Pet Sitter of the Month for November 2010

Donna D.

DONNA is the EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH FOR NOVEMBER 2010!  We want to thank Donna for all of her hard-work this month.  Donna always puts our clients first-she has a love and bond with each of our furry friends that I have seen first-hand. When something is needed at the last minute Donna is always ready to help-out and save the day. She is 100% all about four-legged friends in need.  Donna spends her available time giving free dog walks at North Jersey animal shelters to help the pups feel special that day!  She moves mountains and has a strong voice in the animal community.  We are very happy to have her on our team!  Thank you for being You!

Why Hire a Dog Walking /Pet Sitting Organization vs. Individual

The majority of pet sitting and dog walking companies in Northern New Jersey are individually owned and operated. Some pet owners prefer this approach because it means that there is only one pet sitter to have to introduce to their loved ones. There are many negatives to this however, due to last-minute cancellations and emergencies by the individual pet sitter that leave pet owners without any coverage. NJ Pet Sitters, L.L.P. offers the best of both worlds by providing a primary provider, and a secondary back-up for every household. Pet owners never have to worry about a phone call within 24 hours of their departure telling them that their only option is suddenly available. NJ Pet Sitters employs systems and routines, along with a safety net of multiple pet sitters and dog walkers to provide customers with the worry-free service that they deserve. A quality pet sitting company allows pet owners to be stress-free, and makes their lives easier. When considering whether to use an individual dog walker or pet sitter as opposed to an organization, remember that you need the provider to be there for you when you need them the most!

Pet Sitter of the Month for October 2010

Dana

DANA  is the EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH FOR OCTOBER 2010!   Dana jumped right in on last-minute calls from clients, and helped out her peers as well.  On a Friday night, one of our current clients called  and needed emergency visits, but his current sitter was unavailable.  She dropped everything to go meet him and his 2 German Shepherds, and she started the visits the very next morning!  If you have ever met Dana, you know that she is always positive, and there is always a smile on her face.  She also provided coverage on Halloween weekend for overnight sits so that the regular sitter could enjoy the special holiday with family.   Her attention to detail and willingness to go above-and-beyond help NJ Pet Sitters to deliver the best pet sitting and dog walking in North Jersey!

North Jersey Animal Attacks on the Rise

Numerous reports have emerged recently of coyote attacks on small animals that many keep as pets – including dogs and cats.   What is most disturbing is that nothing is being done about this.   As construction in Northern New Jersey increases, the land where wild animals live such as bears and coyotes is disappearing.   Through displacement of their “normal” environment, these animals seek shelter and hunt by different means in new places.   For all pet owners this is their worst fear realized…their pets and loved ones could become their prey.

For pet owners in the Smoke Rise complex in Kinnelon, New Jersey there is cause for alarm.  Last week, a pet Pug was killed right in its own backyard by a coyote. By the time Sandra Lopez went outside to check on her dog’s screams, she found Elsie in the mouth of a vicious coyote.   Elsie’s remains were found later in a nearby neighborhood by a maintenance crew, and police were dispatched for an investigation. Unfortunately this is not the first occurrence, and will most likely not be the last.   Other occurrences have been reported in Smoke Rise, however most have not been substantiated by finding remains.  Last August, a small dog was killed in Sparta, and some animals have gone missing recently in Mountain Lakes.  Please be sure to take caution and use judgment when leaving your pets unattended outside. This will be especially critical in the coming months as food becomes scarce for these displaced predators.   While many criticize the wild animals and particularly the coyotes, they are simply acting on their natural instincts of survival.  This is of little consolation to the owners of their victims though.

One option for worried pet owners is to utilize a pet sitter for dog walking and exercise.  Owners may choose not to do this themselves due to the coming Winter’s cold.   Coyotes are afraid of people, and a pet sitter is a good guardian to have as a protector for your loved ones.    In addition, if you have indoor/outdoor cats, please think twice before allowing them to continue roaming outside.  Whatever you do as pet owners, remember to take every precaution to ensure your loved ones are safe in these difficult times.

Tips for Halloween With Your Pets

Helpful tips from NJ Pet Sitters for Halloween enjoyment and festivities with your fur kids (and the less-hairy kind):

  1. Keep dogs and cats in a separate area without access to the main entrance/front door to avoid scaring trick-or-treaters or your pets.  In addition, this will prevent your pets from possibly running outside while you least expect it.
  2. Do not bring dogs with you while trick-or-treating to avoid scaring other children walking around or the owners of the houses that you stop by.
  3. Keep outdoor cats indoors for a few day before Halloween to avoid potential problems with pranksters (especially black cats).
  4. Any Halloween costumes for your pets should be loose-fitting and not have any small parts that may be ingested.
  5. Do not share any candy with your pets, especially chocolate, and be sure to instruct your children to do the same.  Candy and especially chocolate can be lethal to pets because of its poisonous nature to them.
  6. Jack-O-Lanterns are dangerous if they contain lit candles inside, so be sure to pay extra attention to your pets’ location and proximity to them.
  7. ID tags or collars should be worn at all times in case your pet does escape from the house, so it can be properly identified and hopefully returned.

Remember these tips while enjoying Halloween, and be sure to collect lots of goodies!