Just because your feline friend is an indoor cat does not mean it never wants to go outside. Spending time in nature can be mentally stimulating and a great form of exercise for cats, especially if they are confident enough to go on walks with a leash.
Taking your indoor cat outside on a leash for walks can be safe, but you need the right safety harness. Don’t force your cat outside if it is afraid, and let it progress at its own pace. Never leave your cat unattended outside for its own safety. If your cat doesn’t like the leash but loves the outdoors, consider an enclosed patio or walks in a pet stroller.
Call Critter Sitters’ Atlanta cat sitters for help at (404) 793-6178.
What if I Want to Bring My Indoor Cat Outside on a Leash?
Bringing your indoor cat outside on a leash can be completely safe when you take the right approach.
Use Safety Gear
If you want to let your cat explore the outdoors safely, you need the right equipment to take it on walks. Get a well-fitting vest-style harness for the leash to attach to. Cat owners should never attach leashes to collars, as that is far less secure for these flexible animals.
Let your cat wear the harness indoors to get used to it before going for a walk outside for the first time. As for the leash, keep it lightweight and relatively short so your cat cannot wander far.
Start Slow
The outdoors can be very overwhelming for indoor cats initially. There are so many more sounds, sights, and smells, which might stress your cat out if you rush into things too quickly. Follow your cat’s lead and don’t force it to stay outside any longer than it is comfortable. Pay attention to its body language, which will tell you exactly how it’s feeling.
Consider bringing a carrier with you, too, just in case your cat gets spooked on one of its first times outside. Giving your cat a safe place to retreat and hide can help it feel more secure during outdoor adventures.
Constant Supervision
When you bring your indoor cat outside on a leash, you should never leave it unattended. Leashes could get tangled, and animals can get injured, especially if they are new to the outdoors. Any time your cat is outside, whether on a leash or not, keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t get hurt or lost.
Current Vaccinations
Going outside exposes your cat to parasites and illnesses it may never otherwise encounter in the safety of your home. Fleas, mites, and other parasites can harm cats when they are outside. In addition to using a preventive flea treatment, you should also make sure your cat is up to date on all its vaccinations in case it comes into contact with another cat with a contagious virus that could affect your cat’s quality of life.
What if My Indoor Cat Doesn’t Like Going Outside on a Leash?
There are still ways to make sure your cat gets the fresh air it craves, even if it doesn’t like wearing a harness or leash or going on walks.
Install a “Catio”
Enclosed cat patios, commonly referred to as “catios,” let felines spend time outside safely. Instead of walking and exploring, cats can roam these screened-in patios while watching birds and other wildlife from a secure, safe location.
Use a Pet Stroller
Pet strollers are a good alternative for timid cats that love spending time outdoors but aren’t confident enough to go on walks with a leash. Your cat can sit or lie comfortably and safely in the stroller while you walk.
What Are the Benefits of Bringing Your Indoor Cat Outside on a Leash?
Bringing your indoor cat outside on a leash can enhance its life in more ways than one.
Enrichment
The outdoors offers more stimulation and enrichment for cats. Let your cat get a closer look at birds and other wildlife, bask in the warm sun, and listen for new sounds by training it to enjoy being walked outside with a leash and harness.
Exercise
Cats need daily exercise, which outdoor walks and explorations can offer. Let your cat run, jump, and play in more open space than it ever has before.
Confidence Building
Spending time outdoors can help cats build confidence in themselves and open the door to a whole new world of sights, sounds, and smells.
FAQs About Bringing an Indoor Cat Outside on a Leash
Is it Safe to Bring Your Indoor Cat Outside on a Leash?
It can be completely safe to bring your outdoor cat outside on a leash, as long as its vest-style harness fits properly and it has a trustworthy chaperone at all times.
Can a Pet Sitter Bring Your Indoor Cat Outside on a Leash?
If going outside on a leash is part of your cat’s routine and its favorite form of enrichment, let our sitters know, and we can factor that into our visits when you hire us for pet sitting services.
Is it Worth it to Bring Your Indoor Cat Outside on a Leash?
Bringing your indoor cat outside on a leash can be worth it for the enrichment, exercise, and joy it brings your pet by letting it get some fresh air and interact directly with nature, not just through a window.
Can You Bring Your Indoor Cat Outside without a Leash?
Bringing your indoor cat outside without a leash can be very dangerous. Not only could your cat get lost or injured, but it could also contract a serious illness from other animals it interacts with.
Our Cat Sitters Are Here for You
Call (404) 793-6178 for more about Critter Sitters and our cat sitters.
When you adopt a cat, your main priority should be establishing trust. This is the foundation for a strong relationship between an owner and their pet. But how long does it take for a cat to trust you, and what can you do to build trust?
Kittens may trust their new owners within days, sometimes sooner. Adult cats may take several weeks to get comfortable and begin really trusting you, longer if they have been abused or come from shelter environments. Build trust by respecting your cat’s personal space, taking its lead, avoiding negative reinforcement, and establishing a steady routine it can get accustomed to.
For help from our Atlanta cat sitters, call Critter Sitters today at (404) 793-6178.
How Long Will It Take Your Cat to Trust You?
Every cat is different, especially when it comes to trusting new owners. For kittens and social adult cats, trust may come quickly. For many other cats, however, it takes months to build a solid foundation of trust.
Kittens
Kittens are generally the quickest to trust their new owners. While some kittens take a few days, others only need to spend a few hours playing with their new owners before they feel right at home. Trust can also be broken easily with kittens, so be aware of that during the first few weeks. An outgoing kitten may trust you immediately, while a shy kitten may need more time and space.
Social Adults
Social adult cats tend to trust their new owners within several weeks or months of being adopted. Adult cats are surer of themselves than kittens. They may already know how to use the litter box, groom themselves, and interact with people. They may also not seek physical closeness immediately, as kittens do, and take longer to warm up to being cuddled or petted.
Abused Cats
If you have adopted an abused or mistreated cat, it may be many months until it fully trusts you. It may even take over a year. This is common among cats that come from shelters and other chaotic environments. Be patient with a shy or afraid cat and respect its boundaries. Rushing a close bond could compromise it. Be dependable with your routine so that your new cat knows it can rely on you as a safe place.
Feral Cats
Getting a feral cat to trust you may take the longest amount of time, possibly years. Building trust with a feral cat is different than doing so with a domesticated cat, and socialization isn’t always possible.
What Can You Do to Make Your Cat Trust You?
There are plenty of things you can do to help build trust between you and your recently adopted cat and get started on the path toward a strong owner-pet relationship.
Take the Cat’s Lead
Cats like to make their own decisions and typically don’t want to be forced into a relationship, even with the person who feeds them and cleans their litter boxes. Don’t rush your cat if it needs more space from you than you initially hoped. Your cat needs to trust you before it cuddles with you, and even then, some cats prefer their personal space.
No Negative Reinforcement
There’s a low chance your cat will ever fully trust you if you use negative reinforcement. Cats have great memories and can hold a grudge. Yelling at your cat or otherwise punishing it, especially before you have established a close relationship with the cat, could create bad memories that prevent it from ever trusting you completely. Cats don’t respond well to negative reinforcement. Instead, try redirection.
Use the Right Body Language
Use the right body language to communicate with your cat and build the trusting relationship you want. Avoid long direct eye contact, as that can be a sign of aggression. Instead, slowly blink at your cat to express your affection. Move slowly and quietly around your new cat as it adjusts, so you don’t inadvertently spook it.
Keep a Consistent Schedule
Keeping a consistent schedule is key to building trust between a cat and its new owner. At first, you can leave food out at all times so the cat knows it will always have food to eat. Feed meals at set times each day so your cat gets on a dependable schedule it can count on.
FAQs About Getting a Cat to Trust You
How Do You Know if Your Cat Trusts You?
Sleeping on or near you, kneading on or near you, head bunting, rubbing against you, slow blinking, following you, bringing you gifts, greeting you with an upright tail, and showing its belly are all signs that your cat trusts and loves you.
Can Playing with Your Cat Help Build Trust?
Playing regularly with your cat is one of the best ways to build trust with it. Playing also helps our sitters establish trust when you are out of town, and your cat is entrusted to our care.
Why is it Taking So Long for Your Cat to Trust You?
Some cats need more time to build trust with a new owner due to their natural demeanor or negative past experiences. Be patient and never rush your pet, as that could push it in the other direction and risk the relationship.
Will Your Cat Trust You if You Leave Town?
Once your cat trusts you, don’t jeopardize that trust by leaving it alone when you go out of town. Our cat sitters can stop by to feed, play with, and spend time with your cat, ensuring its daily routine remains intact even when you can’t be there to oversee it.
Call Our Cat Sitters Now
Trust your cat with Critter Sitters’ cat sitters and call us now at (404) 793-6178.
Cats are notorious for trying to hide their discomfort or pain, including when they are sick. As a cat owner, you should know the most common illnesses among cats, how they are contracted, and what to do if your pet gets sick.
Upper respiratory infections, stomach problems from intestinal parasites, and viruses that cause immunodeficiency are common in cats. Many viruses are transmitted through direct contact, like when cats groom one another. If you notice sneezing, lethargy, behavioral changes, or other common symptoms of illness in your cat, take it to the vet. There are definitive tests for most cat illnesses, and, while there isn’t a cure for every virus or sickness, there are most likely treatments that can help you improve your cat’s quality of life.
Call us today at (404) 793-6178 for more information about Rosewell, GA cat sitting services from Critter Sitters.
What Are the Most Common Illnesses in Cats?
Several illnesses are especially common in cats, including FHV-1, FeLV, FPV, and FIV.
Upper Respiratory Infections from FHV-1
Recurrent upper respiratory infections caused by feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) are especially common. Symptoms include runny eyes, sneezing, lethargy, reduced appetite, congestion, and fever. Over 90% of cats have been exposed to FHV-1, so it’s extremely common. FHV-1 is manageable with antiviral drugs, and some cats never show any symptoms of this virus. While manageable, FHV-1 is not curable in cats and is highly contagious.
Sickness from Intestinal Parasites
Intestinal parasites in cats can cause vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and weight loss. Common parasites that affect cats include roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. Worms are common in rescued cats and kittens and can be treated with deworming medication after a fecal test confirms the diagnosis. Within 2 to 4 weeks, all worms may be gone, and with them your cat’s negative symptoms.
Sickness from External Parasites
External parasites, such as fleas, ticks, and mites, are another common cause of discomfort in cats. Flea bites can cause severe itching and painful, serious allergic reactions in cats. If your cat spends any time outdoors, a monthly preventative flea treatment can prevent these situations.
FeLV
FeLV, or feline leukemia virus, is a serious retrovirus spread mostly through saliva transfer, which primarily happens when cats groom each other. FeLV can seriously compromise a cat’s immune system, ultimately causing cancer, anemia, or other major health concerns. There is no cure for FeLV, but it can be managed by treating secondary infections caused by the cat’s weakened immune system through early intervention.
FPV
Feline panleukopenia virus, FPV, is extremely contagious among cats. It also has a very high mortality rate. Kittens must be vaccinated against FPV within the first few weeks of life to prevent infection. Adult cats continue to receive booster shots throughout the years to maintain their vaccination status against FPV.
FIV
Feline immunodeficiency virus, FIV, causes dental issues like gingivitis, chronic infections, major weight loss, lethargy, fever, behavioral changes, inflamed eyes, and even enlarged lymph nodes. Symptoms may take years after infection to become noticeable and concerning. FIV is typically transmitted via deep bite wounds sustained during fights and is diagnosable with a simple blood test.
What if I Need a Pet Sitter for My Sick Cat?
When your cat is on medication to beat a virus, infection, or other medical issue, you can’t risk its progress by going out of town and interrupting its treatment. If work or other obligations take you away from your sick cat and you need a sitter, Critter Sitters can help.
Our sitters have experience with all types of cats, including kittens, seniors, and cats on medications. We can schedule more frequent visits if your cat needs medication several times a day, and we can send you confirmation each time we administer a dose.
We can also watch for any symptoms you’re most concerned about and take your cat to the vet if its health declines while you’re away. You can request more frequent or detailed updates if you’re concerned about your cat’s health and feel confident that it is safe in our care.
FAQs About the Common Illnesses That Cats Can Catch
How Do Cats Catch Common Illnesses?
Most cats catch common illnesses because of direct contact with another cat. Viruses spread when cats groom each other, fight, or have other contact.
Can You Test for Common Cat Illnesses?
You can test for the most common cat illnesses to get a definitive answer about your cat’s health by taking it to the vet and requesting testing. If your cat recently got out of the house and has exhibited symptoms, you can test it for common, highly contagious viruses such as FeLV or FPV.
Can You Vaccinate Against Common Cat Illnesses?
You can vaccinate against many, but not all, of the common illnesses that cats can catch.
What Are Common Signs of Illness in Cats?
Behavioral changes, litter box issues, dull or greasy fur, bald spots, sudden weight loss, sneezing, coughing, running eyes, nasal discharge, persistent vomiting, diarrhea, breathing problems, sudden collapse, inability to urinate, and seizures are all signs of illness in cats that should be taken seriously.
What if Your Cat Shows Signs of Illness?
If your cat shows signs of illness and does not improve, go to the vet. Describe your cat’s symptoms to the vet and let them test for common viruses or parasites. You may get the answers you are looking for and the treatment your cat needs to improve its health.
Are There Treatments for Common Cat Illnesses?
There are treatments for most common cat illnesses, but there aren’t cures for all of them, such as FeLV and FIV. With the right medications, your cat might stop exhibiting symptoms and get back to its normal life. Early intervention is important, as is vaccinating your cat against common viruses.
Reach Out to Our Cat Sitters Right Now
Call (404) 793-6178 to schedule a cat sitter from Critter Sitters today.
Losing your dog is any pet parent’s worst nightmare, especially in a busy metropolis like Atlanta. The fear and anxiety you feel about your dog’s well-being can be incredibly distressing, and it can help to focus on actionable steps you can take to find your dog and bring it home.
If your dog goes missing, send a picture to Petco Love Lost so shelters in your area can compare found dogs to your dog’s photo using facial recognition software. You can also go to shelters in person, contact the microchip company to ensure your contact information is up to date, and spread the word about your lost dog by posting on social media, putting flyers around town, and notifying your neighbors.
For help from our dog sitters and dog walkers in Atlanta, call Critter Sitters at (404) 793-6178.
What to Do if You Lose Your Dog in Atlanta
Don’t waste any time after losing your dog in Atlanta, and start doing everything that can facilitate its return home, like reporting its disappearance, hanging flyers in your area, and visiting shelters in person.
Report Your Missing Pet
If your dog recently got out and is lost in Atlanta, one of the first things you should do is take advantage of Petco Love Lost. Upload a picture of your dog, and facial recognition technology will compare it to photos of dogs found at local shelters. This free software is designed to reunite dogs with their families and to help you find your furry friend sooner.
You can also inform the local police so you are notified of any accidents involving dogs that match your pet’s description.
Visit Local Shelters in Person
You can also visit local animal shelters in person in case your dog has been found. Tell the shelter staff your dog’s breed, size, demeanor, and any other recognizable characteristics, like if it was wearing a collar. Stay in contact with shelters and visit every couple of days in case your dog is found.
Contact the Microchip Company
Microchipping your dog is one of the best things you can do for its safety. After losing your dog in Atlanta, contact the microchip company to make sure your contact information is up to date in case your dog is found. Microchips don’t provide real-time GPS tracking, but shelters can confirm that the dog is yours based on the microchip’s registration information.
Get the Word Out
Get the word out to your community that your dog is lost and could be in danger. Post eye-catching posters and flyers with a clear photo of your dog, its last known location or area, reward information, and your contact information so anyone who finds your dog can get in touch with you right away.
You can also get the word out by posting on social media and telling your neighbors what happened, so the keep an eye out. If you or your neighbors regularly use Critter Sitters’ dog walkers and sitters, you can also ask us to keep an eye out for your lost dog in the neighborhood during walks.
Don’t Give Up Hope
Even if it has been weeks, months, or longer, don’t give up on your lost dog. It may be sitting in a shelter right now, waiting for you, or surviving on the street, and could be rescued at any time. Your dog may even find its own way home with time if it’s familiar with the area. Keep searching for your dog at local shelters and stay hopeful that you’ll be reunited.
FAQs About Dealing with Lost Pets in Atlanta
What Are the Chances of Finding My Lost Dog in Atlanta?
The chances of finding your lost dog in a big city like Atlanta may increase if you spread the word throughout your neighborhood, check local shelters regularly, and keep the contact information connected to its microchip up to date.
What Are the Top Ways to Lose Your Dog in Atlanta?
Lack of supervision, loose collars, and honest mistakes can lead to lost dogs. Dogs may be at higher risk of getting lost during walks, especially if they get scared or stressed by another animal or vehicle. We keep dogs safe when walking them for pet parents in Atlanta, paying attention to their behavior and body language and keeping a firm hold on the leash at all times.
Should You Do a Physical Search for Your Lost Dog?
Doing a physical search for your lost dog in Atlanta is not futile, and you may find your dog in a nearby park or even a neighbor’s backyard. Help with your physical search by posting clear flyers within a few miles of your dog’s last known location.
Get help from friends and family canvassing the area. If your dog only recently got out, it may still be nearby.
Should You Report Your Lost Dog to the Police in Atlanta?
You can report your dog to the police on their non-emergency line to be alerted to any motor vehicle accidents involving dogs or other incidents. Give a detailed description of your dog’s breed, coloring, size, and age, and check back in with the police periodically.
Is Microchipping Your Dog Worth It?
Microchipping your dog is almost always worth it. Even if you never have to use that technology to be reunited with your furry friend, having the peace of mind that it is a resource you could use in the worst-case scenario helps. Microchipping your dog doesn’t leave any room for doubt about whether it’s truly yours, thanks to the registration information.
Get Help from Our Dog Walkers and Dog Sitters in Atlanta Now
You can call (404) 793-6178 to schedule dog walking or dog sitting services from Critter Sitters in Atlanta.
Finding apartment buildings that allow dogs isn’t as hard as it used to be, especially in cities like Atlanta. Even when dogs are allowed, there are normally conditions tenants have to follow, so brush up on all the rules before moving in with your pet or adopting a dog.
When touring apartment complexes in Atlanta, ask about their pet policies. Figure out if any weight or breed restrictions apply to your dog. Any apartment that allows dogs typically requires a fee, whether a monthly pet rent or a one-time payment. If you’re already living in an apartment building, check your lease before adopting a pet and bringing it home.
Our dog sitters and dog walkers in Atlanta are available to help you when you call Critter Sitters at (404) 793-6178.
Do Most Apartment Complexes in Atlanta Allow Dogs?
Plenty of large apartment complexes with attractive amenities allow their tenants to move in with dogs or adopt while living there. If you are moving with your dog, always ask about the building’s pet policy so you know whether there is monthly pet rent, a one-time fee, or any paperwork you need to submit for the building’s records.
Apartment buildings like Linea Midtown, The Argos Apartments at Grant Park, Bell Morningside, The Connector Apartments, 200 Edgewood, and Sora at Spring Quarter all allow dogs in some capacity. Some even offer amenities specifically for dog owners, such as on-site dog parks and shared grooming stations.
You most likely need approval from the apartment building before getting a dog, and you shouldn’t move in with your dog without informing property management. Always check whether dogs and other pets are allowed before signing a lease, whether you have a pet or are interested in adopting a dog in the near future.
What Are Common Restrictions on Dogs in Apartment Complexes?
Even the apartment complexes that allow dogs in Atlanta often place restrictions on tenants regarding the size, breed, and number of dogs, cats, or other pets they can have living in the unit.
Weight
Plenty of buildings only allow small dogs and have a weight limit of 25 or so pounds. Smaller dogs may be less noisy and destructive compared to larger, stronger animals.
You can also find apartment complexes that allow larger dogs, generally up to 50 pounds. Extremely large dogs may not be allowed, and apartment buildings may enforce weight restrictions for pets.
Breed
Apartment complexes and property managers don’t have to allow all breeds of dogs. “Aggressive” breeds include Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Cane Corsos, and Dobermans. It doesn’t matter if your dog couldn’t be sweeter; if there’s a policy against aggressive breeds, you most likely can’t move in with your pet.
Number
There’s most likely a limit to how many dogs and other pets you can have sharing your apartment with you. Your building may not allow more than one pet, especially multiple large dogs.
Your apartment may not be big enough for two dogs to share comfortably and have enough space, so keep that in mind, even if there’s no limit on how many dogs you can have in an apartment complex.
Noise
Most apartment complexes allow dogs on the condition that they don’t disturb other tenants. Enough noise complaints about a loud dog, and the apartment complex may decide not to renew the tenant’s lease, even if the dog was previously allowed.
If a dog’s barking is exceptionally disturbing to other tenants, that could be alveolation of your lease. In the worst-case scenario, these tenants could face eviction.
FAQs About Living in an Apartment Complex with Your Dog in Atlanta
Do Dogs in Apartment Complexes Need to Go on More Walks?
Apartments are naturally smaller than most homes, and your dog may need to stretch its limbs and go outside for stimulation and bathroom breaks more often. If you can’t be there for every one of these frequent walks, you can turn to our dog walkers for help in Atlanta.
Dog walking rates start at $25, making our service affordable for so many dog owners in the area.
Who Can Watch Your Dog at the Apartment When You Are Away?
While you may have several neighbors in your apartment complex willing to lend a helping hand when you leave town, it’s better to trust experienced pet sitters whose top priority is your dog’s safety. Your neighbor has to fit your dog into their routine; our sitters set the schedule based on your dog.
Dog sitting visits cost $26 for single-dog households, with additional fees for multi-pet households.
Do Apartment Complexes Need to Allow Emotional Support Dogs?
Even if an apartment building has a no-pet policy, you may get an emotional support dog with the proper documentation from a mental health professional. Apartment complexes must allow emotional support dogs and can’t charge pet rent or one-time fees for these animals.
Do Apartment Complexes Need to Allow Service Dogs?
Apartment complexes in Atlanta also need to allow service dogs. Unlike emotional support pets, property managers generally can’t demand documentation for service dogs.
Do Apartment Complexes Allow Dogs for Free?
Apartment complexes rarely allow tenants to move in with their dogs, cats, or other pets without paying an extra fee. Some buildings charge pet rent, a small fee added to your monthly rent. Others require larger, one-time payments.
Do You Need Approval from Your Apartment Complex to Get a Dog?
Bringing a pet dog into an apartment complex or adopting a dog while you live there could violate your lease. Lease violations can result in termination and eviction in Atlanta, so always check the building’s pet policy before you commit to a lease agreement.
Reach Out to Our Atlanta Dog Walkers Now
Call the Atlanta dog walkers and dog sitters of Critter Sitters at (404) 793-6178 for help right away.
Raising a service dog can feel like a massive responsibility, especially if you are training a service dog to help you with your disability. As with any dog, start building a foundation of trust with your service dog in training.
Socialization, obedience training, and task training are all key aspects of raising a service dog. Service dogs should be comfortable in crowded, loud public environments, listen to the handler’s commands, and perform the service tasks they have been trained to perform to help manage a disability. The entire training process may take as long as 2 years, and it helps to start raising puppies as service dogs relatively young, as early as 8 weeks old.
For dog walking, dog sitting, and other pet sitting services, call Critter Sitters right away at (404) 793-6178.
What Are Key Aspects of Raising a Service Dog?
Having a well-trained service dog could boost your quality of life and help you navigate the world confidently and safely. Training takes lots of time and dedication, and consistency is key.
Socialization
Service dogs often go virtually everywhere with their owners. This means they need to be comfortable in social settings, such as restaurants, supermarkets, retail stores, and other public areas.
When raising a service dog, prioritize socialization with other dogs, animals, and people. While a service dog’s main priority while on duty is focusing on its owner’s well-being, not socializing, it still can’t be aggressive with or distrustful of other people. Socialization also helps prevent possessiveness in social settings.
Task Training
There is no certification or professional training program for dogs to qualify as service dogs. When raising a service dog, the goal is to train it to perform a task or tasks directly related to the owner’s disability.
Teach specific commands, use positive reinforcement, and practice service-related tasks. Young dogs are the most responsive to service dog training, and can be raised to be completely dedicated to their handlers.
The ins and outs of task training depend on how you need the service dog to support you, such as guiding you as you walk to avoid obstructions, alerting you to changes in your blood pressure or the onset of an impending seizure, or detecting allergens in your food.
Obedience Training
Service dogs need to focus on their handlers and be obedient to them. Obedience training can start when dogs are fairly young, as early as 8 weeks. Teach your pet basic obedience commands and train it against jumping on visitors, barking in public, pulling on its leash, or being disorderly in public.
Service dogs are allowed in all public places, even if there is a no-pet policy, with the major exception being if handlers cannot control their pets and cause a big disturbance.
Building Trust
By being consistent with an animal’s daily routine, training schedule, and your temperament toward it, handlers can build trust and strong bonds with service dogs. This connection enhances the dog’s responsiveness to its handler’s signals that a specific task needs to be performed, so never underestimate the importance of building trust when raising a service dog.
Build trust with the service dog you’re raising by having our pet sitters check in for walks and interaction when you’re gone for too long.
FAQs About Raising a Service Dog
Can I Raise My Own Service Dog?
You can raise your own service dog, and many people prefer to train these helpful pets mostly on their own, with some help from professional trainers for greater success. You don’t need any certification to train a service dog, and a dog does not have to complete any specific training programs to qualify as a service animal.
How Long Does it Take to Train Service Dogs?
All told, raising and training a service dog takes anywhere from 1 to 2 years, sometimes longer, depending on an animal’s temperament. Training is broken down into stages, with task training being one of the last things your dog learns how to perfect.
Is Raising a Service Dog Expensive?
Raising a service dog can be expensive, especially if you seek help from professional trainers. Apart from that, there are the same expenses as with any dog, such as food, vet visits, and flea and tick prevention.
What if You Need Help Walking a Service Dog in Training?
Service dogs in training need to stick to their routines, and we can help by handling walks if you can’t be there. Rates start at $25 for the first dog, and walks last about 20 minutes, plenty of time for a service dog in training to stretch its legs and get some stimulus.
Tell us if you use any specific training tactics on walks, and we can use them to continue your dog’s progress.
What if You Need Help Watching a Service Dog in Training?
Dogs in training to be service animals may not go everywhere with their handlers until their training is complete. If that means your dog is home alone and needs company, food, and walk breaks for fresh air, you can seek support from our pet sitting service.
Is Playing Part of Raising a Service Dog?
Service dogs need the opportunity to have fun and be dogs who run and play. Playing with your dog is the best way to build a stronger bond with your pet. Don’t underestimate the importance of having designated play time when your service dog is off the clock.
Can You Have Other Pets While Raising a Service Dog?
It’s possible to raise a service dog while having other pets, but it requires even more careful management so the dog you’re training succeeds and doesn’t get distracted by the other animals in your home.
Call Our Dog Walkers and Dog Sitters Today
Critter Sitters to schedule dog walking or dog sitting services at (404) 793-6178.
As cats age, they start slowing down and needing even more sleep than before. While a senior cat sleeping most of the day away is the norm, the owner should still monitor its sleep just in case it is disguising an underlying illness, injury, or condition.
A health older cat may sleep between 16 and 20 hours a day. Any more than that could be cause for concern, especially if your cat is especially lethargic or shows sudden personality changes. Quality sleep is key to your senior cat’s continued health, and you can improve its sleep by making sure it has plenty of accessible, warm, and comfy bed options.
For cat sitting services for your older cat, you can call Critter Sitters at (404) 793-6178.
How Many Hours Per Day Should Older Cats Sleep?
Most cats have a reputation for lounging and sleeping, even when they are still adults in their prime. Older, senior cats benefit from even more sleep, so don’t be surprised if your cat’s sleeping habits change some as it ages.
Older cats sometimes sleep for 16 to 20 hours a day, and the same is often true of kittens. Your cat’s adult years will be its most active, and it may sleep only 12 to 16 hours a day.
Senior cats sleep more for many reasons, including reduced energy and mobility. Cats’ personalities can change with time, too, and your older cat may start sleeping longer than before as it mellows out.
What is Too Much Time for an Older Cat to Sleep For?
While older cats sleep more than felines in their prime, excessive sleep could indicate an underlying health issue or other problem, so take your senior cat to the vet if it starts sleeping noticeably more out of nowhere.
If your cat sleeps for over 20 hours a day and has very little active time, consider taking it to the vet. Cats sometimes sleep for longer periods because of discomfort or pain. Cats also try to hide injuries as best they can, and sleeping more can be a telltale sign that something is physically wrong.
If excessive sleep is accompanied by other symptoms, such as a lack of appetite or avoidance of social interaction, have your senior cat checked out to ensure it is in good health.
How Can I Improve My Older Cat’s Sleep?
Sleeping is the best way for senior cats to recharge so that they can be active members of the family during their waking hours. Our cat sitters know some tried-and-true tips for improving an older cat’s sleep, helping keep feline friends healthier for longer.
Provide Comfy Options
Give your cat ample warm, comfortable locations to sleep. You can also provide heated or orthopedic beds, private areas away from constant foot traffic, and sleeping areas that can be reached without jumping or climbing.
If your cat loves to hide when it sleeps, create hiding areas that are comfortable, safe, and easy for you to access to check in during naps.
Follow a Routine
Cats love a good post-meal nap, especially when they can anticipate it. As your cat ages, sticking to its routine becomes even more important. Do your best to feed your cat its meals at the same times every day so that it can get full and sleepy right on time for its next nap.
If you are unavailable and need someone to continue your cat’s routine because you are out of town or busy, put your feline friend in our cat sitters’ very capable hands. Give us instructions for your cat’s routine so we can follow them, and we will.
FAQs About Caring for Older Cats
How Much Sleep is Too Much for Older Cats?
For healthy senior cats, sleeping more than 20 hours a day may be too much and a sign that your cat is sick, injured, or stressed. Sleeping a lot doesn’t always mean there’s a problem, so don’t panic before taking your cat to the vet.
How Much Time Should Older Cats Spend Playing?
Senior cats need stimulus just as much as they need shut-eye, so don’t stop playing with your older cat as it ages. You can change how you play with your cat; however, taking its reduced mobility due to age into account to avoid injury.
Why Do Older Cats Need More Sleep?
Energy levels naturally decrease with age, so sleeping more is inevitable for older cats. Reduced mobility, pain, and even cognitive dysfunction can lead to more sleep.
What if Your Older Cat Doesn’t Sleep Enough?
It can be concerning if your older cat is not sleeping enough and seems agitated or stressed. In this situation, you should also go to the vet to rule out any underlying pain or medical conditions that might be affecting your cat’s sleep.
If you’re worried that your cat is sleeping too much, try engaging in more intentional play and encourage activity.
What Should You Do if Your Older Cat Sleeps Too Much?
If your older cat sleeps too much and is extremely lethargic, make an appointment at the vet. Tell the vet about any other symptoms your cat is showing, in addition to oversleeping, such as refusing food or a change in personality.
Can You Get a Pet Sitter for Your Senior Cat?
Leave your sleepy senior cat in the comfort of its own home when you go out of town, and rely on Critter Sitters’ cat sitters to stop in at least once a day, if not more, to top up that cat’s food and water, make sure it gets some exercise and socialization, or provide some companionship during yet another cat nap.
Rely on Our Cat Sitters to Care for Your Older Cat
Schedule cat sitting services by calling Critter Sitters today at (404) 793-6178.
Not all animals are legal to own, and many more require special permits or licenses to have in Georgia. Plenty of exotic animals are legal to own as pets, and our pet sitting service includes them as well.
Dangerous animals, such as wolves and crocodiles, are illegal to own in Georgia, as are most native wild animals. Exotic pets you can legally own include many birds, non-venomous lizards, snakes, and fish. These animals need to be fed and taken care of like any other pet when you leave town, and Critter Sitters provides pet sitting services for exotic animals that are legal to own as pets in Georgia.
You can call (404) 793-6178 to learn more about the Georgia pet sitters of Critter Sitters.
What Animals Can’t You Own as Pets in Georgia?
If you don’t have the right permits or licenses, you can’t legally own many wild and native species as pets in Georgia, from the obvious, like black bears, to the not-so-obvious, such as raccoons.
Some animals are totally prohibited as pets by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, while others are only legal to own with a special permit or license and the necessary insurance, which is generally only obtained by zoos or shelters. The following native species of wildlife are prohibited as pets:
- Black bear
- Bob cat
- Coyote
- Gray fox
- Alligator
- Box turtle
- Garter snake
Many more wild animals require a license or permit to own in Georgia, and it’s important to know what rules apply before purchasing any exotic animal.
It’s illegal to own some birds as pets without a license, too, such as eagles and falcons.
Owning primates, wild cats, non-domesticated canines, and large and venomous reptiles is heavily regulated and not possible for most people.
Don’t take a wild animal into your home before checking to see if it’s legal and safe.
What Exotic Animals Can You Own as Pets in Georgia?
While large and dangerous wild animals are illegal to keep as pets in Georgia, many exotic animals are perfectly legal to own, though they may be regulated.
Many non-native, nonvenomous reptiles are legal to own as pets in Georgia, including geckos, bearded dragons, ball pythons, and tortoises.
You can also own most captive-bred, non-native birds as pets, including parrots, doves, canaries, and more.
If you’re unsure whether or not you can legally own a certain exotic animal as a pet in Georgia, reach out to the Department of Natural Resources for clarification.
What if You Need a Pet Sitter for Your Exotic Pet?
Exotic pets need to be looked after when their owners are away, just like any dog, cat, or other pet living in your home. If you need a pet sitter for your bird, fish, reptile, or other animal, you can reach out to Critter Sitters for help right away.
While our services focus primarily on cats and dogs, we can also feed and monitor other pets in your home. We can address their cleaning and feeding needs so their schedules aren’t interrupted by your trip out of town.
Pet sitting rates for the first exotic animal start at $26 per visit, and there is an extra $3 for each additional exotic animal in your household.
Pet sitting includes a free at-home orientation for all animals. Show your pet sitter where your animal’s cage or habitat is, where they can find its supplies, and tell them everything they need to know about caring for your exotic pet.
Why Are Some Animals Illegal to Own as Pets in Georgia?
Albeit frustrating to some animal lovers, there are plenty of legitimate reasons why some animals are always illegal to own as pets in Georgia and why others are heavily regulated.
Some animals pose an inherent public safety risk, such as crocodiles, alligators, venomous snakes, and big cats. Others are banned or regulated to protect Georgia’s native wildlife and ecosystems, as they could be a serious threat if released. Keeping native species as pets also harms native ecosystems and is generally illegal in Georgia.
Before you bring any exotic pet into your household, make sure it is legal to own in your area.
FAQs About Our Pet Sitters for Dogs, Cats, and Exotic Animals in Georgia
How Much Does Pet Sitting for Different Animals Cost?
Pet sitting for the first animal, whether it is a dog, cat, or other pet, costs $26 per visit. For each additional exotic animal after the first, there is an extra $3 charge.
How Can You Find Pet Sitters for Exotic Animals?
You can ask your exotic pet’s veterinarian or other bird, fish, lizard, or snake owners who they trust to look after their exotic pets while they are away on vacation or work trips.
What Happens During Pet Sitting Visits for Exotic Animals?
During pet sitting visits for exotic animals in Georgia, our sitters can address all their feeding and cleaning needs. We can also provide out-of-town services, including bringing mail and packages inside, locking doors, watering plants, and turning lights on and off to conserve electricity.
Is Pet Sitting for Birds, Fish, and Other Exotic Animals Worth It?
Hiring a pet sitter to look after your bird, fish, reptile, or other exotic animal is worth it because it gives you peace of mind, knowing that all your pet’s basic needs are being taken care of in your absence.
How Do You Get a Permit to Legally Own a Certain Pet?
To get the approval you need to own a regulated exotic animal in Georgia legally, you must contact the Department of Natural Resources and satisfy all the requirements to get a permit or license.
Call Our Georgia Pet Sitters for Help Now
Call the pet sitters of Critter Sitters at (404) 793-6178 to schedule pet sitting with us in Georgia.
Being a first-time foster parent is a big responsibility, and there’s a lot to learn about how to make a dog feel safe, secure, and happy. As long as you enter the experience appreciating the time and effort it takes to be a good foster parent, you’ll do a good job.
Anytime a new foster or pet enters your home, give it time to adjust and get comfortable. Implementing a routine can help, as can making food and water accessible 24/7 in the beginning to establish trust. Dog-proof your home and prioritize the animal’s safety, keeping it separate from resident pets until everyone has adjusted to one another.
Trust our dog sitters and walkers with your foster dog in Georgia, and call Critter Sitters at (404) 793-6178.
What Are the Top Tips for New Dog Foster Parents?
As long as you’re armed with the top tips for being a first-time foster parent, you can establish a trusting, positive relationship with your foster dog for however long it’s in your care.
Follow the 3-3-3 Rule
Some fosters stay for 3 months or longer, while others find their forever homes much more quickly, sometimes within days of being placed in foster care. No matter how long you have your foster dog, follow the 3-3-3 rule as best as you can. This helps guide the adjustment period, reminding you to give the dog 3 days for decompression, 3 weeks to establish a routine, and 3 months to feel totally secure and safe.
Implement a Routine
Dogs, like most animals, thrive on routines. A new foster dog may have never had a routine to rely on, so it may take some getting used to. Walking and feeding your foster dog around the same times every day does wonders for its feelings of safety and security.
If you need help establishing a healthy routine, ask the shelter you are fostering with or the dog’s vet for advice.
Dog-Proof Your House
If you don’t already have a resident dog at home when you get your first foster, it’s time to dog-proof your home. That includes putting any toxic items, such as cleaning products, certain plants, and medicine, out of reach of the dog. You may also have to get in the habit of keeping toilet lids closed, too.
It may be a good idea to set up a designated room for the foster so it doesn’t get overwhelmed by being introduced to the entire house at once.
Prioritize Safety & Comfort
Always prioritize your foster dog’s safety and comfort, especially when you are first getting to know each other. Don’t leave your new foster alone with a resident pet; slowly introduce the animals to each other over time.
Help the dog trust you sooner by leaving some water and food accessible at all times so it doesn’t have to wonder where its next meal will come from.
Foster dogs taken in from the street may have different injuries or illnesses, so keep an eye out for concerning medical problems and take the dog to the vet at the first sign of any issue. Dogs often arrive at their foster parents’ homes on medications and with treatment plans, which you must follow for their health and safety.
Get Support
Reach out to friends or co-workers you know who have fostered animals in the past for tips on fostering dogs, cats, or other animals. Having a network of pet poster parents to rely on can help if you run into any problems and need advice.
FAQs About Being a New Dog Foster Parent in Georgia
What if You Need a Pet Sitter for Your Foster Dog?
If you need to leave town and want to know that your recent foster is in capable hands, turn to us for our dog sitting services in Georgia. We also offer dog walking services for foster parents.
What if You Need a Dog Walker for Your Foster Dog?
We can help you keep up your normal routine with your new foster by offering our dog walking services. If you can’t be there to continue the dog’s new walking routine on a particular day, Critter Sitters can be.
How Do You Become a New Dog Foster Parent?
You can become a new dog foster parent by contacting a shelter in your area in Georgia. You generally need to be 18 or older, be able to take the dog to vet visits, and agree to home check-ins. Shelters may also ask questions about your experience and the reasons you are fostering.
Can You Adopt as a Dog Foster Parent?
Foster parents fall in love with the dogs they foster all the time, and most shelters offer foster-to-adopt programs that make it easier for you to transition from a foster parent to a bona fide dog parent.
Should You Become a New Dog Foster Parent?
Fostering dogs isn’t for everyone; you need the time, dedication, and resources to support the animal, as well as the strength to send it to its forever home when the time comes.
Do You Need to Buy Supplies to Be a New Dog Foster Parent?
Generally, animal shelters provide the basic supplies you need to be a new dog foster parent, including food, leashes, collars, and even some toys. You can certainly go the extra mile and pick up a few items for your foster if you want to.
Do You Need to Find a Vet to Be a New Dog Foster Parent?
You won’t be responsible for finding a vet for the dog you are newly fostering in Georgia. You will have to take your foster dog to the vet periodically, especially if it has any existing medical conditions, but you aren’t responsible for the cost.
Call Us Today About Dog Walking & Sitting Services for Foster Dogs in Georgia
Schedule dog walking or pet sitting with Critter Sitters when you call us at (404) 793-6178 in Georgia.
Many dog parents will take any opportunity to bring their pets along for an adventure, including out to brunch. While not all restaurants are dog-friendly, many have outdoor patios that welcome furry friends.
To check whether or not you can take your dog with you to brunch in Atlanta, call the restaurant ahead of time. If you have a service dog, you can take it with you anywhere, even if a restaurant has a no-pet policy. Taking your dog with you to brunch or to run errands is a great bonding opportunity and a form of enrichment.
You can call Critter Sitters at (404) 793-6178 to schedule dog walking or dog sitting service with us in Atlanta.
Where Can I Take My Pet Dog to Brunch in Atlanta?
There are lots of dog-friendly brunch restaurants in Atlanta that welcome canines with open arms. We’ve curated a list of some of the most popular ones so that you don’t have to look far when searching for your new favorite brunch spot to take the entire family.
The following are some of Atlanta’s best brunch restaurants where you can take your dog and dine on canine-friendly outdoor patios:
- Egg Harbor Cafe
- Another Broken Egg Cafe
- Babs Midtown
- My Coffee Shop
- The Flying Biscuit
Your favorite brunch spot may already allow dogs outside on patios and other outdoor dining areas, so you can always ask to see if you can bring your pup.
Where Can I Take My Service Dog to Brunch in Atlanta?
Service dogs are classified differently from pets. While there are only certain restaurants that would allow your family dog to enter, your options are virtually limitless if you have a service dog that needs to be with you for medical reasons.
Because of the Americans with Disabilities Act, you can take your service dog to any restaurant in Atlanta for brunch. An emotional support animal is not the same thing as a service dog, and may not be allowed in certain restaurants, just like pets.
You can also dine with your service dog inside, not just outside on dog-friendly patios. Even if the restaurant has a no-pet policy, that does not apply to your service dog in Atlanta.
What Are the Benefits of Taking Your Dog to Brunch?
Any time you spend with your dog is well spent, as these bonding moments enrich and excite your furry friend.
Socialization
Taking your dog out into the world gives it the opportunity to socialize more than it would just staying at home. While that might be with other dogs, socialization with other people is just as important and a great perk of bringing your dog with you to brunch or elsewhere, where it is sure to get lots of love and attention.
Bonding
Taking your dog along with you throughout your day in Atlanta is an amazing bonding opportunity. Dogs love spending time with their owners, and shared experiences are a great way to continue building trust and deepening the connection between pet and parent.
Enrichment
Going out into the world also offers your dog awesome enrichment and mental stimulation. New sights, smells, and sounds, all making life much more vibrant and exciting for the canine in your family.
Training
Taking your dog to a restaurant is also a great chance to reinforce its training. Staying calm, still, and patient are important skills for any well-trained dog, and it helps to brush up on those skills every now and then and put them to the test.
FAQs About Taking Your Dog Out with You in Atlanta
What if You Can’t Take Your Dog to Brunch?
If you can’t take your dog to brunch and it conflicts with its normal walking schedule, you can rely on our dog walkers to step in and keep your dog’s normal routine intact, regardless of where your social schedule takes you.
How Can You Find More Dog-Friendly Places in Atlanta?
You can find dog-friendly brunch restaurants and other places using the BringFido app or asking other dog parents you know for recommendations.
How Can You Spot a Dog-Friendly Restaurant?
If a brunch restaurant has large outdoor seating areas, it may allow you to bring your dog along. You can also look for water bowls outside the restaurant, check whether other patrons have brought their dogs, or look for any signage indicating whether pets are welcome.
What Are Some Tips for Taking Your Dog to Brunch?
It’s a good idea to call ahead and confirm that you can bring your dog to brunch with you before getting all the way to the restaurant and possibly being turned away. Always keep your dog leashed when dining outside at a restaurant, and be mindful of the weather and temperature, as Georgia’s heat makes it too hot for dogs to sit outside for long.
Where Else Can You Take Your Dog in Atlanta?
On top of taking your dog to brunch from time to time, you can also bring your dog with you while running errands around the area, as many local stores and establishments in Atlanta are also dog-friendly.
Do Any Restaurants in Atlanta Serve Dogs?
Most dog-friendly restaurants offer water bowls, especially when it’s warm outside. Some restaurants even have dog-specific menus, like Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar, or, at the very least, offer special treats to the dogs that dine there.
Can You Bring Your Service Dog Anywhere in Atlanta?
Service dogs are allowed in all public areas, provided they pose no threat and are under control. That includes all restaurants, retail shops, cafes, grocery stores, buses, trains, and other public places.
Rely on Critter Sitters for Help with Your Dog in Atlanta
Call (404) 793-6178 to use our dog walking and pet sitting services in Atlanta today.
