Pet owners are facing issues on how to care for their pets. Unfortunately, with the hardships we are facing, some pet owners have been forced to either get rid of or are forced to euthanize their pet because they are unable to pay for care their pet requires. The costs of owning a pet can be quite expensive, and should be taken into consideration prior to getting one. In an average year, you should expect to pay around $2,000 for a dog, and $1,500 for a cat. Of course, this can either be lower or higher depending on the pet itself, and any medical conditions it may have. However, for those that all ready own a pet, or plan to get a pet, there are options that can help lower the chances of emptying your wallet to care for your pet.

Prior to deciding that it is time to get a pet, you should really look into all of the costs it will take to properly care for your pet. There’s food, vaccines, regular vet checks, toys and many more things you should take into consideration as purchases for your pet. Regular vet checks and vaccines are unfortunately things that are typically overlooked and avoided due to not being able to afford them. Cancelling and avoiding appointments for your pet can result in your pet becoming unhealthy. Regular vet checks will also help to catch a medical issue early on, rather than too late where it may cost even more to fix the problem, if you can fix it at all.

There are many ways to lower the costs your pet’s care. Of course an important thing to keep in mind is prevention. You just want to try to prevent anything bad from happening, any way that you can. First of all you want to maintain a healthy routine at home with your pet. Make sure they are taken for walks regularly to maintain a healthy weight. Make sure you do not over feed your pet, as obesity can cause many health problems in any pet. You also want to make sure that cats are typically kept inside the home to keep them from getting diseases and becoming sick. For dogs, make sure that they are always on a leash or kept inside a gate when they are outside. This will prevent them from getting hit by a car, or getting a disease from chasing some wild animal around the yard. Even with all measures of prevention, accidents can still happen. If this does happen, there are places that offer financial assistance. Do your research and see if you may qualify for financial aid for that procedure you just can’t afford. There are many organizations today that will help out any way they can to prevent you from having to give up your beloved pet, or having to euthanize them. If you pet does get hit or becomes very sick you also want to ask about the percentage of what good the procedure would do for your pet. For example, if the procedure will only help the pain, but won’t fix the problem, you may decide that it would be better to euthanize your pet, to get rid of all the pain it is experiencing, rather than just put a band aid on it. You really need to look at all angles of the specific situation, no matter how hard it may be.

When it comes to care for your pets, you can find help in local animal shelters, as they typically offer lower cost care and vaccines than regular veterinary offices. There is also the possibility of receiving financial aid for costly procedures due to sickness or injury. You can also visit animal schools as they will typically offer services for a lower cost as well. Also, call around and compare prices from one veterinary clinic to another. You will often find a wide range of care costs between them. Also ask questions, as some clinics will not give your pet a vaccination without doing a full check up first. These are all ways you can possibly find cheaper care for your pets. Another option you have is to visit pet stores, like PetSmart, as they sometimes offer vaccination clinics for your pet, to receive vaccines at a discounted price. Another option is insurance that can cover most of the services required to keep your pet healthy.

When it comes to food and supplies, the best thing you can do is shop around. Compare prices from one store to the next. Also you want to look at the food itself to make sure that it is of good quality. Some cheap pet foods lack nutrients that your pet needs, so it’s not always the best option to always get the cheapest bag of food you can find. As for toys and treats, rotate toys on a weekly basis to mix things up. Your pet will feel like it’s a new toy, when really it’s not. Also you don’t have to go for the extravagant toys, ones purchased at the dollar store will please them just as much as any other, as long as they are safe for your pet. For treats, offer them only a couple times throughout the day, and not all the time. Give them to your pet for good behavior, but you don’t have to give them one every time he goes potty outside. Another option for pet food and treats is to make your own. When making your own pet food, you typically spend less money in the long run and you know exactly what your pet is getting for food. When buying food at pet stores, buy the largest bag available for the brand you are getting, or look into purchasing those items in bulk. It costs more upfront, but the cost overall is cheaper. Looking for better prices and buying in bulk goes for all pet supplies as well, not just feed.

There are also options for pet boarding, sitters and caregivers. When you go on vacation, ask family and friends in advance if they would be available to take care of your pet. You can usually find someone that would be happy to care for them while you are gone for very little to no cost at all to you. If you are unable to find someone for free to assist, compare pricing from all companies in your area. Ask your vet for recommendations, as sometimes you will find someone at the office that also offers pet sitting at a discounted price. You may also be able to find someone that will watch your pet in their home. Regardless make sure you do your research and check the places out to make sure that they are clean and offer enough room for your pet. Don’t just go with the cheapest option as sometimes this can result in an unhealthy situation for your pet. Also, be sure that whomever you have watch your pets are knowledgeable in your pet’s care and needs, has had prior experience in handling animals, and is someone that you trust and possesses liability protection in case of negligence, injury or damages.

When it comes to trainers and dog walkers, an option is to do this work yourself, however is done incorrectly, inadvertently or not, and may become expensive. The best option is to supplement walks and training partially with a professional, and consider it as important as going to the vet. A professional can guide you in the right direction to providing behavioral correction and exercise for your pet. Plus they can supplement during the times in which you are unavailable, especially if you are unavailable due to a work schedule, injury, etc. Do research online for the proper ways to train your pet and attempt it yourself, you will probably find that it’s not that difficult. If you have time restraints or just don’t feel you can do these things yourself, once again do your research and compare pricing between trainers and walkers in your area. Once again, your vet can offer suggestions, and you may find a worker there that offers these for a discounted price.

For grooming and personal care for your pet, you can typically do most of this stuff yourself as well. However, this does depend on the medical and aesthetic needs of your pet’s breed as well as any training needed for types of coats or nails. Again, supplementing care is great for those who have high maintenance breeds or who don’t have the skills yet to provide those tasks themselves. Learning to properly brush and give your pet baths can save you a lot of money in the long run, as well as keep your pet healthy. Learning to trim your pet’s nails can also keep care costs down as well. For certain dogs you cannot bypass getting their hair cut and groomed, so if you know you won’t be able to afford this, find a different breed of dog to get.

For any other type of service you pet may require, the best thing you can do is compare what you get and the price of that service to any other provider in your area. Try to learn or ask the care provider how you can minimize the cost of that care, and do it yourself. You can also ask for payment plans from any of the providers your pet may require, as this is typically something offered anyway so that your pet can receive the best care it can. Another option that you have is to barter services. Maybe you have a friend that knows how to groom and trim nails better than you do. You could offer them that you will walk their pets every so often for them to groom your pet for you. Bartering is something you can also try to do with regular providers as well. Don’t be afraid to ask as you may be able to find a solution to the problem of giving your pet the proper care it requires.

Finding cheaper alternatives is not always the greatest option. Especially when it comes to feed, lowering the quality of the product to pay less is something you should avoid doing. Make sure when you are comparing prices that you not only compare the price itself but also what you are getting for that price. Sometimes paying a little more will get you a little more as well. You need to take into consideration all aspects of what you are paying for. Like stated above as well, when it comes to comparing prices for pet boarders, you want to actually visit the places you are considering as well. Make sure that your pet has enough room in their kennel and that it is clean. The last thing that you want to happen is your pet to get sick while you are on vacation. An unclean environment or a cheap quality feed could actually lead to more expensive situation when you have to hospitalize your pet because of sickness or injury.

There are many ways to cut corners financially with pet care costs to be more recession friendly without risking basic care needs or creating more costs. The most important thing to remember is to be creative and to make smart choices if doing it yourself. You don’t necessarily have to cut out necessary care services to save you money; you can barter or supplement infrequently to keep you on track with your pet’s care. You can also look into purchasing things in bulk – this is more upfront, but benefits you in the end. There are a lot of ways to make sure your pets are properly taken care of. It may take some research but in the end, both you and your pet will benefit from it and be happy and healthy.

La Mesa Colony was the main subdivision platted and owned by the San Diego Flume Company. The Flume Company looked to bring water from the Cuyamaca Mountains to the “La Mesa Reservoir” for supplying customers in El Cajon Valley, the “Mesa” east of San Diego and the growing City.

Rolando is a neighborhood of the Mid-City region of San Diego, California. Rolando is mostly residential with the exception of El Cajon Boulevard.  Rolando Village’s borders are defined by College Avenue to the West, El Cajon Boulevard to the North, and University Avenue to the South. The eastern border with La Mesa is uneven, and is defined by several residential streets.

The College Area is a neighborhood of the Mid-City region of San Diego, California. The College Area is dominated by San Diego State University (SDSU).  The College Area is in the mid-city, and has many new stores and restaurants, as well as many canyons. There is also an Orthodox Jewish neighborhood in the area near Congregation Beth Jacob Orthodox Temple on College Avenue. The college area lies on a plateau which overlooks Interstate 8.

There has been a recent increase in residential burglary activity in certain areas of La Mesa. The burglaries have been committed during daytime hours, typical for residential burglaries, and points of entry have generally been doors or windows out of public view. Criminals can be on prowl both day and night and in any neighborhood.  Do not give them the opportunity to break into your home or vehicle.  Make sure all of your locks are in good working order, close and lock your doors, set your alarm, never leave valuables in plain view and get to know your neighbors. If you decide to leave your home for long periods of time, please make sure you secure the property and have someone stop by to check on things. A busy home is a deterrent to crime.

The most effective way to catch these burglars is through help from the public. Deputies cannot be everywhere and most burglars are caught when someone calls in a suspicious person or vehicle or when a burglar is caught in the act. I ask everyone to be extra vigilant and be our eyes and ears, it is a cliché but it’s also very true that crime prevention begins at home.

Residents in these areas should be alert to suspicious or unusual activity and are asked to report information immediately to the Police Department. If you believe you see someone in the act of committing a burglary, call 9-1-1.

For more information on home and vehicle security or to start a neighborhood watch program please call the La Mesa Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit at 619.667.1445 or visit www.cityoflamesa.com.

Everyone is a potential victim to home invasion and theft. Below are a few suggestions for preventing burglary in your home.

The Basic Rule: Lock Your Doors and Windows

- Don’t give your key to anyone except the people living inside the home or apartment..

-  Install a small “peephole” in the front and back door and use it to look before you open a door for someone, whether it is nighttime or daytime.

-  When answering the door, ask to see proper identification; if the person is a salesman, solicitor, repairman or utility company representative, he or she will have proper identification.

* Lighting

Outside: light up the side of the house, back and front and garage area with nightlights; few homes with such lighting are ever “hit”.

Inside: leave at least one light on (plus a bathroom light); do not pull the shades or curtains when not at home.

When not at home: don’t leave a note saying when you will return and make sure you close the garage door when leaving (lock it too).

* Locks

Do not use the spring-snap locks; they are opened very easily and practically without any sound.
- Do not buy any cheap locks- they are hardly worth the risk.
- Use dead-bolt locks (especially the ones that require a key); or use sliding barrel locks; use crossbars and hasp locks on garage, cellar and other such doors.
- Check your door hinges . . . if the pins are on the outside, change them to the inside (or to non-removable ones) to prevent a burglar from removing them to open the door and get in.
- Make sure locks are away from windows (to prevent the window from being smashed and the burglar reaching in to unlock it).
- Use chain locks as an added precaution on all entries.
- Remember: it does little good to have good locks on the front door and poor locks elsewhere.
- Don’t put your name or address on the key case you carry; if lost or stolen, change locks regardless of whether you had your name or address inside the case.

* Strong door frames and window frames: it does little good to attach good locks to door frames or window frames when the frames are weak, rotted or defective. Make sure your frames are solid and as strong as the locks and hinges. Your landlord (if you rent) is responsible for having good locks and good door and window frames.

* Windows: not only should every window have a lock on it (the best is a key lock), but it should have an additional lock that prevents it from being lifted higher than four inches.

* Apartments: renters should never allow their apartment to be on a “master key” arrangement; ask about this and change your lock if the landlord will not.

* Do not leave ladders outside the house; they are perfect devices for entry.

* Do not leave rugs, wash or tools and other items outside the home overnight.

* Keep the shrubbery trimmed away from windows and keep it trimmed to a low height; they are excellent places for someone to hide and not be seen when burglarizing.

* Sliding doors are used frequently by burglars to enter. There should be two locks on such doors . . . plus put a sliding board or broom handle braced inside the track to prevent the door from opening from the outside.

* Padlock your garage (it is a good entry point for burglars).

* Constantly check your locks (especially ones at doors and windows you do not use often); if any have been tampered with, replace immediately and report it to the police.

* Be sure, at night as well as daytime, that yard gates and other such locations are closed; and install a lock or latch so the gate cannot be opened from the outside; many burglars prefer a place where very easy access is provided-opening and closing a gate takes time, attracts attention, makes noise, etc.

* Teach children not to open the door to strangers at anytime.

* Always keep the door locked even when you are in the house; because you are there does not mean someone would not come in anyway.

* Windows with air conditioners: a favorite point of entry for burglars. Nail or screw the window in place. This prevents the window from being opened and prevents the air conditioner from being stolen.

* Locks for mailboxes: a must for home and apartment; it is too easy to steal your mail. Get a U.S. Post Office approved lock.

* Engrave items with driver license number or a personal identifier like date of birth. For items that cannot be engraved, write down their descriptions, take a picture and keep in a safe place. Use this to identify stolen items and it will allow you to recover them if stolen. (If you cannot prove an item is yours, you cannot receive it even if police have recovered it).

* Aside from locking the garage, never leave the key to the car or anything else in the car or garage.

* When working in the back yard, don’t leave the front door unlocked. Or if running next door for a minute, don’t leave the house open and doors unlocked . . . many thefts and burglaries occur this way without the owner or renter knowing it.

* Glass: use break-resistant glass at every window possible, especially in doors.

* Do not install a “doggie door” in any of your doors leading to the outside or into the garage; they can become “burglar doors” too.

No one should live in fear that their home will be broken into. If you take the right precautions and are prepared, you will not need to worry about home invasion.

Home security has always been an important issue for individuals. Many companies have home security options for those individuals such as alarm systems, response and dispatch. Alarms protect your home, valuables, and family from burglary without needing guard services. According to the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association, burglars break into homes without an alarm system three times more often than home with alarm services.

There are many people who believe a guard dog is as effective as alarm systems when it comes to protecting your home. However, there are several drawbacks. Owning a dog, in general, requires constant investment in their care, maintenance and health. Alarm systems do no require feedings, supervision, supplies, grooming, and so forth. Live animal protection also costs in the thousands to have on, on an annual basis. Alarm systems require an investment in set up, and if opting for monitoring, a minimal monthly cost as well. Guard dogs are also trained to attack, which is great for burglar protection, but not for family, friends, or other person who are of no threat. Guard dogs are not as effective as an alarm system, either, with regards to fire and carbon dioxide detection, or contacting authorities for fast response.

When installing home security systems, you will typically get a discount on your home owners insurance. This discount varies from company to company, as well as is dependent on what type of alarm system you have installed. Discounts ranging from 2-30% off should be expected however.

Home alarm systems have several different options, depending on the company you decide to go with. Some alarm systems offer 24/7 monitoring, which means someone is available at all times during the day and night to monitor your home. If something happens, authorities are contacted within seconds. There are options such as adding in fire and carbon dioxide detecting as well as the burglary detection. You can also decide on whether you would like a wired or wireless system installed in your home. You also have the option of installing a do-it-yourself system, however, most DIY systems do not offer any monitoring, just an alarm that will sound if an intruder is detected. When installing home security systems, you will typically get a discount on your home owners insurance. This discount varies from company to company, as well as is dependent on what type of alarm system you have installed. Discounts ranging from 2-30% off should be expected however.

Neighborhood watch programs are another way to reduce burglary in your home. However, you must check and see if the local authorities are part of this program, as sometimes they are not, and will not respond, or may not respond as quickly to this type of protection. Neighborhood watch programs also typically offer a discount on your home owners insurance as well.

When deciding on a home alarm system, you have two general systems you can decide on. Wired and wireless systems. A wireless system is more convenient, as you don’t have to run any wires. If your home is not pre-wired, this option may cost less in the long run. However, if you do have a home that was previously wired, going with a wired system may be less expensive. To say which is the better system is hard as there are many different factors to involve in that decision. Calling a couple of alarm companies and getting a free risk assessment is the best way to decide which system would be best for your situation and budget.

Approximately 50 percent of burglars enter through the front door of a home, leaving 32 percent that will use the back door and 22 percent using a first floor window (Alarm Systems are a Deterrent). You want to make sure that all doors have some type of triggering system for the alarm as well as all windows. There is an option that you can get that will alarm if a window is broken as well. These are once again things that should be talked about during your risk assessment to decide on what options you should have installed in on your home, as all homes are different.

There are many other security devices that work especially well in conjunction with an alarm system that add value to the home security. Devices such as security cameras, motion sensors, heavy duty locks, and others are great examples of what a person can do to deter and prevent burglaries. Security cameras have many options themselves. They could be placed as visual deterrents and not connected to a monitoring system, they could be triggered by motion sensors or notify alarm dispatch and law enforcement of being triggered and some can be remotely watched via the internet, or even wired into an in-home TV for the homeowner to see at any time. Motion sensors and detectors detect and alarm motions that occur around a property and can be triggered into the alarm system, lights and more to add security. These are great options to add on, as sometimes someone may be able to enter your home without the alarm actually going off. However, be aware that any motion can set the alarm off as well – pets, children, wildlife, downed power lines and trees during storms, etc. Heavy duty locks are a great addition to your home security system as they make it that much more difficult for a burglar to enter your home. However, they do not completely deter a burglary attempt, so should be used in conjunction with your home alarm system.

Many apartment management companies are realizing the benefits of alarm systems. It is very common to rent an apartment that has been pre-wired for an alarm system. This makes it to where a renter does not have to pay for the installation of the system, just the monthly cost to have their personal belongings monitored by the system.

A door alarm is a simple and affordable option for those who do not have the budget to install a full home alarm system. As soon as a burglar opens the door, a siren goes off which will typically make the burglar run. The siren will continue to go off until the pass code is entered, or the door is closed. This is a great option for apartments, as they typically only have one door. They are easy to install and can be removed once a tenant moves.

The main components to an alarm system is the system itself, which is either wired or wireless. It surrounds the entire house with a protective shield against burglars. There is also a central station that is typically hidden in a closet or the like. You do not want this out in the open as it’s a way the burglar can turn off the system. Then there is a key pad, which is used to engage and disengage the system with a pass code. You can also get a key chain attachment that will engage and disengage the system from outside, however one must know that if your keys are stolen, anyone would then be able to engage and disengage the system.

Alarm systems can be purchased at department stores and are do it yourself. You can also hire someone to do the installation for you as well. When doing it yourself, make sure any point of entry is protected by the alarm. Also, let neighbors know when you have installed an alarm system, so that if they hear the alarm they can contact you and authorities, rather than wonder what is making that noise.

Once a monitored system has been installed, you can typically add new features quite easily. Features that are available are fire or smoke detectors as well as carbon monoxide detection. These are very beneficial to protecting your home and belongings.

When you have decided it’s time to install a home monitoring system, you should contact several different companies that offer protection. You should then choose your top 3 or 4 companies and have them do a risk assessment, which should be free of charge. This is your chance to ask questions and find out what system and options would be most beneficial to your specific situation and budget.

The first place you can look to find alarm system companies is the yellow pages. You can also ask friends and family, as well as the place you carry your home owners insurance, as they probably have really good references. You can also find out the discount you would qualify for if you installed a home security system.

There are different types of monitoring companies. Some monitor your home 24/7, which are your best options. You should also find out the response time they typically have in case of an emergency and make sure that someone personally contacts authorities and it’s not an automated call, as most authorities will no longer respond to this type of call.

Home security systems are a great asset to any home. It protects you and your family, and your belongings. You can get discounts, which sometimes cover the cost that it takes to have a monitoring system. There are many options and you should do research on them before making your final decision. If you live in California, you can contact the Department of Consumer Affairs Bureau of Security and Investigative Services for leads on licensed alarm companies and patrol companies. You can also get a good amount of information on the services offered as well as tips for hiring someone. Go to www.bsis.ca.gov for more information.

They collect and publish online directories for dog service providers and dog-friendly businesses/locations. Information is also available on dog-friendly events, topics of interest and photo galleries.  When making vacation plans, dog owners look to DowntownDogLover.com for the lowdown on both airlines and hotel pet policies, as well as recommendations on dog beaches, off-leash parks, outdoor restaurants, and other animal attractions.  You can follow the activities of the website through Facebook, Meetup.com and Twitter.

Heather Degan is the president and founder of DowntownDogLover.com. In 2008 her life was changed with the adoption of miniature Dachsunds Ruby and Guiness. At that time she recognized that there was no definitive resource for locating dog-friendly businesses, events and locations. So the tiny duo inspired a unexpected career change. In December 2008 she stepped aside from her career in Health Care and Technology sales to start DowntownDogLover.com. She held to a simple goal of making it easier for dog owners, like her, to spend their days with their pets by providing access to dog-friendly resources.

Heather, a California transplant, is an active young professional, who has served on the board of the Junior League of San Diego in 2004 and was named in Metropolitan’s “Who’s Who Under 40″. She currently lives in her Southern California home with her husband, John, and the two dogs that launched a thousand business calls – Ruby and Guinness.

Downtowndoglover.com’s official Website was launched on Saturday, August 8th, 2009  at the San Diego Wine and Culinary Center.  The celebration included  the Running of the Bull Dogs, a charity silent auction, a Furry Friends Fashion Show from your pals at Lucky Dog, celebrity appearances, and much more!

They have directories of the following services online:

* Dog Daycare/Pet Sitting – In-home pet sitting, In-home dog walking, Cage-free dog daycare facility, Caged dog daycare facility.
* Boarding/Kenneling – Crate-free, Caged.
* Grooming/Washing – Self-service, Full-service.
* Training/Obedience – Instructor-led classes, Individual instruction, Behavior Modification (Behaviouralist), Agility training.
* Storefront/Boutique – Collars and leashes, Toys, Pet food and treats, Clothing/apparel.

·         Health and/or Care Services – Veterinary services/clinic, 24 hour Emergency animal hospital, In-house Animal surgery, Holistic Animal care, List of Breed Clubs, Rescues and Meetups.

* Photography/Special – Pet Photography, Pet Paintings/Portraits, Dog Parties, Specialty Activities
*

The upcoming events mentioned in the website are:

1.      Tuesday January 26, 2010 7a.m – 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. – Boot camp class for you AND your dog at Tidelands Park Coronado, CA 92118 and Carmel Valley Rec Center 3777 Townsgate Drive San Diego CA 92130.  First class is FREE. Please contact dawn@leashyourfitness.com for details or to sign up! Call 619-822-3296.

2.      Thursday January 28, 2010 7a.m – 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. – Boot camp class for you AND your dog at Carmel Valley Rec Center 3777 Townsgate Drive San Diego CA 92130.  First class is FREE. Please contact dawn@leashyourfitness.com for details or to sign up! Call 619-822-3296.

3.      Saturday January 30, 2010 5:00pm warmup, 5:15 hike – Full Moon Hike with your dog with yappy hour at the top! Cowles Mountain, San Carlos Corner of Golfcrest and Navajo road.  The cost is $10.00 per person/dog and $5.00 if you are a Leash Your Fitness participant. It is a great workout and social event!  Please visit http://www.leashyourfitness.com/classes.htm or call Dawn at 619-822-3296.

4.      Tuesday February 2, 2010 7a.m – 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. – Boot camp class for you AND your dog at Tidelands Park Coronado, CA 92118 and Carmel Valley Rec Center 3777 Townsgate Drive San Diego CA 92130.  First class is FREE. Please contact dawn@leashyourfitness.com for details or to sign up! Call 619-822-3296.

5.      Thursday February 4, 2010 7a.m – 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. – Boot camp class for you AND your dog at Carmel Valley Rec Center 3777 Townsgate Drive San Diego CA 92130.  First class is FREE. Please contact dawn@leashyourfitness.com for details or to sign up! Call 619-822-3296.

6.      Tuesday February 9, 2010 7a.m – 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. – Boot camp class for you AND your dog at Tidelands Park Coronado, CA 92118 and Carmel Valley Rec Center 3777 Townsgate Drive San Diego CA 92130.  First class is FREE. Please contact dawn@leashyourfitness.com for details or to sign up! Call 619-822-3296.

7.      Thursday February 11, 2010 7a.m – 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. – Boot camp class for you AND your dog at Carmel Valley Rec Center 3777 Townsgate Drive San Diego CA 92130.  First class is FREE. Please contact dawn@leashyourfitness.com for details or to sign up! Call 619-822-3296.

8.      Tuesday February 16, 2010 7a.m – 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. – Boot camp class for you AND your dog at Tidelands Park Coronado, CA 92118 and Carmel Valley Rec Center 3777 Townsgate Drive San Diego CA 92130.  First class is FREE. Please contact dawn@leashyourfitness.com for details or to sign up! Call 619-822-3296.

9.      Thursday February 18, 2010 7a.m – 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. – Boot camp class for you AND your dog at Carmel Valley Rec Center 3777 Townsgate Drive San Diego CA 92130.  First class is FREE. Please contact dawn@leashyourfitness.com for details or to sign up! Call 619-822-3296.

10.  Tuesday February 23, 2010 7a.m – 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. – Boot camp class for you AND your dog at Tidelands Park Coronado, CA 92118 and Carmel Valley Rec Center 3777 Townsgate Drive San Diego CA 92130.  First class is FREE. Please contact dawn@leashyourfitness.com for details or to sign up! Call 619-822-3296.

11.  Thursday February 25, 2010 7a.m – 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. – Boot camp class for you AND your dog at Carmel Valley Rec Center 3777 Townsgate Drive San Diego CA 92130.  First class is FREE. Please contact dawn@leashyourfitness.com for details or to sign up! Call 619-822-3296.

12.  Saturday March 27, 2010 7:00 am-12:00pm – DowntownDogLover.com is hosting a unique dog-friendly 3k (1.8 miles) Fun/ Run/ Walk to benefit local animal charities. All breeds ages and sizes can participate. Each registration will benefit a local animal charity of your choice- $5 of every $30 entry will go to designated charity. Human participants will receive a limited edition t-shirt (red with logo) & doggie bag. Limited edition shirts available for canine paw-ticipants as well. Course will end at our special “Canine Carnival” which will include booths for most major breed clubs and meetups.

SB 250 is a bill that will require pet owners to either obtain an unaltered pet license for pets who have not gotten spayed or neutered or to spay or neuter their pet. The main reasoning behind this bill is to reduce the numbers of pets going into shelters, as well as the numbers of pets that are euthanized each and every year. It is hard to say what this will do to pet ownership. Those who support the bill state that this will empower pet ownership. Those who oppose the bill state that this will not fix the overpopulation problem of pets in California. The bill has made it quite far in administration. Currently, though, it is at a standstill. There are several questions that need to be answered a couple changes are being requested to be made.

One of the issues that have arisen on this bill questions some of the statutes and how they are worded, and the assembly is asking for them to be a little clearer. Furthermore, the bill states that animals that work as service dogs, hunting dogs and dogs working in law enforcement. However, there is question on how people are supposed to prove that their dog is used for this type of service. Senate  Majority Leader Dean Florez is behind this bill and states that during this ‘halftime,’ as he calls it, he will continue to work with members to address any concerns, however he wants to make sure the original intent of the bill remains intact.

For those who oppose this bill, including the California Chamber of Commerce, the Golden Retriever Club, PetPAC, and the Yosemite Kennel Club, they disagree with the hopes that the bill will decrease the numbers of pets going into shelters. Those who oppose the bill believe that it will cause these numbers to increase. They go on to state that this will also cause a rise in euthanasia rates. Opposition to the bill states that this bill is a mandatory spay/neuter bill. The argument
is that this is unfair to pet owners, as it should be up to the owners whether or not they want to spay/neuter their pets. Also, the opposition states that the bill is unfair because the first offense of a dog at large will be overlooked, depending on the situation, but the second offense will more than likely result in a mandatory spay/neuter of the animal, no matter the time between offenses.

There are several animal agencies that support this bill, including Home at Last Animal Rescue, san Diego Animal Support Foundation, Pet Rescue Center, as well as many city governments and businesses. The biggest supporters are those who run the animal shelters sympathesize when they have to euthanize an animal that is healthy and adoptable. Supporters believe
that this bill will in effect help ower the high rate of pet overpopulation that is being caused by owners relinquishing or abandoning their pets or those letting their pets go stray due to the financial, personal and economical challenges of responsible pet ownership. Supporters recognize that SB 250 would assist in solving the overall issues of over petpopulation, euthanasia, animal abandonment, animal cruelty and financial strain on community resources for domestic animals.

Of course, there are those agencies and shelters who do oppose the bill, however stating that this bill will not only be more expensive to taxpayers, but it will not fix the problem at hand. They go on to state how other counties have tried to implement a spay/neuter bill and it
caused more problems than it was worth. They state this bill will not only cause a rise in the numbers of pets going into shelters, but also a rise in the euthanasia rates of these animals because the shelters will become even more overpopulated than they are now. Animal agency opposition recognize that the wording of the bill needs to be more specific on the requirements of licensure and clearer on how to prove that an animal is a service animal. Animal agency opposition also disagree with the fact that the bill requires pet owners to either obtain a unaltered pet license or get their animal spayed/neutered by the age of six months. These agencies believe that animals should be older before they go through this procedure.

As for the general public, you
have your supporters, those who oppose the bill and those who are in between. For those who support the bill, they are a little upset and worried that the bill is currently at a standstill, they want this bill to pass so the over petpopulation can decrease. They are worried that this bill will not pass, just as others similar to it in the past have not made it through the assembly. They are trying to keep a positive note as this bill has made it quite far, and are in hope that this pause will allow for those who support this bill to make the necessary changes to the bill, as well as talk to those who oppose it to get them to change their opinions.

For those who oppose the bill, they could not be happier at this moment. They feel that this break that has
come about is a time for those who support the bill to re-evaluate the situation and change their opinion on it as well. For those who oppose this bill, they do not necessarily oppose the idea behind the bill, but how this bill is coming to be. They would like to see this pause to result in a newer, better way to get the pet overpopulation problem in California to come to an end by taking some of the points in this bill and expanding upon them to create a different plan of attack on the over petpopulation problems.

Then, you have those who are stuck in the middle, for whatever reason it may be. They are taking the time during this break to look at all sides and be able to make their final decision on how they feel about this bill. They are looking at all
the pros and all the stated cons and reading as far into it as they can so they can make a fully educated decision on bill SB 250.

What is the future of SB 250, you ask? Currently the bill is at a standstill and has been put on hold by the assembly because they are requiring a couple of changes to be made to the bill to make it a little clearer on items. It is also allowing for those who support and those who oppose to get more facts to support their position. It’s giving time for the supporters to answer questions and concerns about the bill. Florez has the intention to continue the process of turning this bill into a law in the beginning of the new year. At that time, he truly feels that the bill will pass the assembly with enough votes to go to the
senator to become a new law for the state of California.

Voicing your opinion, no matter if you oppose or support this bill is still extremely important. Questions you have are also very important. You can find many different articles, blogs, and information about SB 250 on the internet. You can voice concerns, your support, or your opposition online, and directly to your council members as well. There are many blog sites to make your opinions heard as well. No matter your position on this bill, it’s important to make that voice heard, and it’s even more important to ask any and all questions you may have as well. Different places to go to voice your opinion at http://www.akc.org. If you are a
supporter, go to http://www.yesonsb250.com, and if you oppose the bill head to http://www.noonsb250.net.

Home security is a very important need for most homeowners. Aside from the safety aspects of crime prevention, home security is a vital practice for homeowners. Home security comes in a variety of forms from devices and alarm systems to security professionals securing a home to how a home is remodeled as well as when home security may be needed. Home security may come at a huge cost to homeowners due to what’s available in the home security market. But what most homeowners don’t realize is that a housesiitter can often become a simple and easy solution to a majority of home security needs.

House sitting is a simple arrangement to have someone come to your home to check on your home and make sure the home is tended to and secured. Some sitters may offer simple visits, while others can be arranged to stay overnight or in a rent exchange capacity. The house sitter will carry out specified duties to care for the home’s maintenance and security needs.

The duties of a house sitter provide many benefits and it all based on what a homeowner needs. This can include basic tasks such as handling trash containers, the mail, the property maintenance needs overall, checking for household hazards or issues with the electrical, plumbing and more. House sitting duties can also include home security tasks such as checking points of entry for malfunctions and testing alarm systems. The benefits to the homeowner include reassurance that your valuable property, plants and garden are cared for responsibly until your return, that your home is criminal-proof and can be done so in a discreet and professional manner without relying on neighbors or family to check in. Another benefit is that your home will stay code compliant with city ordinances, such as any trash bin curfews, regulations on debris and mail and so forth. The homeowner expects the house sitter to be totally responsible for caring for his home and to maintain the same standard of care as if the homeowner never left. Take all reasonable steps to protect your home and contents at all times, and be sure to let your insurer know that you have arranged for your home to be occupied during your absence.

There are different types of house sitters – those who move in and stay at the house short term or long term, those who provide visits and security options that security patrol companies would offer.

The first step to finding a reputable house sitter is making sure the sitter is a good match for your home and home’s needs. Often, home owners get so focused on screening would-be house sitters that they neglect to provide important information which will assure a good match. The more you can tell candidates up front about the situation they would be getting themselves into, the more success you will have at screening out inappropriate candidates. By detailing when you need care, and in what manner and trying to best match the skill sets of the candidate will show if the match will work out. This greatly reduces your risk of having a house sitter walk out in the middle of an assignment — a nerve-wracking and sometimes costly event, especially if it happens on long-term assignments.

The second step is to verify you are dealing with a reputable house sitter. Make sure you get a copy of the person’s driver’s license and, if they have to cross borders to fill your position, their passport. Though it may not happen often, there is always the slight potential someone could be trying to enter, or remain, in the country illegally. You also want to safeguard your home against would be criminals posing as reputable house sitters. Checking references, verifying resume information and obtaining a criminal background check are important steps to take. The easiest way to obtain a criminal background check is to have the person provide their own criminal records verification document. These can be attained, cheap or free of charge from local law enforcement offices. In the U.S, one can be obtained from both the Sheriff’s Office and the local Police Dept. The former will provide a check of the county records while the latter only checks arrests within the city limits. In evaluating these checks, it is important to know where the person has been living for the past 2-3 years. Another way is to check the Department of Consumer Affairs office for the state. If they just moved to a new state or country, be sure the background checks cover all locations the candidate has lived in. You can verify residence by work history, rental recommendations, or even utility payment receipts.

All different types of people opt to provide house sitting services. For the most part some professional pet sitters or caregivers may opt to start up the service as well as those who have extra time on their hands or those who like to travel or are in transition themselves. Retired, semi-retired, professional service providers, out of work security, law enforcement, real estate, military, nannies, caregivers, construction professionals, and self-employed people present many advantages to the home owner and may represent the best in housesitting candidates. First, they are often former home owners themselves or well adverse in similar responsibilities of house sitting. As such, they have a deeper appreciation of the investment involved than someone less experienced. They have also seen their share of broken pipes, leaky toilets, septic tank back-ups, pest incursions, bad tenants, security issues and the like. They are often more likely to take on an assignment seriously and be more committed to the needs of the house. This experience, combined with their broad life background in general, enables these groups to respond to unexpected situations with a wealth of knowledge and confidence that may be lacking in someone with less experience.

It is not uncommon for people moving through various changes in life to require temporary housing. This could be due to a change in schools, a period following graduating while looking for a job, a marital separation necessitating a move; a job transfer. Sometimes, people want to check out an area before deciding to relocate. Writers wanting a retreat, RV’ers needing a break from the road, vacationers, and academics on sabbatical are but a few of the many groups constantly in transition. These are usually intelligent and productive people who are simply in an “in between” time on their journey. Most are highly motivated people looking to move on in their lives in productive ways, any of whom may serve your house sitting needs well.

“Travelers” is a big category, as these can range from young people back-packing around the world to retired people enjoying the “golden years.” When looking for a stable person to watch over your possessions, a backpacker may not elicit a particularly positive response. And certainly not all back packers are appropriate. However, it’s also good to look at why these people travel and how they travel. Many back packers are creative, independent, and highly self-reliant people who have accepted the challenge of finding ways to both work and play according to their own unique vision of what life should be. They often have their own businesses, which they can do several months on and several months off, or they have work they take with them wherever they go (stock traders, massage therapists, yoga teachers, etc.) One of the good things about this group is that they tend to be strong and healthy and can often be contracted for heavier work while you’re away.

In some cases, if you rent a property it is better to have a house sitter than a tenant.  Your house sitter is working for you.  Although it may sound illogical, it can actually make good financial sense to choose a house sitter over a paying tenant. With a house sitter you don’t have to put your furniture and lifetime’s possessions into storage. You also won’t need to pay to have your vehicles stored in a secure parking facility.  A house sitter keeps your life ‘connected’ while you’re away and your home remains in your control. If you are living in rented accommodation and wish to engage a house sitter to mind your property in your absence there should be no reason why you can’t do so. Check your written lease agreement for any sub-clauses that may prevent you from having a house sitter in the property. Usually, anyone is allowed to stay in a rental property with the lease holder’s permission. However, if you want to charge your house sitter a fee to cover rental payments you are effectively subletting the property and are on much murkier legal ground.

Since every household is unique with special requirements, there should be a house sitting agreement or contract to prevent any potential problems. This could be adjusted to fit individual needs and is best to be clear ahead of time. This may be kept as a written contract, something that your lawyer or attorney could assist you with. Your contract should include detailed daily, weekly and even monthly instructions for the following: lawn and garden care and equipment used; plant care including fertilizing and watering schedule; pool maintenance, chemical testing, etc.; mail collection and forwarding if required; guidelines for visitors; reporting damages and emergencies.  Always ensure that you leave a contact number or e-mail address where you can be reached.

If the sitter is to be living at the house, the house sitter usually pays for what he uses – utilities, gas, phone calls, etc.  If the house sitter causes any damage, the house sitter should be responsible. Usually the utilities are not paid by the house sitter for house sits of less than 60 days.  If the house sitter is going to be sharing the use of the house for personal need or simply visiting, then rates need to reflect that usage. Annual expenses such as property taxes remain the responsibility of the homeowner.

There is a big difference between a housesitter that cares for household responsibilities and one that also takes care of pets. House sitters are not pet sitters, however most pet sitters are also housesitters. Pet sitting is an entirely different type of home care option not to be confused with house sitting. If you have pet and house sitting needs, hiring a pet sitter, not a house sitter is what will be needed.

Having a house sitter is a security measure, as empty houses are quickly targeted by burglars. Unless the home owner specifically agrees to it, the housesitter cannot go off and spend a weekend in a neighbouring centre.  Imagine the homeowner’s chagrin if the home was plundered while the house sitter was goofing off sight seeing elsewhere. The potential house sitter needs to ask: “Do I want this level of responsibility? “ A window left open could lead to rain damage; carelessness with a heater could lead to fire; clumsiness could mean a priceless vase is smashed or a sentimental treasure broken.

There are a few tricks of the home security trade that most homeowners would be well-advised to at least consider.  Timers for your lights are one option, making everything seem normal, even if you have gotten a sitter.  Another tactic is the barking dog noise simulator.  Lots of problems could be avoided with this harmless sound which can scare off the manliest of prowlers.

You are giving this person the keys to your house and leaving all of your possessions and property in their care. It is essential that you can trust them. Trust is not limited to the relationship you have with your sitter, it also includes a committment to responsibility and completing the tasks you need for your home. You will want to pick a sitter that has a good track record of responsibility, experience and qualifications for house sitting and always check references thoroughly. Ask friends or neighbors for recommendations of who house sits for them while they are away. If you know that someone is unreliable, then you probably shouldn’t trust them with this responsibility.  As a general rule of thumb, picking a housesitter that you trust will ensure your home is well cared for. Considering relatives, neighrbors, family friends or coworkers may be a good option for some, but the proven results that hiring a professional housesitter guarantees will exist.

First of all, it should not be too hard to find a house sitter. There are many websites designed specifically for this service. If you are considering using one of these sites, make sure you do some background research. Try to find out from other sources whether the site has a good reputation. Find out what checks the site conducts on the people that they hire. Find out whether they have insurance in place to cover any house sitting problems that may arise.

The house sitter you are considering should have excellent references. Try to get three references as a minimum. Make sure that you are able to contact these references either in person or by telephone. For extra peace of mind, make sure that the house sitter is able to show proof of a clean criminal record. Reputable house sitters will not be offended by these checks, but will understand that they are part of the house sitting requirements.  It is important not only to trust the references, but also to trust your own instincts. If you have interviewed a prospective house sitter and you are still unsure, take time to think it over. If necessary, see a few different sitters until you are happy with your choice. The way that a house sitter dresses and conducts himself during an interview will play an important part in your choice. The prospective house sitter should not mind answering all of your questions, no matter how strange the questions may seem.

Once you have decided on your house sitter, negotiations can begin. The house sitter must be fully aware of your terms and conditions. You must fully explain to her what the job involves. You may have some house and garden maintenance involved, or some pet care needs. You should also make the house sitter aware of any visitors that may call at the house while you are away.  House sitting fees will often vary on the situation. If you went with an agency, the fees will be handled through them. If sitter determines a fee for their services, then the fees will be handled through them directly. However, if you have not determined a fee, then you should discuss it with the house sitter. If you have a rent exchange type of arrangements, there may not be a fee but some other type of arrangement considering what extra service duties and requests are required. Before you leave, make sure you have made adequate insurance provisions for your home’s insurance. The house sitter may their own insurance to operate services in case of any problems and you will want to keep that information handy.

House sitting is a growing industry.  With more people buying second homes for vacation purposes, longer house sitting opportunities are becoming available to those willing to live in vacation spots during the off season, including foreign countries such as Mexico and the Bahamas, and realtors can be of assistance to homeowners looking for house sitters. House sitting offers a multitude of benefits and can provide peace of mind for any homeowner employing those services.

·    Maintenance of a pets’ usual routine, schedule and care as they normally would when the owner is available.
·    Regular clean and fresh feedings, habitats and potty boxes for the pet.
·    reinforcement of regular health care for the pets
·    Relief from unnecessary, inconvenient and stressful transportation and stays to facilities or kennels that a pet may not be suited for.
·    Attention to the “TLC” of the pet while the parent is away.
·    Consistency in training, environment and routine for the pet.
·    Diminishing the worry and stress of burdening neighbors, friends or family with liability and responsibility for the owner.
·    Peace of mind for a pet owner that comes from knowing the animals and home are being cared for by someone who is reliable, experienced, knowledgeable and will always put you and your pets’ best interest first.
·    Peace of mind for the pet owner should an emergency or urgent need take place.
·    Pet owners receive a back up plan in case an emergency occurs at home or with the pets.
·    Pet owners have peace of mind in home security and that they have hired someone to give the home a lived in look and to ward off would be crime.

Pet owners would have access to a variety and multitude of services with one provider that they would end up having to hire multiple types of services for to accomplish (such as hiring individual providers for taking care of the household responsibilities, home security services, security patrol services for emergencies, boarding the pet somewhere, and shutting off utilities) that would cost the owner more if purchased separately.

The cost of professional pet sitting reflects the savings of what a pet owner would be paying if that service had not existed and accommodates a variety of expenses and liabilities to have this kind of “one stop  shopping” service available. With any mobile service, pricing usually reflects factoring in costs of commute, to training and expertise of the provider as well as the employment costs of that provider. What a professional sitter should be earning mostly stems from the location factor. In California, where the cost of living, the minimum wage and the demand of work environment is higher prices will reflect that demand.  A professional pet sitter is expected to take home anywhere between $15-$50/hour depending on experience level and tips received. Pet sitting costs should be $2/hour above minimum wage for the lowest quality of service.

There is a big difference between hiring the kid next door, a neighbor or hobby sitter to do the job. Sometimes it may be budget friendly and convenient, however should you need the person years down the line or want your pets to establish a consistent relationship with someone, in often cases ultimately avoiding behavioral issues that might pop, a professional would be the best way to go. Hobby sitters, the kid next door or a neighbor are not very good long term options as schedule conflicts or personal obligations will always conflict with doing someone a favor or making a few bucks. The likelihood they will show when your pet needs to eat or when a package arrives or when the trash bins need to be brought is slim. And if something should break, become damaged or a pet get ill while in their care an owner will not be protected. A professional pet sitter covers all of these concerns by taking the steps necessary to keep the best interest of the pet and the pet owner in mind, often with insurance, training, experience, references, bonding and so forth in tow.

The cost of pet care relies on many factors. Because there is a variety of services, client need, locations, commutes, professional expenses and pet household demographics, pet sitters will price themselves differently depending on what is available and how service is structured. Sitters take into account how long the job will take, what liabilities are involved, kinds and amount of pets are needed of care, kinds of home security or maintenance tasks are needed and so forth. Some sitters charge based on time, while others may structure rates around household demographics.

The most common form of pet caregiving is the visit.  Typically, petsitters charge per visit. In San Diego, the rate for a simple pet sitting visit could $10-$20 per visit and usually averaging anywhere from a simple drop in to 30-60 minutes in time. Typically pet sitting rates for visit would include basic housesitting services as well since it simply doesn’t make sense for a client to hire a separate housesitter and petsitter.

Dog walking services include exercising a dog and reinforcing basic training. Often times the caregiver will go to the client’s home and take the dog for a walk, either on an individual basis or in groups. Each walker is different in that depending on what they may feel comfortable with or be insured for will ultimately determine the types and cost of dog walking services they offer. Dog walking services can range from a simple potty break or neighborhood stroll to full on dog exercise in the form of fast paced walks, runs or hikes. In sometimes instances dog walking services may include a dog friendly park or beach trip depending on service offered and requested. Dog walkers may choose to charge per walk, by time, by quantity of pets or similar structure, depending on their preference. In some instances rates may be calculated based on frequency of requested walks in a service period, as well as any commute and vehicle expenses to the park or other location. In San Diego, the average rate for this service is $10-20 for a length of a walk which is around 20-30 minutes.

Sometimes at the request of the owner, a pet sitter may provide overnight services where they stay at the client’s home. Rates can be calculated with a flat rate, by hour or under a barter agreement such as a rent exchange. Petsitting overnight will require the sitter to stay in a client’s home and tend to the pet as needed.  Costs are usually determined based on the pet sitters needs for housing, along with living wage, the time spent, the commute spent, and more.

Pet taxi, errands and other pet related personal assistant tasks usually involve the sitter to utilize their own personal vehicle to accommodate the task. This means that the sitter will drive pets to and from the vet, pick up supplies, go to grooming appointments, or run any other pet related errands as deemed fit. The costs of these services are much determined usually by time, mileage and living wage. The typical rate falls between $15 and $30 per hour plus mileage expenses.

There are many factors that affect petsitting rates. Because of the nature of a visit out of the pet sitter home, the pet sit visit, dog walks, pet transportation, poop patrol, errands, overnights and any other “away” type of service usually accommodates any professional expenses, a living wage for the sitter, commute and vehicle expenses, time spent on the job and level of difficulty of task required to fulfill the client need. Here is a quick breakdown of the things that will alter the rates:

·    GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION: Where the pet sitter is in comparison to you will affect a rate structure. Some sitters prefer to work where they live for a variety reasons, some to offer emergency services in a quick, others to lower commute costs should the area they live in be expensive. Some sitters live in an area so rural or rare of pet ownership they must travel long distances to get to you but may end up living in an inexpensive area to reside in. It’s something you can’t really control. You’ll have to do your own research to see what the specific rates are in your zip code.

·    NUMBER OF PETS: Some petsitters have a maximum on number of pets depending on local ordinances or insurance policy restrictions. While others may have more flexibility in quantity. Some pet sitters will also accommodate the time based on how many pets there are and what the usual standard for time is on care needed. Some sitters may operate on an average quantity for the area which is really determined by local ordinances on animal possession.

·    PET TYPES: Pet sitters take into considering the levels of care regarding a species of pet in addition to current health. Dogs, cats, rabbits, snakes, aquariums, etc – all have a variety of needs and require specific tasks unique to their situation and usually time, difficulty and training will influence pricing. A dog may require more time to potty, walk or be played with, while a cat’s feeding  and potty schedules are quick. But a home with 4 cats will require much more attention to maintenance and one on one personal attention due to the dynamics of the household. Also other tasks such as training reinforcement, medications and other extenuating circumstances may cause a rate to be different. Caged and tanked pets may require much more monitoring due to the necessity of utilities for a habitat and most of those species have specific diets, often requiring fresh foods to be manually prepared each day instead of a simple scoop in the bowl. No two pet households are alike.

·    LENGTH OF THE PETSITTING VISIT: Time is a major factor in determining a rate. Typically the longer a visit, the more value you get. This goes back to commute expenses. It costs the same in commute expenses for a 15 minute visit as it does a 4 hour stay. Time is relative to your pet household demographics and house care needs.

·    HOLIDAYS: There may be additional holiday charges consistent with Standard Labor Laws for some sitters. Chances are if your municipality requires extra holiday pay for an employee, then expect the sitter to charge more. After all they are taking time away from their families to be with yours.

·    AFTER-HOURS VISITS: Any visit scheduled after pre-determined petsitting hour will fall into the realm of “after-hours visits”, usually accommodating the higher risk involved with personal safety at night. Extra cost may be added consistent with how a sitter structures the pricing of their services. Check around to see what time a sitter may consider after hours. Often times, location will play a huge part in this determination.

·    COMMUTE AND VEHICLE EXPENSES: As with any mobile services, these costs are almost built into pet sitting rates. Some sitters may charge additional for out area mileage or mileage within the area depending on how they have structured pricing.

·    QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPENSES: As with any professional  service, this can run the gambit from business taxes, services taxes, employment taxes, insurance, bonding, memberships, training, and all the key components that make a professional pet sitter. What most folks don’t understand is that often time these expenses take up the better half of a rate. Some sitters spend anywhere from $5,000-$20,000/year on making sure you are getting the best of the best. Some expenses will be built into rates for multiple years, such as start up costs.

Pet Sitters International conducted a recent salary survey and discovered that the range was too great to determine a median. Some very successful pet sitters have annual salaries of over $100,000, while others only make $5,000 a year. Though a pet sitter can make a good profit in any area of the country, a bigger city will offer more clients. Pet sitters in their first five years of business are unlikely to make more than $10,000 a year; pet sitters who have had businesses for eight years or more may make more than $40,000 a year.
Pet sitting is a service and, like all services tipping is not required but is always generally accepted as a standard. A pet sitter works hard to ensure that your pets are happy and safe while you are away from home and many pet sitters go above and beyond the call of duty. Tipping your pet sitter for a job well done shows your appreciation and is a good indication to the service provider how well they did their job. If you were provided with great service, it is appropriate to tip your pet sitter 10-20% of the total bill. Of course, when you can’t tip offering references or reviews on their services is just as helpful to a service provider.

Start looking for a pet sitter with a recommendation from a friend, neighbor, veterinarian, humane society or dog trainer. Check the Yellow Pages under “Pet Sitting Services.” You can also contact the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (800-296-PETS) or Pet Sitters International (336-983-9222).  In San Diego county check out http://petsitdogwalkbykat.com/.

As a service oriented customer, it’s important to learn all you can about a prospective sitter’s qualifications and services. Here’s a few tips:
·    Interview the candidates in person.
·    Check references and ask to see their insurance policy/bonding certificate.
·    Have the pets meet and greet with the sitter to see how your pets and the sitter interact with each other, have the sitter see how you handle the pets,  and to give them a tour so they know where everything is.
·    If this visit goes well, start by hiring the pet sitter to care for your pet during a short trip.. That way, you can work out any problems before leaving your beloved pet in the pet sitter’s care for longer periods.
·    Keep your end of the bargain and be a responsible pet owner with arrangements, your pets and your sitter.
·    PLAN AHEAD, don’t wait until last minute. Make reservations early, especially during holidays. Pet sitters are hard to come by if there is a demand and they could book up weeks in advance.
·    Have a back up sitter ready to call onto.
·    Ensure your pet is well socialized, trained, housebroken, up to date on vaccinations, has visited the vet prior to services starting and allows strangers to handle them properly. The less accidents to clean up, the healthier the pet, the less time your sitter spends scrubbing floors and bedding from accidents, more time they spend with your pets and the less money you spend on the sitter.
·    Affix current identification tags and licenses to your pet’s collar. Have your pet micro chipped if possible.
·    Store a pet first aid kit, evacuation routes out of the home and emergency kit and notify the sitter of the location.
·    Leave clear instructions detailing specific pet-care responsibilities and emergency contact information, including how to reach you and your veterinarian.
·    Leave pet food and supplies in one place. This includes cleaning supplies and anything else the sitter may need while caring for your household.
·    Buy extra pet supplies in case you’re away longer than planned.
·    Have a contingency plan in case something should happen to you or should there be a natural disaster or other emergency.
·    Leave two sets of keys with the sitter and one to your neighbor. Should the sitter experience a lock out there are two back up plans that will not inconvenience service. Be sure those extra keys work before giving them out.
·    Show the pet sitter your home’s important safety features such as the circuit breaker, water shut off and security system.
·    Ask your sitter to update you on the pets and the home or to leave you a report for when you get home.
·    If you plan on having visitors, make sure the sitters knows whom, when, why, how, etc and make sure they know to identify everyone when they arrive. The same goes for anyone who has a key to your home. Professional sitters usually do this, but often times owners forget to mention the brother in law may need to crash one of the nights. If you can, avoid having anyone but the sitter in your home. You run the risk of problems occurring the more folks are in the home.
·    Upon returning home, notify your sitter your are home. This will prevent worry and an extra visit.
·    Remember to bring your pet sitter’s phone number in case your plans change.
·    And last but not least – travel safely so you are sure to come home to your pets!

If you like to stroll around San Diego Seaport Village with your pet, you may just have a new stop to make. Pet Hideaway, once a locally owned internet website offering pet supplies for sale and pet care advice, has finally opened up shop at Seaport Village in Downtown San Diego. Pet Hideaway owners, Mike and Nancy, had been planning to open a storefront for years, and the opportunity has finally come.

Being avid pet lovers and owned by a variety of pets for nearly a lifetime, Mike and Nancy, hope to bring that love public with the opening of Pet Hideaway. Both of the owners have experience as long time pet owners of their own personal “zoos” at home as well as experience in the shopping needs of pet owners. Their decision to open a store came at the disappointments they experienced with local pet stores and pet supply chains, where they experienced a lack of committment to responsible pet care, knowledge of products and basic customer service. As a result, they came up with the idea to open a store where pet owners, like themselves, could come, browse, ask questions and educate pet owners on the needs of the animals in their care. Part of their mission statement is that profits matter less to them and that education, advice and information reign supreme and that their knowledge and expertise comes from real experience matching what any pet owner would face.

Mike has been involved with pets for over 30 years. Growing up, he had cats, dogs, fish, hamsters, gerbils, pretty much anything he could get his hands on. As of today, he lives with a fish tank, a rabbit, two bearded dragons, a cockatiel and a Pionus. Mike is drawn to animals that need help, and loves to help them. His main goal is to provide accurate information so everyone can enjoy their time with their pets. If Mike says a product is good, it’s not to make a sale, it’s because he uses it, and his pets love it. He just wants animals to be happy, and their owners to be happy as well. As for Nancy, like Mike, she grew up with many different pets. Nancy currently has fish, a rabbit, and cats and dogs. Some of Nancy’s pets unfortunately did not have a good start to their life, however, Nancy’s main goal is to have her pets live a happy and healthy life from the time she gets them on out. Also like Mike, Nancy wishes to provide the most accurate information she can provide, based on her experiences with the products herself. She also does not base her opinions on products on what will sell the best. Both Mike and Nancy would love nothing more than to be able to have a store that they did not have to make a profit.

Pet Hideaway is not just a place to purchase animal toys, foods, and such, it’s also a place to get advice on questions you may have. Pet Hideaway’s philosophy is ‘pets before profits.’ This pretty much means that they are here for pets. They aren’t here to make money. They need money to pay rent and such, but that is not the main priority for owning this business. They give their honest opinions on products and basic care that works because it’s what they use. Mike and Nancy are there for people either just starting out with pets, or those who are looking to bring in a new pet. They will give you the best answer they can, based on their personal experiences.

Pet Hideaway offers advice on many different products, from toys to food and everything else in between. They are also there to answer questions about all kinds of pets. They have a lot of personal experiences with many different types of animals, and offer their expertise to anyone who has questions. Pet Hideaway allows you to bring your pet in the store to find their new favorite toy as well. They aren’t like other pet stores that do not allow you to bring your pet with you.

Pet Hideaway just had a costume contest for pets! This is just one of the many events that they have throughout the year. It was a great turnout for them, the first place winner was a dog dressed up as Michael Jackson! He won a back pack full of $50 worth of pet items. Everyone who participated was put in for drawings for several other prizes as well. Currently, they are asking for team members to join for the Susan J Komen Breast Cancer Run. You can visit their MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/pethideaway to join. You can also visit their other sites to see what new events they have going on. Visit http://blog.seaportvillage.com/index.php?id=227, http://www.facebook.com/pages/San-Diego-CA/Seaport-Village/136538893597, or https://twitter.com/pethideaway to check out what they have going on!

Pet Hideaway is located at 867C West Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA. They would love for you to stop by, check out the store and ask any questions you may have. You can also contact them by phone at 619-338-0656. Lastly, you can check out their website, where you can also ask questions and purchase products at http://www.pethideaway.com. Online, you can also check and see if they have any upcoming events going on for you and your pet to enjoy.

Children and pets typically make a great match. Children love to play with pets, and pets, in return, love to be played with. However, there are many things that parents should be aware of prior to making the final decision to add a pet to the family. For those who have pets before having children, there are steps one should take to make sure that the child and pet get along, however the benefits of pet ownership amongst children are staggering.

There are many benefits to having pets around while your child is growing. Pets give children someone to play with; they give them something to do other than watching TV or playing video games when they are bored. Aside from the entertainment value of animals, animals also provide educational, companionship and life lesson benefits for a child. Animals teach kids to nurture and how to take care of someone as well as becoming your child’s companion for life. Pets also teach children responsibility and can also help them to learn about and cope with life and death.

“Mom, can we get a cat or dog?” is a very common question from children, especially when they have a friend who raves about their pet. Deciding to get a pet is not a simple yes or no answer. There needs to be a decent amount of consideration and research before adopting a pet for your family. Some of the things to consider first is whether or not your child is old enough to take care of animal and whether or not the child and the pet would be a good match. Other things to consider are personal obligations, scheduling conflicts, how much responsibility the parent wants in teaching proper handling and care of the pet. Of course with any pet adoption decision a parent must also decide on how the pet should be, how much time they have to acclimate the animal, the age of the pet, any behavior needs of the pets, veterinary costs and more. In this way adopting a “furkid” is much like deciding on whether or not to adopt a human child. The best thing to do when your child asks about getting a pet is to have a ‘family meeting’ with the child or children, and talk about everything on owning a pet. Decide on what species of pets may be suitable for your child and your household. Then figure out a plan as to the care of that animal. Who is going to pick up after the pet? Who is going to clean litter boxes or cages? Who is going to let the dog out, and take it for walks? Obviously, the final decision is, of course, the parents. However, including the children in the conversation will help them to get an idea on what all it takes to own a pet and the responsibilities it entitles.

When it comes to children who don’t seem interested in animals, there really is not anything to worry about. The biggest thing is to give it time. If you try to force a relationship between your child and pet, it may actually prolong the time it will take for them to be interested. You should provide positive opportunities between pets and your child to hopefully get the child to become more interested. For those who are fearful of animals, it’s important to not force a relationship but to lead by example. Maybe your child had a bad experience with an animal, and it is just going to take some time for him or her to get over that. What helps is if you handle the animal while the child watches you. Eventually, the child will learn the animal is ok and also learn how to participate in the care of the animal. Eventually fears will subside.

Sometimes a child may become jealous over a pet. They may feel that you spend more time with the pet than you do with them. In order to overcome this, it’s important to set time aside to be just with your child. It is also important to include your child in on the fun things you do with your pet. Finding games that would be fun for both your pet and your child, will only strengthen the bonds between you, your child, and your pet. Also, allotting a time for your child to play with the pet, alone, but supervised, could help as well. Maintaining a regular schedule will provide positive opportunities for a child to be excited about the time they spend with the animal.

There are warning signs that your child may become dangerous to animals that parents need to be aware of at all times. It is important to never leave a child unattended with a pet, for both the child’s and the pet’s safety. Make sure you teach your child to not pull on your pet’s hair, or tail, and to be nice to the pets in general. If you see your child being cruel to an animal, make sure you tell them to stop immediately, and to tell them why it’s wrong to be mean to animals and what messages the child may be sending to the pet. Other signs include chasing a fleeing pet, locking pets up, intentionally leaving pets outdoors when they are indoor pets, feeding animals things it should not be fed, putting a pet in an appliance, etc. Never ignore an action from your child that is not pet-friendly. Make sure you talk to and use the same tone of voice as if your child was doing something that could cause them harm, like running into the street. If your child still causes harm to your pet, you may want to consult with a pediatrician or an expert in child development for help. The biggest thing is to set an example – don’t do things to the pet that your child may see and do at a later time. Remember that it’s all a learning lesson, values about learning empathy and respect towards animals is similar to that of learning not to hit or tease friends.

When you have decided that getting a pet will benefit your family, it’s time to decide on the right pet for your children. The ASPCA has recommendations based on a child’s age on what types of pets are suitable. An infant cannot handle or take care of pets. If you all ready have one, or got one shortly after the birth of your child, it is important to introduce them and supervise them as they get to know each other. Gradually increase the time they spend together each day, so they can grow together and have a great bond. For toddlers, because they are curious, they may want to pull on an animal’s fur, limbs, and ears. Make sure a pet you are looking at will be able to handle this kind of contact. Make sure all contact is supervised and begin to teach your child proper handling of the pet, and the pet’s food dishes, toys and living area. Between the ages of 3 and 5, a guinea pig is nice as they like to be held, don’t usually bite and will whistle when they are excited, which young children love. Filling the water and food dishes is also something your child can easily help with. For children 5-10 years old, gerbils and goldfish are a good place to start. They don’t require constant attention and they can help out with cleaning cages and feeding. This is also a good time for your child to begin good hygiene habits when done playing with their pet. Children 10-13 years old have a great interest in animals and can handle a little bit more responsibility when it comes to taking care of them. Dogs, cats, and rabbits make for good pets for children this age. They can handle feeding, walking and cleaning the pets. For teens, birds and aquarium fish are good, as teens tend to become busier. They are old enough to handle all the responsibilities of taking care of the pets as well. It is also a good idea to keep in mind that pets acquired at this time will typically stay at home when the child leaves for college. This isn’t to say that you can’t get a dog when your child is younger. For younger children, it’s recommended to get an older dog that is used to being around children. If you decide to get a puppy or kitten, it is just important to supervise them and maintain positive interactions between them.

When it comes to exotic pets, such as snakes, reptiles, and ferrets, it’s typically not recommended to get these kinds of pets while your child is young. Reptiles can carry bacteria and salmonella which can get your child sick. Gary Smith, M.D., director of the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, states that you should not believe pet-store claims that an animal is salmonella free. He goes on to say that a pet can be salmonella free one day, and the next day it shows up in their feces. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommend keeping reptiles out of homes with children ages 5 and under. If you all ready have a reptile, be careful to keep the animal and its cage away from the kitchen and your food.  When it comes to pets such as ferrets or wild ‘pets’ like raccoons, chinchillas, and hedgehogs, it’s best to just avoid them with young children. Ferrets have been known to attack children.

When researching a pet, it’s important to cover a variety of issues and concerns. You want to ask previous owners, rescue shelters, or breeders several questions prior to making your final decision. You want to ask about the training history of the animal and what potential futures may come up with the animal. You will also want to find out how the animal is being handled during routine and obedience so you can continue that routine and obedience at home. Asking about temperament will aide in how the animal responds to you, your family and the public. Is the animal hyper, calm, good with people and children, etc. Has the animal ever shown any kind of aggression towards adults, and more importantly, children? It’s important to also consider the animals age, as younger animals are typically a little more hyper, and will eventually settle down. And of course considering all possible medical needs of the animal is necessary as you will want to find a pet that can fit your budget for veterinary care and what you can do to provide that care on a regular basis.

Children should learn the basic safety tips about animals, regardless of whether or not your family has a pet. When it comes to any animal, it’s extremely important to teach children how to approach an animal, to exercise common sense and appropriate “petiquette”. You should teach them to always approach the pet’s owner first to ask if it is OK to pet their animal. After they get an OK, they should put their hand out, palm down, to allow the dog to sniff them. If everything seems OK at that point, then gently petting the dog is fine. It’s also important to teach a child about how to handle a stray dog that is approaching them. Teaching your child about an animal’s prey drive and why running away is not a good idea. When being approached, teach your child to stay calm, as this is very important. They should firmly say “Go Home” and see if the dog will leave. If that does not work, it is important to pay attention to how the dog is If he is tense, with ears back, and growling, then you should firmly tell him “Go lay down”, and try to slowly walk away. Sudden moves can trigger an attack. If the dog does attack, then it’s important to get down on the ground and curl up, and to yell for help. If your child is ever attacked, it’s important to teach them to get down on the ground and curl up into a ball, and yell for help.

Aside from the warning signs listed early as well as safety tips above, it also importance to teach a child how respecting an animal’s boundaries while in the house. To help prevent your pet from getting hurt and upset at your child, it’s important to teach your child to handle animals humanely. Children need to learn that animals are living creatures and not toys. It’s also important to teach children to stay away from pets while they are eating, or if they are growling in any way. Not only do you have to teach your child how to act around your pet, but you also have to train your pet to behave while your child is around. This will grow a mutual respect between them and once again strengthen their bond. Your child needs to learn signs that your pet may show when he wants to be left alone, just as your child will show signs when she no longer wishes to play.

Teaching the responsibilities of pet ownership is also vital in teaching your children about how to care for animals. There are many responsibilities in owning a pet that will include feedings, exercise, potty breaks, enclosure cleanings, house upkeep, dish washing, yard maintenance, training, and any other task required for owning a pet. It is important to educate yourself, as well as your children, on what those requirements are for your specific pet. The best way to teach this responsibility is to be a great role model for your child. It is also very important that when the responsibility becomes your child’s that you supervise them until they can handle it correctly and properly on their own. Interactions between pets and kids are very important. You want to make sure that the interactions are positive experiences. Supervision of the pet and your child is also very important. Never leave a child and a pet alone. Things can happen way too fast. Don’t try to force a relationship between them; it will happen over time if it’s meant to be. Each day let there be a little more interaction time between your child and pet until they are comfortable around each other.

There are rules and routines that should be constantly followed. Maintaining a regular schedule for walks and play times, not only helps with accidents in the house, but also reinforces responsibility for your child. It is very important to reinforce the rules of how to act around a pet as well – no running and jumping when first getting to know a pet, conduct rules of no hitting the pet or teasing him. It’s important to go over at least the basic rules of how to act when a pet is around because it is very likely that your child will encounter a pet of some kind at some point in time, regardless of whether or not your family has one.

Teaching your children about how they should handle their own fears about animals, is a huge feat and is very time consuming. Children will need time to acclimate themselves around animals, as well as learning how to care and handle them. In addition to this, through examples of positive interactions with the animal, a parent should also teach a child how animals communicate aggressions and fears and how they may read a human’s behavior incorrectly.

When you have pets and children in the house, it’s important to teach children about how animals communicate. Animals don’t communicate with words like we do, they communicate by their body language, vocal tones and visual communication. Teaching children that hair standing straight on back, ears back, dilated eyes and a tense body means that an animal is not happy in its current situation can differentiate between a good and bad experience. It is importance to research animal communication specific to the type of pet you are getting so you can learn what each behaviorism means and what the animal is trying to communicate. As soon as you have difficulties in figuring out communication issues, be a responsible pet owner and consult a professional immediately.

Because animals can distribute bacteria and disease easily to children it is important to teach children how to stay “health safe” before, during and after their interactions with animals. Teaching children to not allow an animal to lick their faces early on can help to prevent your child from getting sick from bacteria that may be present. When it comes to your child’s health, the biggest thing to keep in mind is hygiene and “health safe” practices. Washing hands after playing with your pet will prevent your child from getting sick. Also, it’s important to teach your child to not play with the animal’s food or water dishes. The water dish can contain bacteria which can be transferred to your child as he plays in the water. Also, a child can easily choke on dog or cat food. So it’s important to begin to instill these rules right away. Research the specie’s handling instructions to see other tips for “health safe” practices.

Both children and pets love to play with toys. From the very beginning it’s important to teach your child to keep his toys and the pets toys in separate bins. Not only will this prevent your new puppy from chewing on your child’s toys, but it will also prevent the spread of possible bacteria from your pet to your child. Children need to also be taught the differences in pet toys and human toys. They need to be taught that animal toys are designed for those animals and in often cases encourage a healthy lifestyle. When you research your breed, research the types of toys and what they are often used for with the type of pet you want for your family and teach your child about what those toys are designed for.

There are many things that you can do with both your child and pet to strengthen bonds and keep things fun. For younger children, playing games like hide and seek or peek-a-boo games is always a winner. Older children can have races with their pets, or play catch. For early teens and teens, your children can attend dog obedience classes to not only learn, but also spend time with their pet. Catch and trying to teach pets tricks are always fun as well. You can also relay whatever games a dog trainer has suggested to your children so the child can learn more about dog behavior while influencing a better bond between the child and the animal.

Encouraging play dates between your child and pet is also important as it provides an opportunity for both the child and the dog to get outside, get some exercise, both physical and mental and soak up the sun shine. Making an actual schedule for these play dates and requiring your child to stick to that schedule helps to reinforce responsibility on your child.

Having a pet in your home with children provides for a well rewarded life for any child. Your child learns many valuable life lessons and skills such as responsibility, care giving skills, rules, respect, ethical treatment of animals, time management skills, communication skills and much more. After getting a pet, it’s important to instill rules in both your children and your pet to prevent anything bad from happening. In the end though, the positives of owning a pet, typically always outweigh the negatives.

The holidays are a time for celebration, and that means more cooking, home decorating, entertaining, and an increased risk of fire and accidents. Broken bones and head trauma top the list of holiday-related injuries. “Decorating the hard to reach spot on the tree often ends in falls and broken bones,” Head injuries and broken bones are especially dangerous when they happen to older people. It is important to injure-proof a home when planning gatherings that include infants and the elderly.

Decorating your home for the holidays can be fun, but it can also be dangerous if you don’t follow some simple safety tips. The State of Home Safety in America survey, conducted by the Home Safety Council, found that unintentional home injuries accounted for more than 20 million medical visits and 20,000 deaths in a single year. As the excitement of the season sets in with decorative displays and festive celebrations, people are inadvertently exposed to greater risk of becoming the victim of a fire or electrical accident, such as shock and electrocution.

Quick Stats

An estimated 76% of Americans decorate their homes during the holiday season. Nearly 130,000 fires will be reported in December alone, claiming over 400 lives and causing more than 1,600 injuries. Almost 1/4 of all Christmas tree fires are started because the tree was placed too close to a heat source.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that every year, hospital emergency rooms treat about 12,500 people for injuries such as falls, cuts, and shocks related to holiday lights, electrical decorations, and Christmas trees.  On December 31st and January 1st alone, there are an average of more than 200 fire-related fatalities and injuries.

Following these safety guidelines will help make your holiday season safer & more enjoyable…

Holiday decorating & lighting

Use caution with holiday decorations and whenever possible, choose those made with flame-resistant, flame-retardant or non-combustible materials. Choose tinsel or artificial icicles of plastic or nonleaded metals. Keep candles away from decorations and other combustible materials, and do not use candles to decorate Christmas trees. Carefully inspect new and previously used light strings and replace damaged items before plugging lights in. Do not overload extension cords. Don’t mount lights in any way that can damage the cord’s wire insulation (i.e., using clips, not nails). Keep children and pets away from light strings and electrical decorations. In homes with small children, take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable, keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children.
Avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food that may tempt a young child to eat them. Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving the house or going to bed.

Holiday entertaining

Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S. When cooking for holiday visitors, remember to keep an eye on the range. Provide plenty of large, deep ashtrays and check them frequently. Cigarette butts can smolder in the trash and cause a fire, so completely douse cigarette butts with water before discarding.
Keep matches and lighters up high, out of sight and reach of children (preferably in a locked cabinet). Test your smoke alarms, and let guests know what your fire escape plan is.Though the majority of homeowners have smoke detectors, 24% have not replaced the batteries within the last two years. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), holiday decorations and Christmas trees account for almost 2,000 fires and cause more than $41 million dollars in property damage each year.

Trees

When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.” When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green, needles are hard to pull from branches and when bent between your fingers, needles do not break. When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces, radiators or portable heaters. Place the tree out of the way of traffic and do not block doorways. Cut a few inches off the trunk of your tree to expose the fresh wood. This allows for better water absorption and will help to keep your tree from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. Be sure to keep the stand filled with water, because heated rooms can dry live trees out rapidly. Make sure the base is steady so the tree won’t tip over easily.

Christmas Trees

If you have a live tree please make sure to keep it watered. A dehydrated tree has a much greater degree of becoming a fire hazard. When purchasing the tree make sure that the needles are flexible and do not fall off the tree easily. If upon bending the bristles break, select another tree as this one is too dry. Also check the tree for any mold. A live tree brought into the home is one of the largest contributors to mold in homes. Place the tree at least 3 feet away from the fireplace or heat register. Both can dry out the tree much quicker if it is placed too close.
Do not decorate the tree with candles. Safely dispose of the tree when it begins dropping its needles. Make sure that the smoke detectors in your home are working properly and that you have a charged fire extinguisher just in case.

Lights

Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted. Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use. To hold lights in place, string them through hooks or insulated staples, not nails or tacks. Never pull or tug lights to remove them. Make sure all the bulbs work and that there are no frayed wires, broken sockets or loose connections. Plug all outdoor electric decorations into circuits with ground fault circuit interrupters to avoid potential shocks. Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.

Candles

As stated earlier do not decorate your tree with candles. Keep candles away from decorations, curtains, bedding and other flammable materials. Place candles away from areas where they could be easily knocked over by a pet or individual. Always keep candles, matches and lighters out of the reach of children. Always use non-flammable holders and keep away from children and pets. Extinguish candles when you leave home or go to sleep.

Artificial Snow

Artificial snow sprays can irritate lungs if inhaled. To avoid injury, read container labels, and follow directions carefully.

Fireplaces

Before lighting any fire, remove all greens, boughs, papers, and other decorations from fireplace area. Check to see that the flue is open. Use care with “fire salts,” which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metals that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting if eaten. Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.

Children and Pets

Keep decorations at least 6 inches above the child’s reach. Avoid using tinsel. It can fall on the floor and a curious child or pet may eat it. This can cause anything from mild distress to death.
Keep any ribbons on gifts and tree ornaments shorter than 7 inches. A child could wrap a longer strand of ribbon around their neck and choke. Avoid mittens with strings for children. The string can get tangled around the child’s neck and cause them to choke. It is easier to replace a mitten than a child.

Watch children and pets around space heaters or the fireplace. Do not leave a child or pet unattended. Store scissors and any sharp objects that you use to wrap presents out of your child’s reach. Inspect wrapped gifts for small decorations, such as candy canes, gingerbread men, or mistletoe berries, all of which are choking hazards.

Make sure pets are kept away from your baby. Even a loving family dog can become excitable or even uncontrollable when company is around. Announce to each guest that certain foods are dangerous to your baby, therefore they should not feed her anything without checking with you first. Many holiday dishes are served with ingredients that may not be appropriate for your child.
If you are entertaining in your own home, be sure to inform smokers that your baby needs a smoke-free environment. Designate an area outdoors for smokers. If you are invited to a smokers home, politely ask if guests could smoke in only one or two rooms of the house, then keep baby away from those rooms. When visiting other people’s homes, ask the host if you can move small breakable and dangerous items to higher places. Work with your host to ensure doors to bathrooms and stairways are closed. Keep your baby away from all plants. Some traditional Christmas plants are poisonous such as mistletoe (berries), holly and poinsettia. So keep them well out-of-reach, or avoid having them.

Home Safety Tips

A home provides each of us with beneficial features. Homes protect us from the elements outdoors, give us a place to entertain family and friends along with many other positive attributes. A home also presents several dangers unless we as homeowners keep safety in mind. Please feel free to use these home safety tips as a guideline or checklist. Even though this is not a complete list of every home safety tip, I have attempted to cover the basics for you.

Slips and Falls – Probably the largest category for accidental injuries in the home are the results of slipping and falling. As homeowners we can all take several basic precautions to help keep these accidents to a minimum.

Telephone and electrical cords should be kept away from walkways. Floors should be kept clean. Spills should be wiped up promptly.  Stairs and steps should be free of clutter. Children´s toys can be especially dangerous when left on stairs. Grab Bars in bath and shower areas should be installed. Several well placed nightlights should help with late night navigation. Always adhere to manufacturers recommendations when using a ladder.

Ladder Safety

Before using a ladder outdoors, choose a location that is well away from all power lines. Coming in contact with live wires can be fatal. Place the ladder on level ground and open it completely, making sure all locks are engaged. Use the 4-to-1 rule for extension ladders: For each 4 feet of distance between the ground and the upper point of contact (such as the wall or roof), move the base of the ladder out 1 foot. Always face the ladder when climbing, and wear slip-resistant shoes, such as those with rubber soles. Keep your body centered on the ladder and gauge your safety by your belt buckle. If your buckle passes beyond the ladder rail, you are overreaching and at risk for falling. Stand at or below the highest safe standing level on a ladder. For a stepladder, the safe standing level is the second rung from the top. For an extension ladder, it’s the fourth rung from the top.

Holidays and Heat Sources

As the temperatures drop during the holiday season, many families use alternative heat sources to help warm their homes. If used improperly, this indoor heating equipment presents increased risk of fire, electric shock, and electrocution.

Quick Stats

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that heating equipment was involved in an estimated 53,000 reported home fires in the United States last year. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), more than 25,000 residential fires every year are associated with the use of space or room heaters. Heating equipment placed too close to flammable materials, including upholstered furniture, clothing, mattresses, and bedding, is the leading factor contributing to home heating fires and deaths.

Safety Tips

Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from any combustible materials such as bedding, clothing, draperies, furniture and rugs. Don’t use space heaters in rooms where children are unsupervised. Children may stick their fingers or other objects through the protective guards, causing burns or shock. Do not use space heaters with extension cords. Instead, plug directly into an outlet on a relatively unburdened circuit. Turn off, unplug, and safety store portable space heaters when not in use.

Wrapping Paper

When making paper decorations, look for materials labeled noncombustible or flame-resistant.
Never place trimmings near open flames or electrical connections. Remove all wrapping paper from the tree and fireplace areas immediately after presents are opened. Do not burn papers in the fireplace. A flash fire may result, as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.

A Word on Gifts

Although it may seem inappropriate to suggest gifts, it is very important to inform people of your baby’s special safety needs. Most toys have an age listing somewhere on the package. Tell givers to look for your child’s age group.

Gifts

Toys that contain small parts are dangerous to children younger than age 3. Some toys are too loud. If the sound a toy makes initiates pain when pressed to the ear, don’t buy it.

Make sure toys that are purchased for older children will not be dangerous to the baby. Even if the older child is responsible, a chemistry set, for example, could be hazardous to a baby.

Purchase appropriate toys for the appropriate age. Some toys designed for older children might be dangerous for younger children. Electric toys should be UL/FM approved. Toys with sharp points, sharp edges, strings, cords, or parts small enough to be swallowed should not be given to small children.

Place older ornaments and decorations that might be painted with lead paint out of the reach of small children and pets.

Holiday Cooking

Avoid loose-fitting clothing, such as long, open sleeves, which can easily be ignited by hot burners, when cooking. Never leave the kitchen unattended when something is cooking on the stove. Always turn pot handles inward to prevent small children from reaching a hot pan. Don’t store items on the stove top – they could catch fire. Keep kitchen appliances clean and in good condition. Turn off appliances after use. Don’t overload receptacle outlets. Check appliances for frayed or cracked wires. Do not use electrical appliances in or near water. Be sure the kitchen is well ventilated or keep a window cracked to help prevent the build-up of carbon monoxide from gas cooking appliances. Equip the kitchen area with smoke alarms and fire extinguishers. Use chafing dishes with caution.

Poison Safety

Potentially dangerous products are found in every home. Standard household cleaners, pesticides, herbicides, automotive products and many medications can present potentially hazardous situations in the home. Even though many of us consider them to be adult proof, child resistant lids do help. Homes with children should have child resistant locks on the cabinets. Promptly clean up any antifreeze slips. Antifreeze is extremely harmful to children and pets. Follow manufacturer´s directions for use and storage of all pesticides and herbicides. Always wear gloves when handling these products. Install Carbon Monoxide detectors near the heating system. Should the system require sealing to remove this gas, have the work done by a qualified technician.

Security

Use your home burglar alarm system. If you plan to travel for the holidays don’t discuss your plans with strangers. Have a trusted friend or neighbor to keep an eye on your home.  Or, you can hire professional house sitter and pet sitter. Having a house sitter is a security measure.  It should not be too hard to find a house sitter. There are many websites designed specifically for this service. The house sitter you are considering should have excellent references. House sitting offers a multitude of benefits and can provide peace of mind for any homeowner.  But be aware that house sitters are not pet sitters, however most pet sitters are also house sitters.  Pet sitting is an entirely different type of home care option not to be confused with house sitting. If you have pet and house sitting needs, hiring a pet sitter, not a house sitter is what will be needed.

Over the holidays, a safe home is the greatest gift.  The holidays are meant to be a time for celebration. The last thing you want to encounter is misfortune.  Remember, presence of mind can be the best present of all. And keeping your home safe during the holidays is the best gift of all.