Fairfax Pet Care

Fairfax Pet Care is Fairfax County, Virginia’s most professional Pet Care Service. We offer Dog Walking, Pet Sitting, Pet Taxi, Dog Park Play and Yard Cleanup. We’re dedicated and reliable animal lovers, ready to give your pet the attention they deserve when you’re not around.

Fairfax Pet Care is licensed, bonded, and insured, making us a safe and trustworthy choice for all your pet care needs. Our employees are professional and skilled pet care workers who have undergone a detailed interview process and criminal background check.

We know times are tough, so we offer superior service at extremely competitive prices. Head to our website (www.fairfaxpetcare.com) to take a look at our available services and pricing, and please feel free to contact us any time, 7 days a week, for more information.

Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Seattle

A vacation might not seem like a vacation if your trusted four-legged friend can’t tag along. Fortunately, plenty of pet-friendly hotels are available throughout the country. If you’re visiting Seattle, you’re in luck, as some even offer your dog extra perks, such as treats, dog-sitting and grooming, for just being alongside you. The next time you travel to Seattle with your pup, consider staying at the following hotels.

Hotel Vintage Park

What: The Hotel Vintage Park accepts any number of pets with no size or weight restrictions – for free. Your pet will be greeted upon check-in with organic Buddy Biscuits, and the friendly staff can arrange dog-sitting services and even a personalized doggie itinerary. Fees for those services vary, based on need.

Where: 1100 Fifth Ave., Seattle, WA  98101

W Seattle

What: This luxurious, towering Seattle location in the W brand hotels is in the heart of downtown, close to museums, music venues, retail hubs and Pike Place Market. For $25 extra per daily room charge and a $100 non-refundable cleaning fee, the W Seattle welcomes pets of all sizes and weights. Plus, dog walking, grooming, pet sitting, pet toys a pet turndown treat and the W pet bed is available to fully pamper your pooch.

Where: 1112 4th Ave., Seattle, WA 98101

Hotel Nexus Seattle

What: Located north of the University District, the Hotel Nexus Seattle (formerly the Ramada Inn Northgate) is within highway traveling distance to the University of Washington, downtown Seattle, Green Lake, Shoreline and Fremont. Pet-friendly rooms are located on each floor of the hotel, with a maximum pet fee of $75 plus tax per stay, based on a fee of $15 per day up to the maximum. The Hotel Nexus provides doggy treats, waste bags and upon request, directions to the closest off-leash dog park so you and your pet can explore the open air of Seattle.

Where: 2140 North Northgate Way, Seattle, WA 98133

Hotel Sorrento

What: The charming courtyard-centered Hotel Sorrento is a throwback to the Seattle of years past with an updated style. Choose from deluxe rooms, junior suites, Sorrento suites and corner suites to temporarily house you and your pet for a $60 pet fee per stay. Pets must be crated or out of the room while the staff cleans, but they can be left in the room while you wander through Seattle. Ask the concierge for suggestions or directions to off-leash dog parks, pet boutiques, animal clinics, doggie day care, dog grooming, personal shopping and short- and long-route walks.

Where: 900 Madison St., Seattle, WA 98104

University Inn

What: For $20 per night, up to two dogs can stay in certain pet-friendly rooms, which include a balcony, at the University Inn. At check-in the staff will register your dog, give you a map for taking walks with him and a goody bag for him. Dogs must be accompanied by their owners at all times, so no leaving Fido in the room while you explore Seattle.

Where: 4140 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98105

NAPPS 2013 Annual Conference Benefits Businesses and Employees

NAPPS 2013 Annual Conference, Small Business Forum, and Trade Show will be held February 8 through 10 in San Antonio, Texas. Dog walkers and owners of dog walking services should consider attending this event to learn valuable information and view the latest products.

Established in 1989 by a small group of pet sitters, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) supports the value of these sitters to pet owners and encourages the well being of pets. This non-profit organization is operated by and for members and helps these businesses grow by offering important business tools, education, and support. Pet referral services and certification programs are also available.

The conference and forum offers seminars to learn vital information for successful business practices, public relations, and proper animal handling procedures. The trade show displays the latest products, services, and networking opportunities.

Those wishing to attend may register for the entire conference for costs between $340 and $545. Daily packages can be purchased to attend one or two days for fees between $175 and $225 per day. Prices are based on whether the person attending is a member or non-member of NAPPS and if registration is early, late, or regular. A guest meal registration is also available for $75.00 which includes all meals and the Friday reception.

Dog walkers and owners of this service will want to attend this annual event to learn important hands-on tips and advice such as behavior traits, obedience, and handling techniques. Important business matters such as the importance of liability insurance will be discussed. The latest merchandise will also be available for review and purchase.

NAPPS 2013 Annual Conference, Small Business Forum, and Trade Show is a must-attend event for those in the pet sitting trade including dog walkers. Business owners and their employees will learn valuable information needed to provide high quality service and enjoy a successful business venture.

To learn more about the tradeshow, visit the NAPPS website.

Pet Service’s

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College Students: Earn Money Walking Dogs

As all college students know, having enough money during college can often be a real challenge. Not only is college extremely expensive, but time constraints put in place by classes and study time can make finding a job with doable hours extremely difficult. Fortunately for college students looking to make decent money, there’s a good option that’s fun, easy to do, and offers flexible hours: dog walking.

College students aren’t the only ones pressed for time; individuals with full time jobs often find themselves scrambling to get everything done. If dog owners, these full time employees may need their four-legged best friends walked. Dog walking is a fun and easy job that doesn’t take too terribly long and can be done during all hours of the day and night. For college students, having a dog walking job is the perfect solution.

Not only does dog walking offer extremely flexible hours, college students will find that the money isn’t too shabby, either. On average, dog walkers make anywhere from $15 to $60 an hour depending on location and other factors. When it comes to securing a dog walking job, college students have a few options.

Depending on the specific circumstances, college students can either pursue getting hired by an established dog walking service, or can also be independently based. When first starting out, students may find that they have more consistent business if hired by an established dog walking service. Whatever a college student decides, the next step is advertising.

When it comes to advertising dog walking services, there are a ton of places to advertise. For students who have decided to go about their dog walking independently, advertising on bulletin boards at places like the vet’s office and pet stores can be a great way to advertise dog walking services. In addition, sites such as Craigslist and DogWalker.com are commonly browsed by individuals seeking dog walkers.

National Pet ID Week

According to an article written by Dr. Jim Humphries of the Veterinary News Network, one in three pets is lost each year (source). HomeAgain Microchipping reports that 90% of lost pets without ID will not be returned. April 16-22 is National Pet ID Week and the perfect time to make sure your furry friend has proper ID.

National Pet ID Week was created to bring awareness to the problem of lost pets. Each year an estimated five million pets are separated from their owners. Without proper identification, only 10% of pets will return home. National Pet ID Week is an educational event promoting the most accepted forms of pet ID: a collar with ID tag, microchipping and tattoo identification.

The collar and ID tag system is the only one that pet owners can complete by themselves. Owners can purchase a collar at any pet store. Large pet stores typically have a machine that creates custom tags onsite. Tags can also be purchased online. When purchasing a collar, talk to an associate to make sure you get the best fit for your pet. Though the collar and ID tag system is easy for owners to do themselves, pets sometimes lose collars. This system is best used in conjunction with another method.

The microchip ID is the most popular method of pet identification. A veterinarian or local shelter inserts a microchip just under the skin. The microchip contains a unique number. The chip is registered along with your contact information. Lost pets are scanned by local authorities or when taken into a shelter for a microchip as part of the intake process. If your pet has a chip and is found, you will be contacted.

The pet tattoo system is becoming more and more popular. The system works the same way as the microchip, but a tattoo administered by a veterinarian takes the place of the chip.

Many veterinarians and shelters offer specials on ID systems during National Pet ID Week. Contact your local vet, shelter, or pet store to ask if they are offering any discounts on pet identification systems or programs this week. It’s a great way to help your pet and you may even be able to save some money!

Like Us on Google Plus!

If you haven’t tried Google Plus yet, you really should try it! I especially recommend creating a page for your business so people can follow your company and recommend it to others. It’s fairly simple and straightforward to create your page, which can easily be done by visiting Google Plus and following the instructions found here.

I’d love for you to give DogWalker.com a +1 in Google Plus if you are willing to do so. It literally takes just a second to like us on Google Plus using the button found on the DogWalker.com profile page. Check it out when you have a chance:

DogWalker.com on Google Plus!