Tag Archive for: pet sitting

When Should you Book your Pet Sitter?_Header

When Should you Book your Pet Sitter?

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When Should you Book your Pet Sitter?_Header

When it comes to booking a pet sitter, booking early is always better. At Wet Noses Pet Sitting, we try to accommodate all visit requests but sometimes our sitters are already fully booked. Until our sitters figure out how to be in two places at once, we recommend booking your pet sitter when you book your trip.

Why should I book my pet sitter early?

Booking your pet sitter early ensures we are able to match you with a pet sitter for the dates and times requested. The closer to your dates the less likely we’ll be able to fit you in our schedule.

This is especially true for major holidays.

  • Fourth of July
  • Thanksgiving
  • Christmas
  • New Years

We take care of pets 365 days a year but some major holidays are busier than others. Booking early to secure your spot for these major holidays is important. Overnights tend to fill up the fastest as they are the most in demand. We are limited on how many overnights we can offer based on the number of sitters we have.

What happens if my trip changes?

Reach out! We have a generous cancellation policy in place and we can adjust your pet sitters schedule as needed.

What if I need a last-minute pet sitter?

We understand emergencies come up that you cannot prepare to be out of town for. If our pet sitters are available we may be able to fit you into our schedule. If we are fully booked, we recommend calling your second or third choice for a professional pet sitter.

When a pet sitter coming to your home isn’t an option, boarding facilities should be considered. Many offer spacious rooms (and condos for cats), outdoor activities, and plenty of play time. Some vets also offer boarding but vets typically do not offer all the extra amenities a dedicated boarding facility offers. You may also have to pay a higher rate for booking on such short notice.

Wet Noses Pet Sitting is based out of Fort Collins, Colorado. We have a small list of places in the area were you can board your animals:

When all else fails, if you cannot find a professional pet sitter and boarding facilities are full try asking friends, family, or even your neighbor. You should never leave your pet unattended for an extended period of time.

Why do I even need a professional pet sitter?

Having a pet sitter come to your home helps reduce your pets stress while you’re away. This is because your pets are in a familiar environment. With familiar smells, sounds, and sights.

All of our pet sitters are bonded and insured. That means – if an accident happens you’re covered!

You won’t have to worry about last-minute cancellations. Friends and family can be unreliable. By hiring a professional pet sitter you’re guaranteed coverage even if something comes up on our end.

Having somebody come to your home while you’re away can help keep your home safe. Empty houses are targets for robberies. Regular activity shows that the house isn’t empty and that somebody will notice if something is off.

Conclusion

Booking your pet sitter early ensures we’re able to fit you into our schedule. If we cannot, we recommend calling your second and third choice of professional pet sitters. Having somebody come to your home is ideal as it keeps pets in a familiar environment, no last-minute cancellations, and adds an extra level of safety to your home while you’re away. If this is not possible, we recommend checking out boarding facilities in your area or contacting friends or family as your pet should never be left unattended for an extended period of time.

Related Blogs

Wet Noses Pet Sitting Live Q&A

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Wet Noses Pet Sitting Live Q&A Header

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

Transcript:

Read more

What to Know When Puppy Sitting_Header

What to Know When Puppy Sitting

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What to Know When Puppy Sitting_Header

 

If you are going to be puppy sitting, or a looking for a puppy sitter, there are many details you should know to make sure the puppy gets the best care. Puppies take a bit more work (actually a lot more work) than adult dogs so it is important that everyone be on the same page.

Puppies Need to Go Out Often

A good rule of thumb is that puppies can only last an hour per year of age, so a 2 month old puppy will need to go out every 2 hours, a 3 month old every 3 hours and so on. This can vary quite a bit by the individual puppy based on breed, personality, etc. The more consistent the house training, the better she will do.

When no one is home the puppy should be contained to a small spot, like a crate, so she learns to hold it. When puppy sitting, the puppy needs to go out often and be supervised when out loose to make sure she does not have accidents in the house. This requires a puppy sitter that is vigilant and attentive.

Take a look at suggested schedules for puppy sitting when owners are on vacation and for day walks.

Puppies Need Training

Puppies do not magically understand us like Lassie. They need lots of positive training in order to understand what we want from them. Where we want them to go potty, how we want them to play, what they can chew on, and more! When someone is puppy sitting they need to have a good idea of basic training skills and know how to enforce them. These should be the same methods you use, although a good puppy sitter will be able to offer suggestions from experience.

Puppies Need Consistency

Humans and puppies speak a different language so interactions need to be consistent in order to ensure the puppy can figure out what is going on. Imagine if you were trying to learn a new language and someone gestured at an apple and said “pomme”, but the next time gestured at the apple and said “rouge”. Well which one is it? Plus a puppy is a baby. A biting, wriggling, barking baby, but a baby none-the-less. Everything a puppy learns is new and every impression is important. If the puppy is spending time trying to figure out if you mean “pomme” or “rouge”, she will not be able to get the lesson quickly and will get confused. Everyone who interacts with the puppy should be clear and know the rules.

Puppies Need Positive Reinforcement

Yelling at a puppy or scaring her is not a helpful part of the training process. Positive reinforcement means your puppy learns our human language without fear. When a puppy is afraid, all she learns is to be scared of you. A puppy brain cannot learn when in a state of fear. Positive reinforcement means she can learn in a way that keeps her fear-free and learning all the time. The best way to be able to stay positive is to set the puppy up for success. If you know she will have accidents, then do not leave her unsupervised in the house; especially when she might be needing a potty break. Then when she goes potty in the correct place, use lots of positive reinforcement so she wants to do it again and again.

Puppies Need Socialization

Puppies need to see a wide variety of people, other animals and environments to grow up to be well-rounded adult dogs. That is why puppy sitting is so helpful! It allows the puppy to meet new people in a positive and safe way. Learn more about the Benefits of Walks for Puppies. Puppy sitters should learn to interact with the puppy the same way as the owners and follow the rules the puppy has so they can be properly encouraged.

Four tricolor Jack Russell dogs on two wooden chairs indoor

Four Tricolor Jack Russell Dogs On Two Wooden Chairs Indoor by Scopio from NounProject.com

Puppies Need Playtime

The best thing about what you need to know when puppy sitting is that puppies love to play. Play is necessary for the health and happiness of puppies. When puppy sitting, puppies need to have a lot of time in their schedule set aside for play, ideally with other puppies, with humans and alone. Puppies learn a lot from playtime with other puppies including how to moderate their bite pressure, how to not be too rough and how to read dog body language. And playtime is also a good outlet for excess energy. A tired puppy is a good puppy!

Puppies Need Lots of Meals

Puppies are burning a lot of energy and they need a lot of food to keep them going. Meals need to be at a set time every day and puppies always need to go out for a potty break afterwards. When puppy sitting, visits have to be long enough to provide time for playtime, feeding and potty breaks. Most puppies will eat 3-5 times a day.

Puppy Sitting Plan

When we provide puppy sitting we look at how a visit should be structured. Most often a puppy sitting visit will look like this:

Out of crate –> Potty time –> Playtime –> Meal –> Potty time –> Playtime –> Potty time –> Back in crate

If the weather is nice we often sit outside when puppy sitting so puppies can go potty and have playtime as needed. This cuts down on accidents. We are only there for a specific amount of time. The less time spent cleaning up accidents, the more time spent on playtime!

If you are interested in learning more about our puppy sitting visits take a look at the Benefits of Walks for Puppies and Pet Sitting Visits for Puppies. We would love to set up puppy sitting that is perfect for you and your puppy!

If you are interested in becoming a puppy sitter, we are often looking for new team members! Look at our open positions. If you’re interested in puppy sitting but aren’t old enough to join our team, ask your family and friends if you can help take care of their puppies. It will give you great experience and plus, puppies!

What Pet Sitting Visits Do I Need for My Puppy?_Header

What Pet Sitting Visits Do I Need for My Puppy?

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What Pet Sitting Visits Do I Need for My Puppy?_Header

Are you going out of town but are worried about your puppy? Curious about what pet sitting visits for a puppy are ideal? Puppies require a lot of care but sometimes you have to leave town when they are young. A family emergency comes up, or maybe you got the puppy unexpectedly and already had a trip planned. We can help! Visits and schedules are going to vary dramatically based on the age of the puppy and where she is at with house training.

A good rule of thumb is: a puppy can hold it for 1 hour per month of age

This means a 2 month old puppy can last for 2 hours, 3 month old puppy for 3 hours, etc. Your puppy also needs to go outside if she has been playing, eating, drinking, or just woke up. We need to set up visits based on the age of your puppy and how long she can go without outside trips. In addition, some breeds tire faster than others, which will change how much exercise your puppy needs.

 

Puppy of French bulldog lying on floor indoor

Puppy Of French Bulldog Lying On Floor Indoor by Scopio from NounProject.com

Puppy Option #1

This is an ideal schedule for very young puppies that need out every two hours.

 

30 Minute Visits – Every 2 hours starting 2 hours after you leave 

Your sitter will arrive and take your pup out first thing. We want to use whatever reward system you have been using for consistency. Then your sitter can give your pup a snack and have playtime, followed by more potty time and settling in for the next nap. If you pup uses pee pads or a similar set up then your sitter will change those out and clean up your pup if needed.

12 Hour Extended Overnight Stay 

Your sitter will arrive in the early evening (around 7 pm) and let your pup out first thing. Then comes feeding and playtime. Puppies need some time with ongoing interaction, rather that the sitter being in and out. These evening times allow your pup to be out in the areas of the house that you allow. Your sitter sends you a picture with an update so you can rest easy knowing your pup has company. Right before bed, your pup goes out for the last potty break and then settles down for the evening. With young puppies you may want the pup taken out at specific times during the night, which your sitter can follow through with. Your sitter sends you a picture with an update so you can rest easy knowing your pup has company. In the morning there is time for playtime and feeding, as well as other pet chores.

Example with times:

Extended Overnight – Sitter stays until 7am

9am – 30 Minute Visit

11:30am – 30 Minute Visit

2pm – 30 Minute Visit

4:30pm – 30 Minute Visit

7pm – Sitter arrives for Extended Overnight Stay

These visits can be adjusted based on how long your pup can be home alone in between visits without a potty break.

 

Puppy sitting on brown ceramic floor tiles

Puppy Sitting On Brown Ceramic Floor Tiles by Scopio from NounProject.com

Puppy Option #2

This is a good schedule for puppies who can go a little longer between visits but need to play.

 

30 Minute Mid-Morning Visit

Your sitter will arrive and take your pup out first thing. We want to use whatever reward system you have been using for consistency. Then your sitter can give your pup a snack and have playtime, followed by more potty time and settling in for the next nap. If you pup uses pee pads or a similar set up then your sitter will change those out and clean up your pup if needed.

1 Hour Early Afternoon Visit

This is the perfect visit for your pup to get some extra exercise and get worn out for the afternoon. This is a great time for your sitter to take care of any extra chores and make sure sure everything is taken care of. The longer visit will let your pup play for awhile and have a more normal routine like when you are home.

12 Hour Extended Overnight Stay 

Your sitter will arrive in the early evening (around 7 pm) and let your pup out first thing. Then comes feeding and playtime. Puppies need some time with ongoing interaction, rather that the sitter being in and out. These evening times allow your pup to be out in the areas of the house that you allow. Your sitter sends you a picture with an update so you can rest easy knowing your pup has company. Right before bed, your pup goes out for the last potty break and then settles down for the evening. With young puppies you may want the pup taken out at specific times during the night, which your sitter can follow through with. Your sitter sends you a picture with an update so you can rest easy knowing your pup has company. In the morning there is time for playtime and feeding, as well as other pet chores.

Example with times:

Extended Overnight – Sitter stays until 7am

10am – 30 Minute Visit

2pm – 1 Hour Visit

7pm – Sitter arrives for Extended Overnight Stay

These visits can be adjusted based on how long your pup can be home alone in between visits without a potty break.

 

Cavalier spaniel puppy running in the snow outside

Cavalier Spaniel Running In The Snow Outside by Anna Fotyma from NounProject.com

Puppy Option #3

This is a good schedule for puppies that can last 4-5 hours during the day but have a lot of energy.

 

1-2 Hour Mid-Day Visit

Your sitter will arrive and take your pup out first thing. We want to use whatever reward system you have been using for consistency. Then your sitter can give your pup a snack and have playtime, followed by more potty time and settling in for the afternoon. A long visit can really wear out even the most energetic puppy, which is great for puppies that are 5+ months old. They need less frequent visits but to burn a lot of energy.

12 Hour Extended Overnight Stay 

Your sitter will arrive in the early evening (around 7 pm) and let your pup out first thing. Then comes feeding and playtime. Puppies need some time with ongoing interaction, rather that the sitter being in and out. These evening times allow your pup to be out in the areas of the house that you allow. Your sitter sends you a picture with an update so you can rest easy knowing your pup has company. Right before bed, your pup goes out for the last potty break and then settles down for the evening. With young puppies you may want the pup taken out at specific times during the night, which your sitter can follow through with. Your sitter sends you a picture with an update so you can rest easy knowing your pup has company. In the morning there is time for playtime and feeding, as well as other pet chores.

 

Three Parson Russel Terrier puppies near display counter

Three Parson Russel Terrier Puppies Near Display Counter by Scopio from NounProject.com

Our Considerations for Puppies

For puppies, there are a few factors we like to consider when setting a schedule:

  • How long have you been leaving your pup home alone so far?
  • Is your pup sleeping through the night?
  • How long does your puppy take to tire out during playtime? If you pup get tired quickly then you may be able to alternate a few 15 minute visits. Alternatively, if you have a high energy pup that is a litter older you may want a couple longer visits.
  • Young puppies usually just have playtimes instead of going for walks. We check with you to see your preference on activities.
  • Do you need regular clean ups? If you are using puppy pads or if you pup is making messy blankets, then we need to include time for cleaning.
  • For you – are you more comfortable having someone active around the house to make it look lived-in? If so, then you want an Extended Overnight.

Time to Customize!

We want to work with you to set up the best possible schedule for your dog, 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 dog!

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 like to allow enough time for feeding, changing water, walks and some cuddles (if your dog is so inclined).
  • There needs to be enough time to clean out food and water bowls, clean up any messes, toys, etc.
  • Many people who love animals, also love plants! Normal visits have time for a small bit of plant watering. If you have beautiful summer gardens, then we need to see how long they take to the water and add that on to your normal visits.
  • On your normal schedule, we can complete household tasks like bringing in the newspaper, collecting the mail, turning lights off and on and taking out the trash.
  • Do you want updates every visit? Many clients do, just keep in mind that your sitter will take 5+ minutes to send an update and that is time during your visit not focused on your pets.
  • It will take a sitter a bit longer to get the work done then 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 so she will not feel stressed and your pets will receive the focus they deserve.

Work With Us to Keep Your Puppy Happy While You are Gone!

Set Up Your Appointment!

What Pet Sitting Visits Do I Need For My Dog?

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Are you going out of town but are worried about your dog? There are a lot of choices for pet care and for scheduling and it can be hard to know where to start. Over the years we have had a variety of schedules and we have been able to see what works best for dogs with different personalities. Here are our top 3 schedules for pet sitting visits that we have found to work well. Of course, these can all be tweaked for your household, this just gives you a place to start!

Dog Option #1

This is an ideal schedule for dogs who are used to people home in the evening.

 

30 Minute Mid-Day Visit 

Your sitter will use this visit for a walk and/or playtime. This visit should be set at a time when your dog would normally need to go outside, so it is in line with her normal routine. A visit during the middle of the day like this means that your dog will only be alone for 6-7 hours, depending on the time of the visit. 

12 Hour Extended Overnight Stay 

Your sitter will arrive in the early evening (around 7 pm) and take your dog for a walk or playtime, whichever is normal for her. Then comes feeding and some time for relaxation. Right before bed, your dog goes out for the last outing, usually a potty break. Your sitter sends you a picture with an update so you can rest easy knowing your pup has company. In the morning there is time for another walk or playtime and feeding, as well as other pet chores. The Extended Overnight Stay is especially good for dogs who are accustomed to having company and companionship during the evenings or if you have a large number of pets needing care. 

 

 

Dog Option #2

This is a good schedule for dogs who are used to being home alone in the evening but like having company overnight.

 

30 Minute Dinner Visit

Your sitter arrives ready for a walk and dinner time! Your pup will be happy to see her after a day apart, so there is usually some happy greeting time followed by a trip outside to go potty. Then they are off for their walk or playtime outside, depending on what your dog prefers. After getting that energy out, it is time for dinner. Your sitter sends you a picture with an update so you can rest easy knowing your pup has company. Before leaving, your sitter turns on some lights so your dog in not alone in the dark, and to make your home appear lived in.

9-10 Hour Regular Overnight Stay 

Your sitter will arrive in the evening (around 10 pm) and let your dog out for a potty break. Your sitter then settles your pup in for their normal bedtime routine. Maybe your dog sleeps in the bed with your sitter, or on a dog bed in the bedroom. If your dog needs a tuck in with a blanket or a late night treat, that will happen. In the morning there is time for a let out or a quick walk and feeding. Before leaving, your sitter will set your pup up for the day with her normal routine. The overnight stay is especially good for dogs who are accustomed to having company and companionship overnight, and provides a level of consistency that dogs appreciate. 

 

Dog Option #3

This is a good schedule for dogs who are fine with being home alone overnight.

 

30 Minute Breakfast Visit

Your sitter will arrive in the morning (between 7-8:30am) and take your dog for a walk or playtime, whichever is normal for her. It is an exciting time to get up and stretch our legs first thing in the morning! Then comes feeding and other normal chores. Before leaving your sitter will set your pup up for the day with her normal routine, whether it be a stuffed kong or leaving a radio on.

30 Minute Dinner Visit

Your sitter arrives ready for a walk and dinner time! Your pup will be happy to see her after a day apart, so there is usually some happy greeting time followed by a trip outside to go potty. Then they are off for their walk or playtime outside, depending on what your dog prefers. After getting that energy out, it is time for dinner. Your sitter sends you a picture with an update so you can rest easy knowing your pup has company. Before leaving, your sitter turns on some lights so your dog in not alone in the dark, and to make your home appear lived in.

15 Minute Late Night Visit

Last minute trips out a necessary for a healthy dog bladder and brain. It allows your pup to close out the day comfortable and secure. Your sitter will let your pup out and settle her in for the night with her normal routine. At the end it is lights out and time for sleep!

 

Our Considerations for Dogs

For dogs, there are a few factors we like to consider when setting a schedule;

  • How long is your dog used to being home during the day? Do you work a full dog or do you work from home?
  • How often does your dog go outside during a normal day? It is easy to under-estimate so try counting for a few days to be sure.
  • Does your dog need a lot of exercise? If so, consider schedules for active dogs.
  • Where does your dog sleep at night? If your dog waits for you to go to bed and then joins you, you need overnight stays. If your dog wanders off at 9pm and you don’t see her again until 7am, you can probably get away with just visits, if you want.
  • For you – are you more comfortable having someone active around the house? If so, then you want an Extended Overnight.

Time to Customize!

We want to work with you to set up the best possible schedule for your dog, 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 dog!

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 like to allow enough time for feeding, changing water, walks and some cuddles (if your dog is so inclined).
  • There needs to be enough time to clean out food and water bowls, clean up any messes, toys, etc.
  • Many people who love animals, also love plants! Normal visits have time for a small bit of plant watering. If you have beautiful summer gardens, then we need to see how long they take to the water and add that on to your normal visits.
  • On your normal schedule, we can complete household tasks like bringing in the newspaper, collecting the mail, turning lights off and on and taking out the trash.
  • Do you want updates every visit? Many clients do, just keep in mind that your sitter will take 5+ minutes to send an update and that is time during your visit not focused on your pets.
  • It will take a sitter a bit longer to get the work done then 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 so she will not feel stressed and your pets will receive the focus they deserve.

Work With Us to Keep Your Dog Happy While You are Gone!

Set Up Your Appointment!

What Pet Sitting Visits Do I Need For My Chickens?

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Are you going out of town but are worried about your chickens? Backyard coops have become a mainstay in northern Colorado and we love working with your feathered friends! Every family we have worked with has had a different set up; some chickens are loose in the yard, some have their own enclosure, some have timed doors, some need to be locked in at night. While chickens are pretty self-sufficient, making sure they are safe from predators and their food and water are clean is important. Chickens also have health problems that make them go downhill quickly, so your sitter must be attentive and aware of any risks specific to chickens. That’s why you should definitely consider chicken sitting if you are going to be out of town.

Chicken Option #1

This is an ideal schedule for chickens that need to be let out in the morning and shut in at night.

15 or 30 Minute Breakfast Visit – Your sitter will arrive in the morning and let out your chickens. We try to make these visits as early as possible since we know chickens like to get up early! During this visit we can check your enclosure to make sure it is secure, change food and water and clean the coop if needed. You sitter will also collect eggs so you have fresh eggs when you return! The length of the visit should be determined by how much cleaning needs to be done. It is also determined by how many chickens you have in your flock.

15 Minute Dinner Visit – Your sitter will arrive around dusk to tuck your chickens away for the night. Your sitter will check food and water and make sure all of the ladies are looking happy and healthy for the evening. We will also make sure your coop is secure for the evening!

Chicken Option #2

This is an ideal schedule for chickens that only need to be checked on daily.

15  or 30 Minute Visit – Your sitter will arrive and check on your chickens. This visit can be done at whatever time of day you prefer, based on what your chickens are used to. During this visit we can check your enclosure to make sure it is secure, change food and water and clean the coop if needed. You sitter will also collect eggs so you have fresh eggs when you return! The length of visit should be determined by how much cleaning needs to be done and how many chickens you have in your flock.

Our Considerations for Chickens

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

  • Your sitter will want to know the routine of your chickens and it there is anywhere they like to hide. Even in large yards, we want to be able to account for all of the chickens when we visit.
  • Chickens can make a mess of their food and water. Your sitter will need access to all of your supplies in case any issues arise.
  • If you have young chicks that are still being kept inside, we do not recommend using a pet sitter. Young chicks need constant supervision that is very difficult for a pet sitter to provide. We will help in an emergency, but if you are considering a trip, try to offset your trip with the time when you chicks are young. Also consider having a friend host your young chicks in their home if you have to leave.
  • If there is a possibility of bad weather, discuss routines for bad snow, rain or extreme heat. Special accommodations need to be made for those cases so your sitter should be aware of any arrangements you want to be made.
  • If you have had any health problems in your flock recently, please discuss these with your sitter so she can watch for specific symptoms.

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 Chickens Happy While You are Gone!

Set Up Your Appointment!

What Pet Sitting Visits Do I Need For My Shy Cat?

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Are you going out of town but are worried about your shy cat? Those of us sharing our lives with shy cats know that they require some special love and attention. As pet sitters, the last thing we want to do it scare your kitty or make her more nervous. We want her to be comfortable and feel as safe as possible in her own home. We also want to make sure she is healthy and you have peace of mind, so we work to find the balance of care that is best for you and your kitty!

 

shy cat

Shy Cat Option #1

This is an ideal schedule for cats who are usually fed twice a day.

15 Minute Breakfast Visit

Your sitter will arrive in the morning and enter your home. These visits are just enough time to give your kitty fresh food, water and clean the litter box. Your sitter will monitor all of these to make sure you kitty is using them. Your sitter will also quickly peek in on your kitty to make sure she is safe and alert.

15 Minute Dinner Visit

This visit is the same as the breakfast visit. Your sitter can also alternate some lights to make sure your house looks lived in.

Shy Cat Option #2

Cats that need to be checked on once or only need to be fed once a day are the best fit for this option schedule.

15 Minute Visit

Your sitter will arrive in the morning and enter your home. These visits are just enough time to give your kitty fresh food, water and clean the litter box. Your sitter will monitor all of these to make sure your kitty is using them. Your sitter will also quickly peek in on your kitty to make sure she is safe and alert.

shy cat

Our Considerations for Shy Cats

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

  • Your sitter will want to know where your kitty likes to hide and rest. We will avoid this area except to take a quick peek at your kitty, to make sure she is safe. This space should continue to feel safe for your kitty so we do not want to move into it accidentally.
  • Cats that are stressed can stop eating, drinking and using the litter box. We make sure to monitor food, water and litter extra closely to make sure they are being used. If we see any signs of concern we investigate further.
  • For shy cats, we try to make deliberate noises that are not too loud. That can mean talking, shuffling our feet, humming, etc. By creating some noise it allows the cat to know our location in the house without having to strain or guess. This can eliminate a lot of stress.
  • We love to send updates, but for shy cats, we do not take pictures. We do not want to put that extra stress on your already shy kitty.
    • If you travel regularly and think your shy cat will warm up to an idea of more sitter time, then we can discuss setting up longer visits. During longer visits, your sitter can sit in the same area as your kitty, without getting too close. Your sitter can talk to your kitty or just be present, allowing her to get used to a new person. Sometimes kitties will get used to your sitter and come out to ask for attention! We never push this and it always goes at your cat’s pace. We have had some cats that love their sitter after they have a chance to get to know each other!

shy catTime to Customize!

We want to work with you to set up the best possible schedule for your cat, 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 cat!

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 like to allow enough time for feeding, changing water, cleaning the litter box and some cuddles (if your cat is so inclined).
  • There needs to be enough time to clean out food and water bowls, clean up any messes, toys, etc.
  • Many people who love animals, also love plants! Normal visits have time for a small bit of plant watering. If you have beautiful summer gardens, then we need to see how long they take to the water and add that on to your normal visits.
  • On your normal schedule, we can complete household tasks like bringing in the newspaper, collecting the mail, turning lights off and on and taking out the trash.
  • Do you want updates every visit? Many clients do, just keep in mind that your sitter will take 5+ minutes to send an update and that is time during your visit not focused on your pets.
  • It will take a sitter a bit longer to get the work done then 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 so she will not feel stressed and your pets will receive the focus they deserve.

Work With Us to Keep Your Shy Cat Happy While You are Gone!

Set Up Your Appointment!

What Pet Sitting Visits Do I Need For My Active Dog?

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Are you worried about your active dog while you are going to be out of town? Those of us sharing our lives with high energy dogs know how hard it can be to keep them busy! Active dogs need a lot of exercise and stimulation to keep them happy and mentally healthy, which means you need to have a pet sitting plan that can meet those needs.

If you are leaving your active dog with a pet sitter for the first time, then it may feel like the options are overwhelming. We work with you as a team to find a plan that matches your dog’s normal schedule so you know that your pup will be happy while you are gone, giving you peace of mind!

Here are three schedules that we have tested and found work very well for our high-energy canines. We can tweak these schedules as needed and we can even change your schedule in the middle of the trip if we find it is not working well for your friend!

active dog

Active Dog Option #1

For dogs that are used to companionship in the evening, this is the ideal schedule for them.

12 Hour Extended Overnight Stay 

Your sitter will arrive in the early evening (around 7 pm) and take your dog for a walk or playtime, whichever is normal for her. Then comes feeding and some time for relaxation. Right before bed, your dog goes out for the last outing, either a walk or a potty break. You sitter sends you a picture with an update so you can rest easy knowing your pup has company. In the morning there is time for another walk or playtime and feeding. The overnight stay is especially good for dogs who are accustomed to having company and companionship during the evenings. In addition to the exercise, just having a person around the house can give something for the active dog brain to think about.

1 Hour Mid-Day Visit 

Your sitter will use this long visit for a good walk and/or playtime. This visit should be set at a time when your dog would normally get some exercise, so she will be tired out during the day. A visit during the middle of the day like this means that your dog will only be alone for 6-7 hours, depending on the time of the visit. 

active dog

Active Dog Option #2

This is an ideal schedule for dogs who like have multiple walks and play sessions
each day, but who do not need company overnight.

45 Minute Breakfast Visit

Your sitter will arrive nice and early and take your dog for a walk followed by breakfast. If your dog prefers some playtime then we can do that instead of a walk, or we can do both! Your sitter can set your dog up with a couple new toys to play with for the day.

30 Minute Lunch Visit

This visit is just for playtime and walks unless your pup is lucky enough to get lunch! Your dog will only have been home alone for 4-5 hours since breakfast and this visit will help keep your dog tired during the day. You receive a picture with an update of your happy pup!

45 Minute Early Evening Visit

Dinner visits are great for an evening stroll and dinner time. Your sitter can also turn on lights in the house to make it appear as if someone is home, and to keep the evening routine normal for your dog.

30 Minute Late Night Visit

This last visit is to settle your dog in for the night. You sitter can go for a walk, or just have playtime and cuddles. Some dogs are active at night and some just want to go to sleep! The sitter will set up the house in whatever way you normally leave it when you go to bed. They will turn off the lights and get your dog settled just like a normal night.

active dog

Active Dog Option #3

This is an ideal schedule for dogs who need a good walk during the middle of the day when they are most alert.

30 Minute Breakfast Visit

Your sitter will arrive early and take your dog for a nice walk to start the morning. After the walk, your dog can have breakfast and get settled in for the day. You sitter can leave on the radio for dogs who like music!

1 Hour Late Afternoon Visit

Long walk time! Your sitter can use this long visit for an extra long walk in your dog’s favorite areas. Does your dog love a local park or a trail nearby? This is the perfect length of visit to get some good squirrel watching in. After the walk your sitter can leave on lights and the radio, to give the appearance of someone at home and to give your dog something to listen to.

30 Minute Late Night Visit

To help your dog settle in, a late night visit is great. It is a nice wrap-up to the day. Your sitter can go for a short walk or have some playtime in the yard, followed by dinner. Or, depending on your dog’s normal routine, your dog could have dinner during the afternoon visit after the walk. Then maybe just a quick late night snack to help settle in for the night! Your sitter can turn out the lights and leave your home as you would when you go to bed.

active dog

Additional Preparations

For active dogs, we always look for ways to keep them busy, even when we are not there. Here are some ways we have devised to keep active dogs from getting bored:

  • Use food toys such as Buster Cubes for meals.
  • Swap out toys daily, so new exciting toys are always available.
  • Provide dogs with stuffed Kongs whenever we leave the house.
  • Give your pet something to listen to when they are alone by turning on the radio or television.
  • Teach dogs new tricks. Mental stimulation can be just as good as exercise.
  • When going for a walk, travel a different path each time. New things to smell and sights to see can keep a dog engaged.

active dog

Time to Customize!

We want to work with you to set up the best possible schedule for your dog, 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 dog! 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, stuff Kongs, etc.
  • Many people who love animals, also love plants! Normal visits have time for a small bit of plant watering. If you have beautiful summer gardens, then we need to see how long they take to the water and add that on to your normal visits.
  • Household tasks like bringing in the newspaper, collecting the mail, turning lights off and on and taking out the trash, 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 5+ minutes to send an update and that is time during your visit not focused on your pets.
  • It will take a sitter a bit longer to get the work done then 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 so she will not feel stressed and your pets will receive the focus they deserve.

Help Us Keep Your Active Dog Happy While You are Gone!

Set Up Your Appointment!

Do You Have Experience with Exotic Pets?

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

What we will watch

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

I am sure I am forgetting something!

Choosing a sitter

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

When we speak to you we will determine:

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

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

Cost

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

How do I chose the right pet sitting services?

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?