Blog

Meeting your pet sitter: here's what to discuss during a meet & greet

Jessica
If you are searching for a pet sitter, then you’ll naturally prefer someone you feel comfortable leaving your beloved pet with. It’s important, therefore, to get along really well with your sitter. But how can you be sure of that all-important 'click' when booking a pet sitter via Pawshake? You'll find out during the meet & greet. Here are the do's and don'ts when meeting & greeting.
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Meeting your pet sitter: here's what to discuss during a meet & greet

Pet-proofing your house: preventing accidents and damage

Jessica
If a new pet comes into your life or if a dog comes to visit you, it's important that your home is a pet-safe place and that you know your boundaries. We've created 2 convenient checklists to prepare your home for the arrival of a new pet - this will prevent damage to your property and keep the pet safe and sound.
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Pet-proofing your house: preventing accidents and damage

Pimp your profile and start pet sitting!

Jessica
Want to spend your time surrounded by as many pets at possible? Who wouldn't? :-) And it's possible with Pawshake! With a pet sitter profile, you can board pets in your home, or you can visit them in their own home. But how do you find customers? With a lovely and attractive profile, of course. All of you dog people, cat ladies, rabbit lovers and friends of other pets: Keep reading!
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Pimp your profile and start pet sitting!

Travelling with your dog: tips for a pet-friendly holiday

Jessica
There's nothing better than enjoying a holiday with your pet. But traveling should not only be fun for you as a pet owner: your dog should also have a good and comfortable experience. Here are the most important tips to ensure a pet-friendly holiday with your dog.
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Travelling with your dog: tips for a pet-friendly holiday

Selling yourself as a pet sitter

Jessica
If you are a pet sitter, trust and responsibility are key, and pet owners should be able to tell that their pet is in safe hands with you. But how do you let the world see that you are that reliable sitter? How do you increase the likelihood that pet owners will book you? Read our tips on how you sell yourself as a pet sitter and how to communicate with pet owners.
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Selling yourself as a pet sitter

Cheeky cats - 3 tips for annoying behaviour

Jessica
Cats can sometimes show really cheeky behavior: meowing, begging or throwing your stuff on the floor. But why? What makes your cat push objects off tables, and how can you stop the begging and 4am wake-up calls? This is also an important discussion to have with your cat sitter, so they know what to do when caring for your cat. Here are our top 3 tips to minimise cheeky cat behaviour
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Cheeky cats - 3 tips for annoying behaviour

Tips to prevent your pet from going missing

Jessica
It is a risk that is always at in the back of your mind: what if your dog or cat goes missing? This is especially so if you plan to bring your pet to a sitter for home boarding or doggy daycare...you may worry about your furry friend suddenly going on the run. Fortunately, most pets are found and returned to their owner very quickly. And the good news is that you can do a lot to prevent your pet from getting lost in the first place. And if your pet does go missing? We have an action plan ready for you to bring your pet home quickly. Here are our tips for pet owners and pet sitters how to find a lost pet quickly.
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Tips to prevent your pet from going missing

Why do dogs smell?

Jessica
Yes, some dogs can smell a bit, but generally, a healthy dog doesn't smell too bad. But if your dog's odor is starting to get really nasty, that might be a sign that something's wrong. In this article, we share with you everything doggy smell, and what to do if your dog gets a bit stinky.
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Why do dogs smell?

First aid for cats: how to take care of a sick cat

Jessica
You do everything you can to keep your cat happy and healthy - but at some point, just like us humans, your cat might get sick. Or adventurous cats can sometimes get themselves into trouble and suffer an injury. It's therefore really important that all cat owners and cat sitters can spot symptoms of illness or injury in a cat. What should you as a cat owner or cat sitter do in case of an emergency? How do you perform first aid on a cat? These are our emergency cat care tips:
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First aid for cats: how to take care of a sick cat

How much time do I need for a dog?

Jessica
Most dogs love attention and company. Plan the amount of time needed to take care of a dog, what to consider and how to prepare your dog for being alone.
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How much time do I need for a dog?

Introducing dogs to each other

Jessica
Anyone who walks a dog knows how exciting it can be to meet another dog. But what body language signals should you pay attention to? And how do you ensure that a meeting runs smoothly? With these 5 tips, you can introduce your dog to a new friend in a safe and calm way.
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Introducing dogs to each other

What should I look for in a pet sitter?

Jessica
If you are looking for a pet sitter, it is important to choose a one that fits your pet perfectly. But what should you look for in a pet sitter profile? How do you use this to choose a reliable pet sitter that 'clicks' with you and your pet?
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What should I look for in a pet sitter?

How to spend Valentines Day with your pet

Jessica
We think everyone should have a warm and fuzzy Valentines Day, whatever your relationship status – and it’s even more fun if your pet can be a part of your day.
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How to spend Valentines Day with your pet

Celebrate the Year of the Dog!

Jessica
Lunar New Year (also often known as the Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival) is one of the world’s most bright, beautiful and exciting cultural celebrations. And in 2018 we are lucky enough to be entering the Year of the Dog!
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Celebrate the Year of the Dog!

Protect your pet from the paralysis tick

Jessica
The paralysis tick is responsible for the death and illness of thousands of pets each year. So what can you do to make sure your pet is safe?
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Protect your pet from the paralysis tick

Christmas Dangers - keeping your pet safe.

Jessica
Christmas Dangers - keeping your pet safe. teaser: Do you celebrate Christmas together with your pets? Awesome! Of course you can enjoy the holidays together, but beware of a few unexpected dangers that could even be life-threatening to your pet. But don't worry: prepare in advance and you will prevent any problems.
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Christmas Dangers - keeping your pet safe.

Can dogs smell fear?

Jessica
It’s an old saying - usually told as a warning in case you run into an unfamiliar dog - but is it true that a dog can smell human fear, or any other emotion for that matter?
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Can dogs smell fear?

Why senior pets are the best pets of all

Jessica
November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month - which means it's time to celebrate our wonderfully cuddly older cats and dogs! Considering adopting a pet in the near future? Here, we break down a few senior pet myths and explore why you might should let a sweet senior pet into your heart and home.
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Why senior pets are the best pets of all

Is it ok to dress my pet?

Jessica
Halloween is frighteningly close and it’s time to get your costumes and candy ready! But what about your pet….can they join in the festivities too?
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Is it ok to dress my pet?

Preventing fleas at home

Jessica
Though fleas are a fact of life all year in the warm climate of Australia, we are heading into the peak season. Prepare now and your pet and their furry friends will thank you for it!
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Preventing fleas at home

Pets and paw-sitivity

Jessica
Pet sitters and owners know that our furry friends can bring daily joy and comfort even in the toughest times. And it’s no surprise that new research shows that pets are way more important to long-term mental health than previously recognised.
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Pets and paw-sitivity

30 ways to have a meaningful World Animal Day!

Jessica
Obviously, our animals deserve the best every single day - no doubt that your own pets are very lucky to live in a warm, loving home. Yet October 4th is also a great day to celebrate ALL our four legged, furry, feathered and fishy companions, all over the world.
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30 ways to have a meaningful World Animal Day!

Protecting your pets from the sun

Jessica
Just as we humans have to take care to not get burnt by harmful UVA and UVB rays when we’re catching some sun, we need to watch out for our pets too.
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Protecting your pets from the sun

How long is a home visit or a dog walk?

Jessica
What exactly can you expect from your petsitter? How long should a house visit or a dog walk take? What expectations are reasonable? Find out here!
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How long is a home visit or a dog walk?

My pet’s nose is dry….is it sick?

Jessica
There has been a long-standing tale amongst dog and cat owners that your pet should have a wet nose if they are healthy, and that a dry nose means they are sick. Does this theory hold any water, or is it a bit 'on the nose'?
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My pet’s nose is dry….is it sick?

Is your dog bored?

Jessica
Dogs, like humans, can get downright bored if they aren’t receiving enough mental and physical stimulation. Here's how to tell if your dog is bored and what you can do to help.
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Is your dog bored?

The benefits of pets for elderly owners

Jessica
With loneliness and isolation becoming potential problems in the elderly population, it’s worth looking to pet ownership as a source of healing and purpose.
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The benefits of pets for elderly owners

Why do we use baby-talk on our pets?

Jessica
Let’s all admit it – most of us pet fanatics on Pawshake have a special voice reserved for our pet...and there is an interesting reason behind why we use this goo-goo-gaa-gaa talk for our furry friend!
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Why do we use baby-talk on our pets?

Moving house with a cat

Jessica
Pawshake staff member Jess recently moved with her cat, Benjamin. Here are a few pieces of wisdom that she gained from the experience!
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Moving house with a cat