It is very important to consider pets as family members. A pet dog has to be given attention, and this is a time consuming activity. In some cases a dog owner may not have time to spend with dogs and to care about the pet dog. There are a number of dog care agencies that provide the solution in such situations. A dog owner can easily locate the addresses of dog care agencies in their area from the newspapers, Internet or directories.
Dog care agencies offer services such as pet sitting, house sitting and daily dog walks. Some agencies provide a service of daily emails to the owner to give messages on how the dog is doing. Dog care services typically employ pet sitters who are pet lovers and provide the best care and lots of love and attention.
Many of these great services will visit your home and care for your dog. Services include providing your pet with fresh food and water, bathing, brushing and walking. The agency will also give medications and vitamins to your pet, and arrange for medical treatment in case the pet has a serious illness.
Some pet care agencies offer special packages that make it easier to accept shorter notice reservation requests for periodical care at home. In such cases, the pet care agency requires two sets of the house keys. One set is picked up at the initial visit to an owner's home when the sitter gets acquainted with the pet. The other is held for emergency situations when the regular sitter cannot make it to the owner's home for some reason or other.
Most pet care agencies offer quality standards and professional service. They have a veterinarian, available on call twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. If the veterinarian available is to far away from your home, the agency will assist you in finding one close.
If the pet owner can find some time to take care his/her dog it is important to consider the following ideas.
- Outfit your dog with a collar and ID tag that includes your name, address, and telephone number.
- No matter how careful you are, there's a chance your companion may become lost—an ID tag greatly increases the chance that your pet will be returned home safely.
- Follow local laws for licensing your dog and vaccinating him for rabies.local animal shelter or humane society for information regarding legal requirements, where to obtain tags, and where to have your pet vaccinated.
- Follow this simple rule—off property, on leash. Even a dog with a valid license, rabies tag, and ID tag should not be allowed to roam outside of your home or fenced yard. It is best for you, your community, and your dog to keep your pet under control at all times.
- Give your dog proper shelter. A fenced yard with a doghouse is a bonus, especially for large and active dogs; however, dogs should never be left outside alone or for extended periods of time. Dogs need and crave companionship and should spend most of their time inside with their family.
- Take your dog to the veterinarian for regular check-ups. If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter or a pet-owning friend for a referral and check out our information on choosing a veterinarian.
- Spay or neuter your dog. Dogs who have this routine surgery tend to live longer, be healthier, and have fewer behavior problems (e.g., biting, running away). By spaying or neutering your dog, you are also doing your part to reduce the problem of pet overpopulation.
- Give your pooch a nutritionally balanced diet, including constant access to fresh water. Ask your veterinarian for advice on what and how often to feed your pet.
- Enroll your dog in a training class. Positive training will allow you to control your companion's behavior safely and humanely, and the experience offers a terrific opportunity to enhance the bond you share with your dog. Check out our information on choosing a dog trainer.
- Give your dog enough exercise to keep him physically fit (but not exhausted). Most dog owners find that playing with their canine companion, along with walking him twice a day, provides sufficient exercise. If you have questions about the level of exercise appropriate for your dog, consult your veterinarian.
- Be loyal to and patient with your faithful companion. Make sure the expectations you have of your dog are reasonable and remember that the vast majority of behavior problems can be solved. If you are struggling with your pet's behavior, contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter for advice, and check out The HSUS' Pets for Life campaign information.
