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Take Your Pet To Work Week

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No matter whether you are back in the office or still working from home, you can participate in Take Your Pet To Work Week June 20-24th. 

Created in 1999 by Pet Sitters International (PSI) to highlight dog companionship and to encourage adoptions, Take Your Dog To Work Day has grown. What was once a single Friday event just for dogs has expanded to a weeklong event that includes cats. 

Monday, June 20th, get out your hashtags and kitties and #takeyourcattoworkday. PSI will share their favorites photos from the submissions they receive.

For the rest of the week, head over to PSI’s Facebook and Instagram pages and take part in their Take Your Dog To Work Week activities.

If you need to participate virtually, ideas can be located at www.petsit.com/takeyourdog.

If you are bringing your pet into work, PSI recommends a few things to make the process work well:

  • Get permission first.
  • Keep your pet comfortable.
  • Don’t force your pet on your coworkers.
  • Have an exit strategy if your pet isn’t feeling the office. 
  • Have a purpose, i.e. involve a shelter or rescue to fully realize the impact of the day.

No matter how your participate, have a good time. And feel free to post your pictures on our social media or tag us in addition to PSI. We love seeing our friends online and in person!

Take A Walk In the Park Day Is March 30th

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March 30th is designated as Take A Walk In the Park Day! We can’t think of a better way to spend your outdoor saunter than by checking out a nearby park.

When we walk our dogs, we often stick to the same routes, the same times, and sometimes are so thoroughly in a routine that we don’t notice all the things around us. Even our dogs can get in a rut and refuse to budge from a pre-determined route.

But on March 30th, or any day really, you can mix things up. Pack up your pet and venture over to a tree-filled park or wooded area and take an adventure. You get the benefits of being fully present (consider turning off the phone or at least setting it on silent) and allow your dog to engage all of their olfactory cells. 

The benefits are two fold. You get the proven scientific benefits of being immersed in a tree-filled location. In as little as 20-30 minutes this can decease your blood pressure (and likely your stress levels). Your pet will be exercising their noses and their legs and probably will be pretty tuckered out when you return home. Who doesn’t love a tired pet?

Maybe you’ll discover a new favorite location for your walks on a summer evening or weekend. Maybe you’ll meet a new friend, canine or human. Either way, let March 30th be an opportunity to try out a new park and see if you feel better after a good walk there! Let us know how it goes.

Hey! Does Your Dog Bite?

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The answer to that question, I’ve learned the hard way, is always yes! Which isn’t to say that our dogs are out to bite down on any human in sight! Rather, it is something to be especially aware of in the age of pandemic pets.

The second week in April is Dog Bite Prevention Week. So, let’s talk about ways to minimize or prevent a bite wound. 

Dogs have a limited number of mechanisms to communicate to humans when they are uncomfortable. Most of their cues are nonverbal and humans aren’t always well versed in the language. Once they move to growling, the typical follow-up (if that doesn’t work) is a snap or lunge or a bite.  [Read more…] about Hey! Does Your Dog Bite?

Things To Know About Pet Diabetes Month

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Did you know that your pet could develop diabetes? If not, don’t beat yourself up. Most people are not aware that this could afflict their pets. 
According to Merrick Animal Health:
 
“Diabetes affects anywhere between 1 in 100 to 1 in 500 dogs and cats. The number of dogs diagnosed with the condition has tripled during the past 30 years. Risk factors that may contribute to the development of diabetes include age (middle-aged to older dogs and cats are more susceptible), genetics, breed and obesity.”
So, what should you look for? What are the signs?
  • Lethargy
  • Increased thirst
  • Frequent urination
There are a number of resources available for you if you think your pet may be exhibiting signs of diabetes. You can download a handy checklist; you can download a pet diabetes handbook; or a pet sitter checklist.  If you think you might have a diabetic pet on your hands, take this quick quiz and make an appointment with your veterinarian right away. 

 

 

 

New Year, New Floofins Goals

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A new year is an opportunity to start fresh. A chance to reevaluate where you’ve been and plan for new goals and directions. 

For Floofins & Co. founder, Kristin Skelton, 2020 is not just any year. On April 1st, her suburban dog walking company will celebrate 10 years in business. In addition to that milestone, Floofins & Co. was selected as the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2020 Business of the Year!

If you think about the times you most need pet care service you can understand the challenges that come from high volume work during holidays and prime vacation periods. Further, everyone has a story about a time something went wrong when they left their pet to the care of someone else. Which means staffing choices are paramount to success. [Read more…] about New Year, New Floofins Goals