Tag Archive for: fort collins

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.

How Do You Handle Dog Confrontations?

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We walk a lot of dogs that are not friendly towards other dogs, you never know if the dog coming your way is going to be kind. The fact is that many dogs go to dog daycare, unless they do not get along with the other dogs there, in which case we end up walking them.

Wet Noses Pet Sitters also walk a lot of dogs that are super friendly and would love to play with every dog we encounter. We still never know how the other dog is going to react or how the two will get along. It is our primary responsibility to keep our charge safe so we have a very strict rule:

Whenever possible we do not allow our client’s dogs to associate with other dogs. Period.

So what do we do when you spot another dog coming that is off leash?

First we evaluate the situation to see how concerned we should be. Is our dog friendly with other dogs? Does the approaching dog look friendly? Is the owner of the other dog present? If the answer to any of these is no then we are starting to look at options to prevent the dogs from coming into contact.

From here we are going to assume that we feel the need to stop this encounter because we believe it will result in a dog fight. So what now?

We bring our dog in close to us and we yell at the other dog at the top of our lungs.

“No! No! Go Home! Get Away!” We make ourselves look big and threatening and really “unfun” to be around. Hopefully the dog decides to go another way.

Call for the owner of the other dog if you can spot them.

We yell “My dog hates other dogs! My dog bites!” This will encourage even the most lazy or unconcerned dog owner to try to collect their dog. It does not matter if my dog is the biggest teddy bear and would not hurt a fly.

If the dog keeps coming then the next step depends on our dog.

For little dogs, this is the time to just scoop up the dog and move away. If our dog is big and friendly then we try to shuffle away from the other dog, keeping ourselves between them. If our dog is big and not dog friendly then putting ourselves between the dogs can put us in danger.

When these two dogs are bound to meet and there is nothing we can do about it then we loosen the leash, or drop it if needed, and put on our most friendly voice.

“Hello sweet puppies, don’t you both want to be the best of friends?” A happy voice goes a long way to diffusing a situation. So why loosen the leash? Most of dog communication is done via body language and if I am tugging on the leash I am making my dog more tense and messing up their communication. No need for a dog fight because of a miscommunication. Worst case scenario there is a fight and I do not want my dog to be impeded by a leash. The truth is many dog fights end with just a scuffle and no actual damage, even if it sounds terrible.

If there is a dog fight we do our best to safely break it up.

We do not reach into a fight as that is the best way to get bit. We use items to put in between them or if the fight is one sided we distract the aggressor. Breaking up a dog fight is a blog in and of itself!

Thankfully we very rarely end up with a fight on our hands. Usually by going through the first few steps we manage to avoid any problems. If a problem does arise we are prepared and know exactly what to do!

4 Tips to Get Your Dog to Stop Digging

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Have you been working hard on your garden and lawn? Then end up to find with it full of craters like the moon? It’s no secret that dogs love to dig holes, so if this is you, you’re definitely not the only one. We often wonder exactly why dogs love to do this, and more importantly, how we get them to stop digging?  Well, we have some answers for you that will hopefully save your soil and your sanity.Stop Digging

 

Hunting prey

More often than we know, there are burrowing animals and insects in our yards. Your dog is often just trying to root them out. If this is the case, you see holes in one single area, around the roots of plants and trees or in a path. Try to use safe methods to fence and force them out. Never use toxins that can end up hurting your pet too.

Entertainment

A lot of times your dog is simply digging to entertain themselves. When they dig at roots and soil they think it “plays back” when it sinks back down into the ground. These holes are often scattered around and happen when the dog is somewhat isolated from playmates and family. Active dogs and certain breeds are more prone to this behavior. So if this is your case, make sure to walk or have them walked twice a day to tire them out. And make sure to play with them using balls, disks and other active toys. It helps to stimulate them in other ways to prevent them from digging.

Attention

Sometimes there is nothing a dog won’t do for attention. And digging holes is one of those things. This would especially be your case if your dog digs in front of you or do it to interfere with whatever is grabbing your attention (like that shrub over there). All you have to do is make sure to spend time with them outside of the yard activities and ignore their attention-seeking behavior. Then make sure to praise their “good dog” behavior as much as you can.

Create a digging zone:

Some dogs just love to dig. They can’t get enough of it no matter what you do. That’s why it can be a great idea to give your dog his own little digging area. Not unlike a sand pit or play ground for a child. And it’s not too hard to create either!  We found these awesome instructions from The Humane Society on how to build your own Doggy Digging Zone:

 

  • Cover the digging zone with loose soil or sand. Or use a child-size sandbox.
  • Make the digging zone attractive by burying safe items (such as toys) for them to discover.
  • When they dig in the digging zone, reward them with praise.
  • If you catch your dog digging in an unacceptable area, interrupt the behavior with a loud noise and firmly say, “No dig.” Then immediately take them to the digging zone.
  • Make the unacceptable digging spots unattractive (at least temporarily) by placing rocks or chicken wire over them.

 

Does your dog dig? We’d love to hear some of your funny stories and ways you saved your yard from the paws of fury! Let’s us know your tale in the comments below or on our Facebook page. And of course, if you need help getting some of your dog’s energy out during the day don’t hesitate to call us! Our sitters would love to come walk and play with them.

 

Set up Dog Walks

How Do I Pay for My Appointment?

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At Wet Noses Pet Sitting we try to make everything as easy as possible! You have enough on your mind with work and planning your trips and our sitters are working with your pets. We do not want our sitters to have to worry about payment instead of your pets.

We use a fantastic system for setting appointments and keeping all of the details we need to provide amazing care. Before reserving an appointment, you will need to add a credit card. We take Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express. We are not able to see your credit card information and the system stores it safely. On the first day of your trip, or the beginning of your dog walk appointment, your credit card will be charged for the full amount.You do not have to worry about payment and our sitters do not have to think about collecting it!

Do you charge extra for holidays?
Do you have experience with exotic pets?

 

Do You Charge Extra for Multiple Pets?

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Colorado is a very pet-friendly area and many households have multiple pets. This can mean when looking for pet care it can be a bit harder. If you are boarding dogs, there is an increased price for the more you have. The same for cats. Not to mention the stress of needing to transport them to a facility, or to different places if you have different types of animals. For those of you who have large pet households, pet sitters may be your only real option when going out of town.

So how much extra will it be for multiple pets?

In general our rates include two pets, but we evaluate each household individually. A household with three dogs that need to be walked separately is very different from a house with one dog and two mice. We find out the number of pets you have as well as their routine and levels of care, and provide you a rate based on your entire household. When we do charge extra, it is generally $2 per pet.

What animals cost more?

We do charge a bit extra for exotic animals that require specific experience, such as horses and parrots. Learn more about what exotic pets we watch. This is because we need to have sitters on staff with a more broad experience level than an average sitter.

Are we bonded and insured?

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 Does Overnight Pet Sitting Work? Header

How Does Overnight Pet Sitting Work?

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How Does Overnight Pet Sitting Work? Header

For people who have never used a pet sitter, the idea of having overnight pet sitting can be a little daunting! Here we try to explain everything you need to know so you can decide if overnight pet sitting is right for you and your fur kids.

How Long are Overnight Stays?

At Wet Noses Pet Sitting, we offer two different overnights:

  • Standard Overnight which is 9-10 hours long
  • Extended Overnight which is 12 hours long, usually 7pm-7am

In most cases, unless you have a dog door or only have cats, we also require a visit during the day. We can help you choose visits that are best for you.

What Animals Need Overnight Stays?

We most commonly see overnight stays being used for dogs, but that is not to say that some cats do not appreciate them! If you have pets that are used to, and enjoy, company in the evenings, then overnights would be a good fit. You also may have pets that need to monitored more closely due to heath problems, or are young and exuberant and need more exercise! I have an older cat that likes to sleep on the bed next to a person, so even when we take the dog with us, we still get an overnight sitter.

What Happens During an Overnight Stay?

Depending on whether you chose a Standard or Extended Overnight, the sitter will have varying amounts of time.

  • During a Standard Overnight, the sitter will have enough time for feeding, medications and a quick walk. The same basic activities that happen during a pet sitting visit.
  • During an Extended Overnight, the sitters usually arrive between 7-8pm. This allows them time for playtime, a longer walk, plant watering and extra cuddling! During these longer overnights the sitter will generally spend the extra time hanging out with your pets and keeping them company. For households with a lot of pets, this extra time also allows the sitter to perform any additional tasks that are hard to complete during the day visits.

Where Does the Sitter Sleep?

The sitter can sleep wherever you are comfortable, but we often recommend that the sitter sleep in the room your animals are most accustomed to. The sitter can sleep in your bed, in a guest room or on a comfortable couch. Some animals do not mind where your sitter sleeps, but if you have a dog or a cat that has a specific routine, you should consider sticking with the normal bedroom.

Some clients will wash the sheets before leaving, especially for longer trips. Then the sitter will wash the sheets before you return. Some sitters prefer to bring their own bedding. These are details you can work out with your sitter during the introductory meeting. If you want to learn more about this specific topic, see our post here.

Still Having Trouble Deciding?

We have written up suggested schedules depending on what pets you have. Shy cats have very different needs than active dogs. Or Call Us to discuss schedules based on the specific needs of your pets!

Dog Daycare vs Dog Walker

Should I Tip My Pet Sitter?

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Should I tip my pet sitter? In the US we are taught to tip the waiter, taxi driver, valets and even the mailman at the holidays. But everyone wonders, “Should I tip my pet sitter?”

It is up to you!

Tipping your pet sitter is greatly appreciated, but it is not expected or required. Many of our clients do choose to tip their sitters, but this choice is made on an individual basis. Unlike waiters, our sitters are paid a reasonable wage without tips being included.

When to tip your sitter

Over the years we have seen many methods of tipping from our clients. Here are some ideas:

  • Tip at the end of visits.
  • Tip at the beginning of visits.
  • Tip only at the holidays.
  • Tip on occasions that you feel it is deserved!

Most clients choose not to tip before the first visit, instead of waiting to see how it goes the first time. This is also true when they get a new sitter.

How to tip your sitter

Should you decide to tip your pet sitter, there are a few ways to go about it.

  • We can add a tip to your credit card, before or after your visits.
  • Leave a tip for your sitter on the first visit.

How much to tip your sitter

Again, this is completely up to you. How often you tip will also affect the amount you choose to tip. Remember that any amount is appreciated! For our clients who tip regularly, we most often see a 10-20% tip for the sitter.

However much you choose to tip, that amount will go directly to your sitter. Our sitters never expect to be tipped, but it is nice when it happens!

How do I choose the right pet sitting service?

Do You Charge Extra for Holidays?

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Q: Do you charge extra for holidays?

A: This question is easy! We do not charge extra for holidays. That is our gift to you!

Many companies charge extra for holidays. Some charge more just for the day while others charge more for the entire week. Truth be told, we used to charge extra. We found that it made us feel crummy so we did away with it. We know that the holidays can be a costly time, with buying presents and travel expenses. We do not want to make it worse by charging you extra for holidays.

What about your pet sitter?

Since we do not charge extra for the holidays, your sitter does not make more than they would on a normal day. Our wonderful sitters give up their time with family and friends to make sure your pets are getting the best care possible while you are gone. Should you be feeling generous, feel free to tip your sitters extra for working during the holidays!

As always, thank you for supporting your local small business during the holiday season!

Holiday Pet Dangers

Planning on traveling for the holidays? Learn how to travel safely with cats on our blog.

5 Questions to Ask Your Vet at Your Next Visit

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When you’re getting ready for your yearly physical, you probably have a few questions prepared for your doctor. And it’s smart to have them prepared ahead of time. Because if you’re like me, by time you’re in the back room, chances are you’ll forget to ask at least one thing you were concerned about.

The same should go for your pet at their regular wellness checks as well. There are just as many, if not more distractions at the vet. Sometimes that leaves you floundering for words and just hoping to get out unscathed.

Having a few good questions jotted down for easy reference will go a long way in making you get the most out of your pet’s vet visit.

1. Is my pet overweight?

Being on top of your pet’s weight is important. According to the Association for Pet Obesity and Prevention, more than half of the dogs and cats are overweight in the U.S. Even though we are almost conditioned to think “a fat pet is a happy pet,” that’s not true. Obesity sets them up for a whole slew of complications such as, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and more.

2. What is the best food for my pet?

This question almost goes hand in hand with the weight question, but it is still beneficial for average weight pets as well. Not all pet food is created equal and some foods have fatty fillers and sub-par ingredients. Tell your vet what food you regularly feed your pet. Also, as they age dietary needs can change. Ask them what they feel is an appropriate diet for them considering their age and weight.

3. Do you have any recommendations for flea/tick meds?

Flea and ticks are not just a problem for the spring and summer. They can actually be a threat all year round. More than just a nuisance, they can transmit deadly diseases too. Depending on the time of year and your pet’s health in general, your vet may have a better way of protecting your pet.

4.Does my pet need a dental cleaning?

Often forgotten, but still very important is dental health. Recent surveys state that an estimated 80% of adult dogs and 70% of adult cats suffer from a least some degree of periodontal disease. If dental hygiene is ignored too long, it can result serious health issues with the liver, kidney, heart. Your vet should have some easy and painless ways to help.

5. Is this normal?

This is the general behavior or health question to ask your vet. It’s whatever may concern you about your pet. Like do they have a quirky behavior, a weird eating/sleeping habit? Or you may be worried about lumps or bumps on their skin. Reserve this question to fit what concerns you about your pet specifically.

A little bit of planning goes a long way in making sure you get all the answers you need. Doctors and vet visits are stressful enough as it is, no need to add stress to it by being unprepared.

Do you have any additional questions you like to ask your vet? Let us know in the comments!