Time to Find Pet Care for Spring Break

Spring is here -- despite the unseasonably cold, snowy weather this month – and it’s time for New Canaan families finalize plans for spring break, including what to do with the family pet.

“Whether you’re going away for the Easter weekend or taking a week-long trip during school recess, it’s essential to make pet care arrangements now,” says Traci Simo of Canine Company. “With all the school districts on break at the same time, quality providers will be booked up soon.”

Finding a top-notch sitter you can trust takes time, she says. “Not all pet sitters are created equal,” says Simo. Look for someone who has training in animal behavior, and who is certified in pet first aid and CPR.” She recommends getting answers to questions like these:

• What’s your training? The neighbor kid may love animals, but probably doesn’t have the necessary training to deal with behavior issues that may arise.
• Are you first aid and CPR certified? What if there’s a health emergency? Will your sitter be able to recognize the problem and address it before it’s too late?
• Do you have professional backup? What happens if the sitter can’t make it? Does he or she have a support system of people qualified to care for pets? If not, who – if anyone – will be coming in to your home?
• Are you reachable by phone 24/7? It’s important to know when you can reach the sitter if your plans change or you have a concern about your pet. You don’t want your call to roll into voice mail and sit unanswered for hours.

“We started our Pet Sitting service at the request of clients who wanted someone they could trust with their pets,” says Simo. “All the members of our team our pet care professionals, trained in animal behavior and certified in pet first aid and CPR -- as well as being bonded and insured – and they have the full resources of the company behind them.”

Canine Company pet sitters also serve Norwalk, Ridgefield, Redding, Westport, Wilton and Weston. For information call 800-818-DOGS (3647) or visit www.caninecompany.com.

About Canine Company

Born of a family's love for dogs, Canine Company provides at-home services to keep pets healthy, safe and happy. The company serves families across New England, New York and New Jersey with the Invisible Fence® brand systems, Manners dog obedience training, and mobile grooming and pet sitting in select markets. Its charitable Canine Gives campaign supports pet rescue groups and donates pet oxygen masks to first responders.