Lil' Chick Pet Sitters

Your Local Emergency Contact Person for your Pet.

2011-10-25T20:34:00.000-07:00

Why do you need a Local Emergency Contact Person?

In case your pet sitter is unable to reach this family or friend should be able to make decisions on your behalf for the care of your pet.

Or if there is an emergency such as a natural disaster and you are unable to get back for an extended period of time, your emergency contact should be able to step in and take care of your pet.

Or in case something should happen to you, your emergency contact should be able to take over the care of your pet during an extended period of time?

Who should be my Emergency Contact Person?

Start with friends or family members who live nearby and can reach you or your pets quickly. Make sure they have keys, necessary codes or other information to access your home, grab the pets and evacuate. If you need help putting a plan and kit together please contact me at aj@lilchick.com

2011-04-11T07:12:00.001-07:00

Bigger isn’t always better: study finds pudgier pooches, fatter cats.

April 5, 2011

Pet Sitters International “weighs in” with six important nutrients for optimal pet health

More than half of all dogs and cats living as pets in the United States are overweight or obese according to a recent study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP).

The APOP also reports that this trend has increased steadily since the study began in 2007, despite all of the pet-food information readily available to pet owners.

Cheryl Wilson, a Pet Sitters International member and owner of T.L.K. Professional Pet Care Service in Watertown, Mass., finds that over-feeding is one of the most common problems she encounters.

“I try to offer my clients advice on more appropriate amounts to feed their pets and remind them of the health risks that come with pet obesity,” Wilson said.

Overfeeding isn’t the only action that leads to overweight pets. The type of food also matters. Ellen Price, academic manager for PSI, said that the ingredients in the pet food owners choose to feed their pets are equally important.

“Food that is not nutritionally sound can result in a multitude of health problems, including obesity” Price said. “Ensuring that pets get the correct quantity of nutrients and an appropriate amount of water contributes to their overall health, well being and longevity.”

According to information in the Association’s Certification Program tailored exclusively for professional pet sitters, there are six key essential nutrients for dogs and cats:

Proteins – Provide a pet with the amino acids to build cells and tissue. Protein is an energy source and proteins are important in the makeup of antibodies, hormones and blood.

Vitamins – Both cats and dogs need vitamins to sustain good health. Vitamins help control physiological functions and regulate chemical reactions in a pet’s body.

Minerals – Help maintain a pet’s electrolyte and fluid balance, tissue structure, formation of teeth, cells and growth of bones.

Fats – Dietary fat is a good source of energy for dogs and cats. It helps them absorb fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.

Carbohydrates – One of the three nutrients in a pet’s diet that supply energy, as well as fiber that aids in digestion.

Water – Water is essential for life. The amount of water an animal needs depends upon the pet’s activity, the type of food the pet eats, the environmental temperature and the pet’s health. Animals that eat dry food need more water than those that eat wet food.

Whether you’ve opted for an organic, raw food, homemade or commercial pet diet, make certain it’s nutritionally sound. This, in combination with exercise, will help keep pets at a healthy weight.

For more information about PSI or to locate a professional pet sitter in your area, please visit www.petsit.com.

Responsible Pet Ownership: How to Deal With Small Dog Syndrome

2011-04-07T13:33:00.000-07:00

Responsible Pet Ownership: How to Deal With Small Dog Syndrome: "By Linda Cole About a year and a half ago, my neighbor brought their new puppy over and begged me to take her off their hands. I took one l..."

Beware the Easter bunny; he may not be an easy pet |

2011-04-07T08:31:00.000-07:00

Every year in the weeks and months after Easter, a wave of rabbits turns up at animal shelters, abandoned by people who bought them for the holiday but changed their minds.

Turns out, cute little bunnies can be challenging pets. If you're thinking about getting one for Easter or any other time, here are a few things to keep in mind from Marc Morrone, host of Hallmark Channel's "Pet keeping with Marc Morrone," where one of his side kicks is a rabbit named Harvey, brought to him by police who found him abandoned 10 years ago.

—Rabbits can be trained to walk on a leash or harness, but you can't let them play freely outside; they are prey to snakes, hawks, owls, dogs, foxes, cats, raccoons and people. "Bunnies are an animal that the entire world eats," Morrone said. "Bunnies live in a state of perpetual anxiety that somebody's going to eat them. Once they realize no one is going to eat them, they relax and you can see their true nature come out."

—You must be prepared to commit to pet care for about a decade. Rabbits usually live eight to 12 years and can only be called bunnies for about six months.

READ REST OF THE ARTICLE-
Beware the Easter bunny; he may not be an easy pet |

April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month

2011-04-01T07:52:00.000-07:00

Aside from taking a pet first aid & CPR course, which every pet owner and pet professional should do, it's also important to have a pet first aid kit. Having a well-stocked pet first aid kit can be a key factor in your pet's well-being during an emergency. It will serve to help you you prevent further injury, lessen the chance of infection, and even save your pet's life.

You can either purchase a commercial pet first aid kit or put one together yourself.

Putting one's own kit together is best this way you'll know what's in it and items can be tailored to your pet.

At the very least a pet first aid kit should contain the following:
sterile gauze pads,
gauze rolls
first aid tape
scissors
3% hydrogen peroxide
antibacterial ointment
antiseptic wipes
eye dropper
muzzle
leash
digital thermometer
antihistamine (Benadryl or generic)
blanket or stretcher

It should also include the address and phone number for your veterinarian as well as the nearest animal emergency center.

Phone number for the Animal Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435.

If you would rather buy a pet first aid kit, be sure to familiarize yourself with the contents. Take all of the items out and make sure you know what they are, how to use them, and if they're appropriate for your pet (for example, if a muzzle's included make sure it's the right size and that you know how to put it on your dog.)

The hope is that you will never need to use your first aid kit, but if you do, having it handy will save time and may save your pet's life.

Article by www.petsitusa.com

Lil' Chick Pet Sitters
www.lilchick.com
408.839.7502

DISASTER READY BUSINESS PLAN

2011-03-24T15:39:00.001-07:00

Getting your Pet Sitting Business Disaster Ready

1. What to have ready before a disaster happens

Routine monthly (at least) backup of all data files to external storage device.

If you have to leave quickly, chances are you won't have time to sit down and figure out what files to keep and which to take with you.

Having your data saved in as many safe places as possible increases the odds of it surviving a disaster. Don't just keep your backups at your house or office. If your home is destroyed by fire, flood or natural disaster, so is your backup.

Additionally, external storage devices and media are light and small, making them easy to take with you in an emergency situation. Data storage methods include USB, CD, DVD, external hard drive, cell phones.

Have a comprehensive client e-mail/contact list printed out and stored in a safe location at all times.

Who knows how much time you'll have to work on a contact list before having to evacuate or head for shelter? If worst comes to worst, you at least want to able to get in touch with your clients. Most of us have some information stored on our phones, but why risk being caught without essential data? Print a list of your clients' names/address/phone numbers and put it in a plastic bag near the front door of your house or keep in your car. Also, make sure to update your e-mail contact list continually. In a time and age of constant communication, the quickest way to get in touch with all of your clients is shooting off a mass email-this won't work if it's been two months since you last updated your e-mail list.

Have an evacuation plan and an emergency/disaster plan:

As small business owners, your clients are going to want to know where you're going and what your protocol is for caring for their pets as well as when you'll be coming back. Most of the time this won't come up until a disaster actually happens; you're going to have trouble holding onto your clients if you seem disorganized when push comes to shove. Conversely, if you're sharp and end up being an asset during an emergency you're less likely to lose that account, no matter what is going on with the economy. Also, use your disaster plan as a selling point. Clients often shop around for a sitter, so make yourself stand out by letting clients know that you have a plan in the event of emergencies. Consider using a blog or voicemail to let clients know of the status of your disaster plan (more on this below) once it needs to be executed.

Have a mobile container for your keys and a key protocol-One of the biggest responsibilities we have is maintaining access to our client's homes. A nightmare scenario would be coming home after an evacuation to find that your home/office has been broken into and someone got hold of clients' keys. Have a sturdy container with labels/plastic baggies for quickly storing and transporting your client keys should you need to leave in a hurry. Keep ^"your client records and keys separate. If you keys are lost with your client records a person might be able to match keys with records and gain access to a client's property. Make sure your clients know what your procedure is for an emergency and it will make you seem even more prepared and professional.

Do a dry run with your employees/contractors regarding what to do in an emergency.

Whoever you have working for you needs to know what is going to happen in . Having up-to-date mobile contact information and emergency procedures in place should all forms of communication fail is essential. What to do with the animals they are caring for. Give them a copy of your procedures they keep it with them (under a seat in the car is a great spot).

Encourage clients to develop a disaster preparedness plan for themselves and their pets.

As sitters, we're a natural resource when it comes to clients caring for their pets. Ask your clients to have their pet’s microchipped and tagged to allow for early identification. Also, discuss what they would do with their pets in an emergency and encourage them to keep you informed. Communication is the key, and knowing what the plan is in advance will keep everyone safe.

Prepare a checklist for what to take with you. It will save you much grief later.

What to do for your business when a disaster is happening

Get out your emergency/disaster plan.

This is why you put this together, after all! Sticking to the plan is key. Communication is difficult in an emergency so changing the information and procedures you've previously disseminated to people at this point can be a disaster.

Communicate with your client early and often. (I can't stress on this enough)

Let them know what your disaster preparedness plan is, send them a copy of it when even the hint of a disaster is on the horizon. In hurricane country, the start of hurricane season, along with every forming hurricane is a good excuse to shoot an e-mail to your clients with a copy of what your protocol is. It may seem annoying to some, but they'll thank you one day.

Stick with one modality of distributing information.

If you decide to disseminate information in 10 different ways, chances are someone will get left out of the loop and it may cost you a good client, or worse. Pick one way to communicate with people and stick with it.

3: What to do for you business after a disaster has occurred

Decide on your system for resuming services and what you will use to determine when it is safe to do so. Use an objective standard, preferably from a specific government agency, to determine when it is safe for you to resume services. Resuming services for pets whose owners are away is much more critical than regular pet 'exercise' type visits.

Let clients know how the resumption of their services will work and if you anticipate any lack of service due to damaged roads, bridges, etc.

Verify that all your data and supplies remain intact and promptly file any insurance claims necessary.

Take care of your personal issues first-if you don't have your own act together you won't be able to help your clients any time soon.

Gather feedback after the incident to see how you could have improved your response to client's needs. You will have to weigh these suggestions against your own ability. Take time to modify your disaster plan to anticipate issues in the future-your disaster/emergency plan should always be a work in progress.

Article published by NAPPS www.petsitters.org By Carlos Portu, Co-Owner, Gables Pet Care, Miami, FL

Benefits of Adopting a Pet From a Shelter

2011-03-21T14:04:00.000-07:00

I just had to share this article someone emailed me for my Blog:

Benefits of Adopting a Pet From a Shelter

Here are millions of dogs and cats that sit in shelters waiting for some person to come take them home every day of the week. Millions more are euthanized due to a lack of space or funding in the shelter each year.

While many people may feel that a pure-bred animal with papers is the only way to get a good dog or cat, this is completely untrue. There are millions of deserving animals that just want a home and family.

While it may seem that there are disadvantages to adopting a pet from a shelter, the benefits far outweigh any negatives to adopting an animal. One of the biggest benefits of adopting a shelter animal is that the fee to adopt the pet is far less than anything a breeder or pet store will charge. Many shelters offer their pets for minimal fees in order to facilitate adoption. In addition, the animals will generally come with a microchip already imbedded as well as have already been altered. These are two costs that the new owner will not have to incur after taking their dog home.

Pets from shelters also come with all of their shots and have been de-wormed, something that frequently can't be said for pet shop animals. Another huge benefit of adopting a pet from a shelter is that mature animals are available. By adopting a mature pet, the family doesn't have to go through the extremely destructive phase of chewing or housebreaking, in many cases. Another advantage is that the dog or cat is full grown.

If a family has limited space available, it is a good idea to adopt a full-grown pet rather than a puppy because the dog won't grow anymore. The dog or cat's temperament is also already known at the time of adoption. This is very important, particularly for people who will have their dog or cat around children a lot. Slightly less able to be proven is the generally accepted theory that shelter animals are more eager to please their new families than a pampered pet store animal would be.

There is a theory that a rescued animal feels so much gratitude for being removed from the shelter by its new family that they try to express that by trying to please their new family even more. For animal lovers, adopting a pet helps to correct the problem of pet overpopulation. Purchasing a puppy or kitten from a pet shop or breeder contributes to the problems of overpopulation.

So please for your next pet, consider adopting a pet from a shelter. Your new best friend could be waiting for you. www.hssv.org www.therabbithaven.org

Guinea Pig Care

2011-03-20T08:19:00.001-07:00

CLICK FOR YOUR GUINEA PIGGY GUIDE HERE
PDF VERSION

They’re not pigs and they’re not from New Guinea! Read on to find out what these South American natives need to stay happy and healthy.

Background

Larger than hamsters, but smaller than rabbits, guinea pigs can weigh a couple of pounds and generally live for five to seven years. The three most common breeds of guinea pig are the Smooth-Coated, with short, glossy fur; the Abyssinian, whose hair grows in fluffy tufts all over the body, and the Peruvian, with long, silky hair that flows to the ground.

Guinea pigs make wonderful companions. These docile members of the rodent family rarely bite and are known for squeaking with delight when their favorite humans enter the room. Guinea pigs are excellent starter pets for older children who have mastered proper handling techniques.

Cost

When you first get your pet, you’ll need to spend about $35 for a cage. Food runs about $75 a year, plus $25 annually for toys and treats, $50 for an annual veterinary check-up and $400 per year for litter and bedding material. We recommend getting your guinea pig from a responsible breeder or, even better, adopting one from a shelter or small-animal rescue group.

Housing

Guinea pigs are social animals who prefer to live in small groups. If you keep two or more females together, they will become great friends. If you want two males, it’s smart to choose two babies from the same litter. Since guinea pigs, like all rodents, multiply rapidly, keeping males and females together is not recommended.

As a rule of thumb, you’ll need to provide a minimum of four square feet of cage space per guinea pig—but please try to get as large a cage as possible. You’ll need a solid-bottom cage—no wire floors, please, as they can irritate your pets’ feet. Plastic-bottom “tub cages” with wire tops also make great guinea pig homes. Never use a glass aquarium, due to the poor ventilation that it provides.

Always keep the cage indoors away from drafts and extreme temperatures, as guinea pigs are very susceptible to heatstroke. They’ll prefer an environment kept at 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Line the bottom of the cage with aspen or hardwood shavings or some other form of safe bedding, such as grass hay. Do not use cedar or pine chips—the oils they contain can be dangerous to your pets. (P.S. Yes, you can train a guinea pig to use a litter box—but please note that this will require lots of time and patience!)

Guinea pigs love to hide when they play, so be sure to place cardboard tubes and/or empty coffee cans with smoothed edges in the enclosure for this purpose. Plastic pipes and flower pots are good, too, and bricks and rocks for climbing will be much appreciated. All guinea pigs need a cave for sleeping and resting, so please provide a medium-sized flower pot or covered sleeping box, readily available at pet supply stores.

Diet

Commercial guinea pig pellets should make up the bulk of your pet’s diet. Nutritionally complete, they’re available at pet supply stores, and are made from plants, seeds and veggies. Feed your guinea pigs twice daily, in the morning and in the evening.

The ASPCA recommends offering small amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables to your guinea pigs every day. Try grapes, cucumbers, corn, peas, carrots and pears. Half a handful of veggies and a slice of fresh fruit per pig is plenty. Always make sure to clean up any leftover fresh food before it spoils. You’ll also need to make grass hay available to your pets at all times. It’s great for the digestive system, and will also satisfy your pet’s need to gnaw.

Unlike other animals, guinea pigs cannot manufacture Vitamin C, so you’ll need to ensure that your pets get enough of this essential nutrient every day. A quarter of an orange will do, but you can also include some fruits and veggies that are high in C to their daily ration of fresh foods, such as kale, dandelion greens and strawberries.

Fresh, clean water should be available at all times. Use an inverted bottle with a drinking tube, and change the water daily.

General Care

Remove soiled bedding, droppings and stale food from the cage daily. Clean the cage completely once a week by replacing dirty bedding and scrubbing the bottom of the cage with warm water. Be sure everything’s dry before adding fresh bedding.

Did you know that guinea pigs’ teeth grow continuously, just like those of other rodents? That’s why it is important that you provide yours with something to gnaw on at all times. Branches and twigs from untreated trees will work, as will any small piece of wood that hasn’t been treated with chemicals.

It’s crucial that you get your pets used to you—and used to being handled. Start by feeding them small treats. When they’re comfortable with that, you can carefully pick up one pig at a time, one hand supporting the bottom, the other over the back.

Once you have hand-tamed your piggies, you should let them run around in a small room or enclosed area to get some additional exercise every day. You will need to carefully check the room for any openings from which the guinea pigs can escape, get lost and possibly end up hurt. These animals must be supervised when they are loose because they will chew on anything in their paths—including electrical wires.

Guinea pigs are very conscientious about grooming themselves, but brushing them on a regular basis will help keep their coat clean and remove any loose hairs. Long-haired guinea pigs should be brushed daily in order to prevent tangles and knots from forming.

Veterinary Care

If you think one of your guinea pigs is sick, don’t delay—seek medical attention immediately. Common signs that something isn’t right include sneezing, coughing, diarrhea and lethargy. Guinea pigs are also susceptible to external parasites such as mites and lice. If you think your pet is infested, head to the vet for treatment.

Guinea Pig Supply Checklist

- Solid-bottom cage with wire cover or plastic-bottom “tub” cage (minimum four square feet of cage space per pig)
- Guinea pig pellets
- Aspen or hardwood shavings
- Grass hay
- Bricks, rocks, cardboard boxes, plastic pipes and other appropriate toys
- Medium flower pot or covered sleeping box
- Brush and comb for grooming
- Attachable water bottle with drinking tube
- Unpainted, untreated piece of wood or safe chew toy

More Resources

- Guinea Lynx offers general guinea pig care and nutrition info.
- Cavy Cages offers advice on bedding and housing, with simple directions for constructing large cages.
- Cavy Spirit contains good information on how to introduce two guinea pigs, neutering and much more.
- Cavy Rescue provides a worldwide list of cavy rescues and searchable databases of adoptable guinea pigs.

ARTICLE FROM THE ASPCA WEBSITE - http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/guinea-pig-care.aspx

Lil Chick Pet Sitters

2011-03-10T08:59:00.001-08:00

Lil Chick Pet Sitters Slide Show

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Happy Professional Pet Sitter Week!

2011-03-08T07:24:00.000-08:00

This week recognizes the many contributions, commitment and dedication of professional pet sitters nationwide.

Pet ownership in the United States is on the rise. 63 percent of all American households have pets. The US pet population includes some 73 million dogs, 90 million cats and 16 million other animals.

These pets are happiest when they're home, surrounded by familiar sights, smells and sounds. Pet sitting has taken the anxiety out of leaving a pet behind, which is why it is one of the nation's fastest growing industries.

Trauma is minimized. Owners need not go through the ordeal of transporting unhappy pets and worrying that they might be exposed to other animals' illnesses. Animals get to stay in their familiar environment, maintain their diet and exercise routine and are attended to by caring professionals

Professional pet sitting allows owners to confidently leave their pets home, knowing that they'll receive the love and care they so rightly deserve.

Article provide by National Association of Professional Pet Sitters.

Lil’ Chick Pet Sitters

2011-03-07T11:28:00.001-08:00

Check out Lil' Chick's Slide Presentation:

Lil’ Chick Pet Sitters

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PLEASE REVIEW LIL' CHICK PET SITTERS

2011-03-05T12:26:00.001-08:00

CLICK HERE FOR A SURVEY YOU CAN COMPLETE ONLINE AND EMAIL BACK!
And you thought we didn't care!

Dear Clients,

In an ongoing effort to meet and exceed your and your pet’s need and because your input matters, Lil’ Chick would like to know how we are doing?

To help us provide you with the best possible service, we would appreciate your assistance in filling out the above survey.

You can complete it online, save it, email, print it for your pet sitter or fax it to Lil' Chick's office at 408-559-6769. Options are endless.

Thank you for your help and your valued business.

A.J. Singh
Owner
Lil' Chick Pet Sitters
408.839.7502
408.559.6769
aj@lilchick.com
www.lilchick.com

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2011-02-28T08:59:00.000-08:00

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Bad Hare day!

2011-02-28T08:04:00.000-08:00

There is help for the dreaded “bad hare day.”

Seriously, if you just washed your Bunny's hare and you can’t do a thing with it, try a Bunny massage.

Yes, that’s right, massage for Bunnies. Because they are a prey animal, Bunnies can be skittish or scared. Massage helps calm them, and it also helps the animal bond with the owner.

To properly massage a pet rabbit, starting at the tip of the face, working slowly back across the ears, under the chin, along the spine, and finally along the bunny’s legs and feet.

Believe it or not, bunnies love to have their feet massaged. They also like having their ears gently pulled during the massage, which takes about 10 minutes.

Bunnies who get used to the massage eventually will allow themselves to be cradled on their back so their legs and belly can be massaged. That also makes them easier to handle during veterinary examinations.

Bunnies are considered the third-most-popular house pet, behind dogs and cats. They also are the third-most-common animal to end up in rescue shelters. Most times, that happens because people don’t know how to care for a rabbit.

The most important step in training a rabbit to be a house pet is to have it spayed or neutered. That takes away much of its wildness and makes it more willing to be held and handled. It also prolongs the rabbit’s life expectancy.

An unspayed female has an 85 percent chance of dying of cancer within two years, she said. Males that haven’t been neutered will probably live about five years, but rabbits that are spayed or neutered generally live about 12 years.

Bunnies are extremely intelligent animals that are not meant to be caged. They can be housebroken, the same as dogs and cats, and are best left to roam freely most of the time. They need chew toys to help them keep from chewing on household things such as wiring or furniture.

They’ve very good house pets. They don’t bark or need walks. They’re not noisy pets at all. If you are considering adopting a rabbit should first do some homework, including finding a veterinarian who is rabbit-savvy. Or check out The Rabbit Haven Website for educating yourself, talking to professionals and Bunny adoption events: http://www.therabbithaven.org/

Lil’ Chick Pet Sitters www.lilchick.com 408-839-7502

Article by Bob Jackson http://www.vindy.com/staff/bob-jackson/

Introducing your cat to other cats and dogs

2011-02-21T08:17:00.000-08:00

Bringing a new cat or kitten into your home and introducing it to your resident cat or dog can be quite nerve racking. You want them all to get on together and welcome the new feline into the house, but this seldom happens quite so easily - even though your reason for getting another cat may be to keep your resident cat company, it may not rush out and welcome the newcomer with open paws! Careful introductions can help to smooth the way towards harmonious merging of animals - controlling the situation rather than leaving the animals to sort it out for themselves will give a much better chance of a smooth meeting and the best possible start together.

Introducing cats and dogs

Remember that cats do not need to be social creatures - unlike the pack-orientated dog they function happily on their own without a social structure around them. They are unlikely to feel the 'need' for a companion even though you would wish to have another cat around. You cannot force cats to like each other - some will live with a newcomer easily, others will never get on or they may just manage to live alongside each other in an uneasy truce - you can only try. However, if there is no competition for food or safe sleeping places (as in most good homes) then cats will accept each other eventually and some will even seem to form close bonds with one another.

While it may be a matter of feline choice as to whether cats get on, how you introduce a new cat or kitten into your home and to a resident cat or cats can make the difference between success or failure. Once a relationship becomes violent or very fearful and the cat feels threatened it can be very difficult to change the behaviour patterns. Thus careful introductions which prevent excessive reactions and take things slowly are vital.

Here are some factors involved in bringing cats together successfully:

Adults or Kittens?

A kitten is less of a threat to a resident cat than an adult cat because it is still sexually immature. It can also be better to get a kitten of the opposite sex to the resident cat to minimise competition. Neutering helps to remove most of such problems, but may not eliminate them altogether. If you are getting an adult cat again it can be better to bring in one of the opposite sex.

Timing

Choose a quiet time when the household is calm - avoid festivities, parties, visiting relatives or friends and find time to concentrate on calm reassurance for both cats.

Smell is important

Remember that scent is the most important of the cat's senses in terms of communication and well-being. You can try and integrate the new cat into your home and make it less alien by getting it to smell of 'home' before you introduce it to the resident cat. To do this stroke each cat without washing your hands and mix scents in this way. You can also gather scents from around the cat's head area by gently stroking it with a soft cloth and dabbing it around your home and furniture to mix and spread scents. Likewise letting the cat get used to the new smells of the house and another cat before the initial meeting can make it more tolerable. For this reason it can be very useful to delay letting cats meet for a few days or even a week. During this time keep them in separate rooms allowing each to investigate the other's room and bed without actually meeting.

Using a pen or carrier for introductions

It is up to you to make both the new cat and the resident feel as secure as possible and prevent the newcomer from being chased or threatened (or occasionally the other way round). Problems can arise if initial meetings are allowed to deteriorate into a fight or chase. The best way to avoid this is to use a kittening pen for initial introductions. Kittening pens are metal mesh pens about 1m by 0.75m by 1m high with a door which can be left open or shut securely. The cat inside can see what is going on around it but feels safe inside its 'den'. You can put a blanket over the top initially to make the cat feel more secure if you think it feels vulnerable. The pen allows the cats to see each other, sniff through the bars and have a hiss and moan at each other without any attack or intimidation. The bars allow them to be close together but provide protection at the same time.

If you have taken on a new kitten then it can be very useful to use the larger pen as a base for the kitten to be kept in initially. Introductions can be made using the pen and you can shut the kitten in with its bed and litter tray if you are going out and don't want to leave it where it can get up to mischief or get into danger. The kitten can be shut in the pen at night (ensure water is available) with the other animals in the same room and they can get used to each other in safety.

If you can't get hold of a pen or crate then you can use a cat carrier or basket for initial introductions. Of course you won't be able to use it as a den to shut the cat or kitten in for long periods because it is too small, but it can be better than nothing.

How to use a carrier or pen for introductions

Place the new cat or kitten in the pen/carrier and let the resident cat come into the room. If you are using a cat carrier place it above ground level so the cats are not forced into direct eye contact with each other which can cause aggression. Let the resident cat come into the room and give it attention and calm reassurance. If the cat decides to run away without investigating the new cat do not force meetings but accept that things may take a little time - this is probably the type of cat which will not initiate aggressive meetings but will stay out of the way and gradually accept the new cat in the household over time. If the cats do show signs of aggression, distract them with a noise and then praise them for quiet encounters. You can use titbits to encourage the cats to stay near each other and accept the other's presence and make it a positive experience - you want the cats to associate each other with pleasant happenings, not shouting or chasing.

If you are using a large pen then you can allow the resident cat free access at times when the kitten/cat is in the pen over a number of days so that they gradually get used to each other. If you are using a carrier then you will need to be a little more proactive and orchestrate frequent meetings. With both methods you can start to feed the cats at the same time, the resident outside and the new cat inside the pen or carrier on the floor. Throughout this process there may be some hissing and spitting but this should gradually change into curiosity and gradual acceptance - this may take several days or weeks, depending on the individual cats.

Face-to-face meeting

When you feel the time is right to let them meet without the pen then you can again use food as a distraction. Withhold food so that they are somewhat hungry and then feed them in the same room. Choose a room where either cat can escape behind furniture or jump up high or hide if it wants to. Put down the resident cat's food and then let the new cat out of its basket to eat - you will have to judge how close they can be - don't attempt side by side initially! Be calm and reassuring and reward the behaviour you want with praise and titbits of a favourite food. Gauge how the cats are getting on - they may find their own spots and curl up for a sleep or you may need to keep the new one separate again for a little longer, using meals as a time for them to get together a bit more. Once you are sure they are not going to fight or chase then you can start to utilise the whole house - the cats will probably find places to sleep and routines which allow them to live peacefully in the same house and partake of all the benefits of food, warmth and attention while gradually becoming used to and accepting one another.

How long will it take?

It may only take a day or two or it may take several weeks for cats to tolerate each other. It may take months before the cats are relaxed with each other, but you are on your way to success if you reach the stage of a calm truce between them. It is amazing how a cold wet day outside will force even the worst adversaries together in front of the fire after a large bowl of food.

Introducing the dog

While dogs and cats have often been portrayed as enemies, it is usually a great deal easier to introduce a new cat to a dog than to another cat. While both animals may be wary of each other initially, they do not see the other as direct competition and can actually get on very well. If your dog is used to cats he may be excited initially at having a new one in the house but he will soon settle down and the novelty will wear off very quickly. He will begin to see the new cat as part of his pack. Many dogs will live happily with their own cats while chasing strange felines out of the garden, so you will need to take care until the cat is seen as one of the household.

Likewise if your new cat or kitten has previously lived with a dog then it will be much less likely to be frightened for long and will become confident around the dog more quickly.

However, initially safety must come first. You will need to keep everything under control until the dog and cat have got used to each other. Stroke the dog and cat separately but without washing your hands to exchange their scents. The cat will then take on the smell profile of the house and become part of the dog's pack. Once again the large pen is ideal for first meetings to keep the situation calm and the cat protected. Let the dog sniff the newcomer through the bars and get over its initial excitement. The cat may well hiss and spit but it is well protected. If you have a large pen then you can put the cat in this at night in the room where the dog sleeps and let them get used to each other for a few days or even a week, depending on how used to cats the dog is. Some dogs, especially those not used to cats or of an excitable or aggressive disposition, need extra special care for introductions. They should be kept as calm as possible on the lead and made to sit quietly. The new cat should be given a safe position in the room and allowed to get used to the dog and approach it if it wants. This may take quite some time and requires patience and rewards for the dog if it behaves well. For quieter dogs and those used to cats, introductions can be made by using a strong cat carrier. Keep the dog on a lead initially, place the carrier on a high surface and allow controlled introductions which are short and frequent. Most dogs will soon calm down when they realise the newcomer is not actually very interesting. Progress to meetings with the dog on a lead initially for safety. If your dog is rather excitable then take it for a vigorous walk first to get rid of some of its energy!

Breeds such as terriers or those breeds which like to chase, such as greyhounds, may need to be kept well under control until they have learned that the cat is not 'fair game'! Young pups are likely to get very excited and may try to 'play' with the new cat which is unlikely to want to join in! You may need to work hard to keep things calm and be aware that a sudden dash from the cat will induce a chase. Praise the dog for calm interactions, make it sit quietly and use food treats to reward the dog for good behavior. Again, associate the presence of the cat with reward for calm behavior. When you progress to access without the lead make sure there are places where the cat can escape to - high ledges or furniture it can use to feel safe. Never leave the dog and cat together unattended until you are happy they are safe together. The cat's food will be hugely tempting for any dog, so site it up and out of the way of thieving canine jaws! Likewise a litter tray can be pretty tempting and should be kept out of reach of the dog if it is likely to snaffle the contents.

This information sheet is produced by the Feline Advisory Bureau.

2011-02-18T08:44:00.000-08:00

My superb Lil Chick' Team!
We work together well because we have a common vision-the love of animals.

Trimming a Cats Nails. Good luck! Nice knowing ya!

2011-02-16T13:00:00.000-08:00

Nail Trimming (Cut my nails! I don't think so!!)

I never realized that there are so many people who have cats who are terrified of trimming their cats nails and insist that it can only be done by a vet, which I am sure runs a high price. Even other shelter volunteers look at me in awe when they notice the pair of clippers that I bring with me in my efforts to control the out of hand claw lengths at the shelter. You see, most of the cats will get their claws trimmed during their initial vet checks when coming into the shelter or when being placed in the adoptable areas. However, with the sheer number of animals the shelter sees, they just don't have time to keep up with the regular maintenance of the nails. That is where I come in. Now granted, it isn't an easy tasks, and there are some cats that I just wont try to do this on without the aid of extra hands, but I attribute this to my limited time with the cats and their lack of trust in me.

I found that the SPCA of San Francisco has a nice .pdf regarding the trimming of your cats nails. I will copy the relevant portion below, or you can read the full version.

From the San Francisco SPCA Cat Behavior Department

Nail Trimming

First of all, keep your cats’ nails trimmed short. This is easy to learn to do, and should be considered an essential part of your grooming responsibility. Have your vet show you how to do this the first time. This will prevent cats from damaging furniture (or skin!) as much if they do sneak a scratch.

Like our fingernails, cats’ claws grow continuously. Some cats may only need clipping every few months. Others may need it every few weeks. It is important to check your cat’s toenails at least once a month. It is easier to clip often, taking less of the claw than to wait too long and have to deal with little daggers. For us to trim our own nails regularly is usually a fairly simple, stress-free procedure. Doing the same for our cats can be more difficult.

Cats who stay indoors may need their nails trimmed more regularly than cats who go outside—even if they use their scratching posts often. Scratching on a post helps to remove the “dead” parts of the nail, thus making the nail thinner and sharper. Nails that have not been trimmed for a long time may grow in a circular shape causing the tips to grow into the cat’s paw pad, or they may become too thick which sometimes happens with older or less active cats. In this case the sheath doesn’t get removed so the claw becomes too wide and starts growing into the cat’s pad. This can be extremely painful and may require medical treatment and minor surgery. It can also lead to infection. This is why regular trimming is essential.

Some Important Tips

· Handling your cat’s paws regularly, when he’s relaxed will allow him to become used to the feeling of having his paws touched. He may then be less upset at claw clipping time.

· Ask someone to help you; it is much easier than trying to hold a struggling cat and wield clippers simultaneously. A “scruff-hold” can be used to restrain the cat. This involves firmly, yet gently restraining the cat by holding his or her scruff and supporting the rest of the cat’s body. While one person holds, the helper can do the actual clipping.

· Before you attempt it on your own, have your veterinarian demonstrate nail trimming for you.

· Choose a time when your cat is calm—naptime may be the best. It is possible that you may only be able to do one toe at a time, especially at first.

· Get appropriate clippers for cats’ claws – do not use human nail clippers or scissors!

How To Do It

· Check the cat’s paws for dirt; although they usually keep their own feet clean, you will want to be able to see the claw clearly. You can extend the cat’s nail by picking up the cat’s foot and gently applying a little pressure on the top and bottom of the toe just behind the nail.

· Make sure there is enough light. Having the cat’s paw between the source of light and yourself makes it much easier to see where you need to cut.

· Keep the clippers perpendicular to the nail. Look for the “quick” in the cat’s nail. Notice how far into the nail the quick extends. (The quick is a vein. You can see it as the pinkish area inside the nail.)

The clipper is best placed about 1/8 inch forward of the quick. If your cat will sit still long enough, you may want to gently file the tips after cleaning.

If You Trim The Nail Too Close

Your cat may give a cry and try to pull away from you. You may observe a small bit of blood on the end of the nail. Wipe the blood away with a tissue or paper towel. Dab some super glue, corn starch or styptic powder (available in pet stores) on the tip to stop the bleeding. In the future, you will want to cut the nails a little further away from the quick.

Reposted from a blog by Gummyworm

Humane Society Silicon Valley: Busting the Top 5 Myths about Rabbits

2011-02-02T11:43:00.000-08:00

Humane Society Silicon Valley: Busting the Top 5 Myths about Rabbits: "By Alexandra League, HSSV Volunteer February is National Adopt-a-Rabbit month and if you’re thinking about adopting a floppy-eared friend,..."

Living on the Edge! Should I dare bathe my cat?

2011-01-23T18:32:00.000-08:00

Cat Bathing-There are some dissenting views on this issue but in general there is usually no reason to bathe your cat especially a short haired indoor cat. Cats spend a large percentage of their days grooming themselves and they are experts at it. Using their barbed tongues they lick dirt and debris off their fur in order to keep it clean and odor free. Cats with long hair may require the occasional bath if their fur gets too oily. Their fur can get too oily based on climate conditions and the individual skin of the cat. There are also occasional times when your cat’s fur may get excessively dirty due to some mishap that the cat has gotten itself into. In some of these cases it may be necessary to give your cat a bath.

You should know right off the bat that almost all cats hate baths, so be prepared. Here are some tips to make the experience easier:

Cat baths are smoother when 2 people are bathing the cat. One holds the cat while the other bathes the cat. Bathing the cat should be done in the bathroom where you can close the door to prevent escapes. Noise (like rushing bath water) is always an issue for the cat so anything to keep the noise level down will help.
Preparation is everything – Run the bath water BEFORE you put the cat
in the bath and make sure the water is not too hot and not too cold. The height of the water should reach the cat’s underbelly.
A rubber bathmat placed in the tub will give the cat something to grip when it gets nervous and is a good idea.
Use a cat shampoo recommended by your vet, groomer or other qualified pet professional.
Do NOT wet the cat’s head. Instead use a moist washcloth or towelette if the cat’s face and head are dirty. GENTLY wet the cat from neck to bum using a cup or small pail with the bath water itself and start shampooing at the neck and move toward the bum. Then wash the legs.
Meowing and yowling at this point are normal unless your cat is mute,
in a coma, or practically dead. Just continue rubbing in the suds gently. Don’t use too much shampoo.
The rinsing is the most important part as shampoo left on a cat’s skin will make your cat scratch itself thereby irritating its skin. Start draining the bath water. While it is draining, start rinsing the cat’s fur with the remaining bath water using cup or small pail. This gets the ‘big suds’ off. Use or buy a cheap shower attachment for this next part. With warm water from the shower attachment, rinse and rub the fur well from neck to bum. Once you think it’s clean do it again quickly making sure there is no shampoo residue.
While in the tub put a towel all around kitty and start gently rubbing
all around its body. It must be a gentle rub or pat down because especially in a longhaired cat, you don’t want the rubbing to create new knots. Remove kitty from the tub and use another towel to further absorb water from the fur.
If you have a hair dryer that does NOT make too much noise you can try rubbing the fur while blow drying. Make sure that if your cat is NOT completely dry that you put it in a WARM room so that it does not catch a chill and get sick. This CAN happen easily.

Note: It is 100% normal for the cat to start licking its fur immediately after you’ve finished all your hard work.

There are many other creative techniques for bathing cats. Another one that makes good sense is the shallow buckets technique. Buy 5 cheap shallow buckets. Fill them all so the height reaches the cat’s underbelly. Put the cat in the first bucket and start shampooing – The next 4 buckets are rinsing buckets
where using your hands you rinse the suds off kitty as you transfer the lucky feline from bucket to bucket. Make sure all the suds have been removed and dry the cat well.

Get Your Dog to Help You With Your New Year's Resolution!

2011-01-18T09:23:00.001-08:00

Statistically, most of us don't stick to New Year's resolutions for more than a week. We simply try to do things that aren't realistic.

It may become easier to be true to our resolution when we involve our dogs. Most adults can use more exercise, fresh air and time with their pets.

A commitment to a daily walk, jog, or visit to the park with your pooch is easy to make as this resolution comes with the reward of both fun and fitness. There is simply no comparison between hours on a treadmill versus a refreshing hike with your pup. It won't take long before your dog gets into the daily routine and he or she will soon be bringing the leash to you at the appointed time. Then you won't be able to give up on your resolution as those puppy dog eyes will make sure that your time together is not neglected.

2011-01-15T09:33:00.000-08:00

Lil' Chick turns 4 April 2011!!
Thank you to all for making us such a success!

HOME STYLE SMALL PET BOARDING

2011-01-11T10:05:00.000-08:00

Yes, we do offer some small animal pet boarding.
Bunny, Guinea Pigs, Birds, Turtles, Hamsters, etc
Email us aj@lilchick.com with particulars.

10 Tips to Help Winterize Your Pets

2011-01-10T10:33:00.000-08:00

As the weather turns cold, it is important
to consider how seasonal
changes affect your pets. The following
tips will keep your pets safe
when the temperature dips.

• Keep pets inside as much
as possible. Young pets, old
pets and short-haired pets
are more vulnerable to cold
weather and should not be
left outside unsupervised.

• If your pet has to be kept
outside, provide shelter for
it. Add straw for additional
insulation from the cold and
provide a snug, warm bed
that does not sit directly on
the ground.

• Provide your pet with extra
food and water, in plastic
bowls, when outside for
extended periods of time.

• Ice-melting chemicals and salt
can irritate and burn the pads
of your pet’s paws. Thoroughly
wipe off your pet’s paws once
it has returned inside.

• Clip the long hair on the
bottom of your dog’s feet
to prevent build up of ice
balls that can be painful and
difficult to remove.

• Trim nails regularly. It
is difficult to maintain solid
footing with long nails in
icy conditions.

• Antifreeze is poisonous.
Thoroughly clean up any
spills and store household
chemicals out of your pet’s
reach. Consider using
products that contain
propylene glycol rather than
ethylene glycol.

• Bang on the hood of your
car before starting the engine.
Cats and wildlife may seek
warmth and climb into
the engine.

• Make sure your pet has a
warm place to sleep. All pets,
including small caged pets
need to be kept warm and
away from drafts.

• Contact your veterinarian
immediately if you suspect
your pet has frostbite or
hypothermia.

Following these winter-proofing tips
will help keep your pets healthy,
happy and safe during the cold winter
months.

LIL' CHICK IS HIRING!

2011-01-07T14:47:00.002-08:00

We are always looking for qualified candidates to join the team. Please email me a resume or your qualifications @ aj@lilchick.com
Thank you.

Qualification we are looking for:

1) Absolutely love pets and
be at least 21 years old!!

2 Be physically fit - (i.e.
walking dogs, getting
on the floor to play with
kitties)

3) Be willing to get training
in Pet First Aid.

4) Willing to commit to the
position for at least one
year.

5) Have a very reliable
vehicle and clean valid
license.

6) Be mature, professional,
extremely dependable
(and fun to work with).

7) Have internet access,
computer and working
printer at your home.

8) Have a smart phone, i.e. iphone/blackberry.

9) Enjoy being outside (dogs like to be walked even in the rain!)

10) Have loads of common sense.

11) Be organized and work well independently

12) Be able to provide at least 2-3 professional references

13) Be willing to submit to a background check

14) Have a consistent schedule (students do not usually work out as their schedules change every semester)

15) Be totally in love with animals! - Oops I said that already but it is essential.

16) GOOD WRITTEN & VERBAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS A MUST.

A little about the company:

I started Lil' Chick in April 2007 and currently employ six other pet sitters.
I am looking for some to join Lil' Chick who is comfortable working independently but is also a team player. Someone who does not see me as their Boss, but themselves as part owner of Lil' Chick and as a team player. Someone who comes in with ideas to grow and improve and shares in the responsibility of maintaining the reputation of the company. Someone who doesn't see this as a hobby or job but animals as a passion. Please do not apply if you are looking for an in between job. This job requires your availability at all times, mainly weekends, and major holidays.

If you fit the above requirements, I would love to hear from you.

http://www.lilchick.com/

2011-01-07T14:47:00.000-08:00

http://www.lilchick.com/

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2011-01-07T08:57:00.000-08:00

Lil' Chick is hiring! I am looking for qualified candidates ALWAYS!
Please email me a resume or work history please aj@lilchick.com
Thank you!

Happy-Thanksgiving-from-Lil--Chick-Sitters

2010-11-21T08:27:00.000-08:00

2010-09-15T21:21:00.000-07:00

Lil' Chick Grand Canyon 2010 HIKE FUNDRAISER BENEFITING WWW.THERABBITHAVEN.ORG AND WWW.HSSV.ORG.

Lil' Chick Grand Canyon Hike to Help Shelter Pets Slideshow: Lil'’s trip from San Jose, California, United States to Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona was created by TripAdvisor. See another Grand Canyon National Park slideshow. Create a free slideshow with music from your travel photos.

Lil' Chick Hike-A-Thon gets more exposure. Thank you Jennifer!

2010-08-05T09:15:00.000-07:00

Local animal lover hikes Grand Canyon to help Bay Area shelter animals:

Please pass on the link and help raise funds for HOMLESS ANIMALS at The Rabbit Haven
http://www.therabbithaven.org
and The Humane Society Silicon Valley
100% raised goes to the shelters: htttp://www.hssv.org/lilchick

Lil' Chick Pet Sitters E-Zine!

2010-04-13T13:01:00.000-07:00

Lil' Chick Pet Parent News!

LIL' CHICK wishes all a HAPPY EASTER!

2010-04-01T11:24:00.000-07:00

The Lil' Chick Team~

2010-03-26T21:06:00.000-07:00

The awesome Pet Sitters~
NATHAN, RACHAEL, MICHELLE, MALIA AND IRA.
Pawsitively Purrfect 4 your pets!
Lil' Chick is always looking for qualified candidates to join our team.
Check out our Facebook Fan Page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lil-Chick-Pet-Sitters/56213658009?ref=ts

PREPARING FOR THE PET SITTER

2010-03-26T09:27:00.000-07:00

Preparation is Key

Be prepared with all the information your pet sitter needs; gather this information in advance so you won't overlook any important details.

__ Schedules are important! Make your reservations for a pet sitter as far in advance as possible and remember to call the sitter if you are coming home later or earlier than expected. This will allow the pet sitter to plan for extra visits or serve additional clients.

__ Have everything necessary to care for your pet in one general and visible area. This includes food, treats, utensils, food and water bowls, medications, leash, can opener, toys, paper towels, cleaning supplies, garbage bags, litter and scoop, broom and dustpan and/or vacuum cleaner, towels (for rainy walks), newspapers (if paper training), watering can for plants, etc.

__ Provide extra food, litter and supplies just in case you are not able to return when anticipated.

__ Be sure to leave plastic bags for sanitary disposal of feces. Pet sitters are happy to perform this task while you’re away, but shouldn’t be expected to clean up accumulation prior to your absence!

__ Clean out the refrigerator before leaving to avoid smelly food spoilage, and wash any dishes in the sink to prevent ants or other pests.

__ For the comfort of your pet, adjust your thermostat before leaving on your trip and advise your pet sitter within what range to keep it. A closed-up home can get uncomfortably hot in a short time.

__ Tell the pet sitter if bathrooms or any other household areas are off limits to your pet and/or sitter. Secure access to these areas before leaving home. Also, make the pet sitter aware if your cat happens to love shredding the contents of the bathroom trashcan or if the toilet is prone to run or become clogged.

__ If you’re leaving anything specifically for your pet sitter; e.g., homegrown tomatoes on the counter, Peanut M & M candies, a monetary tip, be sure to leave a note. Otherwise, most pet sitters are so honest and trustworthy you may arrive home to find rotting tomatoes!

__ Will other people be checking on your pet? If so, help avoid confusion by making it clear what the pet sitter is responsible for and what other visitors will be entrusted to do.

__ Notify your veterinarian in writing that a pet sitter will be caring for your pet and authorize the vet to extend medical care during your absence if it becomes necessary.

Disaster Guide for Pet Owners

2010-03-23T16:02:00.000-07:00

DISASTER GUIDE.PDF

Are you prepared for a disaster?

If a disaster strikes are you prepared to provide for your pet? Most disasters occur with little or no warning. Planning ahead is the key to survival in the event that you must evacuate your home.

Remember that Red Cross shelters cannot accept pets other than assistance or guide dogs because of health and safety reasons.

If at all possible, make arrangements to take your pet with you.

Make calls now to determine available boarding facilities and their requirements. Check with veterinary facilities for boarding availability. Contact friends or relatives out of the immediate area who might be willing to take in your pets temporarily.

Under no circumstances should you leave your pet outside in an unattended vehicle.

Have on hand pet carriers or crates for each pet. They should be large enough for your pet to stand and turn around in.

Make certain that your pet's vaccinations are current, especially for rabies. Have certificates ready to take with you if you must evacuate.

Make sure your pet is wearing a properly fitted collar with current license and rabies tag and an identification tag. Have a leash on hand to control your pet.

Have in readiness the following supplies:

Food and water bowls
Ample dry pet food in waterproof containers
Ample supply of special medications
Litter and litter pans for cats
Newspapers, towels, bags for disposal of pet wastes, cleaners and disinfectants
A current photo of each pet.
This is especially helpful for identifying your pet if you should become separated.
Leaving your pet at home alone will place your animal at greater risk for injury or loss.

However, if you must leave the pets behind, take the following precautions:
Prepare an area for your pet inside such as bathrooms and utility rooms, well away from windows.
Do not confine cats and dogs in the same area, even if normally they are friendly.
Keep small animals and birds securely caged
Make sure all pets are wearing well-fitted collars with proper identification
Leave enough dry food for at least three days in sturdy, non-spill able containers Water should be left in clean, sturdy containers that will not tip over
Birds must eat daily to survive. Leave their food in dispensers that regulate the amount of food and provide extra water
Place notices on doors advising what pets are in the house and where they are located
Hang leashes where they can readily be found
Provide a telephone number or location where you can be reached and the name and number of your vet.
Following a disaster, do not allow your pet outdoors alone for several days. Familiar sights and sounds may be gone and your pet could become confused and lost. Downed power lines and animals roaming at large may pose a threat to your pet's safety.

Do not allow your pet to drink outdoors from any open water supply until you are told by authorities that the water is safe. Provide your pet with bottled water.

If you or your animal is bitten by any animal, contact your local animal control and health department immediately.

Easter is No Fun For a Real Bun…Make Mine Chocolate Instead!

2010-03-11T16:38:00.001-08:00

www.bunnyrabbit.org

2nd CHANCE 4 PETS

2010-03-04T07:28:00.000-08:00

IF YOU FIND IT HARD TO THINK ABOUT LIFE WITHOUT YOUR PET, IMAGINE YOUR PET’S LIFE WITHOUT YOU:
www.2ndchance4pets.org

Lil' Chick Pet Sitters is HIRING!

2010-02-09T09:12:00.000-08:00

Do you love pets? Would you like to have a flexible work schedule?

We are an established and well-loved pet sitting company seeking some top notch animal lovers who are experienced, friendly, reliable, and professional individual to fill our pet care position. This is an Independent Contractor position. NOT an employee position.

The ideal candidate must be able to perform the following:

Dog Walking: Dog walker will spend quality time while walking one or more dogs at a time in their neighborhood or at a local park for 1/2 hour.

Pet Visits: Spend at least 1/2 hour of playtime with dogs, puppies, cats or other small pets in their home.

Overnight Sitting: Pet sitter should be able to spend the night from 7pm to 7am at client's home and provide a possible 1/2 hour midday walk.

The perfect individual must live in one of these areas:

Campbell/Cambrian/Willow Glen/Los Gatos/Saratoga/ ***PLEASE DO NOT APPLY IF YOU DO NOT LIVE IN THESE NEIGHBORHOODS***

Requirements:
- Must be 21 years of age or older.
- Must be available for overnight visits.
- Must love and be passionate about animals, and have experience with them.
- You must have an open schedule, and be available 7 days a week, (times are VERY flexible).
- Be honest, responsible and reliable (criminal background check performed)
- Must be physically fit, this job requires a lot of walking.
- Must be detail oriented, have good common sense, and be able to follow directions.
- Must have good communication skills (verbal and written)
-Must be able to market their areas of pet sitting
- Have a clean and respectable appearance
- Enjoy working outside in all types of weather
- Must have a SMART phone with voicemail and text capabilities,and a computer with email access.
- Have a dependable car, and excellent driving record and a valid driver's license
- Be able to work on holidays (that's when we are the busiest)
- Have financial means to support themselves during the times that are slow
- Have a very consistent schedule with the ability to accept assignments on a short-term basis (usually within a week's notice). The more open the schedule, the better.

Please email us and briefly explain why you would be the perfect individual to fill this position, and what city you live in. Applicants who do not include this step will not be considered.

Due to the overwhelming amount of interest we may not be able to reply to all applicants, we truly apologize for this.

Lil' Chick Pet Sitters
Pawsitively Purrfect 4 your pets!
408-839-7502
http://www.lilchick.com
aj@lilchick.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR from Lil' Chick Pet Sitters!

2009-12-30T08:12:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year from Lil' Chick Pet Sitters!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS from Lil' Chick Pet Sitters!

2009-12-18T07:55:00.001-08:00

Wishing you a Happy and Cheerful Holiday Season from Lil' Chick Pet Sitters!

LIL' CHICK AT THE KQED WINTER 2010 FM RADIO PLEDGE DRIVE

2009-12-16T11:57:00.000-08:00

KQED Winter 2010 FM Pledge Drive -
LIL' CHICK PET SITTERS to volunteer:

SATURDAY FEBURARY 6TH-5:30PM TO 8PM.
KQED HEADQUARTERS @
2601 Mariposa St., S.F. 94110

1.) You can volunteer and be part of the Lil' Chick Pledge Volunteer
2.) Or call in and make a pledge and support KQED
3.) Or just tune in and listen as Lil' Chick
gets announced 4 times during that time frame :)

Lil' Chick takes pride is supporting the community in which ever way we can!!!

Thanks all for supporting Lil' Chick!

Email me aj@lilchick.com if you want to volunteer.

Lil' Chick Pet Sitters Win at the Los Gatos Christmas Parade!!!!

2009-12-09T17:05:00.000-08:00

YEAAHHH!!!!!

SCREENING PET SITTERS AROUND THE HOLIDAYS!!!

2009-11-10T12:54:00.000-08:00

Start with a recommendation from a friend, neighbor, veterinarian, humane society or dog trainer.
Make sure your chosen pet sitter is affiliated with a professional pet sitting organization such as PSI & NAPPS.
Ask what they charge?
How long the visits are?
Are bonded and insured?
And if they have any special skills, such as caring for birds or veterinary experience?
Do they have back up pet sitters incase of an emergency?
Whether they charge extra during the holidays?
Make sure they meet you and your pet in person and complete paperwork.
How long have the company been in business?

You can find more on our website www.lilchick.com

Lil’ Chick Pet Sitters in the Los Gatos Christmas Parade 2009!

2009-10-26T08:11:00.000-07:00

Lil’ Chick Pet Sitters in the Los Gatos Christmas Parade 2009!

The 53nd annual Los Gatos Children's Holiday Parade will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2009 on North Santa Cruz Ave. in Los Gatos.

The parade will begin at 11:00 AM, but you are encouraged to find a place to watch by 9:00 as the sidewalks fill up fast. Hosted by the Los Gatos Lion's Club and the Los Gatos-Saratoga Recreation Department.

Plan to arrive early for the best viewing locations. The weather is usually beautiful, but bring an umbrella just in case :-) Dress warmly - it's cold in the morning.
Parade over the years: http://www.poochiepals.com/CCIparade.htm

LIL' BELLA STILL NEEDS A FOREVER HOME!

2009-10-19T19:40:00.001-07:00

Read her story here and pass on the flyer please.

http://www.lilchick.com/img/user_files/3180.pdf

H3N8 Dog flu spreading across the country.

2009-10-14T17:34:00.000-07:00

READ HERE ABOUT H3N8: http://www.mercurynews.com/columns/ci_13546595

PET RESCUE INFORMATION

2009-10-13T18:16:00.000-07:00

http://www.lilchick.com/petrescueinformation.html

PLEASE SAVE ANIMALS NOW!

2009-10-12T20:16:00.000-07:00

PLEASE TAKE ACTION NOW:
http://humanesociety.org/

ACTION AGAINST:
Animal cruelty and fighting
Wildlife abuse
Emergency services
Puppy mills and pet overpopulation
Seal hunts and the fur trade
Factory farming
Horse slaughter and other equine abuse
Animal research issues
Pet adoption and spay/neuter initiatives
Animal care centers

LIL' CHICK GIFT CERTIFICATES!

2009-10-12T09:48:00.001-07:00

EMAIL ME IF YOU WANT TO PURCHASE ANY AJ@LILCHICK.COM

DOG CLICKER TRAINING HELPFUL WEBSITES

2009-10-08T19:26:00.000-07:00

http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/

http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/clicker-training-dogs

Lil' Chick is now on Angie's List :)

2009-10-07T16:20:00.001-07:00

www.angieslist.com

COLD WEATHER CHECKLIST FOR PET OWNERS.

2009-10-06T08:40:00.000-07:00

Safety checklist and weather considerations for pet owners and pets:
Link: http://vetmedicine.about.com/cs/diseasesall/a/coldweatherlist.htm

2009-10-04T13:27:00.000-07:00

It was sad when a week ago I heard from one of my clients about a kitty I take care of -TEDDY that he might have to be put down, "Sadly we will have to put Teddy down tomorrow or the next day. He's at the Cat Hospital on steroids and IVs. They feel it's a stroke...."
then on another email...."We went today with the intentions of putting him down. Interestingly, after I held him for a while and scratched his chin which makes his back leg mover, I mentioned to Rich that Teddy couldn't move his rear legs and then Teddy stretched his rear legs as if to say, "Ha! I can do it. Not my time to go yet". And then finally I got the email I was waiting for, "TEDDY IS HOME!!!!!"
GO TEDDDDDDYYYY! We love you boy!

Very Successful Paw Pawty this past saturday.

2009-09-28T13:58:00.000-07:00

It's already a busy week with hiring two, maybe three new pet sitters. Getting ready for a busy Holiday Season and the Los Gatos Children's Christmas Parade :) Dec 5th, 2009 at 11AM

HUMANE SOCIETY OF SILICON VALLEY

2009-09-18T07:18:00.000-07:00

http://hssv.convio.net/site/PageServer?pagename=updated_home

Nominate Lil' Chick Pet Sitters for Pet Sitter of the Year. YEAHHH! If Pets could they would.

2009-09-16T14:00:00.000-07:00

Nomination Form-click here:
http://k9tl.com/files/event2009/K9TLSummerPawtyFlyer2009.pdf
Pet Sitters International Nominations.

So much happens in the pet sitting world.

2009-09-16T13:44:00.001-07:00

Bunny is doing MUCH better. OMG!! being a pet Mom is so hard. You sleep with one ear and eye open at all times. I think I heard a kitty say, "leave him be." Can't! wanna makes sure if the lil' sick bunny Pipper needs something I am right there. But he is better today. Not a 100% yet. Thanks all who sent warm hugs.

On another pet story Mr. Pigs and friends (all cats) haven't left for Washington State yet so I do get to hang with them a bit longer which is very exciting.

I am looking forward to my Paw Pawty on Sept 26th at Los Gatos. Need location info. Email me at aj@lilchick.com. Come join us animal lovers. Bring your pouch. Would love to meet him/her. Lots of animal lovers and professional to ask questions and get all sorts of advice.
Link to the flyer: http://k9tl.com/files/event2009/K9TLSummerPawtyFlyer2009.pdf

Looking forward to hanging with humans this weekend.

Later then.
Paw Power!

Bunny Pipper has been sick so no blogging.

2009-09-15T20:26:00.000-07:00

Our little Pipper bunny has been sick so I haven't blogged for a few.
He isn't eating. Took him to the Vet and our miracle worker Dr. Saito says he might just have gas from eating too much. So we're giving him a day or two of just hay and water-we'll see.

Great Day!!!

2009-09-08T16:43:00.000-07:00

Walked atleast 5 miles with Sofie and Charley. Hugged 5 Guniea Pigs, 3 Hamsters, 4 bunnies and three kitties. Okay so what if most are my own? They are still cuties. Sofie, Charley and Piggies are not mine :(

Why do cat's do 'UNAUTHORIZED DOWNLOADS?"

2009-09-04T15:00:00.000-07:00

Occasionally missing the litter box?
Are they being lazy?
Revenge? For what?
In a hurry?
Or just because they can and they know we'll pick up after them?

NOMINATE LIL' CHICK for Pet Sitters of the YEAR!!

2009-09-04T08:10:00.000-07:00

http://www.lilchick.com/img/user_files/2931.pdf

We strive to do what's best for our clients and pets. Work towards educating all about the animal community. Help make lives of pets/shelter animals a little more happy and help connect whenever we can a pet with their human soul mate.

Lil' Chick is trying to grow in the direction of contributing a part of our review from pet sitting towards shelter pets. Pets helping pets.

Future Vision:
To create a merchandise line we can contribute a larger percentage of towards rescue animal shelters.

P.S. Winter is coming and shelters need towels, blankets etc for the little gals/guys in steel cages to keep them warm: http://hssv.convio.net/site/PageServer?pagename=updated_home

You can also DONATE to Lil' Chick's Walk n Wag Team: http://hssv.convio.net/site/TR?px=1168942&fr_id=1070&pg=personal

Just some questions to ask when hiring a Pet Sitter.

2009-09-02T22:48:00.000-07:00

Hiring a pet sitter isn’t easy. Choosing one person to be solely responsible for the health and happiness of your pets while you’re traveling is nerve-wracking at best. Making the wrong choice can be disastrous. Pet sitting horror stories abound on the web and around the water cooler. Most of the time, pet sitters behave responsibly, their duties are easy and the pet parent’s return home is uneventful. But if an emergency should occur in your absence, your pet sitter’s experience and instincts make a big difference. To hire the kind of pet sitter who’ll do the right thing in a crisis, try asking these questions.

Do you have any veterinary experience?
Many excellent pet sitters have been veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants or at least interned in the veterinary field. Experience working in a vet clinic means a pet sitter likely knows how to stay calm in the event of an emergency and will know when a veterinarian is needed.

Have you obtained pet first aid training?
Basic pet first aid training is a must-have for any pet sitter. You wouldn’t hire a babysitter who didn’t know CPR, would you? Don’t hire a pet sitter who doesn’t understand first aid for pets.

Are you licensed, bonded and insured?
This question separates professionals from people looking to make a little extra money pet sitting. Professional pet sitters are licensed, bonded and insured for their own protection and your peace of mind.

Have you ever dealt with a veterinary emergency while pet sitting? How did you respond?
Pay close attention to the pet sitter’s answer. Make sure that they used pet first aid to stabilize the pet, attempted to contact the owner and headed to the owner’s preferred emergency vet immediately. A pet sitter who’s never dealt with an emergency is likely not very experienced, or maybe just very lucky.

What would you do if a pet went missing while you were pet sitting?
Sometimes this worst-case scenario does happen, even to the most responsible pet sitters in the world. A break-in or natural disaster could cause a pet to run away from home. Your successful candidate should respond that he or she would contact the owner, call Animal Control, check all the local shelters and notify local veterinarians. The sitter should also offer to place flyers around the neighborhood at the owner’s discretion.

Hi Lil' Chicklits (followers). Welcome to THE Blog!

2009-09-02T21:37:00.000-07:00

So I've been meaning to get a blog going. Friends have been saying, "get a blog going." Pets have been saying, " get a blog going." So I got a blog going. NOW WHAT?

Lil' Chick Pet Sitters

Your Local Emergency Contact Person for your Pet.

Bigger isn’t always better: study finds pudgier pooches, fatter cats.

April 5, 2011

Pet Sitters International “weighs in” with six important nutrients for optimal pet health

According to information in the Association’s Certification Program tailored exclusively for professional pet sitters, there are six key essential nutrients for dogs and cats:

Responsible Pet Ownership: How to Deal With Small Dog Syndrome

Beware the Easter bunny; he may not be an easy pet |

April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month

DISASTER READY BUSINESS PLAN

Benefits of Adopting a Pet From a Shelter

Guinea Pig Care

Background

Cost

Housing

Diet

General Care

Veterinary Care

Guinea Pig Supply Checklist

More Resources

Lil Chick Pet Sitters

Happy Professional Pet Sitter Week!

Lil’ Chick Pet Sitters

PLEASE REVIEW LIL' CHICK PET SITTERS

Lil' Chick on Facebook-click below to Like us:

Bad Hare day!

Introducing your cat to other cats and dogs

My superb Lil Chick' Team!We work together well because we have a common vision-the love of animals.

Trimming a Cats Nails. Good luck! Nice knowing ya!

Nail Trimming (Cut my nails! I don't think so!!)

Humane Society Silicon Valley: Busting the Top 5 Myths about Rabbits

Living on the Edge! Should I dare bathe my cat?

Get Your Dog to Help You With Your New Year's Resolution!

HOME STYLE SMALL PET BOARDING

10 Tips to Help Winterize Your Pets

LIL' CHICK IS HIRING!

http://www.lilchick.com/

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Happy-Thanksgiving-from-Lil--Chick-Sitters

Lil' Chick Hike-A-Thon gets more exposure. Thank you Jennifer!

Lil' Chick Pet Sitters E-Zine!

LIL' CHICK wishes all a HAPPY EASTER!

The Lil' Chick Team~

PREPARING FOR THE PET SITTER

Disaster Guide for Pet Owners

Easter is No Fun For a Real Bun…Make Mine Chocolate Instead!

2nd CHANCE 4 PETS

Lil' Chick Pet Sitters is HIRING!

HAPPY NEW YEAR from Lil' Chick Pet Sitters!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS from Lil' Chick Pet Sitters!

LIL' CHICK AT THE KQED WINTER 2010 FM RADIO PLEDGE DRIVE

Lil' Chick Pet Sitters Win at the Los Gatos Christmas Parade!!!!

SCREENING PET SITTERS AROUND THE HOLIDAYS!!!

Lil’ Chick Pet Sitters in the Los Gatos Christmas Parade 2009!

LIL' BELLA STILL NEEDS A FOREVER HOME!

H3N8 Dog flu spreading across the country.

PET RESCUE INFORMATION

PLEASE SAVE ANIMALS NOW!

LIL' CHICK GIFT CERTIFICATES!

DOG CLICKER TRAINING HELPFUL WEBSITES

Lil' Chick is now on Angie's List :)

COLD WEATHER CHECKLIST FOR PET OWNERS.

Very Successful Paw Pawty this past saturday.

HUMANE SOCIETY OF SILICON VALLEY

Nominate Lil' Chick Pet Sitters for Pet Sitter of the Year. YEAHHH! If Pets could they would.

So much happens in the pet sitting world.

Bunny Pipper has been sick so no blogging.

Great Day!!!

Why do cat's do 'UNAUTHORIZED DOWNLOADS?"

NOMINATE LIL' CHICK for Pet Sitters of the YEAR!!

Just some questions to ask when hiring a Pet Sitter.

Hi Lil' Chicklits (followers). Welcome to THE Blog!

My superb Lil Chick' Team!
We work together well because we have a common vision-the love of animals.