“With Judy taking care of my dogs when I’m away, I know that they are safe, happy and healthy. I get peace of mind and my dogs get a new playmate!”
Preparing For Your Vacation
We want you to leave with peace of mind that your pets and home are safe while you are away. Here are a few helpful tips to consider before you leave. Please be totally honest and tell us about all minor and major health problems your pet may have.
For Your Pet
If you would like us to let your pet(s) out in the yard, please ensure that all fencing and gates are secure, and if your dog(s) is prone to escape, please warn us before hand. Gates and latches must be fully functional and we will check thoroughly the condition of any fencing and gates before agreeing to let your pet(s) out. We will require you to sign a waiver agreeing to pay for additional time spent retrieving your pet(s) should they escape. We accept no responsibility should your pet escape and not be retrievable. Please talk with your Vet about having your pet chipped and/or tattooed for identification.
If your dog is not accustomed to walking on a leash, please practice with him before you leave or provide a place where he can be allowed to go outside.
Have appropriate size water and food bowls for your pet according to weight and size. It never hurts to set out extra water bowls.
Leave an item of clothing you've recently worn where your pet sleeps to provide a "security blanket" for him.
It's important that we're aware of any unusual habits your pets have, i.e., destructive behavior when left alone, change in bowel or eating habits, etc.
Clean food and water dishes before leaving town. We're concerned about proper hygiene for the pets under our care. Put the spoon you want us to use for the canned food out with the food.
If your dog growls and snaps at us during a get acquainted visit, please understand when we ask that you make other arrangements for this care during your absence.
Please provide a means of flea control. Fleas multiply rapidly.
During the initial consultation, please try not to "force" you pet(s) to like us. Some pets are shy and can't be expected to warm up to a stranger immediately. With time and patience trust will build and a friendly relationship will be established.
If you own both dog(s) and cat(s), please do not ask us to "ignore" the cats (i.e., not charge) during our visits. It is impossible for us because our conscience would not allow us to overlook a cat in need of food, medical care, or human attention.
Safety is a Primary Concern
Count heads right before you leave. You wouldn't want to lock anyone in a closet.
Advise us of anyone who may be on your premises or entering your home during the same time we are. Instruct anyone else coming or going while you're away to make sure all outside gates are properly secured. Make sure all doors and windows are locked before leaving. If outside doors have panes of glass near the push button lock, consider installing a deadbolt lock as well. Consider leaving a television or radio on while you are away. The noise can be a crime deterrent as well as provide companionship for your pet.
Unplug any unnecessary appliances before you leave. This will prevent damage from electrical storms or injuries to mischievous pets who paw or chew on cords. Don't hide your house key outside the door, under doormats or flowerpots. Trim limbs from trees that could help a burglar climb into your house. Prune any bushes or trees near doors or windows. These may be used as hiding places by burglars.
Crime Deterrence Tips to Secure Your Home
Make sure garage door is locked or secured. Secure sliding glass doors. Use timers on interior lights to go on at dusk and off at bedtime. Use motion sensors on exterior lights.
Continue mail and newspaper delivery. We can bring them inside.
Don't discuss travel plans or absences from home in public places.
Mow the lawn before you leave and arrange for exterior maintenance (lawn mowing) as necessary during your absence from home.
Put bicycles, outdoor toys, lawn furniture and garden tools away as they can easily be stolen.
Ask us to adjust blinds or draperies and alter the lighting in your home.
Place valuables in a safety deposit box and maintain an up to date list (along with photographs) of your possessions.
Notify police of your absence and ask them to periodically check your home. Be sure and tell them we will be visiting.
Advise gate security that we will be visiting your home and authorize entry.
Inform your neighbors of your absence and use of a pet sitter. In order to protect your privacy, we will not disclose any information regarding your whereabouts or when you’re planning to be home, even if they’re your friends!
If you have an alarm system, use it! If not, consider purchasing decals that say the home is protected by an alarm system and offer a reward for information on the theft of the home. Spotting the decal posted on a window or door may deter a burglar.
Place a "Beware of Dog" sign on your property in a visible location. Whether you have a dog or not, this sign may deter a burglar. If you do have a dog, you have an automatic alarm.
Please note - We may decline to offer service in the event that pets and sitter do not connect or if an uncomfortable relationship is felt.
Call Us
Feel free to contact your pet sitter to check up on your pets at any time. If you forgot to tell us something, please don’t worry about the time when you call to convey the information. Emails are also welcome and generally preferred, and we check our email daily. We'd be glad to provide regular updates via email or voice mail upon request, however our motto is: "no news is good news." Please make sure we have the telephone number where you can be reached at all times.
Suggested Leave-Out Checklist
Towels or Rags for Muddy Paws
Paper Towels
Can Opener and a Spoon
Leashes and Harnesses
Medicines
Name Tags and Amount Tags on food bins
Favorite Toys
Brushes and Clippers
Treats
Litter and Scoop
Garbage and Litter Bags
Vacum, Dustpan and Brush
Carpet Spot Cleaner
Contact Info
Emergency Info - Vet/ your hotel etc.
For your convenience I have save the information on this page as a PDF so you can print out your check list.
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