Holiday Vacation Time…What about your Pets?

If you are piling into your car to go to Grandma’s for a holiday visit, chances are you will be gone for several days.  This is especially true since Christmas falls on a Monday.  Surely, you have made arrangements for the care and feeding of your four-legged children while you are gone.  If not, it is high time that you did!

There are simple things such as regular visits from caring, loving humans.  Then there may be some complicated matters such as the administration of medicine and other life-saving materials that we routinely give our pets.  When you hire the right pet sitting service your peace of mind is immeasurable.

Those of us who live in the far western suburbs of Sugar Grove, Elburn and the surrounding area have learned over the last 25 years to count on Sandy.  Sandy Hafenbrack is the owner of Critter Sitters.  She and her amazing team will take care of your pets as if they were their own.  Time is of the essence.  Call Sandy today at (630) 844-9554.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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!