Pet-Sitting Blog

2011 York County Dog License

by Carrie Trimmer on 01/03/11

It's that time of year of York, PA again - time to purchase a 2011 dog license! State law requires all dogs over the age of three months to be licensed.  Licenses are available through the mail or at authorized agent locations.  You can purchase a yearly license for your dog or a lifetime license, although lifetime licenses are issued only at the county treasurer's office and your dog must be tattooed or microchipped.  The yearly dog license fees range from $4.45 to $8.45, with discounts given to senior citizens. This is a small price to pay to avoid a costly fine!

Tips for Hiring a Professional Pet Sitter

by Carrie Trimmer on 03/21/10

So you've finally booked that well-deserved vacation and now it's time to find dependable pet care for your furry family members.  There are many terrific options available these days and professional in-home pet sitting is among the most convenient.  Finding someone who is experienced and trustworthy may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be.  Follow the simple steps below and you'll be well on your way to a stress-free vacation in no time!

  • Ask friends, family and neighbors for recommendations.  The people that we know can be a great source for referrals when looking for a pet sitting professional.  Although pet sitting seems to be a new thing, it's really not, so many of your acquaintances may already have experience with one.  And don't stop at just your family and friends, ask your other pet service providers such as your groomer or Veterinarian.  These knowledgeable professionals often have tons of great contacts and resources.
  • Look for insured providers.  One of the factors that separate the professionals from the people just "looking to make a little extra money" is liability insurance.  True pet care professionals will go the extra mile (and expense) to purchase this coverage to protect them and you. 
  • Check references.  The best source of information about any pet-sitter is the clients that have already used their service.  If a pet-sitter does not offer references, just ask.  Professional pet-sitters will usually have a list already compiled of clients who have agreed to speak about their experiences with them.  After you receive their list of references, don't be afraid to call.  These people were once in your shoes and will give you honest feedback from the pet owners' perspective.
  • Keep interviewing until you're comfortable.  You will want to meet face to face with anyone you are considering for the position of temporary caregiver of your precious pets.  If you are not comfortable with someone you've met, keep looking.  There are a lot of really great, caring professionals out there.  Finding a perfect match is essential to having peace of mind while you're away from your pets.

Share/Bookmark