Pet Groomers in Plymouth, MA

Pet Groomers in Plymouth, MA

The benefits of pet grooming go well beyond an emotional pick me up for our furry friends. Regular grooming is essential to avoid certain health risks for your pets. Think of grooming your pet like a primary care visit to the doctor rather than a lavish trip to the beauty parlor. It goes well beyond a nice haircut and boost to the old self-esteem. Grooming can protect your pet from irritating and potentially dangerous conditions such as skin irritation, nail complications, flea and tick diseases, and ear infections. Sounds important right? That’s because it is! When you have your precious pooch or fluffy feline groomed professionally you are not only giving them the gift of an improved appearance but increasing their day to day quality of life and making them happier at home. Think of all the time they spend scratching or licking themselves due to hair or skin irritation. Doesn’t your fur baby deserve the reward of vitality for all the love and joy they bring to your life?

Benefits of Grooming

  • Improved hygiene & smell
  • Reduced shedding
  • Healthy coat
  • Better quality of comfort day to day
  • Full body flea and tick check
  • Less chance of ear infections
  • Enhanced appearance
  • Early detection of skin issues/physical irregularities
  • Nail Care: keeps pet comfortable and avoids bone deformities

yellow cat being combed

Convinced to give professional grooming a try? Or maybe you have used a groomer in the past but need to find a new one because your location or type of pet has changed. We have compiled a list of local groomers for you right here in Plymouth. Developing a relationship with a groomer in your area is an investment for your pet that will pay great dividends, as the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Much like a hair salon or primary care doctor, each client has specific needs and preferences. If you give one or two groomers a try and the services you receive are not exactly what you are looking for don’t be afraid to give another groomer an opportunity to nail it for you and your fur baby. We have come up with this exhaustive list of Plymouth groomers to create options for you as a consumer. As always, do your due diligence, read reviews, talk to folks with experience at certain establishments and don’t be afraid to be upfront with your pets’ needs.

Pet Groomers in Plymouth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • The Barker House
  • 4 Elm St., Plympton, MA
  • 508-866-0605

 

 

  • In Home Cat Grooming
  • Rachael Palmer
  • 609-774-7887
  • Full cat grooming, plus dog nails, in your own home

 

  • Nail trims for cats and dogs
  • Mariah Callahan
  • 508-776-7412

dog being groomed

Whether you’re brand new to pet grooming or looking to give somewhere new a try there is a perfect groomer for you right here locally. What better way to support a local business and improve your pet’s vitality and overall wellbeing? Your pet will thank you. Remember to tell them JAC sent you!

Just Around the Corner offers pet care of all kinds, including daily Dog Walking , Dog Hiking, and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!

JAC Mascots Misha, Quinn brown newfies

JAC Mascots Misha & Quinn say “Thanks for reading!”

 

Keeping Your Cat Heathy: 7 Essentials

Keeping Your Cat Heathy: 7 Essentials

                                            JAC Mascot Cat, Tobey posing with his favorite sunflowers.

Keeping our precious kitties healthy is essential to us cat owners but it is not always cut and dry on how to do it. No matter their age, how long you have had them, gender, or breed, you can have a positive influence on your cat’s health starting TODAY. There are many things you can begin implementing now that will have a big impact on your feline’s health. Follow these 7 simple tips to give your cat the health they deserve.

1.      Cat Friendly Vet

When it comes to a veterinarian for your cat, you can’t go wrong with a vet who specializes in feline care such as, the Cat Clinic in Plymouth, MA. Some clinics can be quite canine dominant which can be a little daunting for our kitties. If your vet of choice is not a Cat (only) Clinic, ask if you and your cat can wait to be seen in a separate waiting room or wait in the car until they are ready to see you. Limiting the amount of time they spend in a waiting room with noisy dogs and other animals will leave your cat more relaxed for the vet. Choose a vet clinic that actively works to make your kitty feel at ease.

2.      Brush Daily

Our kitties do much of the work themselves but help them out by giving them a nice brushing once a day. Brushing daily helps to cut down on hairballs! Want a trick for making your cat fall in love with the brush? Do it during a “happy” time of day, for example after mealtime, or give treats before and after so they begin to associate brushing with a yummy snack. They will be far more agreeable when they have something to look forward to.

white and grey kitty with pet sitter sccoping litter box

3.      Litter Box Etiquette

Luckily there have been cat owners who have gone before us and discovered a few rules of thumb when it comes to litter box etiquette. If you are having trouble getting your cat to consistently use the litter box you provide it is possible that one of these faithful rules is being missed even if only by a hair, literally. Proper litter box etiquette is as follows.

  • One box per cat plus one. Ex. 1 cat = 2 boxes; 2 cats = 3 boxes; 3 cats = 4 boxes
  • Each box should be 1.5 times the length of your largest cat.
  • Scoop 2x/day and change litter fully once a week; clean the box thoroughly before adding the new litter.

In addition, just like you might have a preference in toilet paper, your cat may prefer one litter over another. For example, one of my cats will ONLY use a Breeze System litter box; my other three cats are very happy with their regular litter box with The World’s Best Cat Litter. Just like with a pet’s food, you can’t change a cat’s litter abruptly. Introduce any new litter slowly, mixing it in with their regular litter and slowly changing the ratio until they are comfortable with the new smell and feel. There are always exceptions to the rules but these three tips are an excellent starting point for any cat owner. Your kitty will thank you for the extra box, the spacious room, and clean litter.

4.      Clean Dishes

Give your furry feline the gift of clean food and water dishes every day! Even if your cat bowls appear clean to the naked eye because kitty has licked everything up, bacteria is always growing. Wash with hot (150’F will kill 99% of bacteria) and soapy water at least once a day and preferably after every use. By keeping their dishes sparkling clean you can avoid the dreaded biofilm which can cause urinary tract infections, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular diseases and more! Cleaning their dishes is one of the simplest ways to keep your kitty healthy and happy.

Tabby cat Wade with pet sitter fresh water bowl

JAC client, Wade, ready to lap up his fresh water!

5.       Regular Feeding Schedule & Limited Snacks

If you have had a cat for any amount of time you have probably noticed that they are creatures of habit. The number of times a day a cat should eat can vary but one thing you want to be sure of is that you are being consistent. A dependable feeding schedule will make your cat feel more comfortable and secure at home. Does your cat enjoy the occasional human food?  Before giving your feline friend a table scrap snack double check that it is not a toxic food to cats. There are many human foods you may not expect that are extremely harmful to cats. Chocolate is a well-known one, but some not so obvious ones include dairy products (yes, that means cheese) and yeast dough (bread). Always double check toxic foods to cats.

6.       ID Tags/Microchipping

Cats are excellent escape artists! Whether you have indoor or outdoor cats always keep a collar with an ID tag on them. If your cat will not wear a collar or you worry about it catching on something with their outgoing behavior a great alternative is having your cat micro chipped. A Microchip is a small electronic chip (about the size of a grain of rice) placed just under the skin of your pet. There is an ID number assigned to your cat/dog. If your pet goes missing the person checking the chip will have the animal’s name and owner’s contact information to get in touch and return your pet safely home. Of course, you can always use both an ID tag and a microchip to doubly ensure their safety.

7.      Spay & Neuter

Getting your cat spayed or neutered, even for those indoor-only kitties, is necessary. Have your cat “fixed” to help control the homeless cat population. Cats who are spayed/neutered also tend to avoid certain types of cancers, such as breast cancer and testicular cancer, and even uterine infections decrease. After being “fixed” your cat will be less likely to escape/runaway as they will no longer go into heat. Cats who have been spayed or neutered behave better overall than those who have not, which makes a happier and healthier kitty.

happy tabby kitty stretching

JAC Client, Sigmund, enjoying a nice stretch.

Next stop: healthy and happy!

A healthy cat makes a happy home. Take the time to find a vet that will make your cat feel at ease and purchase a collar with ID tags and/or get them microchipped. Each day lend a hand to minimize hairballs, clean their dishes, feed according to their schedule, and follow proper litter box etiquette. Don’t forget, always spay/neuter your pet. Do these things and your cat will undoubtedly be the healthy feline they deserve to be!

Just Around the Corner offers Cat Sitting as well as daily Dog Walking , Dog Hiking, and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!

Sources:

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/fedding-times-and-fequency-for-cats

https://www.batcopetsitting.com/biofilm-bacteria-pet-dishes/

https://www.vets-now.com/2017/02/foods-poisonous-to-cats/

6 Ways to Keep Your Cat Happy

6 Ways to Keep Your Cat Happy

A happy cat means a happy cat mom or cat dad, right?! Keeping our furry felines happy is the top priority for us cat lovers. No matter the personality type, if they are indoor or outdoor cats, rescues or purebred, all cats deserve to be genuinely happy. Making our kitties leap for joy on a regular basis is important but what does it mean to have a cat who is truly happy? Knowing what to look for in your cat when gauging their happiness is a key component to keeping them delighted. As we focus on happiness here, we are excited to reveal the top ways to keep our kitties healthy coming soon! Stay tuned right here. Check out our free Signs of a Happy Cat infographic to share with your fellow cat lovers!

Signs of a Happy Cat

  • Vocal cues such as purring and talking.
  • Being playful with you or other pets in the home. Bringing you toys or their hunt is also a particularly good thing, according to them.
  • Grooming remains a top priority for happy cats giving them a healthy appearance.
  • Having a good appetite and eating well at each meal.
  • Snuggles, kneading, “making biscuits”, Star Paws, rubbing against your legs, and napping in your lap are all loving signs they are pleased.
  • Sleeping socially with people and other pets in your home.
  • Resting or sleeping with their paws tucked under their body is a relaxed posture for cats.

Are you seeing these signs in your cat? Maybe you are noticing only a few, or none at all. No matter where your cat falls on the happiness scale there is always room for improvement when it comes to our precious fur babies. These 6 tips will not only promote daily happiness in your kitty cat’s life but will also give you, their trusted servant, peace of mind knowing your cat is living a truly fulfilled life.

1.      Spay and Neuter

Getting your cat spayed or neutered, even for those indoor-only kitties, is necessary. Have your cat “fixed” to help control the homeless cat population. You also avoid certain types of cancers in your kitty when you spay and neuter, such as breast cancer and testicular cancer, and even uterine infections decrease. Your cat will be less likely to escape/runaway as they will no longer go into heat after this procedure. Cats who have been spayed or neutered behave better overall than those who have not, which makes a happier and healthier kitty.

2.      Tree Time (indoors)

Cats were made to climb. We don’t always love it when they climb our beautiful furniture so we must give them ways to exercise that part of their natural instinct. Cat trees give your cat an excellent way to scratch the invisible itch to climb, plus it doubles as an actual scratch pole. These trees come in a variety of sizes and shapes and can accommodate multiple cats. When possible place your tower near a window so they can enjoy the view and happenings of the great outdoors while getting their climb on.

3 happy cats on cat tree

3.      Love & Play

Okay okay…if we must, right? Giving our cat love and positive attention is one of the simplest ways to keep your cat happy. Take time every day to play with them. Use toys that they can stalk, pounce and chase to really tucker them out. A tired cat is a happy cat. When you are not around, leave out safe toys for them to play with such as a cardboard box. Boy does this simple and free toy provide hours of entertainment for our feline friends! Switch up what you leave out every few days to keep it feeling fresh and new for your fur baby.

4.      Catio

Yes, you read that right, catio. By definition, a catio is a safe outdoor enclosure for housecats. You can really get creative on this one and gear your catio design towards the things your kitty cat loves the most. For example, if your cat favors climbing you can create multiple levels and platforms within their catio to climb to their heart’s content. Being in the fresh air, with natural sights and sounds that they are intuitively drawn to is the highest form of positive stimulation our furry friends can have. A catio offers your feline the most closely related experience to their natural habitat while keeping them safe. Don’t have one? Get one!

cat outdoor enclosure

5.      Pets in Pairs

Consider getting more than one cat. Most cats are quite social and benefit greatly when they are not the only cat in the house. When introduced properly adding a second cat to the household can be a wonderful experience for everyone. Having a companion to play with, snuggle with, and enjoy the day to day festivities alongside provides a feeling of fulfillment for them. If you are considering getting a cat or already have one why not make it two?

6.      Bird Viewing Station

Even well-fed domesticated cats have the natural attraction to small prey like birds. Indulge that attraction by creating a bird viewing station for them. Set up a birdfeeder or bird bath right outside the window of your choosing. Then sit back and relax while your ferocious kitty enjoys hours of tweety bird entertainment.

pet sitter petting kitty with white paw on leg

Increasing the happiness in your cat is simple. Get them spayed or neutered to set the tone for a happy life. Offer them your love, get creative with their window spaces and even the great outdoors. Consider a feline companion and always keep their natural instincts in mind when creating spaces for them. With these tips your cat’s happiness will be off the charts! Now that your cat will undoubtedly be living their happiest life stay tuned because you won’t want to miss our 5 Tips for a Healthy Cat.

Just Around the Corner offers daily Dog Walking , Dog Hiking, and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!

Resources:

www.humanesociety.org

www.catiospaces.com

www.chewy.com

www.amazon.com

 

How to Choose the Best Vet for Your Pet

How to Choose the Best Vet for Your Pet

Choosing a veterinarian for your pet’s health and wellness is one of the most important decisions you will make as a pet parent. After all, the goal is to keep our fur babies healthy, happy and on Earth for as long as possible, right? Finding the right health care provider for your precious pup or fluffy feline is a personal decision that will lay the foundation for your pets’ health. If you are like me, you want quality care that comes with ease and Peace of Mind for your precious pet. Contrary to popular belief, our pets are not born hating the vet! Find a place that makes them feel comfortable and (dare I say) one they look FORWARD to going to! While the responsibility of choosing your pets’ health care provider is HUGE, the process of finding the best fit for you and your pet can and should be FUN! So, take a deep breath and follow these 7 great ways to go about choosing the best vet for your pet.

Talk to your pet owner friends

Get recommendations about the best veterinarians from people you trust who also have pet owning experience. Start by building a list of possible vets based on these recommendations. This list may also include some fair warnings of less than stellar practices based on others’ experience. Consider what type of pet or breed your friends own(ed). A 15-year-old Maine-coon cat will have a vastly different veterinary experience than a brand-new yellow lab puppy. Friends who own pets are a wonderful place to start your vet choosing process.

Research

The best vet for your pet may not fall right into your lap but with focused research the right fit will come along in no time. After gathering a list of names/practices from your pet owning pals do some of your own research. Thoroughly review each candidate’s website and read their testimonials. If people are saying things that you are looking for in a vet like “personal attention” “timely and considerate service” “open evenings and weekends” “good value” or “very professional” they may be worth looking into further. In addition to the compiled list of recommendations from your friends, a Google search for veterinarians in your area is another fabulous resource. Always read reviews and look for people who describe what you hope to find in a vet. Live in Plymouth, MA? Click here for a list of local veterinarians!

Grey and black cat with 2 vets

Visit (or Call) to feel it out

The best way, hands down, to learn if a vet practice will work for you and your pet is to experience it firsthand. When possible, take a trip to your top choices for a visit. You can first do this without your pet to get a feel for cleanliness, day to day operations, and whether the staff meet your friendliness standards. If the visit goes well and you are pleased with your experience, set up a trial visit for your pet. Realize that right now, in a COVID world, scheduling “research visits” may not be an option. Rather than in person, make phone calls to your top choices to inquire about their practice and ask the staff and veterinarian your questions.

Hours of Operation

The best vet for your pet means they are available when you need them! The hours and days of operation vary from practice to practice. Think ahead to what days of the week you will be available to schedule your pet’s routine visits and ensure that your vet of choice is open. If you are only available on weekends and your vet is not open Saturday or Sunday that may be a deciding factor and time to look at other options. If you choose in-home veterinary care, ask for their “on-call hours”. Many times, traveling vets hold hours of operation like a brick and mortar clinic. If the vet, you choose is not open or available 24/7 you will want an emergency veterinarian for your pet as well. Once you have chosen your primary care vet ask them for their recommendation on an emergency vet.

map with pins

Location Location Location

Choosing a vet who is close and convenient is beneficial and can be life changing when it comes to an emergency. Consider your travel time to each vet clinic and decide if that is a distance you feel comfortable traveling with your pet, particularly in the event of an emergency. Knowing the proximity of a clinic is to your home is an excellent way to narrow your search.

Fees and Money Matters

When it comes choosing the best vet for your pet financials matter! To choose a vet that foremost meets your financial needs, compare the pricing of multiple clinics. Always ask ahead of time the full costs of procedures to avoid any unexpected fees. Inquire about methods of payment, payment plans or financial assistance before committing.

small kitten with person and CBD oil

Connect with the Vet on your Pet Care Philosophies

Get down to business by asking the veterinarians their beliefs on practices and treatments for things like cancer, spaying and neutering, and euthanasia. If you believe in holistic and alternative treatments is this something they practice and/or condone? Is the vet patient and understanding of your questions and inquiries? The quality of health care for your pet is not something to compromise on. If a vet does not feel like the “right fit” continue your quest until you feel 100% comfortable in your decision.

happy dog on counter with vet in background

Gain Confidence in Your Choice

As a pet parent there is no greater choice to make than their health care provider. When embarking on this important quest consider others’ experiences and investigate their recommendations.  Research thoroughly while getting answers to your important questions. Make the choice that works within your budget and time and choose a vet who aligns with your personal pet care philosophies. Following these guidelines will give you confidence and Peace of Mind in making your final decision of which vet to choose for your pet. Remember, choosing a vet is not like a marriage proposal. You are not looking for “the one”, you are making a choice that most closely aligns with your values and expectations of the health care provided to your pet. If your initial choice ends up not being the “right fit” you can always change!

References:

www.akc.org

www.pets.webmd.com

Just Around the Corner offers daily Dog Walking and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!

Protect Your Dog and Cat From Toxic Plants and Mushrooms

Protect Your Dog and Cat From Toxic Plants and Mushrooms

Your backyard is one of the safest places for your pup to spend their time, but it can also become deadly in the blink of an eye. Summer days with high humidity make the conditions ideal for dangerous plants and mushrooms to grow. If you are a dog owner, you know “everything goes in the mouth” especially new things they find in their personal space. Well, one mushroom or toxic plant in the mouth, when you are not looking, could become a deadly situation in a matter of hours. However, there are simple steps you can take to prevent your pet and you from dealing with the terrible effects of poisonous plants and mushrooms.

dog sniffing mushrooms

How to prevent poisonous plant ingestion

Clear ALL mushrooms in your yard.

When in doubt, take it out! Better to be safe than sorry so if you see mushrooms you are not sure about in your yard go ahead and dig them up. Be sure to pull them up by the “root “ (or mycelium) if possible, to help prevent further growth. This will not guarantee that they will not come back so keep an eye out. If you wish to keep non-harming mushrooms in your yard educate yourself on the types of mushrooms and their qualities. Learn more here: Types of toxic mushrooms

Be on the lookout for mushrooms outside of your yard too!

If mushrooms can grow in your well-manicured yard they can certainly grow along trails, sidewalks, and those hidden places your pet loves to sniff out for a potty break. Keeping an eye out while on walks, hikes and in new places (even a friend’s yard) is key to keeping your pet safe and plant poison free!

pug with daffodil

Know which plants are toxic to pets

While mushroom awareness is particularly important due to their quick appearance, easy access to pets, and difficulty to identify, they are not the only plants you should be on the lookout for. The same precautionary actions mentioned above should be taken with any poisonous plant. Here are some of the most common plants to be aware of.
• Azalea
• Hydrangea
• Ivy
• Daffodil
• Poinsettia
• Foxglove
• Tulip
• Lily
• Hyacinth
To name a few… Many of these plants are commonly found in flower arrangements as well as flower gardens. If you purchase flowers or plants or are gifted an arrangement be sure to double check the contents before leaving it within reach of your fur babies. Check out a complete list of toxic and non-toxic plants here: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants

Identifying a poisoned pet

While some symptoms of poisoning are very evident not all signs come on at once or right away. If you suspect your pet has ingested part or all of a poisonous plant be on the lookout for these telltale signs.

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Blood
  • Fever
  • Excessive drooling
  • Weak/Uncoordinated Movements
  • Seizures
  • Strong heartbeat

If your pet exhibits any of these signs, contact your vet or poison control (800-222-1222) right away. Time is critical when getting care for poison.

Have a plan!

As a pet parent we hope to never deal with something so terrible as poison ingestion but nonetheless we must be prepared.

  • Put important phone numbers in your contacts AND in a prominent place like your refrigerator for easy access. Regular vet, emergency vet and Poison Control are a few numbers to have on hand.
  • Identify the plant involved and take a sample with you to your emergency location.
  • Keep your pet’s medical records in a convenient location. The more information you can provide your pet’s medical professional the better they will be able to care for them.
  • There is no home remedy you can offer your pet for this circumstance so get in touch with a medical professional ASAP

 

With so many toxic plants out there prevention can feel overwhelming, but with a few precautionary actions poisonous plant ingestion in pets is 100% preventable.

• Know what is in your yard
• Remove all dangerous plants from spaces your pet occupies
• Regularly check your pets’ spaces for new growth/potential danger
• Be familiar with the signs of a poisoned pet
• Have a plan of action

If you are having trouble identifying a plant in your yard a veterinarian or pet care professional may be able to help you. Call your vet or visit www.aspca.org for more information.

Just Around the Corner offers daily Dog Walking and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!

 

 

What Are My Pet Care Options When I Go on Vacation?

What Are My Pet Care Options When I Go on Vacation?

Have you ever planned an exciting trip to get away from it all only to be faced with the dilemma of what do I do with the Dog/Cat? The difficulty of leaving your pets behind during a family vacation or weekend getaway is one of the number one reasons people decide not to travel. The pet parent guilt of leaving your fur baby behind can be tough to overcome. Knowing your pet care options before going away will help you to make the right choice for you and your pet(s). Choosing the right pet care option is the key to peace of mind while on vacation!

Before you start the search for pet care there are a few questions you want to answer for yourself and your pet.

  • Where will my pet be most comfortable?
  • How much care does my pet need daily? (consider feedings, medications, puppy needs, etc.)
  • Does my dog/cat get along with strangers (human and animal)?
  • What is my budget for pet care?
  • What will give me the most peace of mind while I am away?

Pine Hills dog on Home mat waiting for dog walker

PET CARE OPTIONS

Professional Pet Sitting

Hiring a professional pet sitter is an excellent way to maintain peace of mind for both you and your pet during your time away. Pet sitting is the most customizable option for your pet! Does your pet feel most comfortable at home? This option allows your pet to remain in their familiar surroundings 24/7 while you are away enjoying yourself. A pet sitter is also a great choice for keeping your pets’ schedule as normal as possible for them. From feeding times to walks/let outs you can customize a timely schedule with the pet sitter and their visits each day. A pet sitter generally holds several pet safety certifications (particularly true of established pet care businesses), adding to your peace of mind. They will keep you up to date with personalized notes or text messages and of course provide lots of love for your fur babies while you are away. Pet sitting can double as a “home watch”. Many pet sitters will bring in your mail and newspapers and even water your plants, making your home appear “lived in” during your time away. BONUS!

In-Home Boarding

Boarding your pet in a pet sitters’ home is a wonderful option if you are not comfortable with letting someone new into your home or if you pet is protective of the home, i.e. does not allow strangers into the home. This can also be a less expensive option compared to hiring a pet sitter to come to your home multiple times a day. In-home boarding keeps your pet under the watchful care of an experienced pet sitter around the clock. In many cases, your pet will be socialized with other pets in a monitored and safe environment. In-home boarding also means your pet is never left alone overnight. When looking to book in-home boarding be sure to ask how much time the pet sitter generally spends away from the home or how much time they anticipate your pet will be crated or left alone in the home. Answers will vary depending on the pet sitter so to make the best choice for your pet it is a good idea to ask.

two dogs with kneeling dog walker

Kennels/Boarding Facilities

A standard option for around-the-clock pet care is a boarding facility. If you prefer to board your pet at a facility make sure it is reputable: read reviews, and ask your fellow pet parents for recommendations. Confirm that the facility holds the required boarding certifications, i.e. PCSA certified. Be sure to ask about the qualifications of the care-takers as well as detailed information on the daily schedule for pets under their care. It is important to note that boarding facilities often do not have staff on location after a certain time of day. Refer to the questions you answered above to determine if a boarding facility is a good fit for your pet. Find qualified boarding facilities at the International Boarding & Pet Services Association

Friend/Neighbor

Does your best friend LOVE playing with your cat, or maybe your neighbor has a teen dying to walk your dog? Consider asking them to pop over for feedings and playtime/walks. Having an established relationship with the person coming into your home can be comforting for both you and your pet. This is a great option if your pet has difficulty with new people or if you need someone to pop over on short notice. If they have pets themselves offer to return the favor next time they plan a trip. An important thing to remember when using a friend or neighbor is that life happens and there is always the possibility that something “comes up” last minute making them unavailable. Be sure to have a backup plan just in case.

Take them with you

What greater peace of mind than to have your fur baby right alongside you while you are away? If your pet is comfortable in new places, enjoys car rides (for road trip travels), or offers comfort to you as a pet owner they could be an excellent travel companion. There are many pet friendly travel options out there. From Airbnbs to restaurants and shopping, pets are becoming widely accepted in both public and private places across the country and the world. If your pet has a hard time being away from you or with new people, bringing them along will be your best option. Searching sites such as bringfido.com will give you detailed information on recreation, businesses, lodging and more that welcome our furry friends! Even if your pet does well boarding or with visits by a pet sitter/neighbor you may want to consider researching your destination for pet friendly options.  After all, what is a family vacay without the family pet? Download our Free Guide to Traveling with Pets for all you need to know when you travel with your pets.

tiger kitty in carrier

From hiring a pet sitter to in-home or traditional boarding to traveling with your pet, you have many options for pet care when you vacation. You know your pet best – think about which option will be the best fit for them and for you and go with that! Whichever form of pet care you choose, always do your due diligence. This means reading reviews, researching the business/person/facility, checking their history of pet care and certifications. It is your right and responsibility as a pet owner to gather as much information as you can before you trust someone with your precious fur baby.

Want to give traveling with your pet a try? Download our free Guide to Traveling with Pets for all the tips and tricks of traveling with your furry family members.

Just Around the Corner offers Daily Dog Walking and Cat Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!