Pet Sitting, Dog Day Care, Boarding & Walks

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. The service we provide most often is our "socialization session." This sessions consists of pick-up and drop-off from Pooch's house to their very own customized field-trip! Some days we visit the park with their favorite doggie pals, other days they get to explore different parks or trails within the city. Some very special days we even go to a dog beach or on a hike. The socialization session is a favorite because the variety each day not only provides sufficient physical exercise but is also mental stimulation - and believe it or not - mental stimulation is more tiring to your dog than physical exercise!

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Take your time when finding someone to care for your pet! Make sure you understand your pet's needs clearly so that you can communicate them to your pet's potential new friend.
I always like to know what commands you use with your pet. Every family develops a sort of "language" unique to them, so a translation does help!

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. There are many simple tricks to having a well behaved pooch. Most owners love our tips and tricks to simplify their routine and have a happier and more responsive pet. We often provide a free or low cost session once we've gotten to know a new pet to offer great advice and words of wisdom to pet's families.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. Potential Itchy Paw's families should have in mind how often their pet might benefit from our services. If the service is for a vacation, it would be most helpful to know the exact dates of travel.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. Itchy Paws is an owner operated pets services company. We always go above and beyond to leave your pet happy, safe, tired and LOVED!

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. We love running our own company and of course being in the company of wonderful animals while getting to know their awesome families. We also get to be outdoors every day, and each day is a different adventure!

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. Most pet families ask us how long we've been caring for pets (our whole lives!). We've been a fully professional company since mid-2009 and we are so happy to have grown into our full time status!

Q. Do you have a favorite story from your work?

A. Our favorite story is the "shy dog" story. We often get calls from pet-parents who need to leave their shy doggie behind for a few days. When they come back they are surprised and shocked to see that their "shy dog" now has made a few best-pooch-friends! Sometimes what appears to be aggression is just fear and a type of self-protective tactic. We understand this behavior and nurture the dog's confidence around friendly and non-threatening dogs. These positive experiences open your doggies' eyes to a world of friends and dog park visits! Try booking our socialization services if you are not going out of town for the same results.

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. Customer's should know that pet care is not just for the rich and famous! Investing in specialized care for your pet does pay off in many ways. With specialized attention for your pets, they are less stressed, better exercised, friendlier to other dogs and strangers and more responsive to commands. Who wouldn't want to come home to a happy pet every day?

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. Cynthia and Stefanie decided to open Itchy Paws when friends and family wouldn't stop asking us to help with their pets! We knew this was a good sign. Life without pets is no fun, and leaving for work each day to a pet-free environment was not something we wanted either.

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. Yes! Itchy Paws is always learning more about petcare and pet related issues. We feel it's important, not only for ourselves, but to share this information with pet families.

Q. What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?

A. The pet services field is growing! As more pets are living in urban settings, and schedules fill up quickly, most families will find that an extra hand or two is absolutely necessary to provide the best lifestyle for a happy balanced pet.