Website down time

We apologise for the downtime experienced recently. Our web server crashed and had to be replaced by a new more powerful web server.

All customer profiles and information are kept on a seperate data base server which was not impacted. So all information is intact.

We are still bringing up functionality such as mail so apology for any unanswered customer requests. There may be intermittent problems and some functions such as picture upload now working while we restore all the functions.

The good news is the replacement web server is more powerfull and has more recent robust sofware - so a little pain and a lot of gain.

Our system engineers have been working around the clock to restore things as ququickly as possible . Downtime at pet-sitters.biz is very rare and I appreciate your patience while we bring back housecarers stronger and better ththan ever


Ian

Is Your Home Equipped to Provide in-Home Pet Sitting?

Pet sitters often work in clients' homes, as they stop by to walk the dog or tend to the cat each day. But some also accept requests for in-home pet sitting services. But before you take pets into your home you need to make sure that your home is fully equipped to care for the needs of other people’s pets.

How Do Your Pets Respond to Other Animals?

Agreeing to look after clients' pets in your own home might seem like the perfect solution, as you will not need to leave home two to three times a day to tend to the pets in your care.

However, in-home pet sitting is not always the best solution, particularly if you own pets that do not respond well to other animals. If your dogs are very territorial and protective of you, bringing other animals into your home can cause a lot of friction between them. Rather than playing together amicably, you may end up spending the next week trying to keep each animal separated and far apart.

Have Your Pets Been Treated for Fleas?

Pet sitters who agree to bring someone else's pets into their home should ensure that their own pets have been treated for fleas so that they do not infect their client's pets while they are staying with them. Even if your pets are not visibly scratching, check them for any signs of fleas and give them a preventative treatment and treat your home for fleas as well.

Elderly Pet Considerations

Elderly pets have different needs than younger animals. Their medical and social needs are different, and need to be taken into consideration. Well adapted elderly cats and dogs often fare better in their own familiar surroundings. Some elderly animals become visibly distressed if they are moved into the pet sitter's home while their owners are away.

Before you agree to bring an elderly cat into your home, discuss the pet's individual needs with the owners to find out if it would actually be easier and less distressing for the animal to care for it in its own home.

In-home pet sitting is ideal for some pets, but not for all. That is why it is so important to assess your own home situation and consult pet owners about the needs of their pets before you bring the animals into your home. Sometimes it is best to keep pets within their own familiar surroundings and to visit them each day than to remove them from their home.

by Soph

Pet Sitters a good travel option

DR. WILLIAM K. FAUKS
in The Edmond Sun The Edmond Sun endorses the the growing pet sitting industry

"It’s my personal opinion that the rapidly growing vocation of pet sitting offers a large number of advantages for traveling pet owners who, for one reason or other, find it impractical or impossible to bring the family dog along, but want to be certain their furry friend is safe and healthy while they’re away."

Read entire story ... Pet Sitters a good travel option"

How to Communicate With Your Pet Sitter

A job advertisement for a pet sitter should clearly outline your expectations as a pet owner. Along with that, include such information as the type and breed of animal(s), job description and how much you are willing to pay for pet sitting services. But once you have met your pet sitter and interviewed them, what is the best way to communicate your needs to your new pet sitter?

Provide a Daily Schedule

An effective way to communicate your needs to your pet sitter is to set down all your expectations in writing. Include a detailed daily schedule that includes when you would like your pet sitter to arrive, how often you want them to come by your house to see the animals, their daily duties and also where all of the pet's supplies are kept.
Pets' Routine

Pet owners take their pet's routine for granted, but they must ensure that they provide as much information as possible so that their pet sitter feels comfortable with what is expected of them, even if the information seems trivial. For example, mention that Fido loves to have his ears tickled before he will settle down for the night. At what time do you expect your pet sitter to take Scruffy for a walk? When does your dog need to be brought back indoors? Is he allowed treats? If so, under what circumstances can he receive treats?
Emergency Phone Numbers

No one wants to think or plan for the worst, but accidents and emergencies can occur during your absence, which is why you will need to provide emergency phone numbers (including the vet's phone number) in case the unthinkable happens and your cat is run over or your dog is injured by another dog during his daily walk. Emergency phone numbers can give you peace of mind and prepare your pet sitter in case of an accident or emergency.

Experienced pet sitters will come prepared with a list of questions to ask pet owners during the job interview. However, it is your primary responsibility as a pet owner to provide as much detailed information as possible and to communicate openly and honestly with your pet sitter from the very time of your first meeting, so that they know of your expectations, prohibitions and other information. Advance preparation on your part will ensure pet sitters perform their job properly.

Effective Ways to Minimize Pet Odors at Home

Carpets and pets don't do so well together. Pets can leave nasty odors on your carpets. This 480-word article lists four things you can do to minimize pet odors on your carpets


Read Entire article.. Effective Ways to Minimize Pet Odors at Home

10 Tips to Find the Perfect Pet Sitter

Dr. Susan Nelson, veterinarian and clinical assistant professor at Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, says there are some things you need to keep in mind when choosing a pet sitter.

Read entire article by by GALTime.com: 10 Tips to Find the Perfect Pet Sitter

Pet Adoption: Finding Your New Best Friend

Once year ago I adopted a beautifull Male Brindle Greyhound, Red - or RedBoy, or RedMon (affecitionally named by my friend from West Indies). He was the most affectionet easy to look after pet you good hope for. No barking, obedient, and a heart of gold - hardly ever heard him growl, except when a friend persisted on pulling his long tail. He will be sadly missed as I had to return him to Grey Hounds as Pets
Greyhounds as pets due to a recent move. They will be sure to find him a good home.

He was so consistent - excited to welcome us home, jump in the car, go for a walk or welcome every visitor with his large wagging tails.

I recommend greyhounds as a great family pet - very non agressive and clean, and obliging. My grandaughter Sophie loved him. You will help save them being put down - as many dont turn out be winners on the race track.

Pictures of our Red Boy

Reference Article on pet adotion