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Professional Pet Sitter is the official magazine of NAPPS and is published quarterly. The magazine is chock-full of interesting articles and information, providing NAPPS members with: *Up-to-date pet industry news *Insight into industry trends *Strategies for improving their businesses *Newest and best products/services for themselves and their clients

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Page 1: NAPPS Professional Pet Sitter Magazine_Fall 2014
Page 2: NAPPS Professional Pet Sitter Magazine_Fall 2014
Page 3: NAPPS Professional Pet Sitter Magazine_Fall 2014

Copyright 2014. The Professional Pet Sitter is published four times a year in March, June, September and December by NAPPS Headquarters: 1120 Rt. 73, Suite 200, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054. Periodical mailing privilege pending at Mt. Laurel, NJ and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: send change of address to the Professional Pet Sitter c/o NAPPS Headquarters, 1120 Rt. 73, Suite 200, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054. The Professional Pet Sitter is free to National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, Inc. members. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

Editorial offices: 1120 Rt. 73, Suite 200, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054

National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, Inc.

1120 Rt. 73, Suite 200Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054

Phone: (856) 439-0324 • Fax: (856) 439-0525Email: [email protected] • www.petsitters.org

Professional Pet sitter M i s s i o n s tat e M e n t

The mission of the Professional Pet Sitter is to

provide tools for members to enhance their

business, help them expand their knowledge

of professional pet sitting, and communicate

association news and events.

InsIde Fall 2014 ProFessIonal Pet sItter

www.petsitters.org 3 Professional Pet sitter · fall 2014

Media Mewsings .............................................. 4

President’s Message ........................................ 5

Industry News of Interest ................................. 6

tIPs oF tHe tradeBeing Prepared for Disasters ........................... 7

Holiday Pet Safety Tips .................................... 9

BUsInessSmile! You’re On Camera ............................... 10

It’s a (Towel) Wrap, Kitty ................................. 12

Discussing Pet Guardianship ......................... 14

oF InterestMeet the Terrific Ten ...................................... 15

Presents 4 Pets ............................................. 17

Meet the Pit Boss .......................................... 18

Pet Poison Hotline ......................................... 20

ConneCt WItH naPPsAbout Your Association .................................. 21

NAPPS Chat Message Board ......................... 22

NAPPS Member Benefits .............................. 23

NAPPS in the News ....................................... 24

Online all the timewww.petsitters.org

Like us facebook.com/THENAPPS

Follow us @TheNAPPS

pinterest.com/source/petsitters.org

Join us @National Association of Professional Pet Sitters

Cover: Celebrating 25 Years of naPPs, Meet the terrific ten, then & now, 15-16Cover photos are courtesy of Bud Sulzman, Linda Stern, Debra Hollander and Carole Tomas.

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ANNIVERSARY

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OFPROFESSIONAL PET SITTERS

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NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OFPROFESSIONAL PET SITTERS

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Page 4: NAPPS Professional Pet Sitter Magazine_Fall 2014

John made a bad decision. The 16-year-old boy bought some marijuana from an undercover cop. As a result, John is living at the Illinois

Youth Center (IYC) Chicago, a juvenile detention facility for the next six months. John is not a hardened criminal. And maybe if he hadn’t been caught this early in the game, he might still be on the streets, perhaps now stealing to buying larger quantities of marijuana—maybe even cocaine or crack.

But landing in IYC is perhaps the best thing that could have happened to John and the other 12-17-year-olds like him. They’re receiving the discipline, training, counseling, education and programs they’ll need to reinvent themselves once they’ve completed their stay, via a program called Lifetime Bonds.

Created by Best Friends Safe Humane, this program targets youth who have been involved in illegal activities. Each week, a group of dog handlers and their dogs visit the teens.

The teams teach the young men the proper way to approach a dog, a few commands and a chance to socialize with the dog. By receiving the immediate gratification of a happy wagging tail, friendly lick on the hand, or the roll-over request for a belly rub, these youngsters begin to realize—sometimes for the first time in their lives—that kindness begets kindness. And that sets the stage for profound behavioral change.

Best Friends Safe Humane National Director Cynthia Bathurst believes Lifetime Bonds is an integral component of the program in that it aims to stop violence in its tracks before it has a chance to grow further. “Safe Humane” gives these young men knowledge and skills they can use to positive advantage for the dogs they and their friends or family members encounter in the streets, especially dogs viewed as ‘fighting dogs,’” she says.

Changing Beliefs Is The First Step The young men could hardly wait for the bell

to ring, signaling it’s time for the Lifetime Bonds program, or, as they call it, “Dog-Play Time.” The group breaks into five smaller groups and begins each session by learning how to approach a friendly dog. One by one, the boys take turns holding out the backs of their hands for the dogs to sniff, then gently petting the dogs on the side. Then the boys hold treats in their hand while asking the dogs to sit and lie down, then give the treats—and give and receive more love. After 20

minutes, the groups switch to new handlers and dogs.

All the participants are anxious to spend time with Rou, the pit bull. One boy commented on how Rou resembled his American Staffordshire terrier. It was surprising to hear him refer to his dog with the official breed title. “That’s because we’ve seen all these different guys fight and we know who the best ones are,” he says.

And this offers the perfect segue to talk about dogfighting. “Do you think the dogs like fighting?” asks Triptow. Most of the boys nod. “Do you think the dogs like being stroked?” All the

boys nod. “Do you like the feeling of being hurt when someone hits you?” All the boys shake their head. “Do you think dogs like the feeling of being hurt, like when another dog bites them?” Tentative shakes all around. “So think about it—if you don’t like getting hurt and the dog doesn’t like getting hurt, do you really think the dogs like going into a situation like fighting where they most certainly will get hurt?” Definite head shakes all around.

The teens have only participated in the Lifetime Bonds program for two months, but already, changes in thought, attitude and behavior are evident. Nikki Robinson, Assistant Superintendent/Programs IYC Chicago, observes the boys not only look forward to the sessions because they’re enjoyable, but that they really “get” why the program is important.

How You Can HelpBest Friends Safe Humane relies on

donations and in-kind services from local businesses and individuals. If you’d like to make a donation to the Safe Humane Lifetime Bonds program, send a check payable to: Safe Humane P.O. Box 7342 Chicago, IL 60680-7342. If you’d like to learn more about volunteer opportunities

with Safe Humane, call 312-409-4790. Fore more information on Best Friends, visit their Web site at www.bestfriends.org. n

By amy abern

Making the Doggone Right Choices

...if you don’t like getting

hurt and the dog doesn’t like

getting hurt, do you really

think the into a situation

like fighting where they most

certainly will get hurt?

Feel-Good Pet storYMedIa MeWsInGs Professional Pet sitter staffArden Moore, Executive Editor

Cathe Delaney, Managing Editor

Please send all letters to the editor: [email protected]

Letters should include your name, address, and daytime telephone number. Letters may be edited

for length or clarity. Submissions may be mailed or emailed as a word document.

Professional Pet Sitter is published quarterly by the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS), a

nonprofit organization, and is available through membership subscription. No portion of the magazine may be reprinted without the written consent of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. The letters and advertisements contained in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the

opinions of the association. NAPPS is not liable for validity or correctness of any claim, express or implied, made in

advertisements or writings of this magazine.

MeMbershiP servicesNAPPS Headquarters1120 Rt. 73, Suite 200Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054

Phone: (856) 439-0324 Fax: (856) 439-0525

Email: [email protected]

Cathe DelaneyAdministrative Director

Cocee BakerAdministrative Assistant

Caitlin DoughertyMeeting and Exhibits Manager

Caitlin WattersonPublic Relations

[email protected]

Business Insurers of the CarolinasPO Box 2536, Chapel Hill, NC 27515-2536

Phone: (800) 962-4611 ext. 224www.petsitterinsurance.comFor Dishonesty Bond and/or General Liability Insurance

The National Group Insurance Exchange3210 Doolittle Dr., Northbrook, IL 60062

Phone: (800) 955-0418 Fax: (847) 559-9499Email: [email protected]

www.wwins.comContact: Alan Leafman

For Dental and Health Insurance

For pet sitting questions contact:www.petsitters.org

In the past few years, there has been an explosion of products that track pet activity, combat separation anxiety in our home-alone

pets and fight obesity in high-tech ways. New apps are emerging with the goal to make pets smarter, healthier and safer.

Welcome to the pet age where high tech meets high touch. Here are a few meriting your attention as professional pet sitters:

TAGG – The Pet Tracker One of our biggest fears is seeing a

dog or cat dart out the door and disappear from sight. According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, only about 20 percent of lost dogs are returned to their owners. Hoping to better those percentages is the makers of TAGG, a pet tracker that uses Global Positioning System and wireless technology to keep tabs on pets 24-7. This lightweight device looks like a wristwatch and attaches securely to a pet’s collar.

It works on all smart phones, iPods, iPads and Mac and PC Windows-based computers and can even monitor a pet’s daily activity levels. TAGG fits pets who weigh at least 10 pounds and costs $99.95, which includes all hardware and one month of service. Each additional month is $7.95 and there are discounts for additional pets. Learn more by visiting www.tagg.com.

Pet Tech PetSaver AppWith the push of a button and the swipe

of your finger, you can obtain instant access to your pet’s medical records, locate the nearest emergency veterinary hospital and even receive audio step-by-step instructions on how to treat arterial bleeding on your dog if you are miles away from a veterinary clinic. All of this and more is available on the Pet Tech PetSaver App for $4.99, about the price of a small latte at your favorite coffee shop.

This app can be downloaded using an iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Window 7 and Android phones. It is divided into six main menus for dogs and cats: caring for your pet, CPR and first aid, snout-to-tail assessment, poisonous items, essentials and dental care. You can easily input your pet’s health records, create a missing cat poster, download photos of your pet,

create a file that reminds you of the medications and the doses your pet needs, and scroll through an alphabetical list of poisonous plants with photos for easy identification. Learn more by visiting www.pettech.net.

My PetEdDesigned for iPads or iPhones, this app

from LifeLearn, Inc. gives you access to your pet’s vital data 24-7, even when you are travelling. It enables you to create a complete profile of each pet, including photos, age, weight, medications, favorite toys and even identifying his BFF (best furry friend). The app’s log keeps track of vet appointments and stores your pet’s health records. When on the road, you can locate the nearest veterinary clinic in seconds and receive contact info and driving directions.

In addition, you can immediately report a missing pet, browse lost pet sites to try to contact the owner of a missing pet you found. This app costs $1.99 and can be downloaded on iTunes. Learn more by visiting http://mcleanmobile.com/client-portfolio/ipad-apps/mypeted/. n

Welcome to the pet age where high tech meets high touch.

Apps Worth Yapping About

Professional Pet sitter · fall 2014 4 www.petsitters.org

on Pet Population Study and Policy, only about 20 percent of lost dogs are returned to their owners. Hoping to better those

wristwatch and attaches securely to

It works on all smart phones, iPods, iPads and Mac and PC Windows-based computers and can even monitor a pet’s daily activity levels. create a file that reminds you of the medications

their owners. Hoping to better those

wristwatch and attaches securely to

It works on all smart phones, iPods, iPads and Mac and PC Windows-based computers and

Page 5: NAPPS Professional Pet Sitter Magazine_Fall 2014

www.petsitters.org 5 Professional Pet Sitter · Fall 2014

By Sherry L. Suhosky, PresidentPresident’s Message

The sun is beginning to rise later each day and set earlier. Cooler breezes will soon replace the scorching temperatures of a very busy summer. It’s the first signs of fall.

With the official start of fall, most pet sitters take a breath before they begin to think about the very busy holiday season ahead. A few items you may wish to consider NOW:

*Winterize your vehicle. Check your oil, brakes, treads on tires, does your heater work, and do you have cold weather boots and supplies (especially important in cold climate areas).

*Do not overbook. Yes, it’s very tempting, but try to remember that there is more to life than the almighty dollar. As entrepreneurs, we all want to make a few extra bucks, but remember that this compromise may leave you very exhausted. Try to carve out a few hours each day to enjoy your family, friends or just some “you” time – you deserve it!

*contingency Planning. It’s impossible to prepare for every possible emergency situation. You should already have the basic contact information for your clients, veterinarians, emergency clinics and hospitals. I suggest, if you haven’t already, add the Pet Poison Helpline number in your phone (800-213-6680). By completing this simple task now, it could save you and your clients worry, concern and even help a sick pet if such a need does arise. Would you like more information about the Pet Poison Helpline? Visit http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/.

*get PaiD on or before the first visit. This is an industry standard and I know most of us have this business practice in place already. Unfortunately, I often hear from a handful of sitters who did not get paid up front and ended working 20+ visits only to regret each and every visit. You work hard for your money and you deserve to be paid by that first visit.

*client gifts. If you’re looking for a special gift for a great client, consider a NAPPS Pet Parent Membership. Your cost is just $10. NAPPS is the ONLY professional pet sitting association that offers a Pet Parent Membership. Click here for a complete list of Pet Parent benefits, http://www.petsitters.org/pet_parent_membership.php.

Fall is also a great time to finalize budgets for the next year and your NAPPS Board of Directors will be meeting in New Jersey to complete the 2015 budget keeping in mind all the goals and plans the various committees have submitted. The board will also be tackling a new strategic plan during this two-day meeting.

Our newest Directors, Isabel Alvarez and Marc H. Wolf, will be joining the meeting as guests and in preparation of their new leadership rolls beginning January 1, 2015.

Welcome Aboard Isabel and Marc! We look forward to seeing you during our fall meeting and meeting with you throughout the year.

You asked, we listened and the Pet Sitter Education Committee has delivered yet another course. NAPPS University is proud to announce the Interactive Cat Class using the monthly newsletter from Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. The class begins in October and takes place in a closed Face book Group. Interested in learning more about health, behavior and training issues specific to felines? Sign up on our website under the Interactive Learning Classes.

More learning opportunities are available for you in early 2015. As you know the Board of Directors voted to offer our Annual Conference FREE to all NAPPS Members as a means of celebrating our largest asset – YOU. The conference takes place during Professional Pet Sitters Week, March 5-7, 2015 in digital format. You can also join your fellow pet sitters on Saturday, March 7, 2015 for our in-person networking event in Fort Worth, Texas at the American Airlines Training Center Hotel. I hope to meet you there.

Finally, I would like to personally thank Arden Moore (http://www.fourleggedlife.com/) for editing this Fall issue of the Professional Pet sitter Magazine. Great job, Arden! NAPPS looks forward to working with you in the future.

Please remember to take care of yourself. Self care is so very important especially when others depend on you to care for them.

Kindest Regards,

Sherry L. Suhosky NAPPS President and

Chairman of the Board of Directors

Page 6: NAPPS Professional Pet Sitter Magazine_Fall 2014

Professional Pet sitter · fall 2014 6 www.petsitters.org

IndUstrY neWs oF Interest

Cause-based marketing, in which companies use their affiliations with worthy causes to raise awareness of

their brand, is a movement on the rise. For many reasons, it seems like a natural fit for pet sitters.

After all, in an industry where service to animals is our raison d’etre, and well-funded marketing budgets are as rare as a New Guinea Singing Dog, aligning with a shelter or rescue organization can be a wonderful and cost effective option to gain attention in your community. Add to that the nationally recognized companies, such as apparel maker Life is Good, who have dedicated 100-percent of their advertising budget to cause-based marketing and the natural alliance of our industry with animal-related causes, and many dog walkers and pet sitters just can’t wait to run out and partner with a shelter, rescue or other worthy animal-related cause.

But before you donate that check, drop off those supplies, or drive that transport, be forewarned: Not all non-profits are created equal! Make sure your charitable beneficiary is on the right side of the law.

The Wolf in Pup’s ClothingWhile many animal-related charities

are wonderful, honest and responsible organizations run by dedicated and tireless individuals, the nature of non-profit and volunteer-run enterprises can sometimes make them easy targets for fraudsters and criminals intent on redistributing those hard won donations into their own pockets. Over the past five years, many rescues and non-profit animal organizations have been investigated for

mishandling of funds, tax violations, and member embezzlement.

In a particularly heinous example, in April 2013, Richard Danz, of Matthews, North Carolina, pleaded guilty to the embezzlement of $420,000 from the Elk County Humane Society in St. Mary’s, PA and was later sentenced to 46 months in jail. Danz volunteered his services as an accountant to the organization in 2008, and then slowly siphoned money into his own accounts until he was caught in 2012 after the FBI searched his home.

Helper or Hoarder?In Feb. 2013, 100 animals were seized

from a rescue facility in Troy, Ohio. The owner of the property, Shula Woodworth, who had been running the Serenity Horse Rescue, was eventually convicted of three counts of animal cruelty for keeping the horses in substandard conditions and not providing for their basic needs. At the time of seizure, some of the horses where so hungry they were eating the

bark off of the trees, and others were so weak they could barely stand up. Perhaps the most troubling aspect of this case is that it was the result of a exhaustive six-month investigation into the facility initiated by the Miami County Humane Society within which conditions continued to deteriorate, but Woodworth continued to bring more and more animals into the facility, even while admitting she could afford to care for them.

What to Do?While these sad stories are just a few

examples of issues prevalent in on-profit animal groups are experiencing nationally, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your business from accidentally aligning yourself with a hoarder of fraudster.

Donate locally. • Work with organizations with whom you have direct ties and personal knowledge.Visit the facility. • Don’t assume that everyone has the same definition of

“acceptable care”. Take the opportunity to do a site inspection and even ask to visit some foster homes if possible. You can also ask local regulating organizations if there have been complaints against a particular organization.Look for transparency.• Since financial crimes are best committed hidden, look for organizations with the most transparent financial practices. A well written annual report should include a lot of information regarding a rescue’s practices: donations, expenditures, total adoptions, etc. will give you better idea of where those dollars are being spent and potentially raise flags if the numbers don’t seem to add up. You can also ask to see there 990, and non-profit status application.While the field of potential rescue and

shelter candidates deserving of our attention is littered with the negligent and fraudulent, with a little work and investigation, it’s possible to forge a meaningful, lasting, and mutually rewarding relationship with the ethical charity of your choice. By fully researching the organizations that you choose partner with your company, you protect the sanctity of your company reputation and the value of the efforts you exert on behalf of animals in need.

Jill Hourihan is the owner of Running the Pack Dog Walking and Pet Sitting in Boston. She is also the Chair of the NAPPS Animal Welfare and Law Action Team. n

By Jill Hourihan

Praise and Pitfalls for Cause-Based MarketingMaking sure your charitable beneficiary is on the right side of the law.

on the right side of the law. horses where so hungry they were eating the

What to Do?

Page 7: NAPPS Professional Pet Sitter Magazine_Fall 2014

www.petsitters.org 7 Professional Pet sitter · fall 2014

When it comes to disaster preparedness, you can never over prepare. House fires or tornadoes can strike swiftly. Because of this, take that extra protective step as pet sitters to educate your clients on the importance of having all their pets microchipped and sporting identification taps on their collars that include the client’s cell phone number.

In addition, urge them to keep a photo of themselves posed with their pets on their cell phones and a printed version inside their vehicle’s glove compartment. In case the person gets

separated from their pets, these images serve as proof of ownership and made even aid in quicker reunions. For added efforts, have them send this family photo to a trusted friend or relative who lives out of the area as backup for evidence of ownership.

Your NAPPS offers you a comprehensive disaster preparedness guide aimed at pet owners. This 19-page complimentary guide assists pet owners in developing their own disaster preparedness plan, as well as to provide advice on how to work with their pet sitters to be prepared

for, deal with, and recover from both natural and man-made disasters.

This guide addresses tornadoes, thunderstorms, hurricanes, winter storms, floods, wildfires, extreme heat, tsunamis, earthquakes

Are You Ready for Mother Nature?

tIPs oF tHe trade By arden Moore

No location in America is safe when Mother Nature unleashes her

nasty side. And, in recent years, she seems to be in quite a foul-

weather mood.

However, as professional pet sitters committed to caring for pets, no

matter the weather, you can protect yourself and pets under your care

when hurricanes, tornadoes, flash floods, wildfires and other natural

disasters strike.

Pay attention to changes in a pet’s behavior. Dogs, in particular, can often hear thunderstorms or sense changes in barometric pressure due to an approaching tornado before people can. Some dogs may become anxious, hide or vocalize.

Emergency Preparedness

ChecklistInvest the time to create a disaster

preparedness kit now and offer a printout of 23 must-have items to give to your clients:

Crate or carrier for each pet. The crate •should be big enough to enable the pet to turn around and for cat carriers, have space for a small litter box.Pet identification forms for each pet •with photos attached.Collar and leash for all pets with ID tags •and rabies tags attached.Vaccinations records for each pet.•Three-week supply of medications for •each pet.Calming products, such as Rescue •Remedy or DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromones) or Feliway (for cats), to administer to pets who frighten easily.Disposable litter boxes and a scoop.•Cat litter.•Plastic bags, paper towels and cleaning •supplies.Three-week supply of food for each pet.•Manual can opener.•Food and water bowls for each pet.•Three-week supply of drinking water.•Toys or blankets for each pet.•Towels.•Grooming items.•Detailed printed instructions for animal •care and rescue workers.Copy of emergency numbers and family •evacuation plan.Copy of veterinary records for each pet.•Flashlight and batteries.•Pet first aid kit that includes bandages, •antiseptic ointments, gloves, tweezers, gauze, splints and syringes.First aid book for pet and for people.•List of pet-welcoming hotels within a •100-mile radius.

By The Numbers

Each year, thousands of people and their pets are impacted by disasters. In 2012, the economic loss caused by natural disasters in the United States surpassed $157 billion. On average, the number of disasters occurring annual include more than:

150,000 household fires•10,000 violent •thunderstorms5,000 floods•800 tornadoes•

Page 8: NAPPS Professional Pet Sitter Magazine_Fall 2014

Professional Pet sitter · fall 2014 8 www.petsitters.org

and even, erupting volcanoes. This guide can be easily downloaded on the NAPPS web site at http://www.petsitters.org/napps_emergency_planning_guide.php. Consider providing a printed version to give to new clients and encourage them to keep it on file for quick reference.

Developed by NAPPS’ Disaster Preparedness Committee, the guide also includes an official pet identification form, checklist for a complete disaster supply kit, and special recommendations for birds, reptiles, and other small animals.

Pay attention to changes in a pet’s behavior. Dogs, in particular, can often hear thunderstorms or sense changes in barometric pressure due to an approaching tornado before people can. Some dogs may become anxious, hide or vocalize.

Floods Come In Two TypesRegarding floods, there are two main types:

slow- or fast-rising. Slow-rising floors tend to move down a river or stream and can often be predicted to reach a certain height. Flash floods, however, usually occur as the result of extremely heavy rain or melting snow and can strike suddenly, such if a dam or level breaks.

If you provide pet services in a flood-prone area, consider keeping pet safety vests on hand. And identify different routes to evacuate. During the evacuation, if your vehicle stalls in flowing water, safely get out as soon as possible.

Counter winter’s wrath by keeping your vehicle winterized with antifreeze and carry a winter care kit that includes food and water, a windshield scraper, a flashlight with extra batters, a tow chain or rope, a shove, tire chains, bag of sand or litter, fluorescent distress flag and an emergency flare. Also pack extra gloves, socks, winter jacket and blankets.

5 Disaster Prep Strategies Here are some additional ways to be

prepared when disaster strikes: Always have a backup for your backup •plan. In advance, identify a few safe places you can go to before you need to evacuate. And plan multiple routes to reach these destinations. These can be pet-welcoming hotels, the homes of friends or relatives or pet-permitted emergency shelters.

Turn your vehicle into a safety storage •zone. Stash a waterproof container now in your vehicle that contains a pet first aid kit, large towel, copies of your pets’ veterinary medical records, bottled water, canned food, spare leashes,

slip leads and collapsible bowls. Also include cotton socks or doggy booties to protect your pet’s paw pads from sharp objects, toxic debris or hot embers during a natural disaster. Don’t forget to pack a human disaster kit that includes three days’ worth of food and water, any needed medications, flashlight with batteries and first aid kit.

• Practice doggy drills. Conduct mini-training sessions once a week with the goal of reducing the time it takes to safely harness or crate your pets and get them safely inside your vehicle. Make these drills fun by speaking in upbeat tones and offering bite-sized healthy treats as rewards to reinforce desired behaviors by your pets.

Throw the towel on your cat.• The safest way to fetch your cat during an

emergency evacuation is to wrap her in a thick bath towel or place her in a pillowcase. Never attempt to hold her in your arms or scruff her by the back of the neck — cats have flexible spines and can pivot and bite and scratch you and wiggle free and disappear.

Keep your cool.• Pets often react to our moods. Approach them calmly during an evacuation to reduce their chances of fleeing or hiding or becoming aggressive out of fear. Once secured, keep them in a safe and quiet place during the weather emergency whenever possible.

Finally, after a natural disaster,• keep your pets on leashes or inside carriers until you have surveyed your surroundings and the storm has completely passed. n

Disaster Preparedness, continued from page 7tIPs oF tHe trade

RedRover: From Crisis to CareRed Rover.org offers lots of great tips to cope with disasters. The non-profit group, formed in

1987, has a dual focused mission: to bring animals out of crisis and to bolster the human-

animal bond.

RedRover provides resources and support throughout the country. This year, they are

encouraging people to assemble their pet disaster preparedness kits. Then, they invite you to

join their “We’re Ready” campaign by posting the “We’re Ready” sign on your Facebook page to

show you are evacuation ready. Learn more by visiting www.redrover.org/disastertips.

Page 9: NAPPS Professional Pet Sitter Magazine_Fall 2014

www.petsitters.org 9 Professional Pet sitter · fall 2014

Photos and article By arden Moore

Don’t expect to inhale the welcoming scent of potpourri on Halloween or look for a tinsel-adorned Christmas tree at my house

during this holiday season. The reason? The arrival of Casey, a young orange tabby I adopted earlier this year.

Casey is here to remind me that one of the best holiday gifts professional pet sitters can give their clients is to help them keep their pets safe. It is never too early to educate clients on how to pet-proof each room and to remind them to keep the safety of their curious pets in mind when decorating and entertaining during the end-of-the-year holidays that kick off with Halloween and end with New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Halloween causes well-known safety risks to our pets — from ringing doorbells to access to chocolate in trick-or-treat bags — but here are three surprising threats often overlooked: burning candle, essential oils used in potpourri containers and xylitol, an ingredient in sugar-free gum and candy.

One of the most common ailments emergency care veterinarians see during these holidays are dogs and cats with burns on their paws and tails from swatting at the flickering flames and horrible chemical burns on tongues caused by lapping up essential oils from potpourri containers that spill on their coats and they attempt to lick off.

Try these safe substitutions: battery-operated candles that can be placed inside real carved pumpkins or synthetic pumpkins. And advise your clients to choose scented potpourri with sturdy lids. Alert them that if their pet ingests the essential oils from a spill, the chemicals will cause serious burns to their pet’s mouth and esophagus and may even be fatal.

Also caution your clients about keeping sugar-free gum and mints also out of paw’s reach.

Xylitol, the chemical in sugar-free products, is a surprisingly powerful toxin to dogs.

And, to prevent Thanksgiving and Yule time from turning into yowl time filled with canine calamity and feline frustration, here are some tips to pass on to your clients:

• Power walk with your pooch. By sticking to a daily brisk walk or run with your dog each day, you offer a healthy outlet to unleash your dog’s pent up energy and anxiety caused by holiday guests and indoor decorations. Physical exercise also helps you stave off some of the holiday stress. Use the walk to

mentally map out your holiday gift list or holiday dinner game plan – or as a good excuse to escape irritating or demanding relatives who are visiting.

• Opt for pet-safe decorations. Avoid any edible ornament (especially stringed popcorn) or breakable ornaments. Your dog or cat can cut their paws by stepping on broken glass ornaments and need sutures. Skip the tinsel – even a slight movement of this shiny strand can be too irresistible to your play-minded cat. You don’t want to spend Christmas at the pet emergency hospital as veterinarians perform abdominal surgery to remove swallowed tinsel.

• Keep an eye on the bubbly. Don’t leave glasses of wine or champagne unattended as alcohol can cause havoc on your pet’s digestion system. Also watch where you place your glass of eggnog, punch or other alcohol-laden drink. An ounce of alcohol can cause alcohol poisoning in a small breed dog.

• Serve familiar foods. Treats of turkey, ham, gravy, cookies and other holiday goodies can lead to gastrointestinal upsets in your dog or cat not accustomed to eating these foods. Maintain your dog or cat’s regular commercial food diet during the holidays. Also, alert guests to not succumb to your pet’s begging behavior by feeding him people food.

• Stash the sweets and bread dough. Make sure that the kitchen is off-limits to your dog while you make your world-famous holiday cookies containing

chocolate or other doggy dangerous ingredients. Keep holiday foods in storage containers out of paw’s reach.

• Be aware of plant perils. Locate holiday plants, especially mistletoe, holly, poinsettias and Christmas cactus on hanging ceiling hooks or other high, secure places out of paw’s reach. Ingested leaves can cause diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration.

Finally, encourage your clients to give their pets the most priceless of all holiday gifts — the gift of their one-on-one time. Clients can stave off some of the holiday stress by calmly calling their pets and cuddling with them on the sofa for 5 to 10 minutes each day. Encourage them to simply enjoy being in the moment with their four-legged pal. You will be amazed how this daily ritual will help your clients and their pets survive, perhaps even thrive, this holiday season. n

Give the Gift of Pet Safety This Holiday Season

Encourage your clients to give their pets the most priceless of all holiday gifts — the gift of their one-on-one time. Clients can stave off some of the holiday stress by calmly calling their pets and cuddling with them on the sofa for 5 to 10 minutes each day.

tIPs oF tHe trade

Page 10: NAPPS Professional Pet Sitter Magazine_Fall 2014

With more people working long hours or traveling for their jobs and missing spending time with their at-home pets, web cameras serve many purposes:

To visually check in on pets any time of •the day via laptops, desktop, tablets and even smart phones. These “pet peeks” can offer visual clues as to why a pet has a behavior issue, such as house soiling, destructive chewing or clawing, vocalization or separation anxiety.

To keep tabs on who enters and leaves •the home, how long they stay and which room they enter.

To serve as a less-expensive option to •home alarm systems. Some web cams can be set up to deliver alerts on smart phones when movement is detected in the house.

To be paired with motion detection and •dusk-to-dawn outside lighting to act as deterrents for would-be burglars.

Embracing Web CamsMembers of The Woof Gang, based in

Fremont, CA, take a proactive and unique approach to the web cam movement. For clients expecting to be away for 14 days or more, The Woof Gang arranges to install web cams in the home to give the clients 24-7 online viewing of what’s

happening inside their homes at no extra charge. All that is required is for the client to have broadband Internet access.

Clients can access their personal web cam site via secure web pages or through a secure smart phone connection.

“We set up a web cam so the client can view live video and hear live audio of their pets and watch The Woof Gang in action,” says Coree Wechsel, who owns this company with her

BUsIness

Professional Pet sitter · fall 2014 10 www.petsitters.org

Whether you embrace them or detest them, one thing is certain: the popularity of web cams in homes is growing and not going away.

We polled some NAPPS members to get their views about how they feel about web cams in their clients’ homes and how they deal with them:

From Diane murowany, of all •Critters Sitting, based in Vineland, nJ: “I tell my staff to always assume they are being recorded, both visually and audibly. I want them to always conduct themselves as if the owners were right there in the room with them. I believe that web cams can actually increase the trust factor between clients and us because they get to see exactly what we are doing with their

pets. If you are doing your job properly, you have nothing to fear. If something embarrassing happens, laugh it off and move on.” From alenka andruss, owner of Pet •Watchers, inc., based in evanston, il: “We have very few clients with web cams. I don’t see it as a problem. In this electronic age we live in, it is important to always be professional and to behave in a manner as if someone is watching you at all times.”From Debra hollander, of Sit-a-•Pet, based in arlington, Va: “Web cams make me a bit uncomfortable because I like to talk baby talk to the client’s pet and chill out with them on the couch. Sometimes, I sing to them. Oh well. I may be a bit embarrassed if they

see and hear me singing, but I’m there to take care of the pets and make them feel safe and happy.”From Carole tomas, of Pet •Pleasers, inc., based in Richmond, Va: “I am sure there are people who love to watch their animals and capture the ‘exciting’ event of a pet sitter opening a food can for their dog or cat. Some clients have web cams with two-way audio so that they can talk to the sitter in real time. It can be a bit unsettling to all of a sudden hear a voice say, ‘No, no. Don’t do that. Do this.’ The bottom line is be aware of the cameras and don’t do anything you don’t want to have recorded.”

NAPPS Members Speak Out About Web Cams

When you walk into a client’s home, be prepared to not only be

greeted by tail wags and purrs, but also the never-blinking, watchful

eyes of security cameras. Thanks to advances in

technology, web cams are more affordable

and easier to operate than a decade ago.

Smile, You’re On Camera!

Page 11: NAPPS Professional Pet Sitter Magazine_Fall 2014

www.petsitters.org 11 Professional Pet sitter · fall 2014

husband, Wolfgang. They formed this company

in 2010 and they now serve more than 400 clients and estimate about 50 percent of their clients have web cams in their homes. The Wechsels are both former engineers who decided to put their technological talents to best use in their pet business.

They use a company called Dropcam to purchase the cameras and recording plan. The cams are easy to quickly set up and take down in any home.

“We found that many new-to-pet-sitting clients were always a bit uncomfortable about having ‘strangers’ in their home while they were away,” notes Coree Wechsel. “So, we saw web cams as an easy way to alleviate some of our clients’ worries.”

And what’s the advice she shares with her employees caring for pets with homes with cameras?

“Always assume that every home we enter is equipped with web cams and just act naturally,” she says. “If we are doing something out of the ordinary or that could be misunderstood on camera (such as searching in drawers or cupboards for trash bags or cleaning supplies), then we talk to their pets about what we’re doing so our actions aren’t misunderstood.”

Parting advice: “Smile for the camera. Be yourself!” n

By arden Moore

Popular Web CamsGiven the choice, most pet parents would prefer to have their pets

with them at all times, but that is not possible. Tapping into this love of pets, companies are creating web cams and two-way interactive wireless pet monitoring systems.

Here are a few of the popular products: motorola Scout 1500:• Retailing at $399.99, this system features indoor and outdoor video cameras that allow people away from their homes to view, listen and speak to their pets via a wireless 3.5-inch color monitor. The cameras can be remotely controlled to pan, tilt and zoom. The system also has the capabilities to have the person playback pre-recorded music for their pets, record still images and even be programmed to detect any room temperature changes (and alert in case of a house fire, for example).

Dropcam:• Retailing at $199, this web cam enables a person to monitor their at-home pets in high definition via a browser or smartphone application. It has the capacity to dispatch emails and phone alerts to let you know when your pets are behaving and when they are getting into trouble. This Cloud-supported system can be viewed when you are your home in one room as well as when you are traveling.

eyeanimal Pet Video Camera:• This product takes web cams to a different perspective – from the viewpoint of your pet – literally. This small camera is designed to be clip on to a pet’s collar and features a 4 GB storage option. The video camera weighs just 1.2 ounces and works with Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems. It enables users to see what their pets are doing and what pets see inside the home. It retails for $99.

Page 12: NAPPS Professional Pet Sitter Magazine_Fall 2014

Professional Pet sitter · fall 2014 12 www.petsitters.org

Using towels can also benefit cats who tend to be anxious, fearful or aggressive when handled. After all, cats have flexible spines. They can easily and quickly reach around to grab you and bite and scratch if you attempt to scruff them by the neck.

In addition, cats can be more difficult than dogs to restrain because, in general, they receive less socialization and handling than dogs. Their evolutionary history as a prey species can also cause them to feel more vulnerable when restrained or scruffed.

Dr. Yin says it is vital to introduce the towel in a positive way. Your goal is to have the cat accept the use of being wrapped inside a large bath towel. So, for starters, never rush or force a cat into a towel. He may scream or even urinate or defecate out of pure panic.

She offers these tips and benefits to towel-wrapping a cat:

Place the cat on top of a towel on a flat •surface and then open a can of food.

Place the food on the towel so the cat •has to lie or sit on the towel to eat his meal.

Loosely wrap the towel over the cat’s •back while he eats.

Gently pet his back and let him walk •away when he is done eating.

Dangle a feather wand toy for him to •swat and play with while on the towel if the cat is motivated by toys.

The goal is to have the cat develop a positive association with the towel. It is also important to be calm and not feel rushed or frustrated because the cat can read your emotions.

There are several different toweling-the-cat techniques, but two of the most effective and versatile are known as the half-burrito and the scarf wrap. Each towel technique permits access to the cat’s rear end, front legs and head – all while keeping him snug and calm.

Here is a photographic step-by-step guide on the scarf wrap technique provided by Dr. Yin:

It’s a (Towel) Wrap, Kitty!

BUsIness

For times when you need to trim a cat’s nails

or give medication, reach for a surprising

ally in the home to make the procedure go

smoothly: a large bath towel.

“Wrapping your cat in a large bath towel is a

great way to protect yourself from their claws

and towel wrapping also prevents escapes

and helps calm down a cat,” says Dr. Sophia

Yin, a veterinarian and applied animal

behaviorist. She is also the author of Low

Stress: Handling, Restraint and Behavior

Modifications of Dogs and Cats. With more than 1,600 how-to photographs, this book is a valuable

resource for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, professional pet sitters as well as pet owners.

SteP 1. Start with the

cat several inches from

the front edge of the towel

and about a foot from one

side.

Page 13: NAPPS Professional Pet Sitter Magazine_Fall 2014

www.petsitters.org 13 Professional Pet sitter · fall 2014

By arden Moore

Seven Calming Tactics at Vet Clinics

For times when you need to bring in a client’s cat in to see a veterinarian – or when you need to bring in your own feline – you can make the trip less stressful for the cat and you by following these tips:

Build up a positive association with the pet carrier by keeping it open in •the home and tossing in treats or a small toy for the cat to retrieve.Cover the carrier’s floor with a towel to encourage your cat to take naps •in the carrier.Select a pet carrier that enables you to easily detach the top to remove •the cat in the exam room.Choose clinics that treat only cats or that provide separate lobbies for •dogs and cats or that allow you to bring the cat directly into an exam room upon arrival.Place a towel over the carrier housing the cat to block out visual •distractions during the trip and in the clinic lobby.Place the towel on the exam table so the cat doesn’t have to feel the cold •steel surface.Bring small, healthy treats or a feather wand toy to distract the cat when •he is being examined.

SteP 2. Wrap the short side around the

cat’s neck snugly, like a scarf.

SteP 3. Pull the entire short side of the

towel over the cat so that the entire cat

is covered except his face.

SteP 5. Once the towel is wrapped all

the way around, take the other side and

pull it over the cat. Make it snug. Keep

the towel tight by grabbing the top of it.

Photos courtesy of Sophia Yin, DVM

SteP 4. Then

pull the front edge

forward. This is the

first “scarf” portion

of the wrap, which

will go under the

cat’s neck.

(Editor’s Note: It is with deep sorrow that we must report the unexpected and sudden passing of Dr. Sophia Yin. She was an internationally renowned animal behaviorist, veterinarian, author and visionary. NAPPS extends our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Yin’s family and staff during this most difficult time.)

Page 14: NAPPS Professional Pet Sitter Magazine_Fall 2014

Professional Pet sitter · fall 2014 14 www.petsitters.org

BUsIness By isabel alvarez

We never want to push boundaries. We check ourselves constantly so that we don’t give our clients reason to view us as sneaky, nosy or inappropriate and we’re careful to put our clients’ peace of mind before all else.

For this reason, I understand why some pet sitters are uncomfortable discussing certain aspects of pet care, scared that they may somehow upset their clients or make a poor impression. But, there are conversations that shouldn’t be avoided for fear of overstepping bounds. One of those conversations is that of pet guardianship, or that which happens to the pet or pets if an unforeseen or unfortunate event prohibits the client from continuing to properly care for them upon their return.

Discussing arrangements as a result of a serious accident or unforeseen death is a dark topic to broach during a meet-and-greet, especially when dealing with total strangers. A client may be busy

packing for their trip and preparing for their much-needed vacation so a reality check of this sort may be the last thing they need. But, it’s in everybody’s best interest to open the lines of communication while your client is still in town and accessible so that you and your company are prepared in a worst-case scenario situation.

I have personally asked clients to name a pet guardian from day one. When I first started my business almost seven years ago, I used NAPPS’ many business forms to create my new client packet. I had no idea what I needed, was unfamiliar with many the forms available to me, and didn’t know where to begin. But, I remember coming across the pet guardianship form and knowing that it was one I could not exclude.

I thought about my living arrangements at the time and where I could possibly put another pet if my client never returned for it. I didn’t have room in my inn, so to speak and, of course, didn’t

want to leave the fate of an animal up to chance. It felt like the right and responsible thing to do to ask clients to think about the off-chance that they would be unable to return to their pet before they took off. A pet guardianship form allows clients to put their desires in writing, ensuring their wishes and providing us with guidance should we need it.

I no longer use my original pet care agreement and forms. My business has since grown and our processes have changed. But, I still ask each and every new client to detail their pet guardianship wishes when engaging services with my company. And, having recently lost a client while she was on vacation, I know I made the right decision so many years ago.

Life is precious and pets are family. To ask a client to discuss their wishes for their pets in a hopeless situation may be difficult but it’s important. And, as professionals, it’s part of our job. A client should not feel put off by the question of pet guardianship. Instead, when properly presented to them, clients should feel at ease having chosen a sitter that cares not only about what happens to the pet during their vacation but rather for their overall wellbeing from day one and into the future. n

Isabel Alvarez is the General Manager of The Wag Pack, named 2012 Business of the Year by NAPPS, Member Benefits Committee Chair and future (2015) NAPPS Board Member. This professional pet services company serves Arlington, Alexandria and Fairfax counties in Virginia.

Discussing Pet Guardianship We learn a great deal about our clients by simply walking through their doors. We sniff out exactly what they had for dinner based solely on the dishes soaking in the sink. We raise an eyebrow when we spot the sonogram on the kitchen counter and wonder when they’ll share the good news. And, we inadvertently engage in a game of chase with a dog who ransacked the laundry basket only to find our clients’ unmentionables spread out across the living room floor.

Potentially embarrassing pet-sitter moments are commonplace and come with the territory. When walking into blush-worthy situations, it’s our job to say nothing and pretend we’re none the wiser. As professionals, we look past the everyday realities of our clients’ lives and focus on their pets — the reason we’re in their homes to begin with.

Page 15: NAPPS Professional Pet Sitter Magazine_Fall 2014

www.petsitters.org 15 Professional Pet Sitter · Fall 2014

Much has happened in the past quarter century. In 1989, the Berlin Wall came tumbling down. We rushed home to watch The

Cosby Show. Many flocked to theaters to watch When Harry Met Sally, Dead Poets Society and see a comedian named Michael Keaton transform as Batman. Oh and don’t forget that 1989 marked the birth of the Energizer Bunny that continues to hop across our television screens in commercials today.

In 1989, terms like smart phones, Facebook and selfies did not yet exist in our vocabularies. People had pets, but were just adjusting to a new profession: licensed and bonded pet sitting companies.

For this issue’s cover story, we want to take the time to honor and salute who we refer to as the “Terrific Ten” — original members of NAPPS who are still caring for pets. Let’s give “paws and applause” to:

Charles Hunter, owner of Pet & Plant Care •Services, Ltd., based in Chicago

Rhoda Stahlman, owner of At Home With •Paws & Claws, based in Atlanta

Henry “Bud” Sulzman, owner of Bud’s •Pet Home Care, LLC, based in Vineland, NJ

Linda Stern, owner of Reliable Pet •& Housesitting Service, based in Calabasas, CA

Alenka Andruss, owner of Pet Watchers, •Inc., based in Evanston, IL

Debra Hollander, owner of Sit-a-Pet, Inc., •based in Arlington, VA

Suzanne Loosbrock and Judy Bryant, •co-owners of Toni Sits Pets, Ltd., based in Columbus, OH

Holly Davies, owner of Holly’s Expert, •Loving Pet-Sit, based in Sanibel, FL

Carole Tomas, owner of Pet Pleasers, •Inc., based in Richmond, VA

What inspired them to become pioneers in this new industry? How have they not only survived but thrived? And what advice can they bestow on newer members? For answers to these and other questions, we reached out to these stellar original NAPPS members.

Charles Hunter earns honors as now owning the first company to officially join NAPPS on Jan. 1, 1989. He first worked for the original owner, Deborah Mathews, now semi-retired, before taking over what is heralded as first professional pet sitting company in Chicago — Pet & Plant Care Services.

“Back then, most of the people going out

ANNIVERSARY

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OFPROFESSIONAL PET SITTERS

th

Henry “Bud” Sulzman (1989), owner of Bud’s Pet Home Care, LLC, based in

Vineland, NJ

Carole Tomas, owner of Pet Pleasers, Inc., based in Richmond, VA

Debra Hollander, owner of Sit-a-Pet, Inc., based in Arlington, VA

THEN

NOW

Meet the Terrific TenBy Arden Moore

THEN NOW

Page 16: NAPPS Professional Pet Sitter Magazine_Fall 2014

of town had pets and they also had plants,” he recalls. “I realized that they needed someone able to care for their plants just as much as for their pets as well as take in their mail and do small household chores.”

Serving pets — and plants — in the Windy City isn’t easy. Chicago has a longstanding reputation for blizzards as well as scorching hot summers.

“Over the years, new dog walking and pet sitting businesses have popped up, but we push that we are the oldest in every advertising message we can,” says Hunter. “Being part of NAPPS, a national pet sitting organization for 25 years, also carries merit with customers. It makes them feel safe to know that you are licensed and bonded and part of a national association.”

In 1980, Debra Hollander borrowed $600 from her mom to start Sit-A-Pet to serve people with pets in the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. She bid bye to a brief career in hotel management and scouted out different parts of the country before zeroing in on the nation’s capitol.

“People here are traveling all the time and for many, they do not have children, so their pets are their children,” says Hollander. “They have disposable incomes and tend not to talk to their neighbors. I was the very first pet sitting service in D.C. and by 1989, there were 15 to 20 more companies in D.C.”

She began with about 150 clients and today, her company serves about 13,000. In 1989, the average visit cost $7 and today, the rate is $24.

Hollander is grateful for the help she has received from NAPPS through the years. She laughs when she recalls that she was initially skeptical about joining NAPPS in 1989, not wanting to “share” the D.C. market with other companies. But she discovered strong allies in fellow NAPPS members that remain strong today.

“I always seem to learn something new when I read the NAPPS magazine about pet care, liability issues and insurance issues,” she adds.

In the then-and-now photos in this cover story, you will see her happily riding an elephant circa 1989 and visiting Asian elephants at the zoo today. She has cared for a skunk, a 500-pound pig and even a 6-foot albino python, taking each pet challenge in stride.

“When I started pet sitting, clumping litter and cell phones had yet to be invented,” she adds with a laugh.

Former NAPPS president Carole Tomas burned out as a middle school teacher in 1985 when she started Pet Pleasers, Inc. in Richmond, VA. “This was before fax machines, computers and cell phones, so I took out a pad of paper and pencil and visited every veterinary clinic and pet store in the area,” she recalls.

Her leg work paid off and today, her company services several counties in Virginia.

“I’m fortunate that my sitters are primarily in the 30- to 60-year-old age group and they bring life experiences,” she says. “They know if they see a leak

in the client’s ceiling to report it. Before anyone is hired, they spend 25 to 30 hours of training with one of our staff and they must pass a test.”

Her advice to newcomers to this profession: “Don’t expect it to be a miracle job that will make you rich overnight. Educate yourself by volunteering at shelters, veterinary hospitals. Go to seminars. The more you can learn about animals — their health, behavior and how to handle them — the more successful you will be in this business.”

Another educator-turned-professional pet sitter, Bud Sulzman spent 36 years as an elementary school principal before starting Bud’s Pet Home Care LLC in 1987 to serve pet lovers in rural Cumberland County in New Jersey. Today, his company caters to household pets and large animals, including horses.

Among his career highlights have included his business been chosen Pet Sitter of the Year. He remains active in NAPPS and attends conventions whenever possible.

“Through NAPPS, I have gathered ideas on how to handle different situations with both the animals and clients,” he says. “I feel that your business will grow in time if you are a good listener and not a know-it-all. Attend yearly conventions and participate.”

Alenka Andruss has been educating pet lovers that her Pet Watchers, Inc. company is “your kennel alternative” since 1987. Based in the northern Chicago suburb of Evanston, her company succeeds because of the unwavering commitment to treat the pets of clients as their very own.

She recognizes the value of word of mouth from satisfied clients and is proud of her company’s “A” rating on Angie’s List. She also recommends pet sitters to be supportive of animal shelters and veterinary clinics in their areas plus come to the initial meeting with a prospective client prepared with an information packet.

“Our packet includes our liability insurance, info on what we do and also references,” she says. “The packet must look formal and well-organized and

always, always have a supply of business cards with you to hand out.”

Rhoda Stahlman happily juggles two pet profes-sions: pet sitting and grooming. Both are far more appealing to her than her mundane job as an office manager for an accounting firm. Taking advantage of her Atlanta locale, she designed flyers and business cards with the familiar Georgia peach coloring when she opened At Home Paws & Claws in 1989.

And her first client? A parrot. Second client? A pot-bellied pig named Chops.

Her advice: “Think safety first and make sure you have a good system with all your clients’ keys. Make sure the pet is secured before taking him off the premises and always have emergency phone numbers for clients and thorough permission to take their pet to a veterinary clinic if you feel it is warranted.”

Linda Stern adds that it is vital for pet sitters to have balance in their life and not be always available 24-7. Stick to office hours or otherwise, there is a danger for burning out in this profession.

She takes time out from her Reliable Pet & Housesitting Service to ride horses. She has succeeded for 25 years without a business website, choosing instead to rely on word of mouth from her satisfied clients. She also is content with downsizing around 1999.

“We are able to provide a better level of cus-tomer service and spend more time with pets,” she says. “And there is far less chaos. Now, I am working with families on their fourth set of animals. About 80 percent of my clients I had had for 10 years or more and we’ve become good friends. We have demonstrat-ed dependability and reliability all these years.”

Suzanne Loosbrock took over Toni Sits Pets in 1999 with Judy Bryant and the pair continues to serve the Columbus, Ohio area today. They said it was a smart move to take over an established pet sitting business with a built-in client base.

Her advice: “All the resources available at NAPPS helps pet sitters stay on top of their game. And, be sure to schedule time for yourself on a regular basis, even in the beginning when you start your business. As your business grows, you will then have a great habit already set in place to help balance your time and energy. Take time off for yourself – your clients will still be there for you.” n

Rhoda Stahlman, owner of At Home With Paws & Claws, based in Atlanta

Linda Stern, owner of Reliable Pet & Housesitting Service, based in Calabasas, CA

Professional Pet Sitter · Fall 2014 16 www.petsitters.org

Prices Then and nowHere’s a fun look at what the price of popular items cost in 1989 and today:

ITEM 1989 2014Postage stamp 25 cents 49 centsLoaf of bread 67 cents $2.39Movie ticket $3.75 $8.35Cell phone $3,000 $308New car (average) $15,350 $31,252Yearly income $27,450 $44,321Super Bowl Ad $675,000 $4,000,000

Page 17: NAPPS Professional Pet Sitter Magazine_Fall 2014

www.petsitters.org 17 Professional Pet Sitter · Fall 2014

Get Involved with Presents 4 Pets Build Your Community Presence While Helping AnimalsBy Sherry L. Suhosky

As a NAPPS member, you have a

fantastic opportunity to generate

significant PR for your pet sitting

service, develop or expand

relationships with shelters, retailers

and the media, and help pets in need.

The NAPPS Presents 4 Pets

Program is an annual collection drive

conducted by NAPPS members,

to benefit shelter pets. The P4P

campaign will kick off on November 1

and run through December 15, 2014.

P4P is a nationwide campaign which supports NAPPS’ mission:Provides a powerful tool and support to foster the success of members’ businesses

Advocates the welfare of animals by making a difference•Promotes the value of Professional Pet Sitting by •connecting with the pet community and its supporters at a professional level.

How Do I Get Started?Step 1 – Visit the NAPPS websiteStep 2 – Access the Member CenterStep 3 – Click on Advance Your SkillsStep 4 – Click on Presents 4 PetsStep 5 – Read the online information and download all of the helpful documents

Tools in the NAPPS Member CenterThe following documents are available in the Member Center to help you run a successful P4P campaign.

101 Tips for a Successful P4P Campaign•How to Find a Local Shelter•Full-Page Flyer Templates•Half-Page Flyer Templates•Business Support Solicitation Letter Template•Benefits of Hosting a Donation Box-For Business Owners•Postcard Template•Press Release Info Sheet•Donations Receipt Template•Shelter/Rescue Group Letter Template•Thank You Letter Template•Post-Program Press Release Template•NAPPS P4P Logo •

Page 18: NAPPS Professional Pet Sitter Magazine_Fall 2014

Professional Pet Sitter · Fall 2014 18 www.petsitters.org

When you star on a television show, headline for a national pet expo company, take on roles as a movie agent and proprietor of an upscale cigar brand, finding some solitude and me-time to relax and rejuvenate can be a challenge. Especially if

you live in Los Angeles, the land of celebrities, talent agents and deal makers.So when Shorty Rossi, the star of Animal Planet’s Pit Boss and the

popular draw for Amazing Pet Expos, needs to get away, he heads from his Los Angeles home down to a rented casa in Mexico between Ensenada and Rosarito with his four-legged entourage of seven bully breed canines.

“I call this the ultimate man cave,” declares Rossi, sporting his signature fedora and fat cigar, as he happily showcases this colorful, spacious adobe brick home with million-dollar views along the Mexican

coast. “I get more work done here than I do in LA because I don’t have to worry about my LA buddies just dropping by.”

Often at his side is Hercules, his 9-year-old sweet pit bull-canine celeb-rity who has probably logged more miles by air and car than most people. Sprinkled throughout the gated compound are his six other rescued dogs: Mario, Valentino, Althenia, Dominico, Bebi and Sophia. And, filling the inte-rior with song are his 11 birds and a stereo unleashing Frank Sinatra classics.

Recently, I drove about 40 miles across the border to meet Rossi, not quite knowing what to expect from this confident man who has built

Meet the Pit Boss: Shorty Rossi

By Arden Moore

With his popular television show, Pit Boss, and his cross-country travels as a headline act for the Amazing Pet Expos, Shorty Rossi’s life may seem like an open book. But, even the loyalist of fans may be surprised to learn the following:

all in the family.• Although he prefers being called by his nickname, Shorty, he was born Luigi Francis on Feb. 10, 1969 and was named after his grandfather.

10 is not his favorite number. • As a teenager growing up in Los Angeles, he joined the notorious

Blood Gang, got convicted of several felonies and served 10 years, 10 months and 10 days at the Folsom State Prison.

Keeping the faith.• Shorty sports a Brazilian bracelet on his right wrist that bears images of his favorite saint — Francis of Assisi, whom is known as the patron saint of animals.

don’t touch that dial.• When it comes to listening to music inside his getaway Mexican casa, Shorty’s No. 1 pick is any song sung by that classic crooner,

Frank Sinatra.he’s a dog rescuer, not a dog •

trainer. “I don’t have the patience to train a dog,” he declares. “Sure, I train my own and get help from professional trainers, but I’m a dog rescuer.”

Plays it safe with his shoes.• Because of the danger of poisonous scorpions slithering into his Mexican casa and hiding in a shoe, Shorty neatly stashes his shoes on shelves in his bedroom and looks before putting on his shoes.

Surprising Facts About Shorty

Above: Shorty Rossi and his faithful pit bull, Hercules, happily pose

for a photo inside his rented Mexican casa. Photo by Arden Moore

Page 19: NAPPS Professional Pet Sitter Magazine_Fall 2014

www.petsitters.org 19 Professional Pet Sitter · Fall 2014

a reputation on championing the underdog, taking bold chances in business and turning his life around after serving a decade in federal prison. He has chronicled many of his successes and failures in his new book, Four Feet Tall and Rising.

During my three-hour visit, he proudly gave me a room-by-room tour, pointing out the many colorful paintings of his dogs expertly done by artist Dawn Tarr, his garden that includes a special memorial to his cherished, deceased pets and even a genuine barbershop chair where he gets regular haircuts.

Rossi candidly shared his views on a variety of topics.

On why he feels safe living in Mexico: “In the town I live in Mexico I feel more safe here than in my house in Los Angeles. I have 16 security cameras, three locals living here full time and seven pit bulls. Who’s going to mess with me? I have the best security around.”

On his special kinship with pit bulls: “Pit bulls and bully breeds are very much misunderstood. People because of the media hype judge them for they hear and not for what they really are. I can relate to that because little people get misunderstood or not taken seriously. We are not circus freaks. Little people are doctors, lawyers and business owners. Being a little person and being an ex-convict, I’m been misjudged, too. So this bond with pit bulls I have, it’s like, I can relate to them. I know how they feel.”

On his special admiration for silent movie star Charlie Chaplain: “Charlie had a rough life and a very bad childhood. He came from nothing and became a world success. He was criticized by the U.S. government for supposedly being a Communist and they kicked him out of the country. But he didn’t let that stop him from becoming a success and he didn’t let anything get him down. I admire him.”

On choosing the right-flavored cigar: “Not everyone can smoke a diesel Shorty — our original cigar — because it is a very strong, full-bodied cigar. We also have one called Saint Shorty because it is a mild cigar. I ask people, do you like a merlot of a white Zinfandel? Steak or chicken? Light roasted coffee or dark roasted coffee? Myself, I like strong cigars and my steak burnt on the outside and rare on the inside.”

On appearing in commercials and movies with A-list celebrities: “I have worked with several million-dollar actors and some of them are great, like Jim Carrey, a real nice guy. Angelica Huston very professional, very funny. I am on TV and portraying no one but myself and getting paid to be myself. That is the best type of acting job to have.”

On being compared to Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer: “There is a joke between Cesar and me, the pit bull guys. The Mexican left Mexico to get away from Mexico and go to the U.S. And the gringo can’t keep out of Mexico.”

On what to expect from this season of Pit Boss: “I can only say that Hercules and I will be back on TV for a new season. That is all we are allowed to say. We can’t say what, who, when or where.”

Want to catch more of Shorty Rossi? Tune into my special episode featuring him as a guest on my Oh Behave Show on Pet Life Radio by clicking www.petliferadio.com/behave.html. And check out his site: www.shortyrescue.com.

Some animal shelters, including the Peggy Adams Rescue League in West Palm Beach, Fla., strive to educate potential adopters by displaying pit bull “fact or fiction” posters next to their cages. Photo courtesy of the Peggy Adams Rescue League

Test Your Knowledge of Pit BullsTo improve the adoptability of pit bulls, officials at some animal shelters across the country now display “fact or fiction” posters next to their cages to educate prospective adopters. Fact or fiction:

American pit bull terriers lock their jaws1. . Answer: Fiction. Studies show that the jaw of a pit bull is in proportion to his size and is no different than any other breed of dog. There is no evidence that any kind of locking mechanism exists in the American pit bull terrier.

Pit bulls serve as therapy dogs2. . Answer: Fact. Pit bulls have long served as therapy dogs. In fact, Helen Keller’s canine helper was a pit bull.

All pit bulls are mean and violent. 3. Answer: Fiction. According to the American Temperament Test Society, pit bulls achieve passing scores of 82 percent or higher. n

Although Shorty Rossi is famous for being an advocate for pit bulls, he also is the owner of a line of cigars, including one called the Diesel Shorty. Photo courtesy of Casey Dean

Page 20: NAPPS Professional Pet Sitter Magazine_Fall 2014

Holiday Ornaments:When decorating for

the season, consider your pets. Holiday decorations such as snow globes or bubble lights may contain poisonous chemicals. If your pet chews on them the liquid inside could be could be dangerous to their health. Methylene chloride, the chemical in bubble lights, can result in depression, aspiration pneumonia and irritation to the eyes, skin and gastrointestinal tract.

Tinsel:If you own a cat, forgo the tinsel. What looks

like a shiny toy to your cat can prove deadly if ingested. Tinsel does not pose a poisoning risk but can cause severe damage to a cat’s intestinal tract if swallowed. Ultimately, cats run the risk of severe injury to, or rupture of their intestines and treatment involves expensive abdominal surgery.

Plants:Though they have a bad rap, poinsettia

plants are only mildly toxic. Far more worrisome are holiday bouquets containing lilies, holly or mistletoe.“Lilies, including tiger, Asiatic, stargazer, Easter and day lilies, are the most dangerous plants for cats,” said Dr. Ahna Brutlag, assistant director of Pet Poison Helpline. “The ingestion of one to two leaves or flower petals is enough to cause sudden kidney failure in cats.” Other yuletide pants such as

holly berries and mistletoe can also be toxic to pets and can cause gastrointestinal upset and even heart arrhythmias if ingested.

Alcohol:Because alcohol is rapidly absorbed

into the bloodstream, it affects pets quickly. Ingestion of alcohol can cause dangerous drops in blood sugar, blood pressure and body temperature. Intoxicated animals can experience seizures and respiratory failure. Additionally, foods such as desserts

containing alcohol and unbaked dough that contains yeast should be kept away from pets as they may result in alcohol toxicity, vomiting, disorientation and stomach bloat.

Holiday Foods:With the holiday season comes a delightful

variety of baked goods, chocolate confections and other rich, fattening foods. However, it is not wise (and in some cases is quite dangerous) to share these treats with your pets. Keep your pet on his or her regular diet over the holidays and do not let family and friends sneak in treats. Foods that can present problems:

Foods containing grapes, raisins and currants (such as fruitcakes) can result in kidney failure in dogs.

Chocolate and cocoa contain theobromine, a chemical highly toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion

in small amounts can cause vomiting and diarrhea but large amounts can cause seizures and heart arrhythmias.

Many sugarless gums and candies contain xylitol, a sweetener which is toxic to dogs. It causes a life-threatening drop in blood sugar and liver failure.

Leftover, fatty meat scraps can produce severe inflammation of the

pancreas (pancreatitis) leading to abdominal pain, vomiting and bloody diarrhea.

Imported Snow Globes:Recently, imported snow globes were found to

contain antifreeze (ethylene glycol.) As little as one teaspoon of antifreeze when ingested by a cat or a tablespoon or two for a dog (depending on their size), can be fatal. Signs of early poisoning include acting drunk or uncoordinated, excessive thirst, and lethargy. While signs may seem to improve after eight to twelve hours, internal damage is actually worsening, and crystals devel-op in the kidneys resulting in acute kidney failure. Immediate treatment with an antidote is vital.

Liquid Potpourri:Filling your house with the smell of nutmeg

or pine for the holidays may seem inviting—but if you’re partial to heating your scented oils in a simmer pot, know that they can cause serious harm to your cat; even a few licks can result in severe chemical burns in the mouth, fever, difficulty breathing, and tremors. Dogs aren’t as sensitive, but it’s still better to be safe than sorry—so scent your home with a non-toxic candle kept safely out of kitty’s reach.

When it comes to the holidays, the best thing a pet owner can do is get educated on common household toxins and pet-proof your home accord-ingly. If you think your pet has been poisoned, contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-6680 with any questions or concerns. n

The holidays are stressful enough without having to worry about a potentially poisoned pet. Below is a list of holiday-related decorations, plants and food items that the veterinarians at Pet Poison Helpline recommend keeping away from pets.

Professional Pet Sitter · Summer 2014 20 www.petsitters.org

Winter HolidayPet Poison TipsWinter Holiday

Pet Poison TipsWinter Holiday

Pet Poison TipsWinter Holiday

Pet Poison TipsBy Pet Poison Helpline

Page 21: NAPPS Professional Pet Sitter Magazine_Fall 2014

Since 1989, NAPPS has been providing education and resources to professional pet sitters. We are the ONLY non-profit national organization for professional pet sitters and now, the ONLY non-profit national organization for pet parents.

Pet Parents have access to the following exclusive benefits for only $25 per year! Access to online library of informative articles for caring for a wide range of animals from dogs and •

cats to birds, reptiles, hamsters and guinea pigsAccess to FREE quarterly Pet Parent Teleconferences with special guest speakers to discuss •

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Market yourself and Pet Parent MeMbershiP!Download a FlyER today and provide your clients with the information they need to become a NAPPS Pet Parent Member!

The flyer is available in a black & white version hERE, if needed.

Include the flyer above on your website, social media outlets, meet and greet packets, email correspondence, etc. n

naPPs 2014 coMMittee chairs

Membership CommitteeMarc Wolf

Member Benefits CommitteeIsabel Alvarez

Pet Sitter Education Debra Farrington

Marketing CommitteeKristin Skelton

Pet Parent Resources SubcommitteeBev Davis

Business Manual SubcommitteeMarion Ray

Annual Conference SubcommitteeJessica Abernathy

Website Task ForceKristin Skelton

Governance CommitteeMichele Gonzalez

By Cathe Delaney, NAPPS Administrative Director

The 2014 conference was a great success!The feedback we have received is overwhelmingly positive.

You can still participate in this premier event!

You can purchase the entire 2014 conference or purchase only the session(s) of your choice.

One of the many testimonials we have received below ~

LOVED IT! The format was perfect. I was also REALLY impressed with the technology — it went off without a hitch it seemed, that was amazing considering this was the first time for a virtual conference! I loved being able to attend the sessions right from my office. No travel fatigue, no extra expenses. I also loved the chat — I was afraid one thing we’d lose would be the ability to socialize with fellow sitters, but there was that great chat feature so I felt very connected with others in the sessions. I was also afraid that Q & A would be a challenge for a virtual setting, and I thought it was handled SO WELL. The moderators did a fantastic job, people got to ask their questions without 10 people trying to talk over each other. I could go on and on — I got a lot out of it and I could not believe how easy and convenient it was. GREAT JOB to everyone who worked so hard putting it together! It was flawless. I was really beyond impressed. CONGRATULATIONS NAPPS! I applaud all of you for trying something so new and different, and I hope we do it again!

Visit the NAPPS website and register today.

www.petsitters.org 21 Professional Pet Sitter · Fall 2014

About Your AssociAtion Pet Parent MeMbershiP as easy a 1-2-3

Access to FREE quarterly Pet Parent Teleconferences with special guest speakers to discuss

Market yourself and Pet Parent MeMbershiP!

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Page 22: NAPPS Professional Pet Sitter Magazine_Fall 2014

One of the many benefits of NAPPS membership is the ability to network with fellow pet sitters from around the country when you need advice or support. Check out some of the recent con-versations in the NAPPS chat room and be sure to participate even if you don’t have a question of your own. Other members might benefit when you share your experience!

(Ed. Note: Responses have been edited for clarity and space concerns. Check NAPPS Chat Message Board for the full responses.)

QueStIONhow do other sitters handle the customer that forgets to leave payment prior to service? Our policy is that the customer pays before the visits start or by leaving a check on the counter. Some of these customers truly forget as they left hurriedly and these people are not usually a problem.

We have a few who frequently don’t leave payment and are then require several emails, invoices etc. to get paid. It is frustrating because they know that we, as animal lovers, are not going to walk out on the sits and leave their pets alone if they don’t leave payment. Any ideas?

Craig, Furry Godmother

ReSpONSeSIn the 17 years I have been in this business fortu-nately, I have only had this happen three times. I advise that you make it a policy to take their credit card info to have on file and have them sign a form that states “in the event payment is not paid in full at the time service is complete, the customer’s credit card will be billed”...or something to that effect.

The only time I require up-front payment is on a new client. Once we have an established rapport, I leave a bill and payment is required upon their arrival home.

Marci, Noahs Ark Pet Care

I recently had a client who did not pay for over a month. I sent him an invoice stating a 5 percent fee was being added after being 30 days late. A few days later, I received an email saying he had set things up to pay me electronically through the bank, and that it could take 7 days because I was a new payee. I did receive the payment a few days later, but not the late fee. I won’t be making a fuss about it, but as this client has just about always waited

two weeks or more to pay me after each last visit, I will not be “going to his area” anymore. I find such a cavalier attitude about paying me for my services to be very disrespectful. We are running businesses, not charities.

Pamela, Fuzzy Buddies Pet Services, LLC

Do you have payment policies outlined in your contract? Do you go over your payment policy when you have your initial meeting with your client? I do. I also have them sign the contract as well as initial the payment policy on the contact.

Marci, Noah’s Ark Pet Care

Depending on the amount of unpaid services for a client, not responding to attempts to collect, per-sonally I would send a certified letter, return receipt. In the letter, I would tell them that unless I received payment by x date, plus late charges, I would take them to small claims court. It’s probably cheaper than going through collections, which would take part of the payment received. I would think that a client would rather pay than go through the embarrassment and inconvenience of going to court, they would pay. They would also have to pay your court costs if you won the case, which should be a sure bet. Or get your attorney to draft a letter.

Paula, Paula’s Pawsitive Pet Services, LLC

I agree with all of the suggestions, however, I think prevention goes a long way. If a pet sitting client routinely “forgets” payment at time of service, we email them a policy change notice that states that we now require payment 48 hours prior to the start of pet sitting services and attach an invoice for their upcoming trip. This assures that we are not morally responsible to take care of their pets if they do not leave payment since we can decline service while they are still in town.

Corinne, Wild Things Pet Services

Make this part of your service contract (written out and online) that prepayment is required before service begins, and this shouldn’t ever be an issue again. Also, if you have a payment process of send-ing them an invoice before their service to remind them that payment is expected by check or online, and if they don’t leave a check, you can email them or text them to make the payment online.

Finally, your service contract is a good place to spell out your cancellation and your key policy.

Marcia, Liberty Home and Pet Services

I’m grateful that this issue has not been a problem for me in 13 years of business, but a client that does not pay on purpose is no longer a client of mine. Respect goes both ways. My contracts also state that should I have to go to court to collect payment, they are responsible for all fees associ-ated with attorneys, collection, court costs, etc.

I only require clients to leave payment for the first visit when they are leaving on travel. I bill my dailies every other week. yes, people truly forget sometimes and they usually notify me before I even arrive for the first visit. I also can charge an auto-matic $25 late fee that goes on bill if payment not left. Many companies have started using electronic payments and won’t even hold the booking unless payment is received. I don’t personally feel a need to do that because it hasn’t been an issue for me. We need to demand respect for what we do. This begins the moment you take that first call from a potential new client. you set the rules and the way you expect your business to be run and all that can be done in a very professional courteous manner.

Laura, PetsRMe

If this is truly a rare occurrence, I would email the client or call him on the number he has left you and remind him that he has forgot to leave payment. I would not make any further fuss with loyal clients.

If this happens chronically with certain clients, tell them that it will be necessary for you to add a $3 late fee per day in the future. I would precede that with a tactful discussion on whether the client has financial difficulty leaving the payment in advance. Maybe the client is waiting for a payday to make payment. Then it is up to you to decide how to handle this, especially if the client always “makes good” on payment.

For clients who are less reliable, I would email and call with a reminder that they didn’t leave payment. Tactfully try to find out why. If there is really no good situation, you might want to say that you need to consider dropping this client, or, alternatively, adding $3 per day for each day they are gone. That should cure them!

Lori, Coastal Comfort Pet Sitting, LLC

WhAt’s neW on nAPPs chAt MessAge boArdcustoMer “forgets” to leave PayMent

Professional Pet Sitter · Fall 2014 22 www.petsitters.org

Page 23: NAPPS Professional Pet Sitter Magazine_Fall 2014

www.petsitters.org 23 Professional Pet Sitter · Fall 2014

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Page 24: NAPPS Professional Pet Sitter Magazine_Fall 2014

nAPPs in the neWsnaPPs Pr efforts

your association has an active public relations and marketing campaign that raises the visibility of NAPPS and its programs, and establishes NAPPS as the authority in professional pet sitting.

Each month the NAPPS PR team provides regular story ideas to national media outlets designed to increase awareness of the organization and the entire profession. The press room, located on our website, houses a library of all the recent releases that have generated lots of media interest.

PR efforts have surpassed many milestones! • NAPPSgainedmorethan500newfollowersonFacebook,

bringing our total number of “likes” to over 3,000. • NAPPSincreaseditssocialmediapresenceandreach

(on Facebook, specifically) by 935% in only 6 months time...this was an average of reaching more than 42,500 Facebook followers each month.

• NAPPSgainedmorethan1,000newfollowersonTwitter,bringing our total number of Twitter followers to almost 4,400 by December 31st.

• NAPPSreachedmorethan90,000,000individualsthroughmedia hits (which were ONly online!) in only ONE month’s time.

• NAPPSappearedinTOPindustryandconsumerpublications including: The Wall Street Journal, The Chicago Tribune, Kiwi Magazine, Pet Age, Catster, Dogster, and The Dog Daily...just to name a few! n

Professional Pet Sitter · Fall 2014 24 www.petsitters.org

/www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/1030517/what-to-look-for-in-a-cat-sitter

/www.pet360.com/dog/lifestyle/is-your-pet-sitter-up-to-the-job/8_dRLA-EGkSl9m0SsRr4QA

http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2014/04/02/work-with-dogs-animal-jobs/

www.timesonline.com/pets/finding-a-reliable-pet-sitter/article_178b5d4c-e5a7-11e3-844c-0017a43b2370.html

Page 25: NAPPS Professional Pet Sitter Magazine_Fall 2014

www.petsitters.org 25 Professional Pet Sitter · Fall 2014www.petsitters.org 25 Professional Pet Sitter · Fall 2014

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Page 26: NAPPS Professional Pet Sitter Magazine_Fall 2014
Page 27: NAPPS Professional Pet Sitter Magazine_Fall 2014

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Page 28: NAPPS Professional Pet Sitter Magazine_Fall 2014