Interview with Sara Melaten, San Diego Dog Walker

I had an opportunity to interview Sara Melaten of Sarandipity Pet Care Services, a San Diego dog walking company that operates in La Jolla, Pacific Beach, and Ocean Beach. Hope you enjoy the interview!

DogWalker.com: What do you like best about your job?

Sara: One of the things I like best about my job is knowing that I have all different kinds of dogs and cats with all different kinds of personalities.  Each pet client has his or her own unique personality trait– which makes things interesting and fun and keeps me looking forward to the next pet visit or dog walk!

DogWalker.com How did you start your business and why?

Sara: I started my business because pets are my one passion that I knew I could make a career out of.  I was growing tired of the corporate life I had been living for many years, and was ready to put my passion to work.  Having grown up with dogs and other animals all my life, I always knew that somehow, some way I would have to work with animals.  The first steps included getting a San Diego Tax License, Pet First Aid Certification, insurance, and a website for my business.  Once these and other basic steps were accomplished, I attracted local pet-owner clients through networking, flyers, and internet marketing.

DogWalker.com: What’s your favorite dog park in San Diego/La Jolla and why?

Sara: My favorite dog park in San Diego is actually a dog beach.  It’s nicknamed “dog beach” and is located in Ocean Beach.  I love this dog-designated beach area because I love playing with dogs by the ocean and you really get to see how happy and excited the dogs are to be there.

DogWalker.com: If you could offer advice to someone looking to start a dog walking business, what would it be?

Sara: For someone looking to start their own business in dog walking, I would recommend buying Patti Moran’s book “Pet Sitting For Profit”.  This book helped me a lot in getting started.  Other than that, it’s important for the potential new business owner to know that building you’re clientele will take a lot of persistence and patience.  Be ready to be creatvie in how you attract your clients…and don’t forget– customer service is everything!!! Not only will you need to treat the pets like royalty, you will also need to make sure to provide the pet owners with the best customer service possible!  This is what has helped me get tons of repeat business.

DogWalker.com: Please share a funny dog walking story with us!

Sara: Funny dog story: this one Great Dane client I have, the dog was so happy to see me (and she’s still technically a puppy but FULL GROWN), she jumped on me unexpectely, and I fell down with my fist landing in her pile of poo in the back yard.  Being that she is also deaf, I couldn’t really calm her down quickly. I was okay after the fall, and it wasn’t until cleaning myself up that I was able to really laugh hard about it!

Piedmont Pet

At Piedmont Pet we specialize in off-leash group trail hikes. We also offer cage free home boarding and daycare for small to medium sized cat friendly dogs.

We’re out in the beautiful East Bay Regional Parks in Oakland & Berkeley everyday Monday through Friday, rain or shine. Both Karen & Matt Kenney are Certified Dog Walkers through dogTEC’s Dog Walking Academy. We upload pictures to Flickr and Facebook so you can see your dog having a great time.

We also offer Reiki for all animals. Karen is a Certified Reiki II Practitioner and student animal communicator. You can feel confident knowing your pet is in our care because we’ll will treat your pet like part of our family. We show all animals love and respect.

We are trained in Pet CPR and First Aid, Insured & Permitted. We’re Voted the East Bay’s Best Dog Walker by the East Bay Express. We are LGBT friendly.

Members of East Bay Pet Sitters Association (EBPSA) & dogTEC. Online payments accepted through our PayPal shopping cart. Please see our website for more info.

Dog Walks and More

Dog Walks and More has been providing dog walking, cozy in-home boarding, day care and pet sitting services for over 12 years. All of our pet care providers are experienced and caring individuals willing to follow every last detail of your pet’s care to ensure a happy & healthy pet.

We are insured and bonded for your peace of mind and protection. We offer an initial FREE in-home consultation to meet each other and assess your needs. Once that is done, services are simply a phone call away. Call today and find out why we are the Bay Area’s choice in pet care.

Green Apple Dog

A green pet care business providing dog: walking, boarding, pet sitting, and day care services in Washington Heights & Inwood New York. Fully bonded & insured, pet first aid certified.

Mission Valley Pet Sitting Services

Mission Valley Pet Sitting Services is a high quality service-oriented company providing dog walking and pet sitting services in Mission Valley and surrounding areas. Whether your dog/s need to be walked once, twice or three times a day or just once a week, I can assist you. I am licenced, insured, bonded and certified in Pet First Aid. I am also accredited with Pet Sitters International and am a Certified Humane Education Specialist. I am a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and the Pet Services and Products Association. I am a long time volunteer at the San Diego Humane Society and also a volunteer with PAWS San Diego and SNAP.

My services include dog walking, dog sitting, cat sitting, overnight stays at your home, pet taxi service, emergency visits etc.

I offer a 10% courtesy discount to Seniors and the Military. I also offer a special rate to regular weekly dog walking clients. First time respondants to dogwalking.com will also receive a 10% courtesy discount on all services.

If you are seeking a true professional dog walker/ pet sitter to take care of your “best friend”, you can count on me to keep your pet safe, healthy, happy, well-behaved and loved.

Queen City Petsitting

WE LOVE PETS OF ANY KIND! Pets removed from their familiar environment are often subject to emotional trauma and the diseases of other animals. Let QUEEN CITY CHARLOTTE PET SITTING provide your pets with the love and care they need while giving your home a more lived in look while you’re away.

During our visits we feed your pets exactly per your instructions and provide fresh water with every visit, ‘patrol for accidents’, bring in mail and newspapers, and check to insure that your home is safe from obvious hazards. Most importantly, we spend time during every visit loving your pets as much as you do. To satisfy your every need, we’ll provide additional services to satisfy your every need.

Queen City Pet Sitting is eco-friendly! From ‘Mid-Day’ walking to ‘Waste Removal’ and ‘While Your Away Home Visits’, our sitters ensure that your pets keep their daily routines while using eco-friendly products that are safe for all pets, neighborhoods & the environment.

CERTIFIED Professional Pet Site LICENSED, BONDED, INSURED, A member of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) & Pet Sitters International (PS) Member of American Pet Cross.

Services Available Upon Request

Home sweet home package: Don’t worry about those tedious tasks you forgot to complete
before you left! Our petsitters will tidy up your home for your return: light cleaning, purchase groceries, water plants, dusting, mail…

Errand Service: Queen City petsitters are here to assist you with any minor errands that need to be taken care of: dry cleaning, video rentals, mail, and so on…

Daily Dog Visit Package: 1 visit/walk every day – 5 days a week = $65 ($75/week for 2 dogs)

Daily Cat Visit Package: 1 visit every day – 5 days a week = $60 ($65/week for 2 cats)

A Doggy Day at the Park: Give your dog a chance to run free while enjoying a day at the park!
Queen City Petsitting is committed to instilling happiness and healthy activities for all dogs – so if your
pet loves the outdoors, let them spend a day at the park with us.

Pampering Paws
A little dirty behind the ears? Contact Queen City Petsitting today to schedule a grooming appointment for that grubby pet of yours! Special stipulations apply for individual animals.

Pet Taxi:
Veterinarian’s Office, Groomer, or Day Care!
• $14 – One Way
• $20 – Round Trip

NOTE: Depending on the volume of visits per day, sitters will try their best to arrive by the scheduled time.

Errand Service: We will take care of those little tasks you are unable to finish before you leave town (drop-off/pick-up dry cleaning, return video rentals, mail packages)

House Sitting Services (Provided for individuals without pets) : $15 per visit or $40 overnight

Pet Care Service Area
We are a growing business, but we currently serve the Charlotte area. Visits outside that radius are subject to a higher rate to help cover gasoline expenses.

Free Pre-Service Meeting
Before caring takes place, Queen City Petsitting will come to your home to meet you and your pet. It is important for your pet to meet one of our sitters, giving them both an opportunity to become familiar with one another. Pertinent information and your pet’s needs and routine will be discussed, along with an initial ‘walk-through’.

As Charlotte Petsitters, we strive to give you peace of mind while you are away from your beloved pet and home. Our in-home pet care service is filled with love and security. With years of professional pet sitting experience, Queen City Petsitting is here to steer you away from those crowded and unhealthy kennels and boarding services! Our petsitters provide each pet with the tender love and care they need while you are away.

From dogs to cats and pigs to rabbits – Charlotte’s premiere petsitting business does it all. Serving the Charlotte area, Queen City Pet Sitting offers an array of services worthy of any pet owners respect. Jump onboard the Pet Taxi for a ride to the veterinarian, order a quick grooming, or even ask for an errand run to return your late movie rentals. Whatever the case may be, our pet care sitters promise to get it done!

With your pets being a big part of your life, it’s more than necessary to make sure they’re taken care of properly when their in our hands.

Owned and operated by Stacey Marrs, Queen City Petsitting is only one call away from delivering you with invaluable pet care solution. Contact us today to secure one of our professional pet care sitters for your precious animal.

As Charlotte Petsitters, we strive to give you peace of mind while you are away from your beloved pet and home. Our in-home pet care service is filled with love and security. With years of professional pet sitting experience, Queen City Petsitting is here to steer you away from those crowded and unhealthy kennels and boarding services! Our petsitters provide each pet with the tender love and care they

Fetch! Pet Care of Birmingham

Fetch! Pet Care of Birmingham is your trusted source for all your pet sitting needs. We offer in-home pet visits, private dog boarding, dog walking, cat sitting, and much more! We understand how difficult it can be to find just the right pet sitter to care for your pets and home while you’re away. That’s why we started Fetch! Pet Care of Birmingham. We take the stress out of finding a sitter and add convenience to your life by doing all of the legwork for you. Our pet care team provides service 365 days per year plus our administrative offices are open daily to cater to your busy needs.

Alone At Home Pet Care

Alone At Home Pet Care is a fully bonded and insured company servicing Chicago’s West Loop since 2005. Our goal is treat your special family member as if they are one of our own. We offer the following services at affordable rates:

Daily Dog Walking
In-Home Cate Care
Email Updates of your pet
Vacation & Holiday Care
Fish, Birds, & Other Pet Care
Free Mail Pick-Up & Plant Watering
Special Requests

Please visit aloneathomepetcare.com or call 312-559-2869 for more info and to schedule a no, obligation get acquainted interview. We hope to hear from you soon!

Fetch! Pet Care Treasure Valley

We’ve got your tail covered!
We understand how difficult it can be to find just the right pet sitter to care for your pets and home while you’re away. That’s why we started Fetch! Pet Care of Treasure Valley. We take the stress out of finding a sitter and add convenience to your life by doing all of the legwork for you. We match you and your pets with the most qualified, experienced pet professional possible. Our reliable, courteous pet sitters ensure your scheduling needs and any special requirements are met with consistent, responsive care. Whether you need a daily dog walker or last-minute pet sitter, we’ve got your tail covered!

Loving care from local, experienced pet professionals.
We feature a large number of pet sitters and dog walkers who are local to your neighborhood (heck, you’ve probably run into them at the pet food store). They are pet owners themselves and intuitively understand what you and your pets need. Fetch! can take care of all kinds of pets, no matter their size or species. We’re dog-, cat-, bird- and even snake- and spider-people. We offer a free in-home consultation to ensure you and your pets are comfortable with your pet sitter. Since “life” happens, we always have backup sitters available so your pets are never left without care. For your additional peace of mind, every Fetch! professional is background-checked, bonded, insured and skilled in caring for pets. Plus they all come with glowing references. You and your pet’s satisfaction is always guaranteed.

When you know pets as well as we do, you know how to take care of them.
At Fetch!, caring for pets is our passion. Nothing makes us happier than making sure all pets are cared for, played with and loved. When you can’t be there for your pets, Fetch! gives you peace of mind and your pets the loving attention they deserve. We’re part of the nation’s largest and most trusted provider of professional pet sitting and dog walking services, serving thousands of pets and their parents from coast to coast. As a member of our Fetch! family, you and your pets will benefit from unique programs, personal attention and customized services we have established to ensure the ultimate pet care experience. We look forward to meeting you and your furry, scaly or feathered friends!

SPECIAL OFFER: MENTION YOU FOUND US ON DOGWALKER.COM AND RECEIVE 10% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH OF SERVICE!

Purrs ‘n Woofs Pet Sitting

Whether your dog just needs a quick lunchtime walk around the block, a longer stroll through the park, or a lively game of fetch in the backyard, Purrs ‘n Woofs Pet Sitting can provide the attention your dog needs while you are away from home. We offer a 15 minute visit for $12 and a 30 minute visit for $16, so you have flexibility in arranging your dog’s daily schedule. We are insured through PSA and trained in CPR and First Aid for pets through the Red Cross for your peace of mind.

Looking to Adopt a Chihuahua in New York?

If you live in New York, and you have been looking to adopt a Chihuahua, your opportunity may soon arrive… err… I mean land! The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is helping to fly 15 Chihuahuas from California animal shelters with the hopes of finding them homes in New York and on the east coast. The project, dubbed Operation Chihuahua, will fly the dogs cross country on Virgin America Airlines.

Since many people in New York City need to have smaller dogs for their smaller apartments, and since New York City animal shelters don’t always have many small dogs, this sounds like a great idea. According to the article I read about this effort in the New York Post today, there may be additional flights to bring more shelter dogs to the east coast.

To learn more about Operation Chihuahua, or to find out how you can adopt a Chihuahua (or other pet) visit the ASPCA website for all of the details. You may also call 212-876-7700 ext 3210 for further details.

Fetch Pet Care of North/East Columbus

Professional Pet Services

Fetch! Pet Care of North/East Columbus is your friendly neighborhood pet care specialist! We provide a variety of attentive services for any pet, including private dog walks, pet visits, pet taxi, in-home sitting, day and evening care, pet taxi, and private boarding. We can also provide care for larger animals (horses, etc.) Of course, we’re fully insured and bonded for your peace of mind.

We only staffs caring, attentive pet lovers who are carefully screened and professionally trained so you can be sure your pets are given the extra TLC they need while you’re away. We even offer a free initial in-home consultation for all new clients so we can meet you and your pet(s), and to assess your specific needs.

Just call 614) 360-2427. One call to us is all it takes to line you up with professional pet care. You can also visit us at www.fetchpetcare.com

We’ve Got Your Tail Covered!

Fetch! Pet Care of Virginia Beach/Chesapeake

Fetch! Pet Care is the largest pet sitting and dog walking franchise in the United States, and we would love to provide the professional, loving care your pets deserve. We’ve got your tail covered!

* Pet Visits
* Dog Walks
* Potty Breaks
* Overnight Stays
* Home Care
* Free Initial Consultation
————————————–
* Bonded & Insured
* Members of Pet Sitters International

Dogma Catma Pet Sitting

Loving care for your pets while you are away!

Based in Boulder, CO and serving Boulder, Louisville, Lafayette, Superior and Erie

Vacation visits, daily dog walks, overnights and much more!

We are insured and bonded, members of Pet Sitters International and Accredited Pet Sitters by Pet Sitters International. We are certified in Pet First Aid and CPR!

Check out our website for more information!

Sitter 4 Paws

Sitter 4 Paws is here to help you change on your pet’s life. Whether your dog needs a dog walker to exercise while you’re out working or a pet sitter to make sure it’s needs are met while you’re out of town, I will help you take care of your pet as if was my own and give them all the love, care and exercise they need for a good physical and mental health.

Here are the services we offer:

- Dog walking
- Taking your dog for a run or doggie hike
- Pet Sitting (Daily visits to your home to check on your pet while you are out of town or at work)
- Transportation (Taking your pet to the vet, groomer or any other appointments)
- House sitting to ensure your home looks lived in while you are away.

Served areas: Los Angeles area including Hollywood, Downtown, Echo Park, Los Feliz, Atwater Village, Silver Lake, Studio City, Sherman Oaks and Beverly Hills. Also serves some areas at Glendale and Burbank. Please contact me for inquiries about your area.

Heavenly Creatures, LLC

Heavenly Creatures offers professional & compassionate care for your pets in the comfort of your home. The service includes: pet sitting, dog walking, potty breaks, pet taxi/errands, and house sitting. Rather you work long hours or you go out of town, we will take away the worry and stress. You will have peace of mind knowing your pet is in loving care.

Midday Walks & Potty Breaks are designed for clients that work away from home or work long hours. Primarily this service gives your pet a much needed stretch/walk & potty break. This can also include feeding. Working late and can’t make it home to take care of your pet – no problem. Call and we will be there. Unlimited hugs and kisses are always included.

Out of Town Visits are designed for the business traveler or the vacation traveler. The service includes feeding, water, medication if necessary, walks, play time, emptying kitty litter & pooper scooping. Also included is taking care of your mail, paper, trash bins, adjusting lights & window coverings, and watering indoor plants. We will take care of both your pet and home while you are away. We will give your home a lived-in look without attracting any additional attention. Unlimited hugs and kisses are also included.

A free consultation is included to meet your pet and become familiar with your home. We also offer many incentives.
Pets are happier and healthier in their own environment because it allows for a regular routine of diet and exercise. The service eliminates time from your busy schedule and gives you added peace of mind. All services include unlimited snuggle time and play time.

We will protect, love, and provide the best possible care for your pet.

Insured & Bonded through Pet Sitters International
Member of the Frisco Chamber of Commerce
Pet CPR and First Aid Certified by the American Red Cross
Volunteer at the Frisco Humane Society

White Rock Pet Services

“Because there’s no place like home!”

Hire a Professional Pet Sitter for the safety of your pets and home! Bonded – Insured – Pet CPR Certified

Servicing these Dallas areas: White Rock Lake, Lakewood, M Streets, Uptown, Deep Ellum, Downtown.

Fetch! Pet Care of The Main Line

Fetch! Pet Care is the largest professional pet care service company in the country, with service locations in 38 states, from coast-to-coast.

Besides dog walking, we also offer cageless dog boarding in our pet caretakers’ homes, overnight sitting in our clients’ homes, doggie day care, pet taxi and many other services.

All of our pet caretakers are background-checked, insured, bonded and fully trained and tested.

We provide our clients peace of mind through the use of our sophisticated software system, which keeps everything on schedule and operating smoothly.

Visit us on the web at www.FetchPetCareofTheMainLine.com to learn more about us and how our professional pet care services can benefit you.

Mention you saw us on DogWalker.com and we’ll take 10% off your first month’s service charges.

Homestead Pets

A Dog Walking and Pet Sitting company providing comfort and protection for pets who are happiest staying home while you are away on business or vacation. Homestead Pets is a professionally owned company run by a 20+ year Las Vegas resident holding memberships with PUPS, SNAPPS, PSA, and is Pet First Aid certified. Visit website for more information.

What To Do If Your Dog Chokes

By Cindy Campione, owner of Secure Home Solutions Pet Care in Tampa, Florida

(Cindy is an RN, a Certified Veterinary Technician, and a certified Pet First Aid/CPR Instructor teaching PetTech’s PetSavers class to pet owners and to pet caregivers such as petsitters, groomers, and kennel workers.)

Because of their strong gag reflex, dogs rarely actually choke.  However, when it happens, it can become serious in a short amount of time.  Usually, canine choking is the result of a large chunk of food, a fragment of bone, a rawhide chew, or a toy (especially a small ball) that has been inhaled and becomes caught in the dog’s airway. A choking dog appears anxious and struggles to breathe. He may paw at his face and pace back and forth.

In a situation where an object is lodged in your dog’s airway but the airway is not completely blocked, Rover may try to cough and gag the object loose. If your pet can gag or cough they have a better chance of getting the object out themselves.  Confine him to a small area and watch him carefully for about a minute.  If the object does not come out by itself within that minute, your pet needs your help.

First, use gravity to help.  If your dog is small and you can lift him easily, gently lift him into the air so that his head is hanging down.  If he is a small overweight dog, or a medium sized dog too large to suspend, carefully stand him on his front legs by holding his rear legs up in the air like a wheelbarrow.  For large dogs, seat yourself on a chair, stair, or a closed toilet and lift your dog’s rear legs over your legs, wrap your arms around the base of his legs near his body to stabilize him, and partially stand up.  The idea is to get his tail higher than his head.

If this action does not result in the removal of the object, it is time for more aggressive first aid to help your dog.  First, call for help.  If you end up taking your dog to the Vet, having someone to help or to drive you there will be much safer!

Now, you must determine the shape of your dog’s chest.  Some dogs are more rounded, or “barrel-chested”.  Other dogs have more of a “taco-shaped” chest.

For a barrel-chested dog, the method is similar to the human Heimlich maneuver.  Place the dog in front of you, facing away from you.  Encircle him with your arms and place your fist just below his rib cage.  With your other hand holding your fist, quickly and firmly pull up and towards you, compressing the abdomen three times in a thrusting manner.  After three unsuccessful attempts, don’t waste any more time, take your dog to the nearest Vet.

For the taco-shaped chest dogs, use the Chest Thrust method.  Chest thrusts are performing by placing your hands on each side of the pet’s chest and thrusting inward.  Thrust in and towards the head of the dog (much like a fireplace bellows) to use the air trapped in your dog’s lungs to push the object out.  Perform one thrust at a time.  After three unsuccessful attempts, it’s time to take your dog to the nearest Vet.

Even if your pet is getting enough air so that he remains conscious, you must be prepared for the object to shift and block the airway completely, at which time your pet will go unconscious quickly due to lack of oxygen.  If your pet become unconscious, open his mouth and pull his tongue out past his canines.  While holding the tongue, look deeply down his throat (use a flashlight if needed) to see if you can pull the object out with your fingers.  If it is not EASILY removable, don’t waste time – get to the Vet!

Never put your finger in the mouth of a conscious dog, and never pull string or thread from a pet’s throat; a hook, needle or other object could be attached to the other end and could inflict greater damage on its way out.

Keep your Vet’s phone number on the fridge and in your cell phone.  If there is another Vet whose office is very near your home, have their number handy, too.  Any Vet will do in an emergency where time is of the essence!  It is a good idea to also find out which Veterinary Emergency Service your Vet recommends, and have their number on hand as well.

There is no substitute for proper Veterinary care for your pet, especially during a medical emergency, however, taking a course in Pet First Aid/CPR is recommended.  One of the best courses available is PetTech’s PetSavers class.  This 8 hour class covers almost everything a pet owner should know.  Knowing what to do in an emergency is one of the best things you could ever do for your beloved pet!