Animal Hoarding

Our Free Consultations are typically done 24-48 hours before travel so the pets remember us and the details discussed at the meeting are current. We have, unfortunately, encountered several animal hoarding situations that have caused us to adopt the policy that we reserve the right to refuse service to any pets kept in an unhealthy situation.

Unhealthy Conditions We've Encountered

Our pet sitters are emotionally drained when they are unable to provide our level of care to the pets in their charge. They have stayed longer than scheduled to clean as much as possible but when animal feces are all over the house and the cleaning supplies are limited they are forced to leave the animals in only slightly better conditions than when they entered the home. 

This is not to say that all homes with many pets will be refused. On the contrary! We have had many clients over the years with a variety of pets, a collection of cats, breeding show dogs and all sorts of livestock. It is not uncommon for us to care for a dozen or more animals at one home. 

The deciding factor for refusal of service is the health of the animals and the environment in which they are kept. Cages, litter boxes, corrals and kennels as well as food and water bowls must be clean. The home doesn't have to be clean but it must be free of animal feces. If you have any questions about your situation just give us a call and we'll talk about it!

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Plant Watering Service

What do you do if you have plants that need to be watered when you travel? You'll be happy to know that we offer a plant watering service! Not all of our clients have pets, some of them just have plants. Each summer when those clients travel they call on us to take loving care of their plants and gardens.

No job is too big or too small. The plants pictured belong to a client who has 72 potted plants throughout her back yard! Whether you have a large vegetable garden, outdoor flower gardens, potted plants on your patio or a few indoor houseplants, we will take expert care of them.

We have been called upon to water an exotic orchid collection (ok, this one caused us stress with the delicate nature of the species, the humidifier and lighting but they were fine!), harvest vegetables while watering a large garden, give precise amounts of water for pots that don't drain and take care of hundreds of potted plants over the years. Our Green Thumb Specialists are always up for the assignments!

  

Fun Things To Do With Your Dog This Summer

Goodbye Spring, Hello Summer!

As the desert heats up in May you may be thinking it is too hot for dog activities. While it's true there are a lot of things you shouldn't do there is still plenty of fun to be had in the great outdoors with our furry friends!

Swimming! If you have a pool and some favorite toys that float your dog can have a blast learning to swim. Sure, it might take some coaxing but with a bit of patience you can help your dog overcome resistance to discover the sheer joy of splashing about. There are lots of videos on YouTube that will help you teach your dog how to safely get in and out of the pool. Lab and Golden parents have a head start!

Lake and River Outings! Just because we're in the desert doesn't mean we can't enjoy water in nature. The San Pedro river has several popular spots (Charleston Road and Hereford Road) where leashed dogs can frolic in the water. We also have Parker Canyon Lake and Patagonia Lake relatively close by. With a retractable or long leash and some sticks you have a party waiting to happen.

Hiking in the Pines! A drive to the top of Carr Canyon transports you to pine country where the temperature is at least 10 degrees cooler and there are well-maintained hiking paths for leashed dogs to enjoy nature at its finest. For a day trip you can head over to the Chiricahuas where you'll find spectacular views around every bend for you and your canine companions to explore.

Remember to always take plenty of fresh water for yourself and your dogs, poop bags and towels (damp towels make excellent cooling mats for the car or when resting) and watch out for snakes and other wildlife.