Blog

Pet sitting rates: how much should I charge as a pet sitter?

Katy
If you want to find affordable pet care in your area, you can go to Pawshake to find dedicated pet sitters near you. But then you'll find out that the rates vary per pet sitter. What is a reasonable price for pet sitting? And how do you determine what exactly you should charge for dog boarding or cat sitting?:
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Pet sitting rates: how much should I charge as a pet sitter?

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

Katy
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 long can a dog be left alone?

Katy
Are you thinking of bringing a dog into your life and home? This is an exciting time but given work schedules and other time commitments you may wonder whether you will be able to take good care of this new family member. A question that comes up frequently is “What’s the maximum amount of time a dog can be left alone in a single stretch?”. Read on for the answer to that and other questions about living with a dog.
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How long can a dog be left alone?

Introducing dogs to each other

Katy
Anyone who walks a dog every now and then knows how exciting it can be to meet another dog. Which 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

The ideal pet sitter profile

Katy
If you are looking for dog walking services or doggy day care, it is important to choose a sitter that fits your situation perfectly. But what should you look for in a great petsitter profile? How do you make sure that you choose that reliable babysitter that fits your pet perfectly?
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The ideal pet sitter profile

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!

Christmas Gift Ideas

Jessica
What to get for the pet or human who has everything? Get some inspiration here - these pressie ideas will bring a smile to everyone's face :-)
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Christmas Gift Ideas

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.

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?

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 sweets ready! But what about your pet….can they join in the festivities too?
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Is it ok to dress my pet?

DIY pet-friendly cleaning products

Jessica
We can all agree that it isn’t ideal to expose your fur-kids (or yourself) to any unnecessary nasty chemicals! One solution is to make your own cleaning products. It’s simpler than you think! These recipes are quick, easy, actually do the job, are cheaper than store-bought and free from intense chemicals or perfumes.
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DIY pet-friendly cleaning products

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!

When should I take my pet to the vet?

Jessica
If you own a pet or are a busy pet sitter, this question will eventually rear it's head....'am I being over-reactive, or is the pet in my care actually sick or injured?'
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When should I take my pet to the vet?

Caring for a senior pet.

Jessica
We think there’s nothing more rewarding than having a sweet senior in your care, so they deserve every bit of love and attention they can get! But you need to be prepared for a totally different experience to that of pet sitting a young cat or dog.
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Caring for a senior pet.

A beach day with your dog!

Jessica
The perfect beach day with a dog takes a little extra planning – so check out our handy guide before hitting the sand.
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A beach day with your dog!

Does your dog really love you?

Jessica
We pet people know in our heart of hearts that our dogs love us just as much as we love them. But how do you know your dog actually LOVES you in a way that transcends the basic, instinctive need for food and shelter? Here's how!
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Does your dog really love you?

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

Cattle in summer – a warning for dog walkers!

Jessica
A warning dog walkers and pet sitters - grazing cows are a common sight in the Irish countryside and at this time of year can pose a risk to you and your furry friend.
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Cattle in summer – a warning for dog walkers!

Moving house with a cat

Jessica
Pawshake Marketing Manager 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

Signs of doggy stress that are easy to miss

Jessica
Interpreting doggy language is usually easy enough….but as part of the Pawshake family, we hope you have that extra edge of knowledge to interpret the more subtle signs - whether you’re a dog sitter or dog owner.
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Signs of doggy stress that are easy to miss

When to say 'no thanks' after a meet and greet

Jessica
Here are few issues that can be red flags if you are a pet sitter or pet owner….pay attention and take ownership over your decision, because you want to be sure you’ve found a purrfect pet-to-person match!
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When to say 'no thanks' after a meet and greet

Pet-matching! Who is the best pet person for your pet?

Jessica
We want to make sure everyone on Pawshake has the knowledge to make an informed choice about matching a pet with a pet sitter. Because a happy pet and happy pet sitter means a smooth and easy stay for everyone!
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Pet-matching! Who is the best pet person for your pet?

School holiday activities with your pet

Jessica
The school holidays are here again! If you want to avoid your kids being glued to their screens for two weeks, why not get them out and about for some fun with the family pet?
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School holiday activities with your pet

Begging – five simple ways to calm a hungry pooch

Jessica
Please, sir! I want some more! It’s kind of cute, but it can be a bit much….having your dog (or a guest dog if you’re a pet sitter) drooling onto your leg while you try to eat. Here are five simple ways to calm your begging pooch.
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Begging – five simple ways to calm a hungry pooch