Tag Archive for: visit

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!