5 Tips to keep your pet busy while you’re at work

Every pet parent knows the guilt of leaving their pet home alone all day while they go off to work.  At Fetch! Pet Care, we believe that even in your absence your pet can still have a great day!  Whether it’s wrestling with a Kong for their food, finding a hidden treat or going for a great 60-minute walk, your pet can have a fun filled day that will leave them tired and ready for some cuddling when you get home.  Here are our top 5 tips for keeping your pet busy while you’re at work:

1. Hunger Games: It’s time for your pet to bring home the bacon!  There are great toys that make your pet work for their kibble or treats.  The Kong and The Bob-Alot are great examples.  The Kong has a hallowed out cylinder where you can insert treats that are almost out of your pet’s grasp. With work they can get their treats and have a great time. The Kong has both dog and cat versions of the toy.  The Bob-Alot is an egg shape toy, weighted on the bottom so it wobbles around when pushed.  Once the treat or kibble is inside, your pet will push it around the floor. The more pushing, the more the kibble comes out! You can put your pet’s whole meal in The Bob-Alot to make a meal last a lifetime!

2. Paper bags or boxes:  If your pet has not discovered the joy of a paper bag or box then they are missing out!  A simple paper bag or box can keep your pet occupied for hours as they throw the bag around, crawl inside the box and push it around the floor. Sometimes simple everyday items like these can be so entertaining for your pet. For safety purposes, please remember to poke holes in the bags or boxes, and never use plastic bags.

3. Satisfy the need to chew: Pets love to chew, so it’s important they have some great chew toys so they don’t go after your shoes!  Chewing is great for dental hygiene and will keep your pet busy for hours! We recommend using nylon bones over rawhide, which can break off into pieces, get lodged in your pet’s stomach, and cause major problems.  For kitties we recommend catnip mice and other fabric chew toys.  Get some great chew toys and your pet will have a happy, productive day!

4. Fetch! Pet Care Walks/Pet Visits: Pets love to have a daily walk or visit from a Fetch! Pet Care pet sitter or dog walker.  We can take your dog on a 30-, 45- or 60-minute walk, or for dogs with extra energy we provide fast-paced walks, designed to truly get your dog’s heart rate up and send him home “dog tired”!  For cats we provide fun games and circuit training to engage your cat’s feline prey instincts.  A daily visit is a great way to break up the long day.

5. Hiding treats: Our pets are notoriously curious, especially cats and small dogs. You’ll often find your kitty or pup curled up in a small, concealed cubbyhole or hidden spot.  Seek out these spots and hide a yummy treat, small chew toys, or a crinkly fun toy!  They’ll be lured in by the treat and then stop for a relaxing afternoon nap!

Although nothing substitutes a nice day with their owners, these tips can help your pet have a great, busy week until you’re home for the weekend!

Olympians and their pooch pals

Olympians love their pets just as much as we do! Thanks to our friends at NBC you can check out these olympians and their furry friends.

"Olympians and their pooch pals"

BY: NBC Olympics

Speed skater J.R. Celski

Freestyle skier Hannah Kearney

Figure skaters Alex and Maia Shibutani

See all here.

5 Ways Your Pet Makes You Heart Healthy

We all love our pets, but did you know that your pet is actually improving your health? The companionship of your favorite pet helps you feel loved and adored, giving your body a break from everyday stressors. Pets also give us a sense of purpose and belonging, two very important things for overall physical and mental health. Here are five more scientifically proven ways that our pets help our hearts stay healthy:

1. Pets make healthy hearts: Studies show that owning a pet makes you less likely to have heart disease and other heart conditions. Most pet owners walk their dogs or play with their cats, causing them to be more active and build stronger hearts.

2. Pets help your heart recover: If you already have heart disease or another heart condition, don’t worry—your pet will still help you out! Pet owners who already have heart disease or a heart condition are proven more likely to live longer and more productively than patients with the same heart conditions that do not own a pet.

3. Pets are stress soothers: 70-90% of all human’s doctor visits in the U.S. are due to stress related illnesses and ailments, including high blood pressure and other heart problems. Pets are our secret weapon against stress! Studies show that when a person pets an animal their blood pressure and stress hormones lower, allowing their body to enter a “stress free” zone!

4. Pets are health boosters: Having a pet doesn’t just make health ailments disappear, it also helps your body create more serotonin and norepinephrine, two important hormones that regulate mood, cognition and blood pressure, amongst other things. Studies show that when pet owners are active, playing or walking their pets these two hormones are elevated, giving your body an extra boost!

5. Cats may have an advantage: Cat owners may also have a specific, but mysterious advantage. People who have never owned a cat are 40% more likely to die of a heart attack and 30% more likely to die from other cardiovascular diseases. Though the exact reason is unknown, it sure seems like a great reason to add a cat to your pet family!


We already knew that animals were good for our hearts, but now we have the scientific studies to prove it! Owning a pet can be a key part of living a happy and heart healthy life!

Tips for a Happier Pet in the New Year

Tips for a Happier Pet in the New Year

The New Year is a great time for reflection and change. While you’re setting your New Year’s resolutions, take time to set goals for a healthier, happier pet in 2014. Don’t know where to start with creating a New Year’s pet resolution? That’s ok! We’ve got your tail covered. Here are some steps for resolving to make 2014 your pet’s best year yet!

- Know Your Pet: One of the best places to start is by identifying your pet’s personality. Pets are just like people, some are more sensitive and low key, while others need a more fast paced life. Think about when your pet seems happy and at ease. If you have a sensitive pet you may want to make more time for cuddling! If your pet is fast paced you might want to increase trips to the dog park. Also consider that your pet may need a balance of the two. Knowing your pet’s personality will help you know their needs and then fulfill them.

- Reducing Stress: Animals are creatures of habit, and they feel comfortable and safe in a predictable environment. This means having regularly scheduled meals, walks and bedtime. A consistent living space is equally important for stress reduction. Keep your pet’s bed, food bowl and toys in the same place. Imagine if every day you woke up your bed and dining room table were in different places. Sounds pretty stressful! Make changes to ensure a regular schedule and predictable home for a happy stress-free pet.

-Keep Your Pet Fit: Happy pets are active and fit! Again, remember that every pet is different; some pets need a long hard workout, while others thrive with leisurely walks and indoor games. Regardless of your pet’s preference, each pet should have about 30 minutes of activity a day. If you don’t have time, you can have your local Fetch! Pet Care location provide daily recurring dog walking and pet sitting exercise to your pet from their skilled staff of dog walkers and pet sitters while you’re at work. The important thing is to make sure your pet is getting their heart rate up to a prescribed level for optimum vitality, health and happiness!

-Mental Stimulation: Mental stimulation is just as important for your pet as physical stimulation. You can work this into your pet’s daily fitness by varying your walking routes, providing new smells, sights and sounds. If you’re playing indoors there are great toys that will keep your pet mentally occupied for hours. You can also train your pet to perform tricks and commands. This has multiple benefits including improving behavior, pet self-esteem and owner-pet bonding. A busy mind is a happy mind - keep your pet mentally challenged and they’ll feel more fulfilled.

Taking care of your pet’s body and mind is a sure way to have the happiest pet on the block! Don’t feel overwhelmed trying to make all of these changes at once, you have a whole year to put these tips into place! We wish you and your pet a happy New Year!

Fetch! Pet Care featured on RGJ.com

Fetch! Pet Care was recently featured on RJG.com in an article titled, "Fetch! Pet Care of Reno Celebrates Four Year Anniversary."  The article profiles the fourth anniversary of the Reno location and its success with more than 8,000 pet visits.  Click here for the entire article or see below.

Fetch! Pet Care of Reno Celebrates Four Year Anniversary

May 7, 2012

Professional pet sitting and dog walking service, Fetch! Pet Care of Reno, celebrated its fourth year in business on May 7. Part of a nation-wide franchise system, the Reno location is owned and operated by Jen Eastwood and Betty Scott.

Since opening in 2008, Fetch! Pet Care of Reno has made more than 8,000 visits to pets of all kinds in Reno, Sparks and Carson City and currently serves nearly 300 active clients and more than 500 pets with a staff of 27 professional pet sitters.

“It’s really been amazing to see how the business has grown,” said Eastwood. “Caring for pets is our passion. Nothing makes us happier than making sure all pets are cared for, played with and loved. We’ve had the chance to get to know so many clients and their pets. It’s like a big extended family.”

Fetch! Pet Care of Reno offers a variety of pet care services including private dog walks, private kennel-free dog boarding, in-home overnight sitting, group play excursions, cat and small pet visits, doggy day and evening care, pet taxi, yard waste clean-up and more. The large staff of professional pet sitters are all licensed, bonded and insured. Founded by Paul Mann in 2002, the Walnut Creek, Calif., company began franchising two years later and now has 200 franchise locations nationwide.

For more information on Fetch! Pet Care of Reno, visit reno.fetchpetcare.com or call 775-787-9090.

Fetch! Pet Care: 5 Ways Pet’s Make Better Companions

This Valentine’s Day, You don’t have to look far for love

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for lovebirds.  It’s a celebration of love for its intrinsic worth, and no one offers more love than a pet.  For those who need reminders of just how much our furry friends fill our lives with happiness, take a look at these 5 ways pets make better companions this Valentine’s Day:

1. Unconditional love:  Pets will never judge you.  They don’t care what you wear or how you look.  As long as you feed, play with, and love them back, you will never have to worry about being alone.  Most pets are naturally affectionate and seek out the affection and approval of their owners.  Everyone wants to be loved, and pets are no exception.

2. Loyalty: There is a reason for the saying “dog is man’s best friend.”  That reason is simple: loyalty.  A dog, or any other pet, is never going to turn its back on you when times are tough.  You never have to worry about being stabbed in the back, cheated on, or lied to with your pet.  You are your pet’s first priority, and they will look out for you when no one else will.

3. Fun: Pets thrive off of energy and fun.  There is never a shortage of good times when a pet is in your life, because they are a constant source of laughter and play.  Playing with your pet can cheer you up on even the worst days.

4. Trainable: Have you ever wished that you could get your boyfriend, girlfriend, or spouse to do something you wanted without nagging?  Not only are most pets trainable, but they often enjoy having discipline in their lives.

5. Listeners: No matter how bad your day is, your pet will always be there to listen.

ABOUT FETCH! PET CARE

Fetch! Pet Care was founded in Berkeley, Calif., in 2002 by Paul Mann, who wanted his pets to remain in his home instead of kenneling them while he traveled. Finding no professional company suitable to the task, Mann started his own firm with the goal of providing as-needed, reliable, and loving care to pets of all kinds. Today, there are more than 3,000 Fetch! professionals operating in 1,500 U.S. communities. FETCH! Pet Care is the nation's largest and most trusted provider of professional pet sitting and dog walking services, serving thousands of pets and pet parents from coast to coast. Comprised of pet lovers turned business owners, each independently and locally owned Fetch! focuses on taking the stress out of finding a sitter and adding convenience to customer’s lives by doing all of the legwork for them. Fetch! matches you and your pets with the most qualified, experienced pet professional possible. For more information, visit www.fetchpetcare.com. 

Fetch! Pet Care's Valentine's Smoochiest Pet Contest

Fetch! Pet Care has a new contest for the month of February and it of course revolves around Valentine's Day! In our "Valentine's Smoochiest Pet Contest," Fetch! is asking for their fans to submit a photo of their pet's sweetest, wettest, and sloppiest kisses to either them, a family member or friend, or fellow pet! Winner will receive a $250 Gift Card to PetCareRx!

To enter, entrants must first like Fetch! Pet Care on Facebook. They they visit the tab "Kissing Contest", fill out their information and submit their Smooching photo.

Does your pet love to give sweet, slobbery kisses? Let us see!

Fetch! Pet Care featured on WGN Midday News

Fetch! Pet Care was recently featured on WGN Midday News in Chicago. Fetch! Pet Care franchisees Carolyn and Greg Alonso brought four dogs along with them to demonstrate four different exercises that people can do with their pets as part of the show's Midday Fix segment. The couple spoke with news anchor Dina Bair at length about the benefits of exercising with your pet and just how easy it is to do. Click here to watch the entire segment.

WGN Midday Fix Segment