Happy At Home Professional Pet Care Are True Industry Professionals!

Happy At Home Professional Pet Care is more than just Your Local Pet Care Company.  

Yes we offer Loving, Dependable and Trustworthy Pet Care Services, but what else do we do for You that makes Us True Professionals in the Industry and also Gives You Real Peace of Mind?

Here is just A Sample of ways we are True Professionals.

• We have a Legal Contract & Policies that are in place for our protection as well as yours.

• We have your Credit Card on file in a secure location.  You never have to worry about leaving a check, if you run out of pet food while you are away you do not have to worry about us tracking you down to get $$, you do not have to call or email your CC information each time your visits are up for renewal.  Your CC information is not accessible to staff.

• We keep all of Your & Your Pet's Information in a Cloud File.  This way any staff member can Quickly & Securely Access Your Information at anytime.

• We ask for your Emergency Contact and Veterinary Information.

• We have Experience and are Confident in how to handle a Home or Pet Emergency.

• We Network with other Local Professional Pet Care Companies.  We are Happy to Recommend Local Professionals to you if we do not offer the services or dates you need.

• We are a member of Pet Sitting International.  This membership allows us to Network World Wide with Industry Professionals, Attend Industry Conferences, Stay On Top Of Industry Trends and Education.

• We are very Flexible!  We Do NOT Charge for Same Day Cancellations or, Schedule Permitting, Same Day Add On Visits.  Our Team is in Place to Be Available for YOU.

• As a Professional Company we are able to Offer Packages and Discounts to fit any budget.

 

Red Cross Pet First Aid Mobile App

The Red Cross has a wonderful new mobile app!  The Pet First Aid App.

I hope to never have to use it, but just in case, I am Happy to have it on my phone in case of an emergency.

According to the Red Cross Website:  "Take care of your furry family member. The American Red Cross Pet First Aid app puts veterinary advice for everyday emergencies in the palm of your hand. Get the app and be prepared to act when called upon. With videos, interactive quizzes and simple step-by-step advice it’s never been easier to know Pet First Aid."

My Grandpup Chloe

A Tired Dog is a Good Dog....right?

Have you heard people say "A tired dog is a good dog?" 

 It's true!  

Here is an excellent article from Dog Lover's Digest titled Reasons Dogs Misbehave.  

One of the most important benefits of hiring a Professional Dog Walker is the assurance your dog is getting the exercise it needs in order to cut down on common misbehaviors!

Dog Walkers and Mail Carriers

On my daily dog walks around Norfolk I encounter the walking mail carrier, which is an uncommon experience in my area of Virginia Beach.  

It has me thinking of the things Dog Walkers and mail carriers have in common.  

We are the eyes and ears of your neighborhood while you are at work or away on vacation.  

Visiting your neighborhood on a daily basis allows us to get to know the routine of your neighbors and the neighbors see that we are keeping an eye on your home.  

We are committed to showing up no matter the weather!  Just like the mail carriers, Dog Walkers will do everything possible to conduct the scheduled visit, in any kind of weather. 

We are Happy to play with your pooch or cuddle with your cat SEVEN days a week!  Can you think of other ways we are alike?  

Please post your comments on my FB page:  HappydogVB

No Cell Phones on Dog Walks!

When you read my Policy page you will find a Policy titled No Cell Phones!

Personally, I feel like talking on your cell phone and or listening to music while walking a dog is a danger!  It is a unnecessary distraction.

I have watched many people, while walking a dog, strut out into traffic because they are distracted by their phone conversation or their music was blasting in their ears.

I have watched dogs come to a stop and get dragged along for several feet before the walker notices the danger ahead!  The dog saw/smelled the danger and came to a stop, but the walker was too distracted.

I have watched dogs lunge after a squirrel/small animal and the walker lost control of the leash because they were juggling their cell phone.

I been to dog parks and watched owners focus on their cell phones instead of their dog(s).  Meanwhile their dog is starting a fight, running from a fight or pooping all over the park!

Your dog(s) deserves our total attention while out on a walk.  For the dog(s) safety, as well as ours.

We are committed to be focused on your dog(s) while out on walks!!  

For me, I feel blessed to be outside, enjoying the sights and sounds of nature....just like your dog(s)!

Dogster.com has a wonderful blog about this very issue!

You SHOULD hire a Professional Dog Walker in Virginia Beach or Norfolk!

I am often called upon to answer the question "Why should I use a Professional Dog Walker?"  

Let me explain the benefits you and your dog will have when using a Professional Dog Walker:

• Regular exercise will cut down, possible eliminate destructive and or boredom behavior.  Examples: chewing, excessive barking, digging, fence chasing, over eating, licking or chewing on his/herself.
• Regular exercise will prevent possible health issues.
• Having different people in your dogs "domain" will teach him/her how to behave in the correct, polite manner we expect of them in our homes.
• We are Happy to continue training commands that you are teaching your dog.
• Socialization is a MUST for dogs!!  With people and other dogs. They need to learn the proper behavior around everyone and in different situations, i.e. traffic, squirrels, loud noises, greeting strange dogs, greeting multiple dogs at the dog park, etc...repeated exposure with a calm, assertive walker will teach your dog to ignore and not be afraid of situations that could cause harm to them or to you.
• Professional dog walkers are committed to the health and well being of your dog.  They are not a neighbor or family member that could possibly forget or slack off the commitment needed for your dog to be well rounded and happy!!  We receive frantic calls from people who have hired their neighbors to watch their dog....and the neighbors FORGOT!
• This is our JOB!  Not a favor from a friend.
• We are Insured, Licensed and Experienced.
• We are in your neighborhood, we take note of what is going on...we make sure your home is safe and secure.
• We ensure Peace of Mind if you are held up at work, miss your flight, or just need some time away.  We are here for your dogs needs!

Our name says it all.  Happy At Home.  That is our commitment to you.