Home Alone Pet Care and Pet Sitting Woodlands, Texas

Serving North Spring/The Woodlands, Texas for over seven years. We provide peace of mind to pet parents who travel away from home. We provide care, cuddles, walks, playtime and fun for your four legged kids. This site will address your questions regarding using a pet sitter, as well as pet care, concerns and problemsolving. And much more! Have fun!

· The sitter is bonded, insured and criminal background check done· The sitter provides references, has experience in caring for pets and is mindful of their safety and well-being.· The sitter provides written literature describing services and stating fees.

· The sitter visits the client's home before the first pet sitting assignment to meet the pets and get detailed information about their care, at no charge (Additional introductory meetings are $15 each, if needed) · The sitter wants to learn as much as possible about the animals in his or her care and is courteous, interested and well informed.

Call Jan: 832-453-6244 or email at petshomealone@yahoo.com for an appointment today!!

If you have only one pet, a kennel may be cheaper than hiring a pet sitter, but you must realize that you cannot compare a kennel to your pet staying in his own familiar surroundings, where he needs no extra shots and he feels more secure that you will return!! Plus, we are caring for your home as well, getting your mail, picking up newspapers, and adjusting lights so your home looks "lived in" in your absense.

Each visit $17.00

SPECIAL OFFER! $15.00 per day. Doggie walks are offerred on week-days only between 11AM and 2PM for pet parents who work long hours. This is a 20 minute visit with no feeding-just a walk or playtime in the yard. Limited to one visit per day.

House check with no pets or plant care (mail and newspapers-check house, adjust lights) $12.00

Key pick up/drop off $5.00

Call: 832-453-6244 or email www.petshomealone@yahoo.com for an appointment!

When I hire a petsitter I present them with a list of rules to make their job easier. Most of these rules have a story behind them and are a lesson hard learned! I once got locked in a customer's back yard and had to climb a 7 foot fence (quite a feat for a 50's something Baby Boomer!!) I also did not check the gate once after the yard man was there and had to spend 2 hours chasing an escaped bitch! (I use that term literally and figuratively!) HA!

Rules for Home Alone Pet Care Specialists

1. Never let a dog off his leash outside even if the owners say he won't run off.

2. Always lock the front door behind you when going into a house and when you leave to walk a dog. Double check that house is securely locked when you leave.

3. Never let a dog wait longer than 12 hours between the bedtime visit and the morning visit, unless they have a doggie-door. If the last visit was 8PM, be there by 8AM!

4. Never dump kitty poop down the toilet, even if the client says it is OK. The toilet WILL back-up eventually (It happened to me and was a MESS!)

5. Always leave the house as clean as when you started. No housework or arranging furniture necessary, (HA!) but do wipe off counters and sweep up kitty litter, and dump bags of kitty poop into trash can in garage.

6. When filling out the Daily Diary try to keep it short, light and happy and reinforce that their pet is wonderful! They all are!

7. Always make sure that gates are closed securely before letting dogs into a yard.

8. Always carry Info sheet with you to a job! It has the security code on it that you may need to shut off the alarm-as well as your instructions for the pets.

9. Always carry plastic bags in your car and use them for doggie poop on walks or for litter box clean up (clients sometimes supply them-but not always).

10. Please let me know ASAP if you will be unavailable for jobs so that I can book accordingly (vacations, week-end trips, company coming, etc.)

11. If you have ANY problems doing a job or with a pet, call me before you do anything else. DO NOT call the client before talking to me first.

13. You are only to be at the house at the times designated by the client. Do not go over to "hang out" and do not go over to check on the dog except when you are supposed to be there!

14. Always leave the house with the realization that the clients may come home early and this may be your last visit! They do return early many times and sometimes find a mess that I had planned to take care of on my next visit!

15. Do not take anyone inside the house with you-a child, husband, a friend, etc. They can wait outside for you. Remember that the neighbors ARE watching!! And since the neighbors ARE aware- PLEASE no smoking in a clients house, yard or on a walk. I does not present a professional image to smoke while at work!

16. When cleaning up a pet mess from carpet make sure the cleaner you are using does NOT contain bleach! You will ruin the carpet!!!!

17. Always cover pet food cans before putting in refrigerator-if you can't find a lid, use a plastic baggie or paper towel.

18. Never let a dog drink out of a puddle or draining water in street or yards. It may contain poisons from fertilizers

19. Always leave a job with a good feeling, knowing you did a good job and the animal is happy.

20. ALL bookings go through me! Otherwise, I would have no control.

If a client asks if you want work "on the side" for them (in other words, without telling me about it...) please explain to them that you would not be covered by the bond or insurance, and that you would get fired if I found out! Tell them to get a neighbor kid, if they don't care about professionalism!

Each day is a new adventure and we are always having new experiences resulting in new rules!

Not only do petsitters need guidelines to make the pet sitting job go smoothly, but our customers need some guidelines, as well. Read below and you will see what I mean.

1. DON'T forget to leave the house key in the agreed upon location if you choose not to have it held on file with your Pet Sitter. There is a $5 key drop off/pick up charge if required.

2. Do not forget to leave your mail key and mailbox number if you want mail pick-up.

3. Leave detailed instructions for any medicines taken by pets; which pet, how it's given (peanut butter, cheese, etc.), how often, when next dosage is due, etc.

4. Please have enough food, treats, chew bones, and kitty litter to last until you get home. If we have to go to the store for supplies you will be charged a minimum fee of $15.00 per hour, as well as the amount of the items we purchased for your pets. You will be left an invoice.

5. Please leave contact numbers (cell phones, hotels, relatives, etc.) of where you can be reached in case of emergency.

6. In the event of inclement weather or natural disaster we may be unable to get to your pets in a timely manner, therefore we ask that you have someone close-by as a back-up should the need arise. If you do not, we can not be held responsible for consequences related to your decision. We are also not responsible for home or grounds in such circumstances.

6. We will be happy to water a few patio or house plants, as long as detailed instructions are supplied. We aren't experts in horticulture and will not be held responsible if a plant dies under our watch. We will charge for the extra time spent, if required, depending on the amount of plants needing care.

7. It is up to you to update Home Alone Petsitting on any changes in your pets' veterinarians, your cell phone numbers, changes in pets' behavior, health, diet, etc.

8. Please leave out some old towels in case of rain. It is hard to wipe off dirty feet with paper towels!

9. Please leave carpet cleaner, Resolve, etc. on counter, along with paper towels, for any pet messes on your carpet. We will clean it up, but we are not professional carpet cleaners. There will be spots.

10. Leave out a dust pan and brush by kitty litter box for litter clean up, as well as a scoop & plastic bags.

11. Notify us of any changes in your alarm system! And understand that during bad weather the darn things can go off for no reason! We'll also need the code word, and please notify your alarm company that we will be petsitting.

12. If you cook your own pet food please have all food precooked and packaged in the refrigerator. 13. I do not invoice, so please leave a check (or cash) on kitchen counter for pick up on the day you leave. The check is to be made out to JAN BARR. If you forget to leave the check a $5 fee is charged for pick-up upon your return home.

If a gratuity is included in payment, write tip amount on bottom of check, it will be forwarded to your Pet Sitter.

14. Reservations are made to plan our petsitters' availability to all customers. Clients returning home early will be required to pay for the reserved amount of time booked. No credits or refunds will be offered.

15. When booking for summer months or holidays understand that we are a service company..... "First come, first serve"....SO BOOK EARLY (even with just approximate dates).

A 25% cancellation fee will be charged for cancellations made preceding Holidays and peak summer months if done so within 2 weeks of the start of your reservation.

16. Understand that the more chores you require of your Pet Sitter the more time it takes away from your pets cuddle/play time and the more we may have to charge for the extra responsibilities.

With today's busy lifestyles, many pet owners find that their loyal dog or adorable kitty is left alone at home a great deal. And, many have found that a second (or third) pet helps alleviate some of the stress associated with the alone-at-home scenario.

If you've decided to add a new pet to your household, here are some tips for smoothing the introduction. In all cases, your first stop with your new pet should be the veterinarian. Have the newcomer screened for possible parasites, vaccinated and have nails (or claws) trimmed. You may also want to make an appointment for spaying or neutering. Spaying and neutering results in a healthier pet, but more importantly, reduces territorial behavior.

Cats

Put your new cat or kitten in a closed room. Provide her with food, water and a litter box. Allow your resident cat and the new family member to "meet" from either side of a closed door. After a day or two, open the door and supervise the first meeting. Remember that a certain amount of hissing and growling is normal. This is their way of establishing who is the dominant cat. They will work it out without your help. Screaming and violent behavior is not normal. The two should be separated and given more time to adjust through the closed door. Remember, don't put your hands, or any other body parts, between two fighting cats. Under those circumstances, they won't recognize you as a non-involved bystander!

During the entire "getting-to-know-you" period, shower you resident cat with lots of attention and affection. Reassurance is the name of the game. It has even been suggested that you may want to have someone else carry the new cat (in her carrier) into the house and place her in the designated room. This may reduce your resident pet's jealousy.

If you're introducing a new cat to a resident dog, the dog can see you bring the cat (in carrier) into the house. Dogs are pack animals and you are the leader of the pack. They'll be more likely to accept your decisions! Do be sure to lavish your dog with affection during the acceptance period.

One word of caution concerning dogs and cats. Be sure that your dog does not regard cats as prey! If you're not sure of his attitude, coordinate a visit to your vet's office. With him safely leashed, you and the veterinarian can supervise your pet's exposure to cats and monitor his reactions.

Dogs

As with cats, keep the new dog or puppy confined in an area away from existing pets. In a day or two, with the newcomer placed in his crate (or "den"), allow the resident into the area. Monitor the meeting and repeat the encounter over a few more days. Finally, when you sense there is some acceptance between the two, allow the meeting to take place with the newcomer out of his crate. In all cases, you should behave in a reassuring manner. Your confidence in the situation will be communicated to your pets.

If you are introducing a new dog or puppy into a home where there are existing canine pets, remember that you are the "alpha" dog. It is important that you set the tone for the newcomer. For instance, allow your resident dog to eat first. This sets the dominance order and helps establish respect levels. Another helpful "ordering" activity is to have every family member give the newcomer a tummy rub every day. The newcomer is assuming a submissive position during this enjoyable bonding activity.

Following these introduction guidelines and exercising patience help assure a successful pairing of your new pet with your old. . And, once their friendship solidifies, you'll find both pets and owner, too, will enjoy the new living arrangements and companionship.

Myths about proper diets for our dogs and cats seem always to be with us. Some of these myths may have a grain of truth, but this truth is often greatly exaggerated.

A current myth that could be threatening to our pets' health involves raw meat diets for dogs and cats.

The proponents of this belief question the wholesomeness and nutritional value of commercial pet foods. But, in fact, there is no scientific substantiation for raw meat diets. The truth is that good quality pet foods are backed by years of feline and canine nutrition studies. They are the result of scientific studies by researchers in veterinary colleges and animal nutritionists at reputable pet food manufacturers. This work continues as researchers launch new studies to learn even more about the relationship of diet to our pets' health.

In our own diets, meat is combined with vegetables, fruits, breads and other foods to give us the balanced nutrition we need. If we were to eat one particular food consistently, chances are we would become malnourished or develop health problems. No single food or food group can provide all the nutrients we need in proper proportions.

Manufacturers of good quality pet foods have incorporated all the nutrients a dog or cat needs during a particular lifestage into nutritionally complete and balanced diets.

Although meat is a source of protein, it has very low levels of calcium, a mineral our pets require for proper bone and tooth development. Calcium also plays an important role in blood clotting, muscle contraction and transmission of nerve impulses. It's important to remember that nutrients do not work alone, and calcium is no exception. Mineral nutrients are interrelated. Calcium and phosphorus have a scientifically established relationship in the formation of bones and teeth, provided a proper balance is maintained. This balance is usually not present in meat. If large quantities of raw meat are fed over time, skeletal problems may develop.

We tend to think of liver as being a "healthy" meat. Served with other foods, it is a beneficial part of many human diets. Liver has a high level of vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin that is stored by the body. When liver is fed to pets in large quantities over a period of time, vitamin A toxicity can result. This can lead to improper bone development, lameness and bone decalcification.

Raw meat carries the threat of bacteria and parasites. Salmonella is a bacterial organism that can cause a variety of disease in humans and animals. The risk of salmonellosis is always present when pets are fed raw meat diets. Certain species of tapeworm can be found in raw meat and passed on to a pet who ingests the meat.

High quality commercial pet foods are carefully processed to protect against salmonella or internal parasite infection.

It's true that cats and dogs consume a certain amount of muscle meat when they eat wild animals for survival. However, they also consume the bones, intestinal contents and internal organs which come closer to providing a complete and balanced diet.

Attempting to supplement a raw meat diet with vitamins and minerals is risky for your pet's health. Certain vitamins and minerals react with one another. Unless they are present in the proper amounts a pet may suffer malnutrition.

A final thought.....When a myth involving pet nutrition is suddenly exploited, we should ask ourselves: "What scientific research supports this statement?" "Have veterinary colleges done research to validate it?" "Do respected researchers in the fields of canine and feline nutrition support it?" "They said" or "I heard that" do not provide the substantiation we need when confronted with myths involving the care of our beloved pets who depend on us for their food, and therefore, their health!

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

~Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters~ We do not have to wait for Heaven, to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness. It is here on earth and has four legs!

Selecting a veterinarian for your pet is a personal choice, the same as is selecting your own doctor or dentist. The criteria you use in choosing a physician or dentist should be similar.

What is important to you? Location? Convenient hours of service? Friendliness and service commitment of doctors and staff? Fees?

In selecting a veterinarian, your goals should be to find the doctor that best meets your needs and to establish a long-term relationship.

The veterinarian will maintain a history of your pet, including health records that detail immunizations, reactions to medications, behavior traits, etc. So, it's important to see your veterinarian for all your pet's health care needs. Your veterinarian will know the best preventive and critical care to provide with your pet's individual health care needs in mind.

Your friends with pets are a good source of information. Ask them what they like about their veterinarian. But remember, their ideal choice may not be yours.

If you have a specific breed of dog, cat or bird, breed clubs can be a good source of information.

The business pages of a phone book or yellow pages normally provide information on local veterinarians.

It is a good idea to start thinking about selecting a veterinarian before a new pet becomes a member of your family. In fact, a veterinarian can assist you in selecting a pet that complements your personality, work schedule and home life.

If you've just moved, you will want to locate a veterinarian soon. Don't wait until your pet becomes ill; you want to establish a relationship right away.

Your veterinarian can give you with information on special climate concerns for your pet.

In addition, since traveling can be a stressful experience for a pet, an early check-up may be in order.

Schedule a visit to meet the veterinarians who have been recommended and to discuss your pet and your expectations. You may wish to visit several practices before you make a decision.

With some pet owners now shelling out thousands of dollars for medical procedures for their animals, a number of companies have sprung up offering health insurance plans for pets.

Consumer Reports found that when you add up the premiums, deductibles, co-payments, unreimbursed costs and exclusions, pet insurance is no bargain. The magazine concludes that the policies are almost never worth the price.

In fact, pet insurance is such a bad deal that Consumer Reports recommends that if you're worried about having enough money to keep your pet healthy, start a savings account. That way, you'll have the money if you need it. And if you don't need it, it goes back in your pocket.

So far, less than one percent of the nearly 60 million U-S households with pets have opted for the insurance. But the largest pet insurer company says its business grew by 45 percent last year.

No, it is not a rat, pony or giraffe!! A Chinese Crested is a Dog!!

They are classified as part of the toy group of dogs and range in size from 6 lbs to 13 lbs. They are unique in that, like many other breeds, there are two varieties, except in the Chinese crested breed the varieties are drastically different.... one may have a full coat of hair and is called a powderpuff and the other can have almost no hair and is called a hairless [of course]. Most breeds have a standard color where as the Chinese Crested is a party dog and may be born in any color or combination of colors including pink lilac and blue. They make an excellent companion pet or family pet. They are intelligent, very fun loving, and get along well with other animals.

Such color variety is very rare, as it appeared not very

long ago. It is not yet registered and such animals

cannot take part in shows. Such creatures have cream

body and orange or peach mask, ears, legs and tail. As they age,

their nose starts getting black spots, until it is eventually all black!

Of all the Siamese cats I have ever met, the Flame Point

is the most loving. They seem "dog-like" in their affection

and devotion.

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Greyhound rescue programs exist to find homes for racing dogs

who are not fast enough to win. Greyhounds are one of the 

oldest breeds of dog known to mankind, and have long been 

revered for their speed and beauty. Unfortunately, because of 

that extraordinary speed, greyhounds are used for dog racing, 

a career that leaves even the most successful racing dogs 

homeless after just a few short years; many are euthanized 

when they start to slow down. By volunteering in a greyhound 

rescue effort, you can help give racing dogs another chance at 

life.

Greyhound racing has come under considerable scrutiny in 

recent years, and opponents charge that the industry treats 

its racing dogs inhumanely during their short careers. 

For example, in an attempt to create ever-faster greyhounds, 

the racing industry breeds far more greyhounds than could 

possibly be used at racetracks, opponents say; those who are 

not fast enough are then destroyed. Each year tens of thousands 

of young and "retired" racing greyhounds are killed, according 

to the Humane Society.

The techniques used to train greyhounds and the conditions 

under which they are kept are also widely considered inhumane. 

Unfortunately, unlike other entertainment industries that use 

animals, such as circuses, greyhound racing is not governed by 

the federal Animal Welfare Act, so the industry is essentially self-

regulating. Greyhound race tracks currently operate in 15 states, 

but many others have now banned live greyhound racing.

Greyhounds are a sweet-tempered breed, and most adapt 

exceptionally well to life at home. In fact, there are countless success 

stories illustrating just how gratifying it is to adopt a greyhound. 

But as long as dog racing still exists, greyhound rescue groups need 

your help to find loving homes for these gentle dogs.

If you want to consider adoption or want to help: 

PLEASE contact:

GALT (Greyhound Adoption League of Texas) 

Website addres is http://www.greyhoundadoptiontx.org/

Address:        Greyhound Adoption League of Texas, Inc.

                P.O. Box 680

                Addison, TX  75001-0680  

(quoted from an email sent to me by a fellow dog lover....I love

it and agree.....)

"Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a

ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners

Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very

attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told

the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to

perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their

home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they

thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe

the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn

something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as

Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm,

petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he

understood what was going on.

Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without

any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after

Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that

animal lives are shorter than human lives.

Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up,

'I know why.'

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth

next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting

explanation.

He said, 'People are born so that they can learn how to live

a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being

nice, right?' The six-year-old continued, 'Well, dogs already

know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.'

Live simply.

Love generously..

Care deeply.

Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things

like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face

to be pure ecstasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close

by and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

Handle every stressful situation like a dog. If you can't

eat it or play with it....

Pee on it and walk away... "