Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Holiday Myths and Facts about Cats and Dogs.

How many times have you heard someone say, “Be careful where you put that Poinsettia. Your dog may eat some of it and get deathly ill?”  It is true that holly and other plants can upset a dog’s digestive system.  Fortunately it will only cause a bit of a tummy ache, but keep them out of their reach anyway.  However, many holiday arrangements are made with lilies which may be extremely toxic to your cat.

You may have said that Aunt Ruth’s fruitcake is inedible, and that may be the truth for your pet.  Grapes and raisins are common ingredients in this seasonal tradition.  Your beloved pet could go into kidney failure if they ingest these seemingly innocent fruits.  Tinsel is another culprit - it may look shiny to your cat, but it can easily get wrapped around kitty’s tongue or intestines.

We just thought you should know.  Pet care is our year around care and concern  here at Critter Sitters.  We serve all of Aurora Illinois and the surrounding area.  If you have just gotten a “Christmas puppy” or if you have finally decided that your 4-legged child should have professional pet sitting while you are out, call Sandy today.  If you live in the area and want to become a part of her growing team of pet sitting professionals please call her as well.  The phone number is (630) 844-9554. 

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

A Spectacular Celebration of the Season

ZooLights Presented By ComEd and PowerShares QQQ

Enjoy the brilliance of this fun, free, family-oriented holiday celebration, featuring luminous displays and holiday-season activities throughout zoo grounds.
Lincoln Park Zoo, 4:30–9 p.m.
December 4–6, 11–23, 26–31; January 1–3, 
Free ! Don't miss the other Festive Activities taking place!
Happy Holidays!


Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Getting a Pet for Christmas.

What a wonderful gift.  You got a puppy for Christmas.  Isn’t that fantastic!?  Well…maybe it is and maybe not so much.  Do you work outside of the home?  Are there kids who will be back in school after the holidays?  What is your living situation?  Do you have a fenced in yard or do you live on a higher floor of an apartment?  There is much to be considered now that you have a new addition to the household.

There is no question that a puppy can add a great deal to a family.  The evenings and the weekends will be brightened by its very presence.  Please plan ahead.  If you are the gift giver then consider the training that will need to go into the process before you shock your children on Christmas morning with this life-changing gift.

Call Sandy Hafenbrack at Critter Sitters serving the Aurora and surrounding area.  Not only will she give you important tips on how to train and care for your new arrival, but she will play an important role in your 4-legged family addition’s life as the years go by.  Call Sandy right away at (630) 844-9554.  And…oh yeah…don’t wrap up your gift.  LOL!

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

How Important is Pet Insurance?

It seems hard to imagine that we as pet owners consider our four-legged friends to be valued members of our family and yet only 1% of us carry health insurance on our loved ones.  There are barely one million pets in this country that are covered by insurance out of 170 million!  We all admit that their lives are precious to us and yet we may lose them before their time has come simply because we cannot afford decent veterinary care.

Exercise your due diligence and research pet insurance on the internet.  You will find many different providers to fit your specific family needs.  Of course, you will factor in the ages of your pets and their overall health.  If you have a new addition to the family consider how long you want them to have a long and healthy life and factor in that value into the equation.

Critter Sitters serving Aurora IL and all of the Fox Valley wants you to know all of the options.  If we treat our pets like 4-legged children it might merit strong consideration.  Whenever you need short or long-term pet sitting in the Fox Valley please call Sandy at (630) 844-9554 or visit her website to read more about her services at www.alltopcrittersitters.com.

Monday, November 2, 2015

Pets with Special Needs

Pet sitting is not a job as much as it is a calling.  When you take on the responsibility of baby-sitting someone’s four-legged child you are the person most responsible for its health and safety while the owner is away.  Sometimes that means a great deal more than feeding, watering, and playing.  The right pet sitter is qualified to do much more.

Sandy Hafenbrack of Critter Sitters in Montgomery, IL serves the Fox Valley everyday and is equipped to help your pet if it has special needs.  Maybe age, illness, or disease has slowed them down a bit, but you can’t quit your job to care for them full time.  Sandy is experienced in administering insulin shots, subcutaneous fluids, and other medications to your sick and aging beloved member of the family.

You see, being a caring, loving sitter of your pet really is a calling.  If you have a pet that has special needs and you live in the Fox Valley area, please call Sandy today at (630) 844-9554.  Additionally, if you have that same calling that Sandy does and you live in the Aurora/Yorkville area give her a call to see if you might be just the right fit to join her caring team.

Friday, October 16, 2015

FOX VALLEY DISTRICT DOG PARKS

FOX VALLEY DISTRICT DOG PARKS
Find information about Fox Valley District's Dog Parks here - including: locations, hours and guidelines!  Take your pet out to the park, make new friends, and enjoy the outdoors together!


Thursday, October 15, 2015

Did Your Dog or Cat Eat Something Poisonous?

You may be surprised what is completely harmless for humans to eat may be lethal if it is ingested by your 4-legged child.  Things like apple seeds, avocados, candy (especially chocolate), coffee, and even garlic as well as certain types of nuts may be hazardous to your pet’s health.  If you even suspect that your dog or cat has raided the pantry or wolfed down a quantity of potentially dangerous food you need to take action quickly.

Fortunately there is a 24 hour pet poison hotline that is always available to you.  The sooner a pet poisoning is diagnosed the easier and less expensive it is to treat your pet.  The hotline is toll free every minute of the day wherever you are in the United States by calling (855) 764-7661.  They have the ability to help every poisoned pet 24 hours a day. Their knowledge and expertise of pet poisons will put your mind at ease when dealing with a potential emergency.

Sandy of Critter Sitters Pet Sitting Service, LLC - serving the Aurora area in suburban Chicago wants your precious family members to stay safe.  When you need the finest vacation care or dog walking services Sandy is a phone call away.  She will treat your pets as if they were her own.  Call her today to discover her wide-range of services at (630) 844-9554 or visit her website at www.alltopcrittersitters.com.

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Speaking of Cats.

Let’s talk about cat sitting.  When you think of cats you often think…well they’re so independent you just put out the food, the water and the clean litter box - and you may leave them alone for days which you would never consider doing with a dog.  It seems that way sometimes when your cat ignores you doesn’t it?

The truth is, studies show that cats are much more comfortable in their own familiar surroundings.  When you go on vacation DO NOT leave your cat at home unattended.  Critter Sitters, serving the Fox Valley in Western Suburban Chicagoland, will visit your home and care for all of cats’ needs such as feeding, watering, and cleaning the litter box.  We will NEVER let your cats out of the house.

The next time you travel for a couple of days or a couple of weeks - call Sandy at Critter Sitters to arrange for pet sitting services.  Her phone number is (630) 844-9554.  Or visit her online for a full list of services at www.alltopcrittersitters.com.

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

POOCHAPALOOZA!

Poochapalooza, Sept. 19th, 2015
Mark your calendars for Poochapalooza!
Glen Ellyn Park District - Spring Avenue Dog Park
1pm to 4pm
Admission: FREE
 

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Home Daycare for Dogs

Doggy daycare can be a huge help in meeting your dog’s needs for attention now that the kids are back in school.  So many of us have high energy 4-legged kids that are bored and lonely when we are away from home all day.  Since their concept of time is different it may seem like you have been gone for days instead of hours.

You have probably heard of or even passed by businesses that provide all day care for your pooches.  Not only can that be very expensive, but now you have taken them out of the environment in which they feel safe and secure.  Maybe they are receiving attention, but not the warm friendliness of a familiar face visiting their domain.

Here is the solution!  Critter Sitters serves the Fox Valley in Chicagoland.  Sandy will come to your home in THEIR comfortable environment and take care of their needs such as food, water, recreation and just plain lovin’.  They will come to eagerly anticipate her arrival each day as they do with you.  Call Sandy today at (630) 844-9554 or visit her on the web at www.alltopcrittersitters.com.

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Tips for a Safer Fall Season for Your Pets.

Ah, Fall - there's nothing like crisp, cool air, the first months of school and luscious foliage to get you excited for the changing seasons. Your pet is probably welcoming the break from hot, sticky weather too!  But pet parents, beware—fall is also a time of lurking dangers for our furry friends.  Here are some tips to keep your pet safe and healthy over the coming months.

Rodent protection and removal often requires the use of pesticides that may be harmful to your pet.  If you must use these products, do so with extreme caution and put them in places inaccessible to your pets. 

Make sure that your children keep their school supplies away from curious pets.  Ingesting things like glue sticks, pens, and magic markers can be harmful to any creature’s digestive system.

Fall and spring and are mushroom seasons. While 99% of mushrooms have little or no toxicity, the 1% that are highly toxic can cause life-threatening problems in pets.

Autumn is the season when snakes who are preparing for hibernation may be particularly “grumpy,” increasing the possibility of severe bites to those unlucky pups who find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Just a few tips for a healthier, safer 4-legged companion this fall from your friends at Critter Sitters.  We serve your pet sitting needs and more throughout the Fox Valley here in Chicagoland.  Call Sandy at (630) 844-9554 or visit us on the web at www.alltopcrittersitters.com.

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Is Pet Insurance Right for You?

With vet bills on the rise, this is a question that dog owners ask themselves at some point. Choosing whether or not to buy pet insurance can be challenging. There are many factors to consider, including which provider and plan is most appropriate for you and your pet.  Opinions on pet insurance may range from “pet insurance saved my 4-legged child’s life” to “pet insurance is just a scam”.

Pet Health Insurance Pros
• Provides your pet with affordable care should they become seriously ill.
• Depending on your plan, costly emergency procedures are usually covered.
• Once fatal pet diseases are now treatable, yet can be expensive. Pet insurance makes them
affordable.
• Provides peace of mind for dog owners that want their pet to get the best treatment.
• Most offer discounts when insuring one of more pets, or for purchasing a six month or yearly plan.

Pet Health Insurance Cons
• Most have deductibles, co-pays and caps that may limit your pay out.
• With some plans, pre-existing conditions may not covered.
• Many breed specific conditions (hip dysplasia in retrievers for example) may not be covered.
• Money spent on premium payments is gone

Whatever is best for you and your loved ones please remember this.  When you need the best pet sitting services in Western Suburban Chicago trust Critter Sitters.  They serve the Fox Valley and beyond.  Get to know Sandy by giving her a call at (630) 844-9554.

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Chicago-area pet shelters participating in nationwide adoption event

Chicago-area pet shelters participating in nationwide adoption event 
Nearly 30 Chicago-area animal shelters are participating in Clear the Shelters, a nationwide push Aug. 15 to encourage a flurry of pet adoptions by cutting related costs.


Tuesday, August 4, 2015

The “Dog Days” of Summer.

The summer months can be uncomfortable- even dangerous- for pets and people. It's difficult enough simply to cope with rising temperatures, let alone thick humidity, but things really get tough in areas that are hit with the double blow of intense heat and storm-caused power outages, sometimes with tragic results. 

Practice summer safety with your pets.  As we mentioned last month, DO NOT leave your pets in a parked car…even for a minute.  Keep an eye on the humidity as much as the temperature.  Animals pant to evaporate moisture from their lungs, which takes heat away from their body. If the humidity is too high, they are unable to cool themselves, and their temperature will skyrocket to dangerous levels. 

Remember to limit their exercise on hot days.  This is just common sense.  Fans do not help a pet the way they do a human so don’t expect that to cool them down.  And always provide ample shade and water while watching for any signs of heatstroke - such as heavy panting, glazed eyes, or a rapid heartbeat.

Whenever you need pet care and sitting services in the Fox Valley area contact Sandy at Critter Sitters of Montgomery at (630) 844-9554 or visit them on the web at www.alltopcrittersitters.com.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Millennium Park Summer Film Series

Millennium Park Summer Film Series
Millennium Park presents outdoor movies on its state-of-the-art, 40-foot LED screen as part of the Summer Film Series, Tuesdays, thru September 1 at 6:30pm.
Find the list of upcoming films here.

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Protect Your Pet from Heatstroke This Summer.

We have all heard it over and over…never, never, never leave a pet in a hot car.  Sometimes people think, 'Oh well, it just rained I will crack the window' or 'It isn’t THAT hot out there. I could sit in the car if I had to'.  Every year dogs suffer and die when their guardians make the mistake of leaving them in a parked car - even for “just a minute” while they run an errand.  Do you want to have that on your conscience for the rest of your life?

Parked cars are deathtraps for dogs.  On a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can soar to between 100 and 120 degrees in just minutes, and on a 90-degree day, the interior temperature can reach as high as 160 degrees in less than 10 minutes.  Animals can sustain brain damage or even die from heatstroke in just 15 minutes.  The heat is extra tough on dogs because they can only cool themselves by panting and by sweating through their paw pads.

Critter Sitters, serving the Fox Valley and the far western suburbs of Chicagoland, does not want anything to happen to your 4-legged child this summer.  While Chicago summers can have days of moderation, even temperatures in the mid-70’s could prove fatal for your dog if left in a parked car.  When you need the best pet care available in Chicagoland any time of the year call Critter Sitters at (630) 844-9554 or visit them on the web at www.alltopcrittersitters.com.

Monday, July 6, 2015

Happy Summer Vacation!

It is time to hit the road with the family on that special summer getaway that you may have been planning for months or even years.  Before you hit the road, your checklist of things to do must include how your home is taken care of, and that includes making sure everything in and around it is safe while you are gone.  We sometimes put off travel indefinitely because we don’t trust anyone to take care of our pets and home while we are away.

If you live in the Fox Valley of Chicagoland put your worries to rest.  Your friends at Critter Sitters of Montgomery have everything under control.  In addition to taking excellent care of your four-legged kids, Critter Sitters will be happy to take care of a few household chores while you are away.  They will bring your mail and newspapers indoors if you wish.  They will also water your indoor and outdoor plants and take out the trash.

So stop worrying and hit the road.  Critter Sitters is known throughout the western suburbs for their expert pet care.  Everyone has come to know that when you need a variety of pet care services you give Critter Sitters a call.  Visit them on the web at www.alltopcrittersitters.com or call them at (630) 844-9554 and have a great and safe summer!

Friday, July 3, 2015

How to Hire a Pet Sitter.

After your own flesh and blood what is the next most precious thing in your life.  Most likely it is your 4-legged children.  Your pets are as important to your daily well-being as you are to theirs.  So when you must be away from home for any length of time you should hire a licensed qualified pet sitter.  A loving, caring pet sitter cares about your pets almost as much as you do.  They do much more than just feed and water your kids while you are away.

Your Pet Gets:
-The environment they know best.
-Their regular diet and routine. 
-Relief from traveling to and staying in an unfamiliar place with other animals (such as a boarding kennel). 
-Attention while you're away.

You Get:
-Happier friends and neighbors, who aren't burdened with caring for your pet.
-The peace of mind that comes from knowing that your pet is being cared for by a professional.
-Someone to bring in your newspaper and mail so potential burglars don't know you're away. 
-Someone who will come to your home so you don't have to drive your pet to a boarding kennel.

Your best bet for a great pet sitter in the far western suburbs of Chicagoland is Critter Sitters of Montgomery.  Sandy has 25 years of excellent service for the residents of Fox Valley.  She will take the very best care of your best friends while you are away.  Now that summer is here it is time to plan your vacation trips.  Start with a phone call to Sandy of Critter Sitters at (630) 844-9554.

Welcome!

Welcome to the new blog of Critter Sitters Pet Sitting Service, LLC!