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Now Servicing: Mesa, Gilbert, Apache Junction, Gold Canyon and San Tan Valley

Mesa Pet Sitter Provides QUALITY Pet Services



It’s been said that “…we help make people’s dreams come true.” This is the exact reason I started my pet sitting business. When you work hard for your money and you take time to re-energize you should be able to do that with peace of mind, knowing your pets will be well taken care of.



What is ‘Quality’ pet sitting? You know you’ve experience quality pet sitting when you’re away from home and you aren’t worried about the care your pet(s) are receiving.



Mesa Pet Sitter Provides Holiday Pet Sitting



Let Your Pets Stay Safe At Home This Holiday Season!

If you are making travel plans this holiday season it's a great idea to have a pet sitter visit your pet(s) while you are gone.  There are many beneficial reasons to hire a pet sitter.  Pet Sitters at Play Time Pet Care are not JUST pet sitters.  We believe our pets are a part of our family and treat yours as if they were ours.  Not only will your pet(s) be more comfortable but you will be saving them from potential disease, sleepless nights and no play time.

Did you know that if your pet acts the slightest bit scared or fearful that a kennel attendant will not take your pet out for play time?  Whether you paid for it or not...  Pet sitters with Play Time Pet Care make it a prioirty to get to know your pets and their personalities while caring for them and will not leave them with out playtime.

There is a definate difference in pets personalities when they are allowed to stay home rather than being kenneled.  Sure, they may sleep for 2 days after getting home from the kennel, but is that because they are worn out from being happy and playing?  Or is it because they haven't slept for days due to all the other dogs barking?  Your pet(s) will be much more relaxed if you allow them to stay in their most familiar environment...home.

Besides...is it really an ideal situation for your pet to stay in a cold, cement cell while you are away on vacation? 

Are you ready to meet your next pet sitter?  Check us out and see what you think...

Iams Pet Food Recall


As your Mesa, AZ professional pet sitter I feel it is my duty to inform you of recent pet food recalls in order to keep your pets safe and healthy.  This time it's Iams...a very popular dog food amongst pet lovers.  Please share this with your pet loving friends!

Check it out here....

It's Turkey Day! ~ A Pet Sitter's Guide on How to Survive Thanksgiving

 



Thanksgiving is right around the corner.  Everyone is bustling about getting ready to make their favorite fixin's for the big dinner, doing last minute preparations on the house and lawn and frantically spending their final days trying to train their dog to be a good dog when guests arrive.  I'm sure you've been getting all kinds of Tips and Tricks on how NOT to include your favorite dog into the festivities.  

I'm here to have fun and tell you what you CAN do to include your pet in the festivities.  Check it out....

Dog Walking...One Family At A Time

Why We Walk One Family At A Time



When you think of a dog walker, what comes to mind?  Do you see one person with 10-15 dogs on leashes?  For most people, when you mention dog walker, the scene imagined looks a little like this...



Which scene looks more controlled to you?  Read more to find out why walking one family at a time is safer and ultimatley more beneficial for your dog(s).

Mesa Pet Sitter Cares for Diabetic Pets

Do you have a diabetic pet?




Do you have a hard time finding the right person to trust with administering your pet their insulin?  You know it takes more than just the ability to give the shot...there is a lot more to diabetes and insulin than just following directions.  There is a lot of other factors that play into how much insulin your pet needs.

Not every pet sitters has the knowledge needed to properly care for your diabetic pet.  Click here to find out how Play Time Pet Care can assist your diabetic pet while you are away.


Mesa Pet Sitter Says "Don't Let Your Pets Get Depressed This Holiday Season"

Top 5 Reasons to Hire a Dog Walker this Holiday Season: 

Someone please play with me...

  1. You get busier as the holidays get closer.  If you are anything like me, you generally wait until the last minute to get your shopping done.  This adds stress to your day and with the longer hours spent outside the home you have less time to play with and exercise your dog. 
  2. Your pets may express signs of depression as they watch you quickly come and go.  Your pets don't understand it's the holiday season.  They don't know why you have stopped taking them for their daily walks or tossing the ball for them to fetch.  Your pets are used to you taking time out of your day for them. 
  3. Continuing exercise will help your dog relax.  A relaxed, exercised dog is a good dog.  There is less of a chance your dog will crash into the newly decorated Christmas tree, or counter surf for that freshly prepared turkey.
  4. One less thing for you to worry about.  Enlisting help with exercising your pet will help you worry less and feel less guilty about not having the time needed to dedicate to your pet's exercise and mental well-being.
  5. YOUR DOG WILL LOVE YOU FOR IT!  Really, he/she will.  If your pet gets to continue getting their exercise, whether it's from you or someone else, they will love you for it.  You get the benefits of having a well balanced, exercised, pooped pooch without having to make the extra time for it.
Interested in some ideas to keep that pooch busy at home? Click here for some simple ideas...  

Or, just call us to schedule your meet and greet consultation.  There's no fee for talking to us....480-292-9735.



Mesa Pet Sitter Reveals Poisonous Plants for Your Pets


Toxic plants for pets
While pet sitting in Mesa, Gilbert, Apache Junction, Gold Canyon and Chandler I am continuously amazed at how many people have plants that are poisonous to our dogs right in their very own backyard.

One of the first things my vet asks me when I bring my dog in for vomitiing is "What kind of plants do you have in your backyard?"  While doing some research on the topic I realized that EVERY plant I have in my backyard is potentially harmful to my dogs if injested.

There are many plants that are used by developers when building new neighborhoods that you should be weary of if you have a pooch that likes to chew.  And what dog isn't a chewer?

Living in the desert we tend to pick plants that are native and don't require a lot of water.  Not only does this keep our water bills down, but they are also usually fairly low maintanence. 

Ready to see which plants you have that could potentially poison your dog?  Click here --->

Mesa Pet Sitter Hosts Yappy Hour

What is Yappy Hour?
Yappy Hour is a unique time when you can bring your socially friendly pet companion out on the pet friendly patio at Uncle Bears located in Mesa off Ellsworth and Baseline.

Yappy Hour is held from 5pm-7pm and is hosted by Play Time Pet Care.

Play Time Pet Care has invited several pet professionals to join us this year.  Those professionals inlcude:
  • A Pet Photographer
  • A Dog Trainer
  • Gourmet Dog Treat Baker
  • Ruff Road Rescue
We will have fun party games our pet guests and their people can participate in.  Those games may inlcude:
  • Potato on a spoon
  • Hotdog Relay
  • Simon Says
Some pet professionals have offered to donate a special prize for our Yowl-aween costume contest that will be held on October 27th.

You don't want to miss out on this great opportunity to meet other pet lovers and show your dog a good time!

We can't wait to meet you!






Mesa Pet Sitter Investigates Scorpions and Our Pets


OMG!! I FOUND A SCORPION IN MY HOUSE!!

My first concern was for my dogs. I just know that if they spotted that scorpion before I did that they would want to investigate and possibly get stung. My immediate reaction was to call my exterminator to see if there was something in addition to our normal routine that we could do to eliminate our new “friend” and keep them out of the house.

Learn what my exterminator recommends and find out if scorpion stings are toxic to your pets here --->

Gilbert Pet Sitter Helps Client in Time of Need

Gilbert Pet Sitter rushes to help client in need.

Our client, who has only been living in Arizona for 2 months, was away on a business trip for 10 days.  Leaving his two beloved dogs behind he has intrusted Play Time Pet Care to take full responsiblity of his home and his pets.


After the first day of pet sitting we noticed that his home was being infiltrated with little, pesky red ants.  They were all over the dogs food, making a happy home in his kitchen and by his back door.  Having only lived here for a short time, our client had not secured the services of a pest control company.  Uh oh!  Now what?

Take a look at how Play Time Pet Care helped this client and his dogs, at no extra charge....

Pet Sitter Puppy Care

WE LOVE PUPPIES!!!   Puppies are pretty intense.  They require a lot of work and attention for their first year at home.  Training and development of good behaviors is essential for them to grow up to be well behaved dogs. 

So what do you do with your new puppy when you have to go to work?  They shouldn't be crated for 8-12 hours per day, so you will need to call in reinforcements to help your puppy alleviate the stress of having a full bladder and relieving anxiety by offering them a good round of play time.

We are offering some suggestions on how to help your puppy grow up to be a well balanced dog.

Ready to find out:

  • Who to call as you reinforcement.
  • How to set expectations with your reinforcement.
  • Training techniques for your puppy.

Heat Advisory

Arizona summer months can be brutal on our furry friends.  As a pet sitter I advise all my clients to keep their pets indoors when it starts getting hot outside.  Did you know that your pet can suffer from heat exhaustion and heat stroke in your backyard?


When we are experiencing extreme temperatures like we are today (113) it is essential for  your pet to stay inside.


Find out what the signs and symptoms of heat stroke are.

Find out how Play Time Pet Care can assist you and your dog.

Find out what breeds should be inside all the time.

Mesa Pet Sitter Helps Find Missing Pets


Losing your pet can be devastating.  I’ve been victim to a lost pet, one who has gotten out without my knowledge and not being able to find them.  It’s heart breaking, not knowing what happened to them, hoping that someONE found them…not someTHING.  The feeling of guilt that consumes you is difficult to handle. 

Putting up posters, calling the pound and HOPING he’ll come back is what goes through your mind.  Well, I’ve met the most fascinating woman who does the most fascinating thing…she IS the Missing Pet Detective.  And not the Jim Carey type…the real deal, one out of about 2 dozen, and the only one in Arizona.  (She does travel…)


  • How Pet Detectives Work
  • What Type of Pets Can Be Searched For
  • How Quickly You Should Contact a Pet Detective
  • The Biggest Mistake a Pet Parent Can Make
  • How To Protect Your Pet Prior To Getting Lost

Is Your Puppy Vomiting?


 Puppy Vomiting:  How to know if it is a serious problem
If you are anything like me, you likely take your dog to the vet every time you notice he/she is behaving outside the norm.  I have three dogs and every one of them has been tot he vet’s office for random things like vomiting, sneezing and eating too much grass.  I swear the last time I took my puppy to the vet for vomiting, he looked at me and said, “Silly, silly Jenna. He’s a puppy.  He’s going to eat things that aren’t good for him.”  The great thing about my vet is, not only does he tell me about the stupid things his dogs eat ( which makes me feel like less of a horrible pet mom) he tells me what behaviors and symptoms to look for that will require a trip to the vet.

Mesa Pet Sitter Works With Shy / Fearful Dogs

Does your dog hide behind you or your furniture when people come to visit?  This is a sign that a dog is shy or fearful of the situation.  As a pet sitter in Mesa, AZ I have experienced caring for shy or fearful dogs.  The tell tale sign that we may have a hard time getting a dog to trust us is if during our initial consultation the dog is hiding behind mom and dad and rests a distance away while we are talking or makes sure there is an object between them and us.  Most objects being a parent's leg, a coffee table or behind a couch.

Many times pet parents are under the impression that Fido will do just fine once they are gone, after all, when mom watched Fido for us they didn't have any problems, and Fido liked them enough to feel comfortable chasing the ball and playing during the meet and greet.

My experience pet sitting for shy or fearful dogs is that they aren't very comfortable with a new person coming in to their home.  Not to say the dog doesn't do fine at home with a sitter coming to visit, but there are some things that the pet parents need to be aware of when they hire a pet sitter for their shy or fearful dog.

Read more to find out how Play Time can help you and Fido have a more relaxed time when you can't be at home  -->

Arizona Pet Sitter Cleans Ears

I am the proud parent of 2 golden retrievers and a cocker spaniel...the top 2 breeds most susceptible to ear infections and allergies.  Needless to say I have cleaned my fair share of ears with infections, and can smell an infection from miles away!

Well, not really miles...but without lifting that ear flap, I can tell if a dog is suffering from an ear infection.

As a pet sitter, I make it my duty to check all the pets I visit for ear infections.  Ear infections are very uncomfortable for our pets, can cause damage if left untreated and are super stinky.  There are ways to keep your dog from getting ear infections and the number one way is to inspect and clean their ears regularly.  Do you know the proper way to clean a dog's ear?

Here are some other ways to help prevent ear infections in your dog's ears.

Contact us for your no obligation consultation.

How to Rescue a Trapped Dog

What would you do if you saw a dog in a parked, locked car in the heat of the summer?

Below I have shared recommended procedures for rescuing a dog in a hot car:



  1. Be sure to get the make, model and license plate of the car.  It's best to take a photo of the car including the license plate with your photo.
  2. Go in to neighboring stores and have the manager page the owner of the car.  While you are waiting CALL THE POLICE.  The police will be more likely to arrive before animal control can and they also have the authority to enter the vehicle and rescue the dog.
  3. Brake the window.  In severe cases where the dog is experiencing heat stroke or heat exhaustion it may be acceptable to break the window of the vehicle and rescue the dog yourself.  Check with your local ordinances...in some cases and depending on the condition of the distressed pet it may be better to wait for the police.
Do you know how hot is too hot for a dog to be left in the car?  Refer to my previous post http://playtimepetcare.blogspot.com/2011/06/when-is-it-too-hot-to-leave-your-dog-in.html, or check out http://mydogiscool.com/weather_form.php enter your zip code and find out if its too hot.

Play Time Pet Care
480-292-9735
Fostering a dog is a great way to offer a loving home for a distressed dog.  It may seem like a formidable task, but it's a very tangible way to make a difference. Everyone benefits: The foster volunteer gets to spend time with a special dog, and the rescue gains space for a new dog. The foster dog gets a second chance at becoming a cherished pet. The new owners get a dog that is better adapted to home life, and therefore has a better chance of remaining in the new home permanently.

What is expected of the volunteer?
  •  Make the foster dog feel like they are a part of your family
  •  Provide food
  • Basic obedience, including but not limited to:

o   Sit
o   Down
o   Easy
o   Walking on a leash
o   Off
o   Leave it
o   Not jumping
o   Mouthing
o   Potty training
o   Crate training
  • Must bring your foster dog to at least 1 adoption event per month.
What does the Rescue provide?  Typical Rescues will provide the following:
  •    A crate if the volunteer doesn’t have one
  •    A collar and leash if the volunteer can’t afford to purchase one
  •    Bowls, toys and other items as the Rescue has donations to offer
  •    Regular vet care – all dogs will come to you vaccinated and spayed or neutered
  •  Another benefit to being a foster parent for Ruff Road Rescue is you get *FREE pet sitting from Play Time Pet Care when you have to leave your dogs at home.

For more information on being a foster family please contact Ruff Road Rescue at http://www.ruffroadrescue.com/Volunteering.html




     










Jenna Trethewey
Play Time Pet Care
480-292-9735

*Must live in the service area of Play Time Pet Care and subject to availability.

Pet Sitter in Training

Play Time Pet Care puts their new pet sitters through the ringer before allowing them to take on clients by themselves.  It is a process, that most new pet sitters may think is tedious, but for MY business, it's required.

First thing is first:  The interview process.  I don't hire just anyone with pet passion to work with me.  They must prove themselves in many different ways, often going through at least 2 sometimes 3 interviews before being hired on to the team.  If your interested in learning more about my interview process you can read my last blog How Do I Get THAT JOB? Pet Sitting and Dog Walking.


Once the perfect candidate is identified, background checked and added to our insurance the training begins. Our first training period is dedicated to educating the new pet sitter on Play Time Pet Care's philosophies, policies and procedures and expectations.

After everyone is on the same page we begin hands on training.  Hands on training consists of shadowing an experienced pet sitter already on the team.  The new pet sitter will shadow another team member on several appointments, gaining as much exposure to our different pet clients as possible.

Once we have determined that the new sitter is comfortable and capable of pet sitting on their own, we will assign a current client to them to perform a series of pet sits by themselves.  (With the permission of the pet parent of course.)  We will then follow up on their work.  I will do drop by visits to check on the sitters attention to detail and offer advise for future visits.  I will follow that sitter for a period of time, checking on their work, making sure nothing is forgotten.  The two of us have a tremendous amount of communication going on during this entire process.

All of this MUST be completed prior to a new pet sitter taking on their own clients. They have to pass my standards of care before I will EVER let them into a client's home.  After all, it's my name, reputation and brand on the line.

Your no obligation consultation is just a phone call away!  480-292-9735