At PAWsome Companions, we tailor your appointment to the needs of your household. This is great for your pets, but it can sometimes be confusing when trying to decide what type of appointment to schedule. We have some tips we use to match you with the best schedule for your needs and make sure you have the right pet sitting service.

We Have Sample Schedules!

Figuring out a schedule and visualizing your trip for the first time can be challenging. To assist you, we have compiled a selection of sample schedules. Identify your pet's specific needs and explore our recommendations. These sample schedules were originally shared on our previous website and remain accessible to offer guidance and examples to our pet owners:

• Active dogs (scroll down)
• Dogs
• Puppies
• Cats
• Shy cats
• Kittens
• Diabetic pets

Our Considerations for All Pets

When it comes to pet sitting, there are a few factors we like to consider when setting a schedule:

• Diabetic pets require insulin visits spaced 12 hours apart, so we maintain this schedule for appointments.
• Consider your dog's typical daily routine – how long are they used to being alone at home?
• Do you work away from home or remotely?
• Monitor how often your dog goes outside in a typical day as it can be easy to underestimate; try tracking for a few days for accuracy. If your dog requires a significant amount of exercise, opt for schedules suitable for active dogs.
• Determine where your pet sleeps at night; if your dog waits for you to sleep and then joins you, overnight stays may be necessary. Alternatively, if your dog wanders off early and returns in the morning, regular visits might suffice.
• Consider your preference for having an active presence in the house. If you prefer someone around, consider Extended Overnight services.

Time to Customize!

We value the significance of establishing a top-notch schedule for your dog to ensure a pleasant experience for all during your trip. We acknowledge the individuality of each home, especially considering that many households have more than one dog!

Once you have a rough outline of your schedule, we can meet to iron out the details:

• Are there any other pets at home that require feeding, medication, or other care? We allocate sufficient time during visits to ensure all tasks are completed. We schedule time for feeding, changing water, going for walks, and providing affection to your pets, if they enjoy it.

• It's essential to allocate time to clean food and water bowls, as well as tidy up any messes and toys.

• Many animal lovers also adore plants! During regular visits, we can make time for watering your plants. If you have beautiful gardens, we will include the time needed to water them in your regular visits.

• As part of the routine, we can assist with tasks like bringing in the newspaper, checking the mail, adjusting lights, and managing trash disposal.

• Would you like updates after each visit? While many clients appreciate this, please note that the sitter will spend 5+ minutes on each update, which may reduce the time spent with your pets.

• A pet sitter may need more time than you do, especially if you have intricate routines for your pets and home.

• We always ensure that our pet sitters have enough time to fulfill all duties without feeling rushed, ensuring your pets receive the attention they deserve.

Do I Need an Overnight Stay?

Some customers opt for an overnight stay to ensure the security of their residence. However, we consider two key factors to assess the necessity of an overnight stay for your pets:

1. Does your pet need attention (potty break, medication, etc) really late at night or early in the morning? Our normal visits are 5:30am – 11pm, so anytime outside of these hours, an overnight is recommended.
2. Do your pets sleep with you on the bed? Consider this because not having a person there overnight can be a very upsetting change for some pets, and cause unnecessary or added stress.

How Many Visits a Day Do I Need?

After reviewing your typical schedule, we aim to arrange a suitable number of visits to ensure the well-being and happiness of your pets. Our recommendation is as follows:

• For Dogs: 3 – 4 visits a day or 1 – 2 visits a day and an overnight stay
• For Cats: 1 – 2 visits per day or an overnight stay

We require at least two 30-minute visits per day for dogs and one visit per day for cats, but we find they are much happier with more frequent visits.

How Long Should My Visits Be?

When determining the next step after the number of visits, it is important to consider the duration of the visits. Our 30-minute visits are the most popular choice, although many individuals also make use of our other visit durations.

• 15-minute visits: Good for shy cats that do not need any attention or a quick potty break for a dog.  We often recommend these for late night dog visits.
• 30-minute visits: A normal length visits.  This is enough time for feeding, dog walks and some good attention.
• 45-minute and 1-hour visits: Longer visits are great for pets that need extra attention or dogs that need longer walks.

It often helps to mix and match visits, such as a 30-minute breakfast and dinner visit and a 15-minute late night visit.

So What Now?

If you have any further inquiries or wish to discuss the potential schedule, please do not hesitate to contact us by phone. We are delighted to engage in a conversation regarding our services and ensure that we find the most suitable option for you and your beloved pets. Should you already know the services you would like to schedule, kindly proceed to the following page and arrange your appointment today.

 

Here are our suggestions for the minimum number of pet sitting and dog walking visits that should be planned for your pets. These visits are essential to ensure your pets remain happy, healthy, and secure during your absence. While these are the minimum requirements, we are more than happy to increase the frequency of visits. Providing extra love and attention never hurts! If your pet requires medication, fret not. Our team is highly proficient in administering pills, injections, and fluids. Pets with time-sensitive medications are given top priority in our schedule. Additionally, we are one of the rare pet sitters in Los Angeles and Ventura County that does not charge extra for this specialized service! Regardless of whether your pet needs medication, it is advisable to maintain their regular schedule as much as possible. Consistency in their routine helps reduce stress for your furry friends.

Recommendations are provided for healthy and well-adjusted pets that do not experience separation anxiety. However, we do offer overnight stays for pets with special needs or for those who simply want to pamper their furry family members. Many customers find comfort in having someone stay overnight in their home.

Visit Minimums

• For dogs without a doggie door or potty pads, we require a minimum of 3 visits per day to ensure they can go potty comfortably. We prioritize the health and well-being of animals and understand the importance of regular bathroom breaks to prevent any discomfort or health issues.
• If your dogs are crated during visits, we mandate a minimum of 4 daily visits to uphold our standard of care, which emphasizes the value of allowing dogs to relieve themselves multiple times a day.
• Cats require visits every day to maintain our standard of care. We guarantee your feline friend’s well-being by ensuring they are healthy, well-fed, hydrated, have a clean litter box, and receive the attention they need and deserve.

What Pet Sitting Visits Do I Need For My Active Dog?

Are you concerned about your energetic dog while you are away? Many of us who have high-energy canine companions understand the challenges of keeping them occupied. Active dogs require ample exercise and mental stimulation to maintain their well-being. Therefore, it is essential to devise a pet care plan that can cater to these specific needs.

If you are entrusting your active canine companion to a pet sitter for the first time, the array of options available may seem overwhelming. We collaborate with you to devise a tailored plan that adheres to your dog’s usual schedule, ensuring your peace of mind while you are away, as you can rest assured that your pup will be content and well cared for.

Here are three schedules that we have tested and found work very well for our high-energy canines. We can adjust these schedules as needed, and we are flexible enough to change your pet’s schedule in the middle of the trip if we find it is not working well for them!

Active Dog Option #1

For dogs that are used to companionship in the evening, this is the ideal schedule for them.

12-Hour Extended Overnight Stay 

Your sitter will arrive in the early evening (around 7 pm) and take your dog for a walk or playtime, whichever is normal for her. Then comes feeding and some time for relaxation. Right before bed, your dog goes out for the last outing, either a walk or a potty break. You sitter sends you a picture with an update so you can rest easy knowing your pup has company. In the morning there is time for another walk or playtime and feeding. The overnight stay is especially good for dogs who are accustomed to having company and companionship during the evenings. In addition to the exercise, just having a person around the house can give something for the active dog brain to think about.

1-Hour Mid-Day Visit 

Your pet caregiver will utilize this extended visit to provide your dog with a fulfilling walk and/or playtime. This visit should be scheduled at a time when your dog typically engages in physical activity, ensuring that she expends energy throughout the day. A midday visit of this nature ensures that your dog is left alone for only 6-7 hours, depending on the timing of the visit.

Active Dog Option #2

This is an ideal schedule for dogs who like have multiple walks and play sessions each day, but who do not need company overnight.

45-Minute Breakfast Visit

Your pet sitter will arrive punctually and take your dog for a morning walk, followed by breakfast. If your dog prefers playtime, that can be arranged instead of a walk, or both activities can be accommodated. Additionally, the sitter can provide your dog with new toys for entertainment throughout the day.

30-Minute Lunch Visit

This visit is intended for recreational activities and walks, unless your dog has the opportunity to have lunch. Your canine companion will have only been by themselves for 4-5 hours since breakfast, and this visit will assist in keeping them content and lively throughout the day. You will receive a photograph accompanied by an update on your delighted dog.

45-Minute Early Evening Visit

Dinner gatherings offer a delightful opportunity for an evening promenade and shared meal. Additionally, your caretaker can illuminate the premises to create the illusion of occupancy, thereby maintaining a regular evening schedule for your canine companion.

30-Minute Late Night Visit

The purpose of this final visit is to ensure your dog is settled in for the night. Your sitter can choose to take your dog for a walk, engage in playtime, or provide comforting cuddles. It’s important to note that some dogs are active during the night, while others prefer to sleep. The sitter will arrange the house in its usual nighttime state as per your routine. They will then switch off the lights and ensure your dog is comfortably settled, simulating a typical night for your pet.

Active Dog Option #3

This is an ideal schedule for dogs who need a good walk during the middle of the day when they are most alert.

30-Minute Breakfast Visit

Your appointed caretaker will promptly arrive and accompany your canine companion for a pleasant morning stroll. Subsequently, your dog will be provided with breakfast and given the opportunity to settle in for the day. Additionally, the caretaker can activate soothing music for dogs who enjoy such auditory stimulation.

1-Hour Late Afternoon Visit

The extended duration of this visit allows your sitter to take your dog on a lengthy walk in its preferred surroundings. Does your dog enjoy spending time at a nearby park or trail? This extended visit provides ample time for some enjoyable squirrel watching. Following the walk, your sitter can switch on lights and the radio to create the illusion of occupancy and provide your dog with auditory stimulation.

30-Minute Late Night Visit

To facilitate your dog’s adjustment, consider scheduling a late-night visit. This can serve as a pleasant conclusion to the day. Your pet sitter may take the dog for a brief walk or engage in playtime in the yard, followed by dinner. Alternatively, depending on your dog’s customary routine, dinner could be provided during the afternoon visit following the walk. Subsequently, a light late-night snack may help the dog settle in for the night. The sitter can then extinguish the lights and depart from your home, replicating your own bedtime routine.

Additional Preparations

For energetic canines, it is essential to provide ample engagement to prevent boredom, especially during periods of absence. Below are several strategies we have developed to ensure active dogs remain occupied and stimulated.

• Use food toys such as Buster Cubes for meals.

• Swap out toys daily, so new exciting toys are always available.

• Provide dogs with stuffed Kongs whenever we leave the house.

• Give your pet something to listen to when they are alone by turning on the radio or television.

• Teach dogs new tricks. Mental stimulation can be just as good as exercise.

• When going for a walk, travel a different path each time. New things to smell and sights to see can keep a dog engaged.