fe Quarry Mesa
  • Activities: Fireworks, Three-Shot Salute

Rock-It Run

A whole new way in Castle Rock to start your Fourth of July holiday!

  • When: Monday, July 4, 2022 @ 6:30AM – 12:00PM
  • Where: Douglas County Events Center
  • Activities: Rock-it Run 5k, Half Marathon, Let Freedom ROCK Concert

Tickets for the Rock-It Run are $30.00 with discounts for veterans and active duty military. Food and beer is included along with medals & tri-blend racerback t-shirts.

Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course

The Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course will be open during normal business hours (6:00AM – Dark). Red Hawk will also be hosting a parking lot party from 6:00PM – 9:00PM featuring the 6202 Band. As well as offering grilled food and beverages for purchase. This event is open to the public and welcomes you to watch the fireworks show.

Personal fireworks are not allowed on the golf course.

  • When: Monday, July 4, 2022 @ 6:00PM – 9:00PM, You are welcome to stay and watch the 9:30PM fireworks but the parking lot party will be over.
  • Where: Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course
  • Activities: Live Music from 6202 Band, Food & Drinks

The Meadows 4th of July Celebration

In historical Castle Rock, the Fourth of July celebration in Bison Park is back for 2022. A kid-friendly event that makes for a great way to kick off your Independence Day celebrations.

  • When: Monday, July 4, 2022 @ 11:00AM – 1:00PM
  • Where: Bison Park
  • Activities: Kid-Friendly parade (11:15AM), Food, Music, Inflatable Rides

Fourth of July Picnic

A picnic is a great way to get outdoors with friends, family, and your pets. It’s also a great excuse to go and try out all of the other Fourth of July events happening in the surrounding cities!

There you have it. 5 Things to do in Castle Rock. This Fourth of July! 🤔😃 We hope you have a safe and fun July 4th!

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5 Things to Do in Highlands Ranch this Fourth of July_Header

5 Things To Do In Highlands Ranch This Fourth of July

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5 Things to Do in Highlands Ranch this Fourth of July_Header

Fourth of July is coming up. It’s best to get your pet sitter booked early. Here are some activities happening in and around Highlands Ranch, Colorado this Fourth of July.

Fireworks Show

This year there will be no shuttles provided to the park. So please make sure to bike, walk, and ride-share whenever possible.

Food tucks will be at the event. Keep checking the official website for more information on vendors.

More details:

  • When: Monday, July 4, 2022 @ 9:30PM – 10:00PM
  • Where: Highland Heritage Regional Park
  • Activities: Fireworks

Independence Day 5K

Ready to run, or walk, a 5K? Register online to reserve your spot. Once you’re done with the 5K head on over to the July 4th parade.

  • When: Monday, July 4, 2022 @ 8:00AM
  • Where: Town Center South
  • Activities: Family-Friendly 5K Marathon

July 4th Parade

Admission is free to this July 4th parade and you (and your dog) can participate as well! Registration is not required. You can find more information on how to participate on the official website.

  • When: Monday, July 4, 2022 @ 9:00AM – 10:30AM
  • Where: The route goes South on Hepburn to the Highlands Ranch Parkway East and South into Town Center South parking lot. Here is a route map.
  • Activities: Family Bike and Pet Parade, Community Parade

Fourth of July Picnic

Picnics are a great way to celebrate Independence Day. If you’re looking for a low-cost event in Highlands Ranch this one is perfect. Grab a blanket, a cooler, and your favorite picnic classics. What’s even better is you can bring your pets along!

Bring along some dog-friendly picnic food and enjoy the day with your pup outdoors.

And for the adults…

COLORADO: Red, White & Bollywood Party!

Head on over to our neighbor Long Tree for this 18+ event. Featuring eclectic performances, cocktail specials, and dancing all night long!

  • When: Saturday, July 2, 2022 @ 8:00PM – 1:00AM
  • Where: Paradise Tavern in Lone Tree, CO (9 minute drive approximately)
  • Activities: Cocktail Specials, Music, Bollywood Entertainer DJ Prashant

You can purchase tickets early on allevents.com or at the door (subject to availability) starting at $25.

There you have it. 5 Things to do in Highlands Ranch This Fourth of July! We hope you have a safe and fun July 4th!

5 Things to Do in Fort Collins this Fourth of July Header

5 Things To Do In Fort Collins This Fourth of July

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5 Things to Do in Fort Collins this Fourth of July Header

Fourth of July is coming up. It’s best to get your pet sitter booked early. Here are some activities happening in and around Fort Collins, Colorado this Fourth of July.

Remember – in Fort Collins ALL fireworks, including sparklers and snakes are illegal to sell, possess, or use in within the city. This is great news for scared pups and freaked out cats.

Fort Collins Independence Day Celebration

  • When: Saturday, July 2, 2022
  • Where: City Park
  • Activities: Stars & Stripes Golf Tournament, Firecracker 5K, Trolley Rides, and Fireworks starting @ 9:35P.M. at Sheldon Lake at City Park

Pets are not recommended along the parade route but you may bring them for other activities such as the Food Truck Rally.

Fourth of July Picnic

A picnic is a great way to get outdoors with friends, family, and your pets. Fort Collins has a wide variety of natural areas to enjoy an outdoor picnic with over 50 areas to choose from. A few of these places are:

The City of Fort Collins has a list of perfect picnic spots they recommend. If you haven’t tried these out you should!

Go for a Hike

Colorado is known for its mountains and trails. Many of which are pet-friendly. If you want some time away from the hussle and bussle of traditional Fourth of July activities then this might be for you. Some fantastic hiking trails are:

  • Horsetooth Reservoir
  • Lory State Park
  • Maxwell Natural Area Foothills Trail
  • Pineridge Natural Area
  • Cache La Poudre River

All of the above allow dogs. Remember to follow all Fort Collins leash laws. Plus, it’s a great idea in general to keep your dog on a leash when hiking. You can come across wildlife and other dogs. Both of these can pose a danger to an off-leash dog. If you’re unsure about leash laws on a trail, make sure to call ahead.

Go Shopping Downtown

Many businesses downtown will be running special hours for the holiday as well as offering sales. Be sure to check them out! Your wallet might thank you!

While not all businesses are running sales, you can view a full directory of the shops in Downtown Fort Collins here. Downtown is proud to be highly accessible with a mix of transportation options. This includes pedestrian-friendly bike paths, modern bus transit, and old-fashion street cars.

Check Facebook for Events

Many smaller events won’t be published anywhere else. Check Facebook for any smaller happenings this Independence Day. These events are often free and run by individuals or local businesses.

There you have it. 5 Things to do in Fort Collins This Fourth of July! We hope you have a safe and fun July 4th!

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Windsor Dog Parks

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Dog parks can be a wonderful outing if your dog likes to play with other dogs. They can run around in a safe, fenced environment and get out some of that energy! Here are the dog parks in Windsor that you should check out with your pup.

Windsor Lake Dog Park

On the north end of Windsor Lake, park in the parking lot and walk around to reach the park.

Eastman Park/Poudre Pooch Park

7025 Eastman Park Dr, Windsor, CO

This park is separate, but most easily accessible through Eastman Park (address above). Park in the northwest corner and walk along the trail to access the dog park. This little-known gem has a separate small dog area.

 

Have you gone to any of these parks? Which one is your favorite?

5 Things To Do On The Weekend in Fort Collins

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5 Things to Do on the Weekend in Fort Collins Header

Fort Collins is a beautiful place to live and you might as well get out and enjoy it! After a long week of work, of course, you want to bring your dog with you if you can. So here are 5 things you can do in Fort Collins on the weekends, some with your dog and some without.

1. Hiking or Trail Walks

We have an extensive system of trails as well as amazing hiking spaces surrounding Fort Collins, many of which are dog-friendly. Or if you are going without a dog for the day, you can explore any of the trails the area has to offer.

What Are the Best Fort Collins Dog Trails?

2. Visit a Brewery

Fort Collins is well known for its breweries so you have a wide selection to chose from. Most have outdoor patios and welcome well-behaved dogs.

If you want to be extra prepared, check out the Drink with Your Dog program organized by our local dog trainer, Summit Dog Training.

3. Visit the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

Our local museum is a beautiful blend of art and history. While not open to dogs, it is a wonderful place to enjoy the day, bring the kids, and perhaps see a Dome show.

Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

4. Go out to eat

Fort Collins is well known for its large selection of eateries, from the newer locations on Harmony to the classics (and new finds) in Old Town. Many even have patios where you can bring your pup, but be sure to check in advance.

Top 5 Pet Friendly Restaurants in Fort Collins

5. Check out a show

Fort Collins is well known for its music and art shows, as well as our festivals. On any given weekend you can look for a special event and stumble upon a multitude of choices. If you are looking for a good selection check out:

Fort Collins Events

Downtown Fort Collins Events

The New Scene

You are bound to find something that interests you!

 

Fort Collins is a beautiful place to live and everyone should get out on the weekends to enjoy the many things to do!

What is a Trap Neuter Release (TNR) program?

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What is a Trap Neuter Release Program Header

Today is Feral Cat Day! In honor of our feral feline friends, we wanted to highlight some of our local TNR programs.

What does TNR stand for?

TNR stands for Trap-Neuter-Release or Trap-Neuter-Return.

What is a Trap Neuter Release program?

Sometimes, feral cats cannot be homed. TNR programs provide a humane and effective approach to helping to control the feral cat population. There also are Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) programs that administer rabies and FVRCP vaccines. TNR programs provide more than just a way to stabilize a cat colony. They also help take off the added stress of mating & pregnancy, improve physical health and reduce mating behaviors that humans find disruptive (yowling, spraying).

Can you visually identify cats that are part of TNR programs?

If you ever see a cat with a tipped ear they most likely have been part of a TNR program (like the one in this blogs header image).

What are some rescues in our area that are participating in TNR programs?

  1. Northern Colorado Friends of Ferals
  2. Animal Friends Alliance
  3. Duncan’s Place

For more information on TNR programs visit alleycat.org to learn how TNR programs are beneficial to a community and how TNVR programs work.

Did you learn what a trap neuter release program is? Let us know if you have a cat that’s ever been a part of one in the comments or @WetNosesPetSitting.

Fort Collins Dog Parks

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If your dog needs some exercise and likes to visit with other dogs, then you have to check out the dog parks in Fort Collins! Fort Collins has a lot of regular parks where people take their dogs, but dog parks are fenced, usually have water and other amenities, and you will not get in trouble for letting your dog off-leash.

To see the City of Fort Collins rules for their official dog parks, visit their website.

Soft Gold Dog Park

520 Hickory Street

Spring Canyon Dog Park (aka Horsetooth Park)

Located at the West end of Horsetooth Road, it has a small/shy dog area, water fountains and a swimming area

Fossil Creek Dog Park

5821 S Lemay Ave, also has a small/shy dog area and drinking fountains

Twin Silo Dog Park

5480 Ziegler Road, has a small/shy dog area and drinking fountains

CSU Track Dog Park

On the corner of East Lake Street and Peterson Street. It is not an official city dog park, but the south part of the track was fenced and relegated to the dogs.

 

Have you gone to any of these parks? Which one is your favorite

What To Do If Your Pet Goes Missing in Fort Collins

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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 Fort Collins, 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 playdates 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 – a 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 subjects. When you post it can be seen by those directly in your area.
    • Post on Fort Collins Craigslist in the Community -> Pets section as well as Community -> Lost+Found. There is no charge to do so.
    • PetFBI – 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.
    • LostMyKitty – Same as LostMyDoggie, but for cats!
    • PetKey – A smaller page, but everything helps!
    • Northern Colorado Pet Lovers – A group ran by Wet Noses Pet Sitting. It’s a small group but another set of eyes always 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 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 and 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 of 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 Fort Collins. 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 a while 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!

How to Find a Missing Pet_Lamier County Infographic

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

What Pet Sitting Visits Do I Need for My Rabbit?

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Are you going out of town but are worried about your rabbit? House rabbits are becoming more popular as people realize just how smart they are and how rabbits can make amazing house pets. We are seeing more clients that have a rabbit as their only pet, and we want to make sure they receive the best care when you go out of town. Rabbits need to be watched by someone knowledgeable about their behavior, how to hold and handle them, and what health signs to watch out for if they become ill.

Rabbit Option #1

This is an ideal schedule for rabbits that are used to lots of attention.

1 Hour Breakfast Visit

Your sitter will arrive in the morning and let your rabbit out to play in whatever area is normal. Your sitter will play with your bunny (if she wants) and let her get some exercise. Your sitter will clean her cage, give her fresh food and water and can chop veggies or do any food prep you normally do. There is also time for a good cage and litter box cleaning. An hour visit really lets your rabbit stretch her legs and get some good activity and attention. Your sitter ends the visit by securing your rabbit back in her space, giving her any treats she can have and sending you an update so you know she is safe and sound!

30 Minute Dinner Visit

Your sitter will come for a dinner visit for some playtime and exercise, as well as a dinner feeding. At the end of the visit your sitter will settle your bunny in for the night and make sure she is happy and content.

 

Rabbit Option #2

This is an ideal schedule for rabbits that need feeding twice a day.

30 Minute Breakfast Visit

Your sitter will arrive and check on your bunny. She can come out to play, explore and get some cuddles. Her sitter will clean up her cage and litter box, give her fresh food and water and make sure her behavior is normal. After some exercise, your bunny can go back in her cage for breakfast and treats (if you say so). Your sitter will send you and update to let you know she is doing great!

30 Minute Dinner Visit

Your sitter will come for a dinner visit for some playtime and exercise, as well as a dinner feeding. At the end of the visit your sitter will settle your bunny in for the night and make sure she is happy and content.

These visits could be 15 minutes if your bunny will not be coming out to play, however, if your bunny is used to getting exercise, we prefer to stick to her normal routine as much as safely possible. We also want to ensure there is plenty of time for food prep and cleaning, depending on how your system for bunny care is set up.

 

Rabbit Option #3

This is an ideal schedule for rabbits that need feeding once a day.

30 Minute Breakfast Visit

Your sitter will arrive and check on your bunny. She can come out to play, explore and get some cuddles. Her sitter will clean up her cage and litter box, give her fresh food and water and make sure her behavior is normal. After some exercise, your bunny can go back in her cage for breakfast and treats (if you say so). Your sitter will set her up for the day and send you and update to let you know she is doing great! 

Our Considerations for Rabbits

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

  • Rabbits can take some time to warm up to new people and we want to do that as safely as possible, for your bunny and your sitter. If your bunny has playtime outside of her normal housing, at first we may want to keep your rabbit in a smaller play area until we can be sure she will go back into her enclosure or allow the sitter to pick her up when play time is done. We do not want to scare your bunny or risk injury by needing to chase her! Once she is used to her sitter then we can expand the play area to her normal space if it is larger, or a run of the house if that is normal.
  • If your bunny is going to be coming out for playtime, that visit will need to be at least 30 minutes long to provide enough time for everything to be completed.
  • For rabbits that will not be coming out for playtime, we can usually manage 15 minute visits unless there is a lot of food prep or extra tasks. If there is then we will often need a 30 minute visit to get everything taken care of.
  • If your rabbit is more active at a particular time of day, then we will want to schedule your longer visits during that time so she can have some fun! Some bunnies love morning playtime, some love the warm afternoons and some like to zip around before dinner!
  • Your sitter will want to know the routine of your bunny and any normal behavior changes. It is not unusual for bunnies to be sleepy at one time of the day and very active at another time, and all bunnies are different. If we know these behaviors then we can keep an eye out for any lethargy that is out of place.
  • Rabbits are prone to gastrointestinal issues that can be harmful very quickly. Rabbit owners often have medical supplies on hand and special veterinarians to reach in an emergency. Your sitter will need all of that information on hand in case any concerns arise.
  • If you are leaving for a long trip, we are willing and able to purchase fresh veggies at your request. We will schedule a separate visit time and arrange a method of payment to cover the food purchases.
  • Rabbits need a lot of mental stimulation and we want to help with that. If there are toys she likes or games she likes to play, please show your sitter so we can have fun and make the most of our visits!

Time to Customize!

We want to work with you to set up the best possible schedule for your hens, 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 Rabbit Happy While You are Gone!

Set Up Your Appointment!

 

8 Times When You Need a Dog Walker

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Most people believe that dog walkers are only needed by people who work 12 hours a day, and while it is necessary in that case, there are a bunch of reasons when a dog walker can be helpful. We are going to look at when you may need a dog walker and how professional dog walks work.

When Can I Use a Dog Walker?

  1. When you are working long days. This is the most common reason for people to hire a dog walker. They are working for longer than their pup can last and they want to make sure she gets out for some exercise and a potty break during the day. Usually, these visits are scheduled during the middle of the day, but can also be arranged based on your work schedule.
  2. When your dog needs some extra exercise. Some of us do not have the time, or energy, to exercise our dogs as much as they need in a day. The average dog needs at least a 30-minute walk a day in order to stay happy, but high energy dogs can require a lot more than that.
  3. When your life gets crazy! We all have those times when everything piles on and we just cannot get to it all. Having a dog walker come in and make sure that your pup is happy can take a load off your mind and free you up to work on tasks that only you can do. Dog walkers can also help out by feeding your pup and taking care of other small tasks when needed.
  4. When you have a puppy. Puppies need to go out often and be supervised constantly. A standard rule of thumb is puppies can only hold it for one hour per month of age. This will vary based on the breed of puppy, their schedule and the puppy herself. It is hard to get anything done when you have a puppy needing so much time and attention. Even if you are home all done, it can be nice to have someone help out for a while so you can take a break.
  5. When you have problems with mobility. We have had quite a few clients that are injured or elderly and need some extra help. This includes folks in assisted living facilities who are able to keep their dogs but cannot get them out for walks.
  6. When your dog is bored. Maybe you are able to get your dog out but he is still bored during the day. A new friend coming in and changing up the routine will excite any dog and relieve the boredom.
  7. When your dog is elderly or ill. Older dogs often need to get out more, especially if they develop health problems. Dogs with injuries or illnesses may need medication during the day or supervision while you are gone. We have spent time with more than one dog in a cone!
  8. When your life is unpredictable! You have a job and kids and never know when the schedule is going to change. Dogs, as flexible as they are, thrive on routine. Knowing your pup is cared for, no matter what life throws at you, is a huge weight off your shoulders, and great for your dog!

These are just a handful of reasons you may need a dog walker. Really there is no end to the reasons you may need a dog walker in your life, nor should there be! A dog walker is there to provide your dog with consistency and you with peace of mind.

 

Some Examples Visits

Visits can be matched to your dog’s needs, but it is nice to get an idea of some possible schedules. We customize our visits and schedules based on the needs of your dog to make sure their visits are optimized.

  • Standard Mid-Day Dog Walk: Your dog walker comes in around noon (or whenever is a good time) and takes your pup for a walk. They go for a 25-minute dog walk, then the sitter refills your pup’s water, gives her a treat, sends you a picture of your pup to check-in, leaves a quick note about the visit and settles your pup in for the afternoon. You know how your dog is doing and do not have to worry about her for the afternoon. These walks can also be longer for high energy dogs.
  • Twice a Day Visits: You are not on vacation, but you need a bit of extra help with your pup. You sitter comes in twice a day (breakfast and dinner), takes your dog out for a 20-minute walk, feeds her, changes her water and takes care of other critters. This way the basic care is done and you can enjoy the time spent with your fur kids without stress. This schedule is used by people who are busy but also injured or elderly people who struggle with mobility.
  • Quick Potty Breaks: Some dogs do not need a walk but still need a potty break during the day. Your dog walker comes and let your pup out in the yard for 10 minutes, send you a quick update, change her water and settle her in for the day. These are great for dogs who do not need a lot of exercise but need to go potty and break up their day.
  • Long Exercise Visit: Many of us have high energy dogs and need help daily, or even just occasionally to burn off that energy. Your sitter comes at a good time of day and takes her for a 50-minute walk. During the summer we try to schedule these at times when the temperature is not too hot.

What to Consider When Scheduling Dog Walks

  1. Are your dog walks dependent on a specific time, like breakfast, dinner or halfway through the day, or just to get your dog some extra exercise?
  2. What times are you going to be gone?
  3. How often does your dog need to go outside?
  4. How much exercise does she need to stay happy and healthy?
  5. What time of day is best for her to be out on a walk (if it is really hot or cold during the day)?
  6. Will she need to be fed during this visit?
  7. Do any other animals need care during the visit?
  8. Do you want visits regularly or just occasionally?

Let Us Help!

We are here to discuss your dog and schedule and figure out the best scenario for you. Contact us and let us know what is going on in your life so we can figure out a schedule that works for you and your pup! Our schedules are flexible and we match our visits to your needs, not the other way around.

Schedule Your Dog Walks Today!