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Are you a dog kennel?
+ No! I'm not a dog kennel, I'm a dogsitter. I care for very small numbers of dogs in my own home
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Where do the dogs sleep? Do they sleep in cages?
+ All dogs that stay with me sleep indoors, and not in cages. Most of them even choose to sleep in my bedroom! They sleep in beds and in armchairs and on the couch, or on a nice cool floor if they prefer.
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Will my dog be alone all the time? Will he get personal attention?
+ I guarantee my personal presence with the dogs at least 20 hours a day, but even when I'm gone your dog will have his four-legged-friends to play with. He will never really be alone.
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I have a small dog. Will my dog be okay with other dogs?
+ The smallest dog I've ever cared for was named Pitzi, a tiny Bichon Havanese. He weighed 1100 grams fully grown. I've also cared for one particular overweight chihuahua named Bash who weighed 1450 grams. Both got along fine. The truth is that dogs don't see size in the same way we do. I've seen tiny dogs dominate 50 kilo monsters. I make sure, however, that the smaller dogs are never alone with their larger cousins so as to avoid the potential for accidents.
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Will my dog come home with fleas and ticks?
+ I do my best to keep free of fleas, ticks and other parasites, but the best way to keep your dog clean is to apply flea and tick treatments, such as Frontline Plus. They're not 100% effective, but they work really well and are very safe. I require that all animals that stay with me in springtime, summer and autumn be treated for fleas before their stay and strongly recommend treating your dog even in winter. Better safe than sorry. If needed, I can provide these treatments.
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Do the dogs get to run around and have physical activity?
+ I guarantee at least 90 minutes of physical activity every day! That includes running around in the yard, jumping, chasing balls, walks and just general play. Most dogs come home quite tired after staying with me!
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Do you take dangerous dogs? Will my dog be in danger of being bitten?
+ I do not take dangerous dogs. Every dog that stays with me has to come for a visit in which I meet the dog and make sure they have no aggressive tendencies towards anyone, human or animal. Your dog will also have to come for a visit like this. Like on any playground accidents do happen, but because I screen out the riff-raff and take precautions I have a very good safety record.
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What kind of dog food do you feed the dogs?
+ I feed Purina Pro Plan, a very good quality food.
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My dog needs to eat special food. Can I bring along his food so he can eat separately?
+ If for some reason (such as mild allergy, a sensitive stomach or even just personal preference) you want your dog to eat a special diet (such as hypoallergenic food), bring along the food and your dog will be fed separately from the others. If you make your own food for your dog, bring it along and I'll defrost one day's food every day.
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Can you care for my dog during the day (not overnight)?
+ Certainly! If you feel that your dog would enjoy some companionship while you're at work or at school, I can indeed help.
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My dog doesn't understand commands in Hebrew or English. Can you still communicate with him?
+ I speak dog in several languages: Hebrew, English, Russian and some German. If you help me, I'd be glad to learn the language your dog understands as well.
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My dog was abused when he was younger. Can you make sure he gets special attention so he'll be okay and won't feel abandoned?
+ Sadly, many dogs have come from abusive households. Dogs with this kind of background need special attention which I do my best to provide. I give the dog a safe, cozy environment where he can feel secure and give him lots of attention. Remember to tell me about your dog's history during your visit so I can put it in his file. That way I'll make sure to give him the special attention and love he needs. The special home environment I provide will help your dog feel loved - and not abandoned.
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Who is your veterinarian?
+ I work very closely with Dr's. Adrian and Alex Bulata of Alfa-Vet Clinics, two wonderful vets who I trust with my own pets lives and they have helped me time and time again. They are kind and friendly and love animals of all kinds.
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What if my dog gets sick while he's staying with you? Will you take him to the veterinarian?
+ Unfortunately sometimes dogs do get a little bit under the weather while staying with me. In these cases I'm in constant contact with my veterinarian and will take him in if necessary. I will of course be in touch with you to keep you updated and if there are any decisions you need to make regarding your dog's care.
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My dog is in heat or pregnant. Can she stay with you?
+ I cannot take dogs that are in heat or pregnant. A heat lasts 3-4 weeks from the first moment your dog bleeds. If your dog recently finished being in heat and needs to stay with me, give her a bath and scrub her with dog shampoo first. I also cannot take mothers who are currently nursing their puppies.
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My dog is unvaccinated. Do you take unvaccinated dogs?
+ I do not take unvaccinated dogs as a rule. Taking an unvaccinated dog could be risky for him or others. There are no exceptions.
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My dog has a disability. Can you take care of diabetic/epileptic/blind/deaf dogs? Can you give my dog medications?
+ Volunteering as a veterinary assistant has given me experience in canine medical care. Over the years I've cared for diabetic dogs (including checking blood sugar, doing a urinalysis and injecting insulin), epileptic dogs, dogs with heart disease, blind dogs, deaf dogs, dogs who need help getting up and dogs who take medications multiple times a day by injection or pill. As long as your dog doesn't have a contagious disease and your veterinarian signs off, I should have no problem taking care of your disabled pup. For chronically ill dogs I ask that you get a letter from your vet that explains your dog's condition, history, the medications that he takes, and if available a copy of his most recent blood test results.
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My dog has severe allergies. Can you take care of my dog?
+ If your dog has severe allergies to things commonly found in the home such as cleaning solutions or fabrics, I probably cannot care for your dog. For example, I cannot guarantee that your dog will not find a stray bit of food from another dog's bowl that contains something that your dog is allergic to. If it's a more mild allergy, I may be able to care for your dog. If you have questions on this topic, call me to discuss it further.
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My dog isn't spayed or neutered. Do you take unaltered dogs?
+ I do, as long as the female isn't in heat or pregnant.
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Will you be able to update me on my dog while I'm away?
+ I like to send pictures of the dogs via email to their owners and I will be available on the phone whenever you need. Sometimes I even send videos.
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Do you take cats?
+ No. I'm afraid I do not take care of cats.
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What are my payment options?
+ You can pay by cash or by check. Multiple payments are an option.
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My dog isn't completely housebroken. Is that okay?
+ It's fine. I'm used to it!