Tag Archive for: loveland

Pet Lovers Guide to Loveland

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

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

 

Loveland Pet Sitter

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

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

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

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

 

Loveland Dog Walker

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

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

 

Pet Supply Stores around Loveland

Loveland is extremely animal friendly, and thus there are a variety of pet supply stores to choose from. We are a huge fan of shopping local whenever possible, and we believe locally-owned stores tend to have better educated employees to give you advice.

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

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

 

Loveland Animal Rescues

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

Here are the rescues most likely to be of assistance:

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

 

Loveland Veterinarians

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

Here is a list of veterinarians that we have worked with personally and loved:

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

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

 

Loveland Emergency Veterinarians

 

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

Here are emergency veterinary clinics and their locations:

To see the list with all of the Fort Collins emergency vet clinics, as well as signs of a pet emergency, read our recent article Fort Collins Emergency Vet Clinics.

 

Loveland Dog Trainers

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

We have collected 3 trainers that use positive reinforcement training:

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

 

Loveland Dog-Friendly Hotels

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

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

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

 

Loveland Dog Groomers

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

We have collected a list of groomers that our clients have loved:

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

 

Self-Service Dog Washes in Loveland

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

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

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

 

Loveland Catteries

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

We have collected a list of catteries in Loveland:

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

 

Dog Boarding Kennels in Loveland

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

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

To read more about these dog boarding kennels, take a look at our recent article Top 5 Places to Board Your Dog in Loveland.

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

 

Loveland Doggy Daycare

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

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

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

If it sounds like your pup would love daycare, we have collected a list of dog daycares in Loveland:

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

 

Top Pet-Friendly Restaurants in Loveland

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

These are good pet-friendly restaurants in Loveland:

If you would like to learn more about these locations, take a look at 4 Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Loveland.

 

Loveland Dog Parks

In Loveland, folks love their dogs and we want them to have as much fun as possible! For well-socialized dogs, that can mean a trip to the dog park is a favorite activity.

Here in Loveland, we have 2 dogs parks:

 

Loveland Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails

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

4 of our favorite Loveland trails are:

  1. The Foothills Trail
  2. The Summit Adventure Trail
  3. Cathy Fromme Prairie
  4. Arthurs Rock Trail

To see all the details about these trails, read our recent article Best Loveland Dog Trails.

 

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

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!

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?
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

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!

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!

Notice the Changes? Introducing Wet Noses Pet Sitting!

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If you’re reading this post, then I’m sure you’ve noticed the major changes we’ve gone through this month. We are super excited to be launching our new website and business name, Wet Noses Pet sitting! If you get our newsletter you may have already known we were cooking up some changes.

First off, thank you to all of our amazing clients who have been with us over the last 6 years! It is because of you that we have moved past just working in one part of Fort Collins to all of Fort Collins and Loveland.  And with growth comes changes, we wanted a name that better represented what we do. That’s why Sidehill Sitters is now Wet Noses Pet Sitting.

So, what has changed?

What’s the same at Wet Noses Pet Sitting?

  • Same great sitters!
  • Same great services!
  • Our social media links are the same

If you have SidehillSitters.com saved in your bookmarks, then you were automatically sent to our new site. Go ahead and bookmark this page to make sure in a few months you will still be able to find us easily.

For our current clients, you will receive new business cards and emergency cards with your holiday card. Again thank you so much for being a part of our community and business. We sincerely appreciate each and every one of you. Also, if you have any questions about our changes, don’t hesitate to let us know or visit our FAQ’S!

Don’t forget to keep up to date with our blog, events, and other great information by signing up for our newsletter!

Valentine’s Day Gifts For Cats

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Is your kitty your Valentine this year? What do you get him or her? Cats generally don’t like chocolate or roses, but these gifts are sure to win your cat’s heart over. Here are some great Valentine’s Day gifts for cats.

Catnip 

Most kitties love catnip! Catnip can be a great Valentine’s Day gift for cats. For a gift sure to please buy or make your kitty a catnip toy. Making a catnip toy at home is easy.

Catnip sock toy:

  1. Start with a children’s or small sock, catnip and a needle and thread
  2. Fill the sock with catnip
  3. Sew the top of the sock closed with the needle and thread
  4. Give the sock to your kitty

Another great catnip gift is fresh catnip. You can find fresh catnip at pet stores or grow it from seeds.

Treats 

Treats are awesome Valentine’s Day gifts for cats. A cool new treat is flaked tuna. These are thin flakes of freeze dried tuna that can be fed as treats or as a topping for food. For some homemade treat ideas, check out our previous blog posts on Valentine’s Day treats for cats.

Collars 

A new collar is a fun Valentine’s Day gift for cats. Many cats will love a collar with hearts on it (and maybe a bell). Be sure to fit the collar correctly to keep your cat safe.

Furniture 

A cat tree is a sure win for Valentine’s Day gifts for cats. For a new cat tree check out your local petstore. For a smaller gift try a new cat bed or scratching post. Want to make a homemade cat bed? Take a small box and decorate it, with lots of hearts using construction paper and child-safe markers. Place a pillow in the box and you have a wonderful DIY cat bed.

Valentine’s Day can be a great holiday to share with your cat. These Valentine’s Day gifts for cats are sure to make your cat’s day.