What happens with your pets when you get delayed on a trip?

This morning we get a call from one of our pet sitting clients who is in New York City. She is snowed in until Monday. We have been doing petsitting overnight stays at her house. The pet sitter who is doing the overnight stay is obligated to do another pet sitting client tonight. A pet sitter can not be staying in 2 houses at once. With Guardian Pet Sitters’ back up system we are able to accomodate both pet sitting clients. We have two pet sitters meet with our clients and their pets. We are able to make the changes to keep every pet sitting house covered. We value being available for our pet sitting clients in every situation. Our clients know that every pet sitter that is taking care of their pets and home are qualified, have been thoroughly checked out, and will give the same consistence service. How would your pet sitter be able to handle this situation? Would you be left with no pet sitter or a change to your routine?  A great question to ask when you are selecting a pet sitter is the above scenario and how the pet sitter would handle it. 

If you live in the Dallas, TX area you can call Guardian Pet Sitters at 972-625-5272. We have been providing pet care since 1992 to Dallas TX and surrounding communities. We put our customer’s needs first and we value being there when you need us. Providing you “Peace of Mind” for your pets and home.

Going away for the holidays or on vacation?

Going away for the holidays or on vacation? You are leaving your home locked up and secure, everything will be okay—or will it?

 Since starting Guardian Pet Sitters 17 years ago we have seen more malfunctions with the home than we have had emergencies with the pets. What can you do to really secure your home when you are away? Have a reputable company visit your home either daily or every other day to check on your house. Several services to benefit you and the security of your home:

1. Bringing in the mail and any flyers on door

2. Bringing in the newspaper and any packages left

 3. Alternate lights

4. Water plants

5. Check on the pool (summer)

6. Monitor thermostat

Some situations that we have had to handle:

 1. Drain clogged up in the bathroom not allowing proper drainage from the air conditioner, water filled the sink and was found dripping in the garage. If situation had not been handled the ceiling would have fallen on the car in the garage and water would have damaged the house and garage.

 2. The number of hot water tank malfunctions we see is frightening. We had many different situations of this happening when we are in the home caring for the pets. We arrive to water coming out of the front door, hearing water running or noticing dripping from the ceiling in the master bedroom (hot water tank is in the attic).

 3. Sprinkler systems malfunction in the summer, flooding the neighbors yard, and your yard and the street.

4. Refrigerators malfunctioning spilling water on the floor in the kitchen and all the food is thawed and hot.

 5. If you have fish tanks with automatic feeders and automatic timers you can still have problems. We arrived at a house, opened the door, and were greeted with smoke. The automatic timer had malfunctioned.

6. Air condition or heating system malfunctions.

7. Alarm system struck by lightening.

 On the first visit to the home the “home” care provider would do a walk through to make sure you have not left on any appliances (curling iron, electric rollers, coffee pot, etc.) and ensure all windows and doors are locked. If you live in a state such as Texas where temperatures fluctuates greatly (32 ̊̊ one day and 60 ̊ the next) you would need the thermostat adjusted to keep pipes from freezing. If we arrive at the home and we are faced with a situation we immediately start resolving the problem. Having someone checking on your home is the best security measure and in addition to your alarm system. Your home needs someone watching over it when you are not there!

Do you need a pet sitter?

It is that time of year when everyone is making plans on how to spend the holidays. Are you traveling to visit family and friends? If you have pets, is planning for them at the top of your list? A great option is in-YOUR-home pet care. Since 1992 Guardian Pet Sitters has been providing “Peace of Mind” with our in-YOUR-home pet care to Dallas TX and surrounding communities.

Don’t delay on making your plans for your pets at this time of year– pet care books rapidly.

There are many pet sitting services, so how do you choose? After being in business for 17 years we believe that our company model gives us the edge over many. Through the years we have learned from others what works and don’t work, and of course we have learned from our own situations. We continue to refine our company model always keeping the needs of our customers in mind.  

Some things about Guardian Pet Sitters that is different than most pet sitting companies:

• We are not a one man operation and if something was to happen to one of us our service continues.
• We have a team of pet sitters! They are employees and have been carefully selected and thoroughly screened.
• Each client has a primary pet sitter but with our team we have a backup in case there was an emergency.
• Clients work with their pet sitter on each assignment to ensure there is no miscommunication with the details.
• We do not overbook our pet sitters as quality of service is our upmost goal (we have heard of pet sitters doing 25-30 visits a day during the holiday season). Our pet sitters do at max 12-15 visits, but most are 7-8 visits or less.   
• Pet Sitters live in the neighborhoods they service-they are not driving long distance between jobs.

In the 17 years of business we have built our company to benefit our customers.

• Bonded and insured for your protection
• Clients are kept confidential
• “Peace of Mind” program (ask about our program when you call or talk to us)
• Our backup system enables us to give our clients the attention needed in an emergency.

Some situations that we are able to handle because of our company model:

• We recently got a call for service over the holidays. The person calling had a pet sitter but the pet sitter was going to be gone over Christmas. With Guardian Pet Sitters you will not have this problem. We value being available when our clients need us and with our team we can!
• We recently got another call for service over the holidays, they use a pet sitter but the pet sitter is booked. If you are an existing client and you book at appropriate time (we might not be able to get the day before person during the holiday season) you will have service.
• If you have an emergency (death or illness) during the holiday and have to go out of town you will have coverage.
• We recently got a call from a pet sitter that broke her ankle. Another reminder that we are human and things do happen. With us and our backup system our services continue and YOU the client is not inconvenienced.  

Do you live in Dallas TX or surrounding communities and you want to keep your pets at home where they can have their usual routine in their own environment then: Call Guardian Pet Sitters at 972-625-5272 or visit our website www.guardianpetsitters.com and complete our “Inquiries” form. We look forward to hearing from you.

Pet Tips for Christmas

Decorating with pets:

Don’t use tinsel; it can cut your pet’s intestines. Also can wad up and cause blockage requiring stomach surgery for your canine or feline.

 Do coat electric cords with Tabasco sauce or bitter apple extract to prevent chewing Don’t put chocolate or nuts within a pet’s reach  

Don’t put food (wrapped or unwrapped) under the tree Do secure tree by putting an eye-bolt in the ceiling and tying the tree to it  

Do remember the following list of toxic plants:

Holly– Poinsettia– Chrysanthemums– Amaryllis– Periwinkle– Mistletoe 

Poinsettia leaves and sap require a quick rinse of the mouth with water and a call to a veterinarian. Mistletoe berries eaten in quantity can make dogs very sick and cause death.  

Christmas trees: Commercial preservatives for cut trees can contain fertilizers or stagnant water can contain bacteria (either can cause vomiting if your cat or dog were to drink)Electrical cords, glass ornaments, ribbons, holly berries can have dangerous side effects if your cat or dog chews or consumes.

 Burning candles can be knocked over by swinging tails or wayward paws.  

Chewed batteries can cause ulcers in pet’s mouth and gastrointestinal tract.

Pet Tips to keep you out of the Animal Emergency Clinic:  

Don’t “treat” the pet from the table – it could lead to indigestion, upset tummies, or loose bowels.  Bones from turkeys, chicken, pork, fish and beef ribs can puncture your pet’s throat, stomach or intestines. 

 Alcoholic drinks can cause death, especially smaller animals. Rich fatty foods can cause pancreatitis, which is very painful, may require extensive care (hospitalization) and can cause death.  

Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine which can cause serious problems for your pets. If you do suspect that your pet has gotten into a poisonous substance, call your veterinarian or the APCC’s emergency hotline 1-888-4-ANI-Help for help.

 We can help with your busy schedule getting ready for the holidays and all the holiday activities or when you travel. We  help  reduce your stress while you are busy by feeding, playing or walking the dog. If you have an elderly or special condition pet (diabetic) that needs medicine or insulin shots we can be there to take care of them. This will reduce the stress and enable you to attend the holiday functions with “peace of mind” that your pets are being provided the care you want them to have.  Traveling over the holidays, we can give you “peace of mind” that your pet(s) and home are being cared for and are in good hands. Sharon Jones is owner/founder of Guardian Pet Sitters®. Since 1992 Guardian Pet Sitters® has provided professional in-YOUR-home pet care in Dallas TX and surrounding communities. Sharon has a passion to help pet owners with their pets through education. This puts her degree in Education and her love of animals together. If you would like more information contact Sharon at sharon@guardinpetsitters.com or call 972-625-5272. 

Guardian Pet Sitters Helping The Homeless Pets!

Guardian Pet Sitters® announces a new program to benefit rescue groups and shelters. Guardian Pet Sitters® is aware that many rescue groups and shelters are struggling with the amount of animals that are now in their system.  Sharon Jones, owner of Guardian Pet Sitters® said “In this economy we realize that the rescue groups and shelters are overwhelmed with the dogs, cats, birds, rabbits and other various pets. The need is great and, as with the other charities, the funds are down. “Guardian Pet Sitters® will partner with rescue groups or shelters by offering $10.00 to the rescue group for every referral that books one of our many services. Guardian Pet Sitters® will also give the newly adopted pet’s family $10.00 off service.  This is a win-win situation with the pets being the biggest winner! We not only help the rescue with financial needs but we reward the pet owner for adopting from rescue.

Guardian Pet Sitters® offers a variety of services to benefit the pets and the pet owner. Services provided for the busy pet owner are: mid-days, dog walks, convalescent care and geriatric care. Guardian Pet Sitters® also provides services for vacation or business travel consisting of 1-4 visit a day or overnights.

Guardian Pet Sitters® provides services in the following Texas cities: Addison, Allen, Carrollton, Dallas, Frisco, Garland, Little Elm, Mesquite, McKinney, Murphy, Plano, Richardson, Sachse, The Colony and Wylie.

Contact Guardian Pet Sitters® at 972-625-5272 or info@guardianpetsitters.com to get your rescue group or shelter signed up for our program.

When your pet has a change in behavior

Recently my dog Chrissie started having accidents in the house. Before I scolded her or changed something in our routine I got her checked at the veterinarian’s office. Sure enough she has a bladder infection. Good reminder when your pet’s behavior changes always rule out a medical problem before proceeding.

Litter Boxes

Cats make it easy for us as they will use a litter box when needed. However, litter box maintenance is imperative to keep them going to the litter box and keep them healthy. In my 18 years of providing pet sitting for many kitties I have found several mistakes that cat owners who adore their cats make. 

• Did you know that a cat’s sense of smell is 14 times greater than a humans?

So that means a regular cleaning schedule is important. 

• Cleaning a litter box is more than scooping the box.
• Scooping the litter box at least daily is a must.
• Litter should be totally changed on a regular basis. 
• The litter box washed with soap and water on a monthly basis.  Litter boxes should be disinfected with 1-10 part bleach solution and rinsed thoroughly when needed.
•  The number of cats you have  dictates how many boxes are needed. My recommendation is at least one litter box per cat. Ideally, each cat should have access to two litter boxes in their environment.
• How much litter you put in the box is important. You don’t need to fill the entire litter box.  It is recommended that you keep around two inches of litter in the box.

Selecting a litter box

• There are many different styles to choose from. Some are open and then some are enclosed. Remember not all cats like the enclosed box.
• The size of your cat(s) will determine the size of the litter box.  
• The height of the box could be a key factor if you have a geriatric cat. As they age they might not be able to get in and out easily. 

Placement of the Litter box is important!

• If you live in a multi-level house there should be a litter box on each level.
• The litter box should be easy to get to but out of a high traffic area

If you cat’s litter box use changes you can almost always trace it to a dislike in the environment, a medical problem or some sort of stress. Do not yell or punish the cat. 

Cat’s do not like change! 

Don’t change the litter box location or litter as cat’s like routine. 

Watch Out for Bunnies! Happy Easter

 

Thinking of bringing home a live bunny as an Easter gift this year? Did you know that……Pet rabbits can live from seven to ten or more years and require the same long-term care as dogs and cats?…Young children and bunnies are not such a good match?…Pet rabbits are not low-maintenance pets; they have specific dietary and veterinary needs, and must be handled with care? …Pet rabbits must live indoors, with their human families?

 

Thousands of ex-Easter bunnies are abandoned to shelters or into the wild each year when their novelty wears off. If your family is set on getting a rabbit, start by giving a chocolate bunny or a stuffed toy for Easter and, if your young children are really serious about it, a book on rabbit care. If they’re still begging you for a bunny after the holiday has passed, go to your local shelter or rescue group and find out how to adopt the rabbit (or even better, a bonded pair) of your dreams. For info on bunny care and rescue groups, go to the House Rabbit Society.         We wish you and your families a very Happy Easter!

Winter Pet Care Tips

Winter is here and our pets depend upon us to think about their safety. Cats and dogs should be kept indoors or in safe areas that have protection from the elements and temperature. 

Cats especially when left outdoors can get injured or killed if they crawl up into the hood of cars to sleep. If you park your car on the street you might want to bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give a cat a chance to escape.

Have you ever thought about your dog getting lost in a snow or ice storm? Dogs can lose their scent because of the snow and ice and easily become lost.  More dogs are lost during the winter than any other season.

Wipe off your dog’s legs and stomach when they come in from the sleet, ice or snow. While licking their paws your dog can ingest antifreeze, salt or other dangerous chemicals. The paw pads could also bleed if they get snow or ice encrusted. 

We hear often about not leaving an animal in a car in the summer as the car heats up. In the winter the opposite can happen and the car becomes like a refrigerator and the pet can freeze to death. Do not leave your pet in the car.

If your dog spends a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities you should increase his food and keep his fur in tip-top shape.

Be careful with any coolant or antifreeze! Clean up any spills and if you suspect that your pet has come in contact get the pet to your veterinarian or the nearest emergency veterinary clinic.

Your pet will appreciate on the coldest of days having a sweater if they have short hair. And a cozy warm cat or dog bed, blanket or pillow would be perfect to help them when it is cold outside.

Bird Tip

If your bird is not acting its usual self then you want to seek veterinary help. One of the worst things that you can do for your bird is self-diagnose his illness. Time is of the essence when it comes to sick birds. They can deteriorate and die within a matter of hours if an infection takes hold.