Not Your Typical Pet Sitter

At Play Time Pet Care we do things a little different than most pet sitters.  It's important to know why it's better to hire a professional pet sitter over the kid next door.  Let's face it...pet sitting is more than just slappin' some food and fresh water on the floor.

As a professional pet sitter in Mesa, AZ it is my passion and full time job to care for your pets while  you are away.  My staff and I have dedicated ourselves to keeping abreast of what is popular and new in the pet professional industry.  We have great relationships with our Veterinarians whom we call on and they are gladly willing to answer any questions we may have.  We are trained to know how to PROPERLY care for all types of pets, not just dogs.  We are pet CPR & First Aid Certified and have completed a rigorous accreditation course through the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters.  We have back up plans in case there is some type of family or client emergency.  Bottom line is...we are here for your pets, no matter what.  Not only do we feed and water your pets, but we give kisses and belly rubs and play with them while we are there.  We also provide home watching services that include watering indoor plants, checking the mail and removing front door advertisements, just to name a few.  All in an effort to make your home appear lived in while you are gone.

It may be fun and cute and CHEAP to hire the kid next door to care for your beloved pets while you are away, but cheaper doesn't mean better.  It may be a fun idea for the kid next door to accept the job, after all, what a quick and easy $20 bucks, right?  What happens when the honeymoon wears off half way through your vacation and the kid doesn't want to feed your pets anymore?  Or their friends invited him over for a pajama party and he would rather do that than feed your dog?  What happens if they forget to administer your pets much needed medication?  Will the kid next door go out of their way to make sure the scared kitty that hides in the closet is still home, healthy and safe and sound?  If something goes terribly wrong, will you still remain friends with your neighbor? You do still need to live next door to each other, don't you?

There is a lot to take into consideration when planning an out of town trip.  If you love your neighbors, you will hire a professional rather than potentially ruin a great relationship. Play Time Pet Care may not be the cheapest option.  Just remember, you get what you pay for.

Call us today if you are looking for your fur-ever pet sitter.  We are here for you today, tomorrow and fur-ever!  480-292-9735

Who Are You? You Fabulous Pet Sitter You

Who is the founder of Play Time Pet Care?  

Jenna Trethewey, that's me...to the left.  I am a fun loving yet serious individual who knows when it's play time and when it's time to take life a little more seriously.  I am happily married with no kids and thoroughly love my life.

Some things that I like:

• The beach / ocean
• Traveling
• Meeting new pets
• Food, food and more food!
• Learning
• Change...weird, right?
• MY 3 DOGS
• Hangin' with my hubby and my friends

Some previous job positions I have held:

• Restaurant Manager / GM
• Administrative Assistant at an Assisted Living Residential Care Facility caring for traumatic brain injured adults
• Realtor
• Managing Broker for a small real estate office

Why did I start Play Time Pet Care?

I started Play Time Pet Care because I am passionate for pets.  I have always known I wanted to be in business for myself, it was just a matter of figuring out what my passion was.  It wasn't until my husband and I took a trip to Hawaii did I realize what I was truly passionate about.  My father-in-law traveled to Mesa, AZ from California to stay with our dogs while we were on vacation.  This was the first time I had been able to go away and not worry about how my dogs were being taken care of.  When we got home I just knew I had to spread the word to everyone else.  

What kind of dogs do I have?

Nugget - Cocker Spaniel

Magic - Golden Retriever

Daisy - Golden Retriever

These are my dogs!  I love them to pieces...they are the best friends and companions anyone could ask for.  I spoil them like they were my children...yes, I am one of "those". Nugget is the newest addition to our furry family.  He is so sweet and cuddly.  He makes me laugh everyday.

What about your staff?

The pet sitters I hire are carefully hand picked by me.  They go through a rigorous interview process to ensure they are a good fit.  I only hire compassionate, caring people whom I would feel comfortable taking care of my dogs.  

If you are looking for your fur-ever pet sitter, someone who will love your pets as if they were their own, look no further.  Give us a call today to schedule your meet and greet.  480-292-9735

Dog Walking Adventures in East Mesa

Let me set the scene for you:

New dog walking client is a Dalmatian.  She is used to being walked on a retractable leash and leading the pet parent to where ever she wants to go.  Sound familiar to anyone?  Dalmatians are stubborn breeds to begin with and let me tell you...this one has a stubborn streak in her that is unbelievable!  Imagine seeing a cute little blonde girl standing on the corner holding a leash stretched out as far as it could possibly be with a Dalmatian at the end of it stretching her head and in the sitting position determined not to go in the direction of the walker.  Pretty funny huh?  Imagine driving by 10 minutes later with the same scene on the sidewalk, not moving an inch.  Even funnier, huh?

This was the experience I had the first time Shanti and I ever walked together.  This happened a couple more times before I explained what was going on to mom.  Mom thought it was hilarious!  As I'm sure most people would.  However funny it is, it is also quite frustrating.  Here I am, trying to walk this dog because she is over weight and doesn't pay attention to mom when mom is trying to walk her and we waste so much time because Shanti doesn't want to go in the direction I am taking her.

Well, guess what Shanti.  I'm a stubborn mule as well and darn it...it's my way or no way!  After not getting very far with Shanti I asked mom if I could take her out of the neighborhood, away from where she is most comfortable, so I can at least attempt to train her on how to walk properly on a leash.  Mom agreed and thought it a good idea.

The next time Shanti and I went for a walk I put her in my car (which she LOVES, by the way) and we went to a park down the street.  Shanti had never been there before so she didn't know what to expect.  PERFECT!  Now is my time to show her what I expect from her.

Our first walk outside the neighborhood was like heaven!  She did so well and only sat down a couple of times and it wasn't for very long at all.  I was able to get her going in no time.  Now, after several visits to the new walking spot, Shanti has completely turned around.  We are walking together, side by side and she is so happy to see me when I get to her house.  

We will need a little more practice, but the next step...try walking in the neighborhood again.  What will happen?  Will she revert back to her old habits?  Or will she use what she has learned and walk appropriately?

Tune in for another update!

BTW - If you are looking for someone to exercise or train your dog how to behave appropriately on a leash, give us a call.  We LOVE challenges and are more than happy to lend a hand!  480-292-9735.


Update - Part II
Follow this link for part II of the story:

http://playtimepetcare.blogspot.com/2011/04/dog-walking-adventures-in-east-mesa.html

How Do I Exercise My Dog During Arizona Summers?

Exercising with Fido can be tricky during the Arizona summer months.  It's too hot in the middle of the day for your pet sitter to exercise him during his potty break and the sun doesn't go down until late in the evening leaving you to exercise Fido pretty close to bed time. So, unless you are able, and let's be honest, willing, to get up bright and early to take Fido out for his daily exercise the summer months can be rough for both you and your dog.

Well, how hot is too hot to take Fido for a walk?  There is a simple test you can do to tell if it's too hot for Fido to go for a walk.  Walk outside on the sidewalk barefoot...if you can't stand there for more than 3 seconds without burning your feet, it's too hot for Fido.  Your pets pads can and will burn from hot cement and pavement.  There is also the added element of heat exhaustion.  Your dog cools himself by panting.  If he can't stop panting, that is a sign of heat exhaustion.  You will need to take the necessary steps to cool your pet down, because heat exhaustion is fatal.

As a pet sitter and dog walker, it is my responsibility to know how to exercise and stimulate your pet when it's too hot to be outside for long periods of time.  Here are just a few tricks I have up my sleeve...