Finding and caring for your Fluffy and Fido
2 All About Pets
Sunday, February 26, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
Table of Contents Adopting a pet............. 3 Welcoming your new pet into a new home........... 4 Daviess County Animal Shelter is so much more than animal control........ 5 Flying with Daisy.......... 6 Your Pets................... 7 Local Shelters............. 8 Dapper Dog................. 8 Senior adults and pets... 10 Leash Law................. 11 Shebangs.................. 11 Picking the right sitter... 12
Sunday, February 26, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
All About Pets
3
Decisions to make before adopting a pet
P
ets make great additions to households. Parents often find that bringing a pet into their homes is a great way to instill a sense of responsibility in their children, while singles or couples embrace the companionship that devoted pets provide. Adoption is the route many prospective pet owners prefer to take when bringing new pets into their homes. Shelter animals are in need of good homes and providing such an environment to animals others have abandoned or were forced to give up can make new pet owners feel better about themselves. But in an effort to make their transitions to pet ownership go more smoothly, men and women should make certain decisions before adding any furry friends to their family dynamic.
Responsibility
Pets are a big responsibility, but some pets are easier to care for than others. Fish, for example, don’t require as much effort on the part of pet owners as dogs
do. Prospective pet owners should discuss how much responsibility they are willing to take on and just who will be handling the bulk of the caretaking. Prospective pet owners who don’t feel like they can take on much additional responsibility might want to avoid adopting dogs, which need daily walks and exercise, in favor of cats, which don’t require as much attention, or other pets that do not require as significant a time commitment.
Budget
Prospective pet owners also should develop a budget before visiting a shelter or speaking to an adoption agency. Pets, even if they are adopted, can be expensive additions to a home, and it’s easy for prospective pet owners to fall in love with an animal and bring it home only to realize down the road that the cost of keeping the animal is beyond their means. When adopting a pet, men and women should expect to pay adoption fees and pay for an initial veterinary visit, which may include
vaccinations, the cost of which can quickly add up. In addition to those initial costs, pet owners will need to pay for other items, such as bedding (or cages if adopting a bird), food and toys, and those items are not necessarily one-time costs. Budget also must come into play when deciding which animal to adopt. Certain breeds of dog, for example, are predisposed to certain health conditions that can make caring for them an expensive proposition. Prospective dog owners on limited budgets should avoid adopting breeds whose care will stretch or exceed their budgets in favor of dogs that are unlikely to do so.
Lifestyle
Prospective pet owners must be willing to change their lifestyles when they adopt a new pet. Some pets won’t require their owners to make many changes at all, while others can dramatically alter the lifestyles their owners may have grown accustomed to. Prospective pet owners should decide
how willing they are to change their lifestyles and let that willingness guide their adoption decision. Those who want to change their lifestyle as little as possible may be best suited to pets that need little attention, while those ready and willing to make more significant changes may be ready to bring a dog into their homes. Men and women unsure about the lifestyle changes they will have to make to welcome dogs into their homes may want to consider fostering dogs before they adopt their own. Fostering can give prospective pet owners more accurate ideas of the commitment required to adequately care for a pet as they try to decide if that commitment is one they are capable of making. Adopting pets is a great way for animal lovers to make positive impacts on the lives of animals in need of homes. But prospective adopters should first make certain decisions about pet ownership to ensure their transitions to pet owners go as smoothly as possible.
You gotta get your paws on this Pet Proof Carpet! Our exclusive line of Mohawk Smart Strand Carpet is NOW ON SALE! Greenbelt Crossing Corner of J.R. Miller & Salem Owensboro, KY 1-800-888-6206 Carpets Unlimited: 684-6206 www.carpetsunl.com Open Mon.-Fri. 10-7, Sat. 9-5
0% moisture absorption to reduce pet odors in the carpet fiber
Nanolocô spill and soil shield for quick and easy cleanup
3X easier to clean dirt, hair, and pet dander
Lifetime, built-in stain protection
4 All About Pets
Sunday, February 26, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
Welcoming a puppy into its new home
N
BY FAMILY FEATURES
othing is more hear twarming than the first warm nuzzle from a new puppy. With new pets, however, come new responsibilities and opportunities, which can often lead to New Year’s resolutions involving new furry friends. “No matter the season, it’s always a moving and emotional experience when a puppy finds a new home,” said Eran Cohen, chief customer experience officer at PetSmart. “Our passionate associates are available to help bring pet parents closer to their pets so they can live more fulfilled lives.” To help puppy parents welcome their pets home – and keep New Year’s commitments – PetSmart, the largest specialty pet retailer across North America, offers this expert advice on nutrition, socialization, essentials and health care to help keep pets happy and healthy.
Find a Veterinarian
A veterinarian should be your first call
if your puppy gets into something that could potentially harm him or her. Vets are also great resources to keep you upto-date on puppy care, like vaccination timing. Use a tool like the free askPETMD app, available in the Apple App and Google Play stores, to find a veterinarian near you.
ID Your Pet
While pets are getting acclimated to their home, and with people going in and out, it can be easy for them to slip out a door. Be prepared in case they embark on an unplanned journey around the neighborhood. To ensure you are reunited, outfit your pup with proper ID, including a personalized ID tag.
Pup-Proof Your Home
Dogs love to chew, whether it’s on shoes or something more dangerous like wiring or extension cords. To protect them and promote positive chewing experiences, use toys or treats to occupy their time and allow them to chew safely,
such as a Puppy Bone Starter Toy Kit. It’s also important to place household products like trash, laundry detergent and cleaning supplies out your pup’s reach.
Give Puppies Their Own Space
According to a survey commissioned by PetSmart and conducted by Wakefield Research, 47 percent of U.S. dog owners let their puppy sleep in bed with them seven nights per week. However, when it’s time for puppies to rest on their own, a puppy crate can perform double duty, providing puppies their own area away from stressors to nap and serving as a structure that promotes potty training. Socialization is critical during a pup’s early years. While ever yone may be ready to meet the new member of your family, consider introducing them to one or two people at a time, so the puppy can get to know them and warm up to their scent.
CELEBRATE THE JOY OF YOUR PET. We understand that losing a pet is difficult. Our cremation services, exclusive to pets, exists so your pet can receive the same dignity all beloved family members deserve.
Call to learn how our family can care for yours. 24 Hour Care | Burial | Cremation | Pre-Planning
(270) 685-5111 www.LifetimeCompanionPetCremationServices.com /lifetimeCompanionPetCremationServices
Give Your Dog Time to Acclimate
Research Nutrition
It may be tempting to feed a puppy human food, but they require specially formulated food and often have different eating schedules than an adult dog. Do your research, read labels and ask questions. Consider leading natural pet lifestyle brands, like Only Natural Pet, which offer formulas such as Puppy Power Feast food, as well as a variety of treats.
Invest in Training
Consistent training is an important responsibility of a puppy parent. Dogs crave love and praise, and a properly trained pooch will better understand what’s expected of him or her. If necessar y, get help from puppy training experts to help ensure all family members are able to live happily in one harmonious pack. Find more tips for welcoming a new pet into your home this year at PetSmart. com or download PetSmart’s mobile app, which tailors content to help guide pet parents based on your pet profile.
Sunday, February 26, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
All About Pets
5
DCAS: More than just animal control
T
he Daviess County Animal Shelter began in 1982, on Hwy 54, due in no small part to the generosity of Dr. Carl Henry. In 2004, the shelter was moved to its current location on Hwy 81. The shelter is an open admission county government operated facility, and is also under contract to take in McLean County animals. As such, no domestic animal, regardless of its health or temperament, will be turned away for admission, so long as the owner is a Daviess or McLean Country resident. The shelter is under the direction of the Daviess County Fiscal Court, and a portion of county taxes are allotted for the daily operations and maintenance of the facility. Stray dogs are held for 5 days, giving the owner time to contact the shelter and reclaim their pet. After this time, the dogs are offered for adoption, sent to rescue groups or humanely euthanized. Euthanasia is a sad fact of operating an Animal Control facility, as 4,000 or
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Be sure to visit the website www.petango.com daviesscountyanimalcontrol to view adoptable animals; adoption applications can be requested dcacanimals@yahoo.com or at 2620 Hwy 81. Please, report suspected animal abuse and neglect to the shelter at 270-685-8275 (your call can be kept anonymous).
more animals come through the doors each year here in Daviess County. However, this shelter has one of the lowest euthanasia rates in the country for an open admissions facility! Since 2009, the euthanasia rate has been below 20%, each year, compared to almost 95% previously. The responsibility of the shelter is to enforce animal control laws. On a daily basis, the Animal Control officers patrol the city and county, responding to citizen complaints, investigating animal abuse, and impounding stray animals. Citations are issued for numerous violations, including failing to provide proof of the rabies vaccination and county
license. All county ordinances can be found online at www.daviessky.gov. These ordinances include (but are not limited to) issues pertaining to animals running at large, proper containment of female dogs in heat, proper housing, food, water & medical care, inspections for kennel license and breeder license. However, the Daviess County Animal Shelter is more than just animal control. To continue lowering euthanasia rates, the shelter actively promotes spaying and neutering of animals. Grants are obtained yearly to fund the SNAP program, which offers low cost spay neuter surgeries to those who
meet low income requirements. Persons reclaiming their pet are encouraged to accept the spay/neuter alternative program. Additionally, a small network of dedicated volunteers regularly transports animals to rescue groups and spend their spare time assisting the shelter staff in caring for the animals. These volunteers walk dogs, socialize cats, bathe animals, clean kennels and spend time showing each animal undivided love and affection. Be sure to visit the website www. petango.com/daviesscountyanimalcontrol to view adoptable animals; adoption applications can be requested dcacanimals@yahoo.com or at 2620 Hwy 81. There are numerous ways you can help your local animal shelter. Spay, neuter, volunteer, donate, foster, adopt; and be the voice for animals in your county. Please, report suspected animal abuse and neglect to the shelter at 270685-8275 (your call can be kept anonymous). We need the community’s eyes and ears to help keep the animals safe.
Roommates Wanted Adopt a pet from your local animal shelter
ut o b a s u Ask cost low uter e spay &onns! opti
Daviess County Animal Shelter www.petango.com/daviesscountyanimalcontrol 2620 HWY 81 • OWENSBORO, KENTUCKY 42301 P: 270-685-8275 F: 270-685-6137 dcacanimals@yahoo.com
6 All About Pets
Sunday, February 26, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
Flying Miss Daisy BY MEGHANN RICHARDSON
D
aisy Hartz is becoming a well-seasoned traveler. In the last year she has flown all across the country, visiting several states, festivals and places — including her favorite, the beach. So what makes Daisy so unique? She is a 14-year-old mini long-haired dachshund and she flies with her flight attendant mom Jasey Hartz. Hartz, who has been a flight attendant with Delta Air Lines for three years, said she loves being able to travel and go to so many places. The pair met after Hartz got involved with the Delta Animal Rescue Transportation (DART.) DART transports animals all over the world to their fur-ever homes using the members’ travel pass privileges while on their own spare time. Delta employees may fly for free on standby, when the flight is not sold out. Although DART is not Delta sponsored, the nonprofit organization is largely made up of active and retired Delta
employees from across the airline. Volunteers fly the animals on domestic flights in carriers underneath the seat. Hartz said when Daisy came to them, she and her husband were not looking for a dog, especially not a small, older dog. Through the DART program Hartz learned about the Dachshund Rescue of North America and that was how she got connected to Daisy. “I had been following them on Instagram and saw that Daisy had been in foster care for a while,” Hartz said. “She was so cute, I knew I wanted her.” After talking it over with her husband and praying about the decision to adopt Daisy, Hartz and her husband went through an interview process and talked with Daisy’s foster family, before making the flight to Norfolk, Va., to get the newest member of the Hartz family. Prior to becoming a Hartz, Daisy was kept in a shared kennel for 12 hours a day. “That was not the life she deserved to live,” Hartz said. “So once we got her we
wanted to take her to do all the things she hasn’t got to do.” This includes flying across the country visiting new people and places. “She loves flying,” Hartz said. “She likes to sleep and be in our laps for hours. We just sit still for hours and pet her while she sleeps. It’s basically her dream.” Daisy has been to a “weenie fest” in California, Washington, Michigan, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Indiana and Kentucky. Hartz and Daisy have been together for a little more than a year and are still planning more adventures for the years to come — like an upcoming beach trip to Sarasota, Fla. Hartz said if anyone is interested in adopting an animal, she strongly encourages it. “This is the best dog either of us have ever had,” she said. “She came to us potty-trained, very established and well behaved. Adoption is so great.” If anyone is interested more in the DART program contact Hartz at jaseyhartz@gmail. com.
7
WEâ?¤ OUR PETS Sunday, February 26, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
Snoopy
LUNA
OWNERS: JOHN MARK & IMELDA MADISON
ALLEY
MOM: RACHEL A.
March 2016 to Present Rescued by Rich & Abigail
LI STA L A & T COL
MOM: RACHEL A .
MOJO &TA NDY
OWNERS: LARRY AND NANCY UTLEY
R
Owners:
Lanny & Telina Crowe
ct! rfe
P u rr
MOLLY
All About Pets
Ms. Kitty Pollard Owner: Pollard Family
Josslyn
Chloe Curtis
Owner: Jennifer Roberts
Owner: Cindy Curtis
Katie
Owner: Rose Radzelovage
Congratulations to
JOSSLYN,
winner of our Facebook contest! Pippi Tess
Sept 1997 - Present Mom: Janet Willis
8 All About Pets
Sunday, February 26, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
Adopt, don’t shop
I
n Owensboro, pets are up for foster and adoption through the Daviess County Animal Shelter and the Owensboro Humane Society. According to americanhumane.org, “when you adopt from a shelter or rescue group, you’ll give a dog a second chance at finding a home and you will not add to the nation’s pet overpopulation problem.” An estimated 3.7 million unwanted pets must be euthanized at animal shelters ever y year — many because they could not find families to adopt them. SEE ADOPT/PAGE 9
Doodle dilemma: adorable vs demanding
D
TO CONTACT To view pets up for adoption at DCAS visit www.petango.com/daviesscountyanimalcontrol. For more information call 270-685-8275 or send e-mail to dcacanimals@yahoo.com
Floor Concepts, Inc. Life Happens Carpeting • Water Proof Backing • Stain And Soil Resistance Protection • No Wrinkle • No Edge Raveling • No Delamination
“Stands Up to Life’s Messes!” 221 Williamsburg Square • Owensboro, KY 42303 (Across from Owensboro Christian Church)
270-231-8110 • 270-929-5944 Monday-Friday 8am-5pm • Saturday 9am-2pm
oodles have become prevalent in many family households in the past decade. In fact, they have almost quadrupled in the last seven years since I began grooming. While well-tempered and downright adorable, we over here at The Dapper Dog want to go over a few ver y impor tant grooming facts wor th considering before investing in one of those fluffy friends. The doodle was originally bred to be a ser vice animal for people with allergies. Combining a retriever with a poodle, the hope was to have an intelligent and easily trainable dog mixed with a hypo allergic coated dog with little to no dander to irritate owner’s senses. The original thought works in many cases but mixing a hypo with a non-hypo dog doesn’t always guarantee you’ll get an allergy-free dog. In fact, only one in 10 doodles are truly
hypoallergenic — brought on by different undercoats found in the canines. This brings us to dif ferent coat types found in the dogs. Many doodles you’ll find have a soft fluffy coat, while others have a coarser, wiry coat. The softer fluffy coats seems to be what many are attracted to more. While adding to the cuteness factor, these are going to be the dogs that require some of the highest maintenance in grooming found in any pet breeds. They need to be brushed daily, as well as groomed ever y four to six weeks to keep the dog from matting and eventually facing very serious health problems. Call us at The Dapper Dog for any doodle needs. We are the highest trained and most qualified in Owensboro to work with doodles. — Ashley Coomes, owner The Dapper Dog
3238 Kidron Valley Way, Suite 1 (270) 478-1057 Monday-Friday 7am-6pm Saturday 8am-3pm
FREE
Deshedding Mud Bath
WITH GROOMING SERVICES With coupon. Not valid w/any other services. Expires 4/31/17
25% OFF Day Care Package With coupon. Not valid w/any other services. Expires 4/31/17
15% OFF GROOMING With coupon. Not valid w/any other services. Expires 4/31/17
FREE TEETH CLEANING
WITH GROOMING SERVICES With coupon. Not valid w/any other services. Expires 4/31/17
Grooming Day Care Training
Sunday, February 26, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
ADOPT FROM PAGE 8
To adopt locally make sure you read the requirements for each location.
Owensboro Humane Society ADOPTION REQUIREMENTS
• Must be 18 years of age. • Must have Photo ID (drivers licenses or state ID) • Must have great vet records (if owned previous animals). Bring vet records with you. It helps to speed up the process • Must be willing to provide a vet that will be used for the animal before you adopt. • Must be willing to microchip . • All of our animals are spayed/ neutered before adoption. All animals in the home now must be spayed/neutered. • All adoptions ar e final (no refunds), if at any time you cannot keep the animal you HAVE to bring the animal back to us, you
This includes: spay/neuter, FeLv & FIV test, all booster shots, rabies, de-flead and de-wormed.
Our adoption application is three pages long. We will inter view you to make sure the animal you have chosen is right for your home. This is a binding contract. We may require a home check. If you have animals in the home now or previously, please bring a copy of your vet records. This will help to speed up the process of the adoption. The time will var y depending on how many animals you are interested in. If you are interested in one of our animals, please come down to the Humane Society any day between 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. To view pets up for adoption visit owensborohumane.org. For more information call 270-302-6813 or email info@owensborohumane. org.
Adoption Process
Daviess County Animal Shelter
are not allow to re-home or tur n the animal over to anyone else. • If you don’t have vet records for previous pets , you must agree to take the adopted animal to your vet within 7 days of adoption for a exam, and fax or mail proof of visit.
Adoption Fees DOGS — $100- $150
This includes: spay/neuter, heartworm test, all booster shots, rabies, de-flead and de-wormed. PUPPIES — $150
This includes: spay/neuter at six months of age, hear tworm test, all booster shots, rabies, de-flead and de-wormed. CATS — $70
Please allow at least an hour for the adoption process, if not longer. You may not be able to acquire the same day but we will hold the animal as a pending adoption.
Many of the adoption requirements for the DCAS are similar to those at the Owensboro Humane Society. The shelter does have an application process. Applications can
All About Pets
9
be obtained by e-mailing dcacanimals@yahoo.com. Nor mally the process takes between one and five days depending on the information received.
Adoption Fees DOGS — $70
Dogs — spayed/neutered $40 Dogs — Includes a Kentucky dog tag, a rabies vaccination, neuter/ spay and microchip Dog tags may also be purchased at the animal shelter for $5. County law mandates that all dogs four months or older wear this tag. Kittens — five months and under $60 CATS — $30
Cats Includes a rabies vaccination, neuter/spay, and a microchip All adoption fees include spaying or neutering your pet at a local veterinarian. To view pets up for adoption at D C A S v i s i t w w w. p e t a n g o . c o m / daviesscountyanimalcontrol. For more information call 270-685-8275 or send e-mail to dcacanimals@ yahoo.com
10 All About Pets
Sunday, February 26, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
Adopting a dog or cat later in life C
ompanion animals bring great joy to their owners. The unconditional love cats and dogs provide appeals to people of all ages. While many people associate pets with kids who can’t wait to welcome the first cat or dog into their homes, pets can benefit aging men and women as well. It’s not uncommon for seniors to feel lonely or depressed when they retire, their children move away or they lose a spouse or close friend or friends. The American Humane Society states that studies show pets help seniors overcome loneliness and depression by providing af fection, company and enter tainment. Pets also provide muchneeded mental stimulation, and many pet owners find their pets help them become more physi-
cally active as well. Seniors who adopt pets may also feel a sense of purpose when helping animals who may not have anywhere to live. This is par ticularly true of older companion animals, which many young families are understandably hesitant to adopt. Mature pets might be an ideal fit for seniors. When seniors are looking to adopt a pet, there are various reasons why older pets or par ticular animals might be the perfect fit for them. • Adult pets may already be house trained, saving seniors the trouble and ef for t of training them. • Seniors may find cats fit their lifestyles more than dogs, as cats ar e less active and do not need to be walked or played with as much as dogs. Cats also are small and easily
maneuverable, meaning even seniors who have ar thritis or other physical limitations can easily care for cats. Many cats are also content to spend long periods of time sleeping on their owners’ laps. • Small dogs that can be active within the house might be a good idea as well, especially for seniors with mobility issues. They’re also easily transpor ted to and from vet appointments. It’s impor tant that seniors carefully weigh the benefits of adopting a pet against any limitations they may have. Having a backup plan for care is advantageous as well. Seniors should not adopt a pet if they anticipate frequent travel or medical care that requires they be away from home for long periods of time.
OWENSBORO ANIMAL HOSPITAL Dr. F. C. Mercer 135 Salem Drive • 270-926-1888
Owensboroanimalhospital@gmail.com Visit us on Facebook • • • • •
Family owned with 30 Years experience carrying on the mission of veterinary medicine for human and animal welfare Offering unique alternatives to regular spaying and neutering focusing on the long term health of your pet Full service, compassionate, common sense medicine and surgery with in-house lab and pharmacy Preventative medicine and dentistry while always striving for a Golden Rule experience Best Coffee in town, AND unattended children will be given an espresso and a free kitten!
Remember All Medical and Surgical Procedures should be performed by your veterinarian
“Love Your Pet, See your Vet!”
Sunday, February 26, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
S DOG AND OWNER
I
Daviess County Leash Law
n Daviess County it is unlawful for any owner or person in charge of any animal to permit or allow an animal to run at large in the county, or to permit such animal to be on the streets of the county, unless such animal (except cats) is on a leash or otherwise under the absolute control of the owner or his agent. Unrestrained dogs and nuisance animals will be taken to an animal shelter by the dog warden or other authorized animal control officer and impounded. Impounded dogs and cats shall be kept for not less than five days unless reclaimed by the owner. In addition, impounding any animal found at large in the county, or any city therein, the
JONES INSURANCE AGENCY
dog warden, law enforcement officer, or other animal control officer may issue to the owner of such animal a notice of ordinance violation. Such notice shall impose upon the owner a minimum penalty of $20 and may subject the owner to additional penalties as set forth in KRS 258.990. Any person owning, keeping or having custody of any dog over six months of age in the county, or any city therein, must obtain a license as required by KRS 258.135 from the county dog warden. Any person violating, failing or refusing to comply with this licensing requirement shall be subject to the penalties set forth in KRS 258.990.
"//ĂŠ ,
All About Pets
Shebang’s Natural Selection
hebang’s Natural Selection has been a unique pet health store in Reo, Ind., for 14 years. You won’t find the fancy clothes and jewelry for your pet, but you will get the best advice for your pet to live a long and healthy life the natural way. We prepare and package a raw natural diet with your carnivore in mind. Shebang’s products are shipped all over the country and they offer free nutritional counseling just for your pet. Shebang’s carries a variety of premium kibble for your dog and cat that you will not see on commercials or that have had recalls. Most of today’s pet foods are at least 40 percent grain. Since dogs and cats are carnivores, they need meat and bones.
Commercial pet foods are cooked. Therefore, it is a dead food. The minerals, vitamins, many nutrients, enzymes and probiotics (good bacteria like in yogurt) are killed during the cooking process. These things are not lost in a raw diet. On a raw natural diet, your pet will eat and thrive the way it was genetically designed to. Shebang’s also carry a variety of natural supplements, treats, and some supplies. There is no doubt we are “The Whole Shebang� because we also offer grooming, boarding, training and we run a Great Dane Rescue. Like Shebang’s on Facebook, check out their website or stop in the store for more information. Shebang’s motto is “We care for your pets from the inside out.�
Pet Health Food Store “We care for your pets from the inside out�
2016 2014
* Raw Diet * Boarding * Training * Grooming * Premium Kibble * Supplements * Great Dane Rescue
270-691-9100
Phone 683-6427
AUTO-HOME-FARM-BUSINESS LIFE-HEALTH
1911 Old Henderson Road One Block South of 9th & Crabtree
Phone: (812) 649-5000 Fax: (812 649-5001 914 No. State Road 161 • Rockport, IN shebangdanes@yahoo.com www.rawnaturaldiet.com
-6.#*/( )&"5*/( $0 */$
EVTUSJBM $PNNFSDJBM 3FTJEFOUJBM
Me
READ sse E
A ARDS W
uirer Inq CHOICE er’ ng RS
GOLD WINNER
724 Time Dr. • Owensboro, KY www.joneswoolfolkins.com
Lic. #MO1723
11
12 All About Pets
Sunday, February 26, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
How to find a qualified, compassionate pet sitter
M
ore and more pet owners are taking their four-legged friends with them when they travel. But some vacations or business trips are not pet-friendly, and such excursions may require pet owners to enlist the services of professional pet sitters. Friends and family members may be able to look after pets when their owners are away for a few days. But when no one is close by to check in on or foster a pet, pet sitters and animal boarding facilities may be the only option available to pet owners. Pet sitters also may be able to step in when owners’ last-minute plans interfere with their ability to care for their pets. Finding the right facility or individual pet sitter requires a little work. Here are some ways to weed out the qualified and professional pet sitters from those who might not be the best fit. • Ask for recommendations. Seek advice from friends or family members who have used pet sitters in the past. If that does not prove fruitful,
FREE LOCAL ESTIMATES!
speak with your veterinarian. He or she may have a relationship with an animal boarder or a pet-sitting service. Some veterinarians also have employees on staff who provide this kind of service, and such situations can be especially beneficial for owners of older or specialneeds pets. An alternative to personal and professional recommendations is to employ a certified pet sitter from
either The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters or Pet Sitters International. • Get a feel for the sitter’s personality. It can be beneficial to find a sitter whose energy levels and temperament are a good match with your pet. A young, boisterous puppy may not be a good match for an older sitter. Sitters who understand an animal’s specific needs and how to cater to those needs may perform their duties more effectively than less experienced sitters. • Compile a questionnaire. The Humane Society of the United States has a comprehensive list of qualifications you can use to screen potential pet sitters. These should include questions about liability insurance coverage and if companies that employ pet sitters are bonded to protect against theft. Pet sitters also should provide references. • Maintain the pet’s normal routine. According to pet expert Cesar Millan, it’s best to have the pet watched in his or her natural surroundings so they have a level of familiarity with their
surroundings and schedules. When this is not possible, boarders should try to keep the same walking, play and feeding schedules. • Spell out all the details. Before hiring a sitter, make a list of requirements and make sure they are discussed and included in signed contracts. • Employ trial and error. Sometimes you have to take a chance and give a pet sitter an opportunity to prove his or her merit. Afford the pet sitter some time to meet your pet in your presence and watch for how your pet reacts to the sitter. After the sitter’s first day on the job, look for indicators that may suggest the experience was not the right fit for your pet. Fearfulness in the pet, signs or smells that accidents occurred, property damage, or injuries to an animal may be evidence of a poor pet sitter. Pet owners sometimes require the service of pet sitters who can help them feel at ease when they need to leave home for business or pleasure.
OUR SERVICES Upholstery Cleaning Carpet Cleaning Odor Elimination
Carpet Cleaning Tile Cleaning Rug Cleaning Strip & Wax
Estimates to surrounding counties: $25
FEE WAIVED IF YOU USE OUR SERVICES!
(270) 926-6432
130 Salem Drive Owensboro, KY EXTREMEOWB.COM