Welcome to our Blog. From time to time we create articles covering a range of pet topics or share news and information about Dragonfly Pet Concierge.
It's that time of year again when bookings for the Christmas period start to come in from new Clients, with some of our regular Clients already having booked up-to a year in advance. One of the questions we always get asked in the months leading up to December is if we work on Christmas Day. We are please to let everyone know that we have always worked on Christmas Day, so leaving your pets at home whilst you enjoy your festivities is nothing to worry about. Of course, this is an exceptionally busy period for us. Over the years we have seen a huge increase in people going away over Christmas. Spaces are limited.
We are supporting the Manchester Homeless Shoebox Appeal by donating Dog items (treats, toys, blankets etc.) for the homeless who have dogs. To keep upto date or find out how you can help please see our Facebook Page.
*A further entry can be made with or without a booking by following the instructions on our Santa Paws Competition Facebook post. Facebook entry open from 25th October 2018. Draw will take place on 24th December 2018 with results posted on Facebook.
On Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, the 27th, New Years Eve and New Years Day (24th-27th and 31st-1st inclusive, which are peak days), we operate a Utilitarian system (greatest good for the greatest number of people), and as such, can only offer one visit per Client on these days. This is unique to this time of year and has been successful over the last 8 years. Due to demand it is important we can offer care to as many pets as possible in our hours of operation as this helps so many of you enjoy your holiday with friends and family at this special time of year. Our Christmas Visits are designed to allow more clients to enjoy their Christmas Holidays in the knowledge that their pets are safe and cared for in the loving environment of their own home.
Contact us as soon as possible with your dates and area/post code so that we can check availability for Christmas Visits against existing bookings. Our prices only vary for the holiday period and we will provide a full quotation for your consideration should a space be available for you. Peak days, as in the last 8 years, are charged at a flat fee of £24. Our Facebook page will have the latest news about availability so feel free to join us on there with our community of over 1300 fellow animal lovers!
One of our main areas for Cat Sitting is South Manchester. We are able to offer our specialist cat sitting service to Didsbury, Chorlton, Burnage and Withington as a loving stay-at-home alternative to catteries.
For more information you may wish to visit our dedicated cat sitting website Cat Sitting Manchester (www.catsittingmanchester.co.uk) which explains more about the services we offer in the Didsbury, Chorlton, Burnage and Withington area.
Professional pet sitters do much more than provide your pet with food and water while you’re away from home. A good pet sitter also spends time with your pet, gives exercise or cuddles, and knows how to tell if your pet needs veterinary attention. What’s more, pet sitters typically offer additional services, such as bringing in wheelie bins, watering plants, turning lights on and off, and providing homes with a lived-in look that goes a long way to deter unwanted crime.
Below are some things to consider when choosing a pet sitter.
Pet Sitting is an enjoyable job that a lot of people would like to do. This can lead to many businesses being set up in this area with people who do not understand the huge time commitment that the job can demand and as a result businesses are closed down only a few months after starting up. It is important to look into how long your chosen pet sitter has been established as the longer they have been running means they are more experienced and usually have a better understanding of exactly what pet sitting entails. It also allows you to build a relationship with your chosen pet sitter so that each time you have to leave your pets in their care you can be assured that they will be looked after well, allowing you to enjoy your holiday with peace of mind.
Pet sitters who have been looking after animals for a long time have usually come across almost every situation at some point in time. This can range from medical emergencies with your pets, emergencies or accidents in your home and even severe weather such as snow. Knowing that your chosen pet sitter can cope well should such things arise is vital when leaving both pets and your homes in their care. A pet sitter should know who your animal’s chosen veterinarian is, or have their own vet on hand if your pets are not registered anywhere close by, and know of any existing and past medical conditions that may need to be monitored with your pets. Your sitter should also be able to handle any unforeseen events that may happen to your home such as a burst pipe or a break in. Having experience in these matters can make a big difference in reducing the worry to yourself whilst you are away from home. Weather can also play a big part in the daily life of a pet sitter, from ensuring that animals stay cool in hot weather to making sure that they can get themselves to your home even if the weather is bad, such as snow and especially if you yourself are facing travel delays. Having a pet sitter who is committed to not letting you down with visits is very important.
There are many agencies who offer pet sitters who work on a part time basis or are self-listed, often they have other jobs outside of pet care. This can mean that your chosen pet sitter may have other commitments during the day or it may even mean that your pet is not visited by the same sitter each day. This can lead to increased nervousness with some animals who are already unsure of being left alone. Having one sitter who visits not only each day throughout the booking period but on each subsequent booking can help a relationship to grow between your pets and your pet sitter. Knowing that your animals have a bond with your sitter will help you to feel more relaxed about leaving them and will help a pet sitter to spot any changes in behaviour that someone who is unfamiliar with the pet may not notice so quickly. Handing over the keys to your home is also a huge area of trust and knowing that pet sitting is the full time job/income of the person can help you to feel assured that they will take good care of your home and carry out your wishes exactly as you would want them, without being distracted by other jobs. Having one sitter also means that your keys and security information are not being passed through multiple people.
Pet sitting is not a regulated industry – this means that a pet sitter isn’t required to be insured. Unfortunately, accidents can happen and you want to make sure you are using an insured provider. Knowing that your sitter has public liability insurance, insurance to cover the loss of your keys and even insurance to cover vet bills of a sick pet if needed can be an important factor when decided who will be looking after your pets and your home.
Because pet sitters visit your home they have the added benefit of helping to make your home looked lived in whilst you are away by opening and closing curtains, turning lights and TV’s on and off and even putting your wheelie bins out on the correct days. These benefits can be negated however if your pet sitter turns up in a vehicle that has their business logo and details on the side. Anyone who may be observant will notice that a pet sitter is coming into your home each day and will work out that you are more than likely away on holiday and that your property is empty when the pet sitter’s vehicle is not parked outside. Choosing a pet sitter who does not have vehicle signage can mean that they are able to come and go from your home each day without being noticed and give your home the appearance that you are still there and that the property is occupied.
Pets rely on us and owners to keep them cool during warm weather. Even here in the UK we get heatwaves and warm spells, so here are a few hints and tips to help keep your pets cool this Summer.
If your pets are outside, make sure there is access to a cool or shady area at all times of the day - remember as the sun moves areas of shade will change. If it gets too hot you may need to bring them indoors altogether.
Make sure to keep an eye on your pet when they are outside, as when animals are thirsty they will drink anything – including liquids like Antifreeze which is toxic to animals and from dirty water sources.
Offer your pet plenty of fresh water, possibly in a few bowls just in case one is accidentally knocked over.
Animals can get sunburn too, so apply sunscreen to the nose and ears of pale coloured cats and dogs – if in doubt please ask your local veterinary practice for advice.
Remember for any pet that is kept inside; ensure that the room is cool and well ventilated. It may be necessary to close the curtains and open a window if there is a breeze.
Remember to take plenty of water when you go out for a walk. There are various collapsible and lightweight options for travel water bowls which can be used.
Grooming your dog is important in the summer months, especially for long-haired breeds, to get rid of matts and tangles. A tangle-free coat will protect your pet’s delicate skin and help to keep them cool. Plus, if your pet’s coat is dirty and matted then you run the risk of flies laying their eggs and becoming maggots. Some breeds may need their coats trimming to keep them comfortable. Ask a professional groomer for advice.
There are toys available which help to keep pets cool when playing. Available from all good pet stores you soak them in water then freeze until needed. See pictures below of Willow and Crumpet enjoying their watermelon toy! (These toys retail for around £5.99).
Dogs also enjoy supervised playtime in paddling pools. Although there are 'special' pet versions available the classic plastic shell type we all know from childhood is a good and cheaper option.
Make homemade cooling treats by making ice cubes with your dog’s favourite food inside or stuff a Kong (our absolute favourite dog toy) and pop it in the freezer.
Cats don't tend to like putting their head into water bowls so it is best to keep them topped up to the rim or use a cat water fountain.
Another essential tip is to provide water away from feeding bowls. This is due to a cats wild instinct that water near their kill could be contaminated. Cats prefer to seek out water away from their food source.
The above map shows (if viewing on a PC) every area we cover. All the area names shown in the map are covered by Dragonfly Pet Concierge. The northern border of our map is Middleton, the southern is Cheadle and Wythenshawe. We go as far to the west as Stretford and Sale and as far to the east as Oldham, Ashton-under-Lyne and Hyde. Meaning any areas in between such as Didsbury, Chorlton, Droylsden, Salford (inc. Media City & Salford Quays), Gorton, Failsworth, Chadderton etc. are all areas we operate.
As you might know, Wilbur is fed a tailor-made blend made just for him by tails.com and it's going really well. We just wanted to recommend you give it a try if you're one of our doggie clients. You can try it free for 2 weeks with our unique code - just pay £1 for delivery.
Wilbur has been fed his special blend from Tails since April 2016. We love that the food is delivered so he never runs out (and we don't have to carry heavy bags of food), there is even a handy measure scoop which means Wilbur gets the right amount of his food at each meal. We have also been using the dental sticks recently developed by Tails which have been an ideal daily treat with the bonus that Wilbur's teeth are kept clean and healthy.
As standard we offer a 10% Discount to pet sitting bookings made at least 4 months in advance as this helps us to manage our bookings more effectively.
One of the best ways we can manage our diary is by having advanced bookings, this then allows us to accept last minute bookings from those who are in areas with existing bookings. By planning our routes in advance we can minimise the travel between the bookings we accept. This is why most of our existing Clients will book many months in advance. We are happy to offer a discount to these bookings.
Please note we are unable to offer a discount on sleepovers, 24h care, any booking made for 4 days or less or any bookings made for the months of June/July/August/September. All other months are included in the discount including Christmas Bookings. All bookings must be made 4 or more months in advance.