Your pets best friend next to you

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

A. Being knowledgeable about the animals in our care is important, and it is equally important to get to know them and you as a pet parent on a personal level.

Looking for a caregiver who sees your pet as a living being with individual needs as well as someone who is willing to do what it takes to ease your mind as a pet parent will do more good than looking for someone with a list of certifications. Memberships and certifications show involvement in the field, which is always a good idea, yet the most important thing is to find someone who understands your pet and your love for them.

Pet owners feel about their pets the way that parents feel about their children. We want them loved, well fed, protected, and taught to be obedient and polite. Having the mindset that animals are a part of a family as any other member of the family is the first step to proper pet care.

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

A. We care for and protect our guests as our own pets. Those that schedule our B&B service enjoy their stay in our home with us not in a cage, learn manners to help them get along well with other animals and with humans, learn the rules of the house along with our own pets, and we cannot imagine life without them.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I enjoy easing the minds of pet owners who seek a safety-conscious and loving pet care provider. Pet care is much more than making sure that an animal is fed and has fresh water. It is about building a relationship of trust both with the animals in your care, and their families.

There is nothing better than spending time with someone who trusts and loves you unconditionally.

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

A. One question that is asked often is how meal time is handled. We make sure that dogs are fed separately so that they do not have to be protective of their space or food. We take care of that for them so that they can eat in peace.

Many pet owners show concern over the safety of their pets while away from home. Working to help cause community awareness of missing animals, we are very aware of the dangers to those lost and wandering. To ensure their safety in an unfamiliar area, we do not allow dogs off leash even if they are off leash at home knowing that they may run to find you.

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

A. There are many warm, wonderful, and funny stories to share about the animals with whom we are able to bond. It is such a good feeling to be able to watch an animal go from being timid and afraid to playful and confident. The best story that can be told is that our Marley came to us as a client! Our dog Buddy passed away, Marley was looking for a home, and he is now a member of our family.

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

A. I have owned and cared for animals for most of my life at all stages of life from raising a puppy and small caged animals to caring for elderly pets. Experienced with pets with special needs whether the need be related to age, illness, injury, anxiety, or socialization. Becoming a Pet Care Professional only made sense (after a little nudge from my sister-in-law).

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

A. I am constantly checking out what other providers are doing, as well as learning all that I can about animal behavior, pet safety, nutrition, first aid, training, and current legislation concerning animals. I also feel that it is important to keep an open mind, learn new things, and pass that knowledge along to others.