While neither of those things is necessarily new, the COVID-19 pandemic brought them to the forefront, changing the face of the American workforce. So much so, that the video conference app Zoom saw a 317% increase in value in 2020 at the height of the pandemic.

Now, as things begin to return to normal, many individuals (and companies) are choosing to remain remote. There’s more flexibility, and it can improve productivity. When you’re working from home, however, other distractions could impact your video call etiquette – including your dog.

While it might seem cute to have your four-legged friend prancing around in the background of your business meeting, certain things are appropriate, and some things that aren’t. With that in mind, it’s important to draw a line by practicing good etiquette when you’re on a video call and handling your dog’s typical behaviors.

Make a Smarter Schedule

You know your pooch better than anyone. Most dogs have a pretty standard routine (and they like it that way), and you know how their behaviors can change throughout the day. Maybe it takes them a while to get going in the morning so they’re typically quieter then. Maybe they get antsy in the afternoon and need to go for a walk. Maybe they even interpret what they think a Zoom call looks like by getting the dreaded “zoomies” near the end of your workday.

While you can’t always predict your dog’s behaviors, you can use their standard routine to build a better schedule for yourself and your conference calls. You might want to schedule calls when:

• Your dog has just gone for a walk
• Other people are home to interact with them
• They’re eating
• They are engaged with a toy

On the other hand, there might be certain times of day to avoid scheduling meetings. If your dog tends to give in to the old trope of barking at the mailman, you might want to avoid sitting in on meetings around the time your postal carrier shows up each day. Your dog might just be claiming its territory, but loud barking in the background of a conference call isn’t fun for anyone.

Make Sure Your Dog is Well-Trained

One of the best ways to make sure your dog won’t cause problems during your video calls is to ensure they’re properly trained, and this should go well beyond basic commands like “sit” and “stay”.

Good training starts by strengthening the bond with your dog. They need to understand that you’re the leader, and boosting your bond can help with that.

Beyond basic commands, one of the most helpful things for video calls is to train your dog to stop barking. While they shouldn’t be punished for doing what comes naturally, they need to understand how to stop immediately at your command,  even if they see a squirrel in the yard.

There are plenty of reasons why dogs tend to bark during conference calls. They might be trying to get your attention, or maybe they’re sensitive to changes in their routine. They might even pick up on triggers from other people on the call (ie; if there’s another dog on screen). So, how can you train them not to bark when you’re on a call?

Start by holding “practice” conference calls. Go into the room where you work and pretend to go about your normal routine. You might even call up a family member or friend on Zoom to tell them what you’re doing. Reward your dog for desired behaviors, and correct them if they start barking. Getting them calm as quickly as possible is the key. Crating or leashing your dog during these practice sessions will allow you to be more in control.

Work on a “settle” command for your dog if they do start barking. It could be a command or hand signal that puts you in the driver’s seat right away. Developing one will take time, so be sure to reward your dog and “pay” them each time they get it right with something like a tasty treat or belly rub.

When It’s Okay to Have Your Dog On Screen

In some cases, having your four-legged friend in the background of your meeting is perfectly acceptable. Many in-person businesses are becoming more dog-friendly thanks to benefits like:

• Reduced stressed
• Boosted morale
• Increased productivity
• Improved communication
• Better employee retention

Having your dog by your side when you’re working from home can provide just as many benefits, and make you feel happier throughout the day. However, if you want to make sure they don’t crash your next Zoom call, make sure you have a plan in place. In some cases, it’s okay to “introduce” your pet on your call for a moment to let others know they’re in the room.

Have a designated space for your dog in that room. It could be a crate, their bed, or just a specific spot on a rug. Claim the rest as your space, and make sure they’re aware of that.

Give them something to distract them throughout the call, like a toy or bone, and make sure there is nothing that will overly-stimulate them or cause them to bark. It might be a good idea to close the windows and curtains so they won’t be tempted to see what’s going on if someone walks by in your neighborhood.

In most cases, if your dog is calmly relaxing behind you, your co-workers won’t give it a second thought.

Your plan should also include a way to “escape”. If your dog starts becoming a distraction, you may have to leave the room or put them somewhere else. If they struggle with separation anxiety, don’t make a big deal about the switch, and quietly leave if possible. If you can’t separate yourself from them, offer another chew toy or distraction that can buy you more time. Having a backup plan can help if things start to get stressful while working at home with your dog in general.

The work-from-home culture is here to stay and will likely keep growing. Millions of people have dogs at home. Those two facts are going to overlap, no matter what.

So, if you’re working remotely and participating in video calls throughout the day, it’s often okay to have your furry family member in the background. Just make sure you take a few extra steps to practice strong etiquette with them in the room.

Jori Hamilton is a writer from the pacific northwest. You can follow her on Twitter @HamiltonJori and see more of her work at writerjorihamilton.contently.com.

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To make your time away less stressful for you, easier for the pet sitter, and, most importantly, as relaxing and calm as possible for your dog, remember these important preparations:

For Your Own Peace of Mind:

First and foremost, find a petsitter you trust. For many, this will be the toughest part of all, aside from leaving your dog behind. Talk with friends and family with pets, veterinarians, a trusted groomer, or neighbors. Ask for references (and check them!), complete a thorough interview, and allow them to meet and get to know your dog in advance of their first day on the job.

Once you’ve found the perfect pet sitter for your furriest family, discuss with them, in detail, your expectations while you’re away. Will you expect a daily text or phone call update? Will the pet sitter be staying overnight at your house or making several visits each day? Work out a full schedule in advance and ensure that your sitter will stick to it.

Call ahead to your veterinarian and let them know your dog will be in the care of a sitter. Provide the sitter’s full name and the dates you’ll be away. Many veterinarians require payment up-front before performing even emergency procedures, so make sure they’ve got a credit card on file and your approval to perform necessary treatments that cannot wait until you return in the event that you cannot be reached.

And, always have a backup plan in place. Leave a key well hidden at your home or with a trusted friend, neighbor, or relative in case your sitter loses theirs, doesn’t show up as planned, or has an emergency that leaves them unable to care for your pets.

For the Pet Sitter:

Provide your pet sitter with all possible ways to contact you if necessary. In addition to providing your cell phone number, provide a simple itinerary including the names and phone numbers of family you’ll be visiting or hotels you’ll be staying in. In the event your sitter cannot contact you, provide them with an emergency contact whom you trust to answer questions or provide assistance on your behalf.

Provide a list of emergency contacts including trusted friends, family, or neighbors, your veterinarian, and an after-hours emergency veterinarian.

In a binder or notebook, prepare a detailed checklist (here’s a great pet sitter checklist template you can use for free!) or schedule that includes details about feeding your dog (What time or times does your dog eat? How much should be fed?), walking your dog (How many times a day should your dog be walked? For how long?), and potty breaks (How many times per day should your dog be let outside to potty? What times of the day?).

In that same binder, include individual “pet profiles” for each dog (or other pet) in the sitter’s care. Attach a photo of the pet with information about their personality, their likes and dislikes, favorite toys or types of play, any special requirements, medications, allergies, or behaviors to be aware of. Include information about your dog’s food (brand, flavor, etc) in the event they need to purchase more.

And, list important reminders and rules that the petsitter should be aware of. Are your dogs allowed extra treats or snacks throughout the day? Are they allowed on the furniture? Do they need to be crated when left alone, or are they free to roam the entire house?

For Your Dog’s Comfort and Security:

Make sure all of your dog’s supplies are in an easy-to-find, single location. Include collars (with identification tags), leashes, poop bags, food, bowls, treats, and grooming supplies as well as your dog’s favorite toys, games, or chews.

If your dog’s bed has a zippered cover, unzip a corner and stuff the inside with a few articles of your worn clothing. When he curls up to sleep, your scent will provide comfort in your absence.

If you have a unique morning or nighttime ritual, be sure to share that with the pet sitter so he or she can replicate it while you’re away. If your dog normally gets brushed or massaged in the evenings, if you spend an hour watching TV together on the sofa, or if you sing him a special song before bed, share these rituals with your sitter and ask that they be replicated. It won’t be the same as spending time with you, but the routine will be calming and familiar to your best furry friend.

Other Things to Consider:

For added peace of mind while you’re away, consider installing a home and pet surveillance system like the PetCube Bites, or the inexpensive Yi Wifi Camera. These easy-to-use home and pet surveillance cameras are simple to install and connect to your home’s wifi. Using a smartphone app, pet parents can simply log on and see what’s happening in the home at any time, from anywhere. Many also offer added features like the ability to pan around a room, temperature alarms, high definition and nighttime viewing, and sound.

Or, if you prefer, invest in an interactive, treat-dispensing pet camera that allows you to directly interact with your dog, dispense treats, and speak to them while you’re away.

Do you have any additional tips to help pet parents prepare for the dog sitter? Please, share your experiences in a comment below!

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If you just pictured Fido wearing a tie and glasses while he looks over your returns, you’re not alone.

But, that’s not quite what we mean. There are several different instances in which you can file your taxes with dog-related write-offs, deductions, and expenses. Depending on what you do with your dog and what their purpose is (other than being the best boy!), they could actually end up saving you money when you go to file.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at how your dog can impact your taxes, and what you can do to use them as a deduction or write-off.

What Can You Claim as a Write-Off?

Not every pet owner is going to be able to write off things about their dog. But, certain situations can be used to your advantage. For example, if you got your fur baby from a shelter, the expenses might be able to be used as a charitable write-off. If you regularly donate money or supplies to that shelter, you can write those off, too.

Another claim you can make on your taxes is if you need medical help and your dog assists you. If you have a condition such as blindness, or you’re hard of hearing and you have a guide dog, you can include any expenses toward them in your overall medical expenses that get written off. Even emotional support animals used for mental health support can be written off.

While you can’t claim your pets as dependents on your taxes, it’s not impossible to write off their expenses when they serve certain purposes. Whether your dog is a part of your business, or you need them just to get around every day, do your research on how they can end up saving you money on your taxes.

What If Your Dog is a Part of Your Business?

Many pet lovers start businesses that allow them to do what they love while being around animals all the time. Some common jobs working with dogs include:

• Trainer
• Breeder
• Dog-sitter
• Groomer

Even dog walkers can write off things like their mileage, cell phone bills, and business supplies used to book clients and make arrangements. If you’re willing to get creative, you can write off more from your business than you might think.

If you work with your dog every day, you may be able to deduct their expenses from the business side of your taxes. But, what about your personal taxes? They’re your dog, right? Not a business partner? What happens if you run a business not related to animals, but your pet serves as a guard dog. Can you write off their expenses based on how much time they spend guarding?

It can get a bit confusing to know how to separate business and personal expenses, to begin with. When you through a four-legged wrench into things, it becomes even more confusing. One of the best things you can do if you have a business that works with animals is to contact an accountant.

Thankfully, with the rise in remote work, you can find an accountant that fits your needs almost anywhere in the world.

Even if you work with dogs but don’t technically run a “business”, you might still be able to claim certain things. For example, if you regularly foster dogs for a local shelter, you can claim those expenses! That includes everything from food to any medical bills you might take care of for them while they’re staying with you.

Moving Deductions

In some situations, the IRS will treat your dog as an actual member of your family – though, not many. One such situation is if you’re moving. You might be able to deduct your moving expenses – including your dog’s belongings. If they needed food, toys, or special care throughout your move, save those receipts and they can be used on your taxes.

The expenses are viewed as no different from any other part of your personal effects. While it gives a more “humanistic” quality to your dog, that’s really not the point. Rather, it allows you to care for your dog when you’re going through a stressful move, and possibly make money from it later.

Whether you want to work with dogs, you’re a proud shelter parent, or you’re looking for a few ways to effectively write off certain things about your dog, keep these ideas in mind. Your furriest family member might be able to save you more money than you realize each year if you know which claims to make and how to file correctly.

Jori Hamilton is a writer from the pacific northwest. You can follow her on Twitter @HamiltonJori and see more of her work at writerjorihamilton.contently.com.

PetNmind

PetNmind is a holistic pet food and supply store based in Coconut Creek, FL. Adrian Archie has always been in tune with animals and once had dreams of becoming a veterinarian. Upon realizing that his cat, Rocko, was growing ill from the pet food he was being fed, Adrian launched PetNmind to help guide pet parents through their dog’s and cat’s diet. PetNmind is devoted to providing the most appropriate holistic nutrition from trusted pet food brands and specializes in personalized guidance for pet parents. They also offer membership-based pet hygiene services and most recently began offering small format franchises.

We asked Adrian: What does Juneteenth mean to you? 

“Juneteenth symbolizes responsibility to me. Responsibility to my ancestors who endured and survived slavery only to have to endure another 100 years of Jim Crow,” he said. “Becoming the first black-owned company in the pet industry that is also franchising is not for my ego or vanity. Instead, it is a living and breathing representation of what my ancestors marched, bled, and died for. Their legacy allows me the opportunity to be audacious in everything I set out to do. I owe them my blood, sweat, and tears at a minimum.”

Sir Dogwood

Chaz Olajide grew frustrated when having to scatter the internet for the best dog wear products, so she decided to create her own online shop to include just that. Sir Dogwood is a black-owned pet business based in Chicago that curates quality dog wear and accessories from innovative designers in the US and abroad. You’ll find everything from harnesses by Wild One to premium sweaters by Cote A Cote. Best of all? A portion of Sir Dogwood’s monthly sales are donated to One Tail At A Time, a Chicago non-profit whose mission is to end pet homelessness. Sir Dogwood is staffed by a small but mighty team of dog-obsessed women who are committed to offering top notch customer service to dog parents and their pups.

Homescape Pets

Homescape Pets is a black-owned pet business based in Austin, TX offering limited-ingredient natural pet supplements, CBD pet products, and natural pet treats. Marcus and Nana Pfeifer sought out to create a way to keep pets healthy in a natural and affordable way after losing their first dog to cancer. When they couldn’t find the clean, preservative-free supplements and treats that they were seeking for their new dogs, they created them. Now they are helping pet parents naturally address the most common health issues that dogs and cats face: anxiety, joint issues, and inflammation.

“It’s important that Juneteenth does not become a day that’s simply performative,” said Nana Pfeifer, cofounder of Homescape Pets when asked about Juneteeth. “In the wake of 2020’s protests and the ensuing anti-racism conversations, we saw lots of symbolism but not a lot of lasting inclusivity and change. I wish for and actively work for that change.”

Pfeifer wants to show pet parents that black-owned businesses are thriving in the pet wellness industry. To do this, they are working to level the playing field and connect with other POC brands to help amplify their voices. “This is a long road and we’re here to walk it step by step,” she said. 

5 Element Food Therapy

5 Element Food Therapy is an Oakland based black-owned pet business born out of the love of a 13 year old dog named Hoochie. Sharon Felice started 5 Element Food Therapy after Hoochie was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and given a life expectancy of only 60 days. Sharon decided against chemotherapy and instead consulted Dr. Anne Reed, a Certified Holistic Vet, to explore acupuncture as a way of making Hoochie’s remaining days more comfortable. Dr. Reed’s treatment recommendations included a fresh food diet infused with Chinese herbs in addition to her regular kibble. Hoochie’s 60 days turned into 90, then 120 – and thriving on her new diet, Sharon and Hoochie played together and cuddled with each other for 9 months.

Hoochie’s successful life-extending treatment inspired Sharon to share the health benefits of fresh food supplements. In 2016, she asked Dr. Reed to partner on a new endeavor. Together they created 5 Element Food Therapy, a line of whole food supplements based in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine to help eliminate chronic disease and nourish the bodies of pets, companions and best friends everywhere.

Dogue Spa

Dogue Spa is a Los Angeles based dog grooming spa offering a unique, high end salon experience to you and your four legged best friend. Joshua White and Mehdi Elias joined together to create the highest level of excellence in dog grooming and styling. The star of the spa is Snow, Joshua’s female poodle, who has become a driving force behind Joshua’s success. This black-owned pet business serves celebrities and influential personalities in fashion, music, and television, but every pet parent is welcome to spoil their dog. Most recently, Dogue is working on launching its own signature dog apparel and accessory line.

Trill Paws

Pet wear meets pop culture at this Los Angeles based pet accessory and lifestyle brand. Rachel Jones combined her love for dogs and fashion to create pet accessories that are fun and stylish. Now she runs her own black-owned pet business to transform boring pet ID tags into fun pet accessories that pet parents will want to put on their cats and dogs. Her designs are inspired by iconic figures and sayings to keep up with the latest trends as they come.

Written by Dogdrop

Dogdrop provides the best dog daycare and pet care service in Los Angeles. Their daycare provides a safe place for socialization, directed activity, training reinforcement, and much more. They have the best quality dog essentials for pet owners. Dogdrop is the best place for dogs to learn, exercise, and socialize to become happier and healthier dog citizens.

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“During the pandemic, pet adoption rates soared, and our pets have been a constant source of companionship to pet parents who were working from home, quarantined, or adjusting to a ‘new normal,’” explained PSI President and event spokesperson Beth Stultz-Hairston. “The important role our pets have played in bringing us comfort this past year reinforces the purpose of TYDTWDay, and we hope that through this fun Friday celebration companies can boost employee morale and inspire more employees to get pets of their own.”

The mission to celebrate the great companions dogs make and promote pet adoptions is what prompted PSI, the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, to create TYDTWDay in 1999.

Each year, the association has encouraged employers across the U.S. and Canada—and around the globe—to open their doors to employees’ dogs for one fun summer Friday. However, the rise of remote working and social-distancing policies during the pandemic prompted PSI to begin promoting virtual celebration options as well.

For those businesses who cannot safely host TYDTWDay events at their workplaces, PSI is encouraging them to participate virtually and shares these ideas:

• Invite employees’ dogs to a virtual staff meeting.
• Share photos of employees’ dogs on the company’s blog or social-media sites.
• Invite a local animal shelter or pet rescue to virtually introduce adoptable pets to staff.
• Host a virtual “lunch and learn” presented by a local professional pet sitter, dog walker or other pet-care expert.

Participating companies who have returned to in-person work but still have social-distancing guidelines in place can still plan celebrations such as a dog photo contest or “doggy bag” lunches for staff, PSI advises.

“Whether employees are still working from home or have returned to the office, there are a variety of ways companies can still participate and honor the purpose of the day,” said PSI Founder and CEO Patti Moran. 

PSI offers a variety of other virtual and in-person celebration tips and ideas—as well as a sample “dogs at work” policy, employee participation form templates, and more—in its 2021 TYDTWDay Event Toolkit, available for participants to download for free at www.petsit.com/toolkit.

There are also options for those wanting to celebrate other pets. The week leading up to the event, June 21-25, is Take Your Pet To Work Week®, with Take Your Cat To Work Day® celebrated on Monday, June 21.

To learn more about Take Your Dog To Work Day, Take Your Pet To Work Week or Take Your Cat To Work Day, visit www.petsit.com/takeyourdog or the Take Your Dog To Work Day Facebook page. Pet parents who need a professional pet sitter or dog walker to assist them during their event—or any day of the year—can search for a PSI member pet sitter at www.petsit.com/locate.

Though many dog lovers may consider becoming a veterinarian at some point in their lives, there are actually many other career and side hustle options for those passionate about canines. Pet-related spending is a huge market in the U.S., as Americans spent over $95 billion on their animals in 2019 — yeah, fur real. 

And people are capitalizing on the trend. With the advent of technology, artsy jobs like blogging, photography and social media managing have sprung up, allowing dog lovers to celebrate their love of animals with the push of a button or the click of a shutter. (For example, did you know that dog Instagram accounts can earn $15,000 for a single post?) 

For those who are more obedience minded, teaching dogs how to “sit!” and “stay!” can be a lucrative career choice. Or, you can opt for the fun side of things and start making custom dog toys and treats.

At the end of the day, you can combine your love for dogs with another one of your hobbies to find your perfect niche. If you are interested in baking or cooking and love your furry friends, a gourmet dog food and treats service could be right for you. If you’re passionate about taking care of dogs and have a yard to spare, you could start up a doggy day care to be surrounded by your puppy pals all day long. 

For more fun insight on the world of pet-centric business ideas, check out the following infographic from small business insurance provider Thimble.

Infographic via Thimble.com

Pet-Sitter

Looking forward to just spending some time with a furry friend? Pet sitting is the perfect option for you! This is one of the unique side-jobs where you might not even need to quit your other full-time job if you don’t wish to. To get started, consider first spreading the word around your neighborhood to get friends and community members talking about what skills you’re offering. You could also tap into dog communities online to promote your pet-sitting services.

Further, it’s recommended to have a schedule in place and handy for the times you’re available, making it easier for pet parents to call and talk about working with you. In terms of skills, a general affinity for pets and the ability to deal with pet emergencies is a must, but as a pet-lover, these are probably skills you already possess.

Dog Trainer or Behaviorist

Adopting a new dog can be intimidating at first, but dog trainers can help ease the stress of the process. Behaviorists also step in when a new owner is facing a specific problem with their dog, such as them being moody or fussy or not listening to commands/not taking to new training. All these are indicative of underlying issues which behaviorists can address.

If you’ve ever felt like you can speak a dog’s special language, or feel a special connection with even the most difficult of pups, you might consider looking into what it takes to become a professional trainer or behaviorist to help owners, new and old, develop stronger relationships with their new best friends.

Pet Photographer

Depending on your level of creativity, becoming a pet photographer comes with a lot of glamour and very few cons! Not only can it potentially pay well once you’ve established a client base, it also allows you to spend time with furballs of all breeds. You can dress them up, take them out, and play with them as much as you want while getting the best shots.

Despite the seeming easiness of this profession, however, being a successful pet photographer requires a lot of skill and patience. Photography skills aside, being a pet photographer requires the ability to quickly connect with clients and their dogs, maintaining composure even in moments of frustration, fully understanding photography and all the tools necessary, as well as the ability to adapt to changing situations during shoots.

Generally, your pay depends on the kinds of projects you take up. You might consider private photoshoots for pet parents, or branded ones for large-scale manufacturers and companies. You could also organize your own photoshoot and then sell your work online, host exhibitions, or contact pet care brands who would need the pictures for promotional material.

Dog Groomer

If fashion is your first love and dogs are what you live for, you can combine the two and become a dog groomer. From giving them the latest look to making sure their coat and nails shine, this career includes spending a lot of time making pups look their very best.

To build some initial traction and find clientele, not unlike many of the other jobs suggested, it’s essential to appropriately publicize your skills and services via social media. Consider platforms like Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos, Facebook for connecting with potential clients, and LinkedIn to show off your professional history. Once the regular customers are hooked, you can slowly start to establish your own studio/ boutique.

Since the start of the pandemic and with a growing wave of the workforce moving remotely, a large number of people have begun to adopt pets for companionship. For any business in this category, this means that there is an expansion of the customer base. In simple terms, your services are more in demand now than ever before. No doubt, working with pets is heart-warming and fulfilling — a career option that will surely make you a happier person.

Jori Hamilton is a writer from the pacific northwest. You can follow her on twitter @HamiltonJori and see more of her work at writerjorihamilton.contently.com.

PSI, the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, is reminding pet owners that professional pet sitters will be available to check in on their pets during the day, whether they need dog walks, kitty enrichment visits, potty breaks for new puppies, or other pet-care services.

“Many pets have gotten used to the constant presence of their owners at home during this pandemic and may have trouble adjusting when their parents return to the office or begin traveling again,” said Beth Stultz-Hairston, president of PSI. “Fortunately, professional pet-sitting services are available to ensure that pets get the playtime and enrichment they need to alleviate stress and prevent destructive behaviors.”

To help PSI members prepare for the future influx of service requests and better meet the needs of pets readjusting to their owners’ absence, PSI is hosting a free online training for members on May 1, where Katenna Jones, ScM, ACAAB, CCBC, CDBC, CPDT-KA, will discuss post COVID-19 stress and pets. Members will practice spotting stress signals in pets, discover tips to give clients to help prepare in advance, and review ideas for stress reduction in pets post-pandemic.

Pet owners should not delay the search for professional pet-sitting services, PSI advises. Finding the right pet sitter for your family takes time, and lining up services now will better position pet parents for a smooth transition back to the office once stay-at-home orders are lifted.

“With so many pet-care options in the market now, it’s more important than ever that pet owners devote time to finding the perfect local professional pet-sitting business for their pet-care needs,” Stultz-Hairston said. “The peace of mind that comes from using a local professional pet sitter that is well-trained, has insurance tailored for their business, and can offer proof of a clear criminal history is priceless.”

“Plus, seeking out the services of a local professional pet-sitting business ensures you are boosting your local economy by supporting a local business that was likely hard hit by the COVID-19 shutdowns,” Stultz-Hairston added.

PSI recommends pet owners schedule an initial consultation with a potential pet sitter prior to booking services and ask seven important questions, available in PSI’s free Pet-Sitter Interview Checklist.

To learn more about PSI or to locate a professional pet sitter in your area, visit www.petsit.com/locate.

There are many great pet sitters out there, but to find a great match, you’ll need to start the process early and hire a pet sitter with safety in mind.

Be Careful to Find the Right Pet Sitter

You’re sure to have plenty of pet sitters to choose from, thanks to the prevalence of the gig economy. According to Western Governors University, about 11% of workers in the United States earn income from freelance opportunities like pet sitting.

But pet sitters aren’t all the same, and just because someone is advertising their availability as a pet sitter doesn’t mean that they have the experience necessary. To find a pet sitter you can trust, look for someone who is insured and bonded. Ask specific questions about a pet sitter’s experience, communication methods, and the plan they have in place in case they are sick or injured during the stay. Be sure to request – and then contact – references, too. If you’re working with a pet sitting agency, make sure that you use an agency that performs background checks on their employees for an added layer of safety.

Prepare For the Pet Sitter

Taking the time to prepare for the pet sitter properly can also help to ensure your dog’s safety. Make sure that you’re clear about your care expectations from the start. Be upfront about your dog’s schedule, whether you want the pet sitter to stay in your home overnight, and any other special needs that the sitter will need to be able to accommodate. It’s essential to go into this level of detail early on in the hiring process to make sure that the sitter is comfortable and can commit to the job. 

If your dog requires medication or any other health treatments, then make sure to train the pet sitter in how to administer these treatments so that they’re comfortable with the process, and so your dog is comfortable with them, too.

Before you have to leave, contact your veterinarian and give them the pet sitter’s information. You may also want to leave a credit card on file so that the pet sitter can bring your dog in for emergency treatment if necessary. Be sure to leave the sitter with emergency contact information for yourself, as well as with contact information for your vet. 

Make Your Home as Safe as Possible

If you’re gone for long periods of time, your dog may be bored and more likely to get into mischief that he wouldn’t usually. Before you leave, take a walk through your home and look for potential dangers.

If you’re going on vacation during the holidays, your home may be filled with extra holiday decorations that could be dangerous for your dog. If you have a Christmas tree up, make sure that you either put up gates so that your dog can’t get into that room, or that you’re able to close the doors to that room for your dog’s safety. Be sure also to avoid placing other holiday decorations, like garland and candles, within your dog’s reach.

Take out the trash before you leave and secure any cleaning products out of your dog’s reach. Now is also the time to put any valuables away out of the pet sitter’s sight and access, just in case. To keep your dog as safe as possible, have him stay in a crate or a single room, like the kitchen, unless the pet sitter is present.

Consider Using a Video Surveillance System

Home automation advancements mean that installing a video surveillance system in your home is relatively easy. You can access your system with a phone or computer and can instantly see the inside of your home, depending on camera placement. Plus, with smart door locks, you can monitor when and how often a pet sitter unlocks the door to your home and checks on your pet.

This might seem like the perfect way to check in on your pet and your pet sitter but use caution. Hidden nanny cams or home surveillance cameras are not always legal according to state laws. It’s essential to protect a pet sitter’s right to privacy by making sure any cameras in your home are in full view of the room and aren’t recording sound. To be extra safe, share the fact that you have cameras in your home with your pet sitter, and explain that you use them to check in on your dog. Preparing to go on vacation can be a stressful and busy time, but when you carefully choose a great pet sitter, your dog’s health is one less element that you’ll have to worry about.

Jori Hamilton is a writer from the pacific northwest. You can follow her on twitter @Jori Hamilton and see more of her work at writerjorihamilton.contently.com.

Gaining bilateral support, a proposed law strengthening protection against cruelty for dogs and cats has been introduced and is building sponsorship in the Florida House and Senate. HB 621 Animal Cruelty, or Allie’s Law, was introduced on Nov. 12, by Democrat Rep. Dan Daley of Coral Springs and co-introduced by Republican Rep. Scott Plakon of Longwood. Only weeks later, on Nov. 25, SB 1044 was introduced by Sen. Jason Pizzo and has gained nearly a dozen bilateral co-sponsors so far this year.

“The cycle of abuse must end. Animal abuse is an indicator that a home is not safe and is usually correlated with family dysfunction, including domestic, child, and elder abuse,” said Daley. “I am honored to work on this bipartisan legislation this year in Tallahassee and intend on working to stop the unfair treatment of innocent animals and to break the cycle of abuse.”

Allie’s Law is named after 4-year-old Boston Terrier Allie Katherine, adopted by Dave Heine, a small business owner in Orlando and vice president of Boston Terrier Rescue of Florida and his wife Tatia. Allie was used for breeding in an backyard breeding situation. Allie had to fight 6 other dogs for her food, while she was pregnant with 5 puppies. Abandoned due to the medical costs from her abuse, Allie was rescued — but the cycle of abuse continued for the other dogs. Lacking any report​ of the abuse, the owners demanded Allie’s newborn puppies from the veterinarian, sentencing them to a life of abuse.

​Determined to stop the cycle, Heine researched laws and met with rescue agencies, health care professionals, pet owners and advocates. His work led him to collaborate with Nanette Parratto-Wagner, D.V.M., Ph.D., a veterinarian and past chair of the Board of Veterinary Medicine to co-author Allie’s Law.

Florida Statutes give immunity to veterinarians who report abuse. However, they currently do not include a requirement to report suspected abuse, said Heine, leaving a gap in the law’s ability to protect animals. Allie’s Law would close this gap in the same way medical professionals are required to report child abuse.

“Not only will this bill ensure that pets are spared from future abuse, it will also ensure that abusers will face the consequences for their actions and hopefully never harm another animal again,” Heine said.

The proposed law provides guidelines regarding when a veterinarian or member of a veterinary medical facility is required to report signs of suspected animal cruelty to law enforcement or animal control. Sixteen other states currently have a similar law in place. Allie’s Law states:

(1) A veterinarian licensed to practice in the state who knows, or has reasonable cause to suspect, that a dog or cat showing visible signs of cruelty, as prohibited under s.828.12(1), has been or is being subjected to animal cruelty by its owner or under its owner’s care, shall report such knowledge or suspicion within 48 hours after obtaining such knowledge or suspicion to a local law enforcement or animal control agency  for investigation.

(2) A veterinary technician or an employee or volunteer of an animal treatment provider, facility, or shelter, who during the normal course of care of a dog or cat, knows, or has reason to suspect, that a dog or cat, showing visible signs of cruelty, as prohibited under s. 828.12(1), has been or is being subjected to animal cruelty by its owner or under its owner’s care, shall report within 24 hours to a veterinarian such knowledge or suspicion, who shall, if the cooperation of the owner or caretaker is obtained, attempt to examine the dog or cat within 24 hours after notification of suspected cruelty. If the owner or caretaker refuses to permit a veterinarian to examine a dog or cat that has been reported to a veterinarian under this  subsection as possibly subjected to animal cruelty, or the veterinarian is otherwise unable to examine the animal, then the veterinarian shall report the suspected cruelty to a local law enforcement or animal control agency for investigation.

(3) A veterinarian, veterinary technician, or an employee or volunteer of a treatment provider facility, or shelter practicing in the state shall be held harmless from either criminal or civil liability for any decisions made to report suspected cruelty. Any such animal treatment provider, facility, or shelter is immune from all civil liability for any decisions made to report suspected cruelty and its cooperation with any related investigation of cruelty to animals.

If Allie’s Law passes in 2020, it would, for the first time in Florida history, make reporting animal abuse a requirement of the profession just as pediatricians, veterinarians and other healthcare practitioners are required to report child abuse.

Learn more about Allie’s Law and show your support right here: www.allieslaw.org

A week ago, Brent Overholt and his wife added Pluto, a 9-week old Golden retriever puppy, to the family. As responsible pet parents, they turned to the popular on-demand dog walking app Wag! to schedule a mid-day walk for the young pup while they were both away at work.

“They went through background checks, they went through training, they went through interviews to become a dog walker, so we thought we were pretty safe,” Overholt told Cleveland’s Fox8.

While Pluto was, thankfully, well cared for during the scheduled visit, it was what the Overholt’s surveillance cameras captured after the walk that disturbed them.

Unaware of the camera capturing his every move, the dog walker brought Pluto back inside, then proceeded to rummage through the refrigerator, open and explore kitchen cabinets, take a drink straight from the family’s milk carton, and help himself to a few shots of expensive bourbon – but not before handling an itch without washing his hands.

“If we didn’t have the cameras in the house, we’d have no idea that he had his hands down his pants, his front, his back, touching all over the house, drinking out of our milk,” Overholt said.

As he opened the fridge one last time, perhaps to help himself to another chug of milk straight from the carton, the dog walker knocked over the camera and realized he’d been caught.

The family contacted Wag!, both to file a complaint against the walker and to request reimbursement for the busted security camera and expensive bourbon. Wag! responded with the following statement:

“In this case, we’ve removed the walker from our platform, so that they can no longer provide services through Wag!, and our dedicated Trust and Safety team is in contact with the pet parent to address his concerns.”

Overholt also plans to file a report with Streetsboro Police, who may consider criminal charges. From now on, Brent says, only friends and family will be taking care of Pluto.

Whether you simply want to check-in on pets at home or verify that hired help are properly caring for your home and pets, there are many reasons that all pet parents should have home surveillance cameras installed.

No matter your lifestyle, your unique needs, or your budget, there’s a home surveillance camera that’s a perfect fit. So, whether you just want to peek in on your adorable dog, check to make sure he’s not getting into trouble, or even want to toss a treat and say “hello!” we’ve scoured the market to bring you the Best Pet Cameras for Dogs!

The Victorville, California couple says they hired a dog sitter through the popular petsitting app, Rover.com, a website and app designed to connect pet parents with pet sitters, to care for their young puppy, Lucy, while they were away.

When their newly installed home surveillance cameras sent a motion alert, the couple excitedly logged in to see their baby being cared for. Instead, they watched in real time as the pet sitter violently threw little Lucy onto the floor, scolding her.

“It’s heartbreaking because the reason we use a pet sitter is because we love our pet and we don’t want to leave her unattended for very long because she is a baby,” Lucy’s mom, Amanda Roy told ABC13. “So, we trusted someone to come into our home and look after a pet that we consider a family member.”

Because their cameras featured two-way audio capabilities, Amanda’s husband immediately yelled for the pet sitter to leave their property. They then contacted Rover.com, police, and animal control who are investigating the incident.

To be listed as a pet sitter, applicants must pass a background check and be approved to join. After learning of the incident, Rover released the following statement:

“The activity depicted in this video is shocking and appalling. We have permanently deactivated this sitter from our platform and will continue to investigate. Any incident of this nature is extremely rare on our platform, and we take it very seriously. Additionally, we have offered to pay for any veterinary expenses that may have been incurred as a result of this incident. We have been assisting local law enforcement with their investigation and will continue to offer support.”

Thankfully, Lucy was examined by a veterinarian and is expected to be ok. Police and animal control are investigating to determine if animal abuse charges will be filed.