Faq's

My cat is peeing outside of the litter box. What can I do?
There are three reasons that your cat may be peeing outside the litter box.

• Physical-urinary tract infection
• Litter box is not being cleaned enough or changed to a different litter.
• Behavioural- changes in routine, family situation…

Cats do not like change. They become easily stressed and while they may not look upset, they can demonstrate their stress through “acting out”.
There are many natural treatments that can be used to modify your cat’s behaviour. Consult with your vet to ensure that your cat isn’t suffering from a urinary tract infection. Make sure you have one litter box per cat and keep them clean.

What does a pet sitter/dog walker need to know about my pet(s)?
Everything! Routines, favourite treats/toys, exercise schedule, vet’s number…. Be honest with the person who is looking after your pets. If your pet has any quirks or suffers from separation anxiety; the caregiver has to know. Full disclosure helps the caregiver give your pet the best possible service.

What questions should I ask an animal care provider?

• Are you bonded and insured?
• Can I call your references?
• Have you had a criminal background check?
• Do you have experience with special needs animals?
• Are you a registered business?
• Do you have a back up plan if you are sick?
• Do you have reliable transportation?
• Do I have to sign a contract?

All of these questions will help to ascertain if the person who you are considering hiring is a professional. Ask to meet with them and determine if there is a good fit. If you do not feel comfortable, be honest and ask for a referral. If they are a professional, they will gladly provide you with other alternatives.

How do I make a payment?
You can pay by cash or cheque. Payment is required once the services have been provided. If you are going to be away for more than a month, a 50% deposit will be required.
Any fees for NSF cheques will be the responsibility of the pet owner.

My pet has allergies but loves his treats; can you customize treats for him?
Absolutely, you simply have to tell me what your pet is allergic to and their favourite flavours and I can bake anything.

Can I give my dog and cat the same food?
No, unfortunately cats require more meat than dogs. Cats require taurine, an amino acid responsible for heart and eye function. Cats are not able to synthesize this amino acid. Dogs can. Cats also require arginine and cysteine but both of those are readily available in meat and eggs.
Cat food will not harm your dog but they will probably put on weight.

How often should my dog be exercised?
It depends on the dog. In general, two 20 minute walks is sufficient. If you have a very active dog; they will require more exercise. We can customize a plan that will work for you and your pet.

What is holistic care?
Holistic care focuses on the whole pet rather than focusing on a specific symptom or concern. The pet’s diet, exercise routine, mental health is all taken into account when deciding on a course of treatment. The body has a tremendous ability to heal itself; it simply needs to be balanced.

What is a vaccine titre test?
It is a blood test that is used to measure your pet’s antibody levels. If the titre levels are high, there is no need to vaccinate. If the titre levels are low, you may need to vaccinate. Please discuss this option with your veterinarian.

What is the best food for my pet?
In general, the more natural a food is the better. Find a chemical and hormone free food if possible. Try to choose more complex carbohydrates such as barley, oatmeal, quinoa, amaranth, brown rice…. Fruits and veggies can be used instead of grains.
When you are reading the food label, ask yourself if you would want to eat it? If not, why would you want to feed it to your pet?

Can holistic therapies help any animal?
Yes. Everything is composed of energy. When the energy is balanced, the pet is able to heal itself. Diet and exercise are of course very important to preventing disease.

We run a registered animal charity, can you help us out?
Absolutely! We can sell our dry mixes or baked pet treats at your event and donate a portion of the sales to your organization. We can also put together gift baskets to be raffled off or give you gift certificates. Let us know how we can help you?

My pet suffers from allergies. Do I have to use steroids?
It depends. If your pet is suffering from a severe reaction, you should use them and then gradually decrease the dose as per your vets’ advice.  A less severe reaction could benefit from licorice. Licorice is an herb that has anti-inflammatory properties. You always want to determine what caused the allergic reaction. If it is food, use an elimination diet. Try cleaning with environmentally safe products. Strengthen the immune system with colostrum and essential fatty acids.
There are always alternatives but make sure to keep your vet informed.
Be patient. It can take more than 8 weeks to start to see a difference.