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!

"Fetch! Pet Care of Palm Desert a friend to furry companions"

Fetch! was featured in an article in The Desert Sun titled, “Fetch! Pet Care of Palm Desert a friend to furry companions,” than ran on February 18, 2014. The article mentions Paul Mann and highlights Kathleen’s opening on February 1st. Preview article below or read full story here.

"Fetch! Pet Care of Palm Desert a friend to furry companions"

BY: Nina Ronda

Palm Desert has a new pet care service. Kathleen Huffman, owner and general manager, opened Fetch! Pet Care of Palm Desert on Feb. 1.

After being in the corporate world and traveling for 20 years, Huffman knew how difficult it was to always find a sitter for her precious pets. Inspired by her two Shih Tzu dogs, Huffman considered starting professional pet-sitting and dog-walking services.
Getting started

A franchise company headquartered in Berkeley was founded in 2002 by Paul Mann. When Mann grew weary of searching for the right pet­sitter, his solution was to start his own pet-sitting and -walking enterprise and use that as the business model for home-based franchises. So, this was a natural fit for Huffman to start Fetch! Pet Care of Palm Desert.

Read the full article here. 

"Pet Shape Up Challenge Successfully Promotes Healthy Weight Control for Pets"

We talk about new diet trends, weight loss programs and exercise everyday, but do we consider this for our pets as well? Fetch! Pet Care was recently featured in Pet Business for their focus on pet health and their pet shape up challenge. Preview the article below or read the full story here.

"Pet Shape Up Challenge Successfully Promotes Healthy Weight Control for Pets"

BY: Jennifer Boncy 

For the past couple of days, the topic de jour at many water coolers has been the dramatic weight loss achieved by the winner of the NBC TV show The Biggest Loser. Here at Pet Business Media, however, we’ve been awaiting the results of a very different weight loss program: the Pet Shape Up Challenge, a Dog and Cat Weight Loss Program.

Fetch! Pet Care, a dog walking, pet sitting and boarding franchise, joined forces with natural pet food manufacturer Halo, Purely For Pets, not too long ago to launch a pilot program designed to fight pet obesity and promote healthy pet lifestyles. The program emphasized exercise—particularly walking and getting active with Fetch! Pet Care pet professionals—and also included a nutritional component. A resident nutritionist from Halo custom-designed the daily feeding routine for each pet in order to control calorie intake and ensure proper nutrition during the Challenge period. Owners were then coached on how to properly feed and exercise their pets as well during the challenge.

In the fall, we introduced our readers to three participants of the pilot program: Wilbur, Bandit and Dixie (pictured above taking a hike during the challenge), and although we don’t have detailed results on the three animals, Fetch! Pet Care’s founder and CEO recently gave us an update how the pets fared during the challenge and what the companies learned from the pilot. He also filled us on in on a possible national rollout.

Full article here. 

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 The Pet Show with Dr. Katy

Check out Fetch! Pet Care's Christian Cunnane on the December 1st edition of The Pet Show with Dr. Katy.  Christian dropped by to give an update about the FreshFit Challenge.  Fetch! is working with the fine folks at Freshpet to get pets in shape.  The FreshFit Challenge is an all-encompassing plan to attack obesity in pets, combining the natural foods carried by providers such as Freshpet and the active care regimen practiced by all Fetch! Pet Care professionals.

Check out the segment here, or click on the video below.  Christian and Chip McFly show up at the 2:12 mark.

Fetch! Pet Care featured on MO.com

In a story profiling Fetch! Pet Care founder Paul Mann, which includes great photos, it talks about the Fetch concept and how it was created. In addition to touting the Fetch 91% Net Promoter Score, the Q&A article also includes information about how the brand grew throughout the country, the successful use of strategic partnerships for the brand, and the ongoing training and support geared toward Fetch franchisees.

“With nine out of ten of our customers positively promoting us to others, it clearly points to the success of this mission.”
by MO

Paul Mann is the Founder and CEO of FETCH! Pet Care, the largest pet sitting and dog walking franchise in the United States, serving thousands of clients in hundreds of cities and towns from coast to coast.

Fetch! Pet Care is the nation’s largest and most trusted provider of professional pet sitting and dog walking services. With over 3,000 bonded, insured pet sitters on staff, we serve thousands of pets and their owners in over 1,500 communities nationwide.

Paul Mann, Fetch! Pet Care founder and CEO

...

Click here to read the article.

Going on a Holiday shopping spree? Don't forget your furry friends!

If last year's numbers are any indication, then it looks like 2012 is going to be another record year for holiday spending.  Where do pet owners factor in the equation?

Industry insiders anticipate that spending on pets will top out at nearly $53 billion this year.  That's a lot of dog biscuits! Can you imagine how many chew toys that would buy?

If you're hitting the mall, the online shops or coming up with some do-it-yourself gifts, don't forget to pick up something for your four-legged friends.  When it comes time to exchange presents, don't let your beloved animal friends come through the holidays empty-handed, er, empty-pawed we mean!

Heading out of town for the holidays? Don't leave your pets hanging!

If you're among the millions of Americans hitting the road this holiday season, then you have to deal with the hassle of travel, lodging and a host of other headaches.  What about your four-legged friends? Where do pets rank on your holiday travel to-do list?

Luckily, there's no need to cancel a visit to out-of-state loved ones or shelve that dream vacation because your pet is averse to boarding.  Fetch! Pet Care provides services that meet the needs for ALL busy schedules this time of year, including in-home pet sitting.

Check out our website for a list of our services and more information.  Don't leave your furry loved ones out of the equation this year!

Fetch! Pet Care featured on WHAS 11 in Louisville

During the segment, Olin Barnett from Fetch! Pet Care in Louisville and his dog Sampson created a fun visual and talked about what to look for when considering adopting a shelter dog. 

Clik on the video below or watch the whole segment here.

Fetch! Pet Care Featured in Tails Pet Media Group Inc.

Fetch! Pet Care was recently featured in Tails Pet Media Group Inc. in an article titled "Your Favorite Shelter Could Win 10,000 Free Meals."  The brief highlights Fetch! Pet Care’s Facebook contest giving away 10,000 free meals to the winner’s animal shelter of his or her choice.  Click here for the entire article or begin below.

Your Favorite Shelter Could Win 10,000 Free Meals

One of the biggest financial costs for a shelter is providing food for all their admissions. Enter the Fetch! Luckiest Pet Contest and you could win 10,000 free meals for your favorite shelter!


Animal lovers everywhere are campaigning alongside Fetch! Pet Care to bring 10,000 free meals to the animal shelter of their choice. Fetch! is the nation’s largest provider of professional dog walking and pet sitting services, with more than 3,000 professionals in 1,500 communities–they are spear heading the Luckiest Pet Contest at www.Facebook.com/FetchCorporate, where the prize is awarding an animal shelter with 10,000 free meals through September 15.

(Read More)

Fetch! Pet Care at the International Franchise Expo

Do you live near NYC and are you interested in learning more about owning a Fetch! Pet Care Franchise? Come visit our booth at the International Franchise Expo on June 15-17 at the Jacob Javits Center. Fetch! Pet Care will be at booth #553 and our team would love to have you stop by.  For more information, click here. 

Contact Fetch! Pet Care for your Summer Holiday

Going on a summer vacation and looking for a reliable pet lover to take care of your pet?  Fetch! Pet Care can help! We take the stress out of finding a sitter and add convenience to your life by doing all of the legwork for you. We match you and your pets with the most qualified, experienced pet professional possible. Our reliable, courteous pet sitters ensure your scheduling needs and any special requirements are met with consistent, responsive care.

                             

Fetch! Pet Care begins voting for My Pet's Naughtiest Moment Contest

Fetch! Pet Care has launched the voting for My Pet's Naughtiest Moment on our National Facebook page.  With over 40 entries, Fetch! fans do not have an easy job!  The contest is sponsored by Trupanion Pet Insurance, the winner will receive a New Apple iPad.  Voting ends on June 30, 2012.

Fetch! Pet Care featured in 1851 Online

Fetch! Pet Care's founder, Paul Mann, was recently featured on 1851 Online in an article titled, "How to Work with Gen Y."  Paul Mann expands on the topic of Gen Y within a franchising industry.  Particularly how the majority of Fetch! Pet Care's Franchisees have been under the age of 30.  Read on below to discover why Gen Y flourished with Fetch! Pet Care or click here for the entire article.

How to Work with Gen Y
By: Brian Diggleman

2012 is a tough time to be entering the work force. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, unemployment still hovers at 8.3 percent and although jobs are slowly coming back to the market, the competition is steep.

Young professionals aren’t just competing against each other. Former executives and managers with decades of experience are vying for some of the same jobs as recent college graduates.

The reality of the job market has many young people searching for an alternative means of building a future. More and more, they’re turning to franchising.
(Read More)
  

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! featured on Fox Small Business Center

Fetch! Pet Care was recently featured on Fox Small Business’ website in an article titled, "How Walking the Dog became a Franchise."  The article details the inception of Fetch! Pet Care and Paul’s original idea behind the business. Cindy goes on to write about the development markets Fetch! is looking to expand into, and discusses the fees associated with starting a Fetch! franchise. Jamie and Sandy are quoted on their experience of running a Fetch! franchise, with Sandy noting the support and training Fetch! provides its franchisees. Harry Loyle, chairman of Fetch!, is also quoted about the Fetch! growth potential.  Click here to read the entire article or begin below.

How Walking the Dog became a Franchise
By: Cindy Vanegas

With approximately 78.2 million owned dogs in America, the pet care industry is flourishing with puppy-loving entrepreneurs looking to service dog owners, who now account for 39% of U.S. households, according to the American Pet Products Association 2011- 2012 National Pet Owners Survey. In this week’s American Franchise Spotlight, we find out how one business owner scaled his pet sitting and walking service into a national franchise.

According to Paul Mann, the company’s founder and CEO, Fetch! Pet Care grew out of a simple need. “I was looking for pet care and couldn’t find someone who I felt comfortable giving the keys to my house to and entrusting with my pet,” said Mann.

Mann said his background in business process re-engineering inspired him to create a highly automated business for pets everywhere. He spent two years developing the concept and launched the first service out of San Diego in 2004.

Since then Fetch! has grown to 124 franchises in markets made up of baby boomers, young working professionals and dual-income family households. The company is looking to expand in California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Illinois, Texas, Ohio and from Florida up to the northeast.

Fetch!’s initial franchise fee is $15,000 for a territory of 50,000 households. Franchisees pay a 5% royalty and a 1.5% brand development fund, both paid monthly.

(Read More)

Franchisee Profile: Randy Ring of St. Louis, Missouri

Franchisee Since: February 2005

Location: St. Louis, MO

Q: What was your career before franchising?

A:  Before I decided to go full time with Fetch! Pet Care, I was involved with various sales and marketing positions. My wife and I also published a magazine in St. Louis. My wife is active in the pet industry and runs a website where you can purchase different novelty dog items.

Q: How did you learn about the brand?

A: I was looking for something to that I could enjoy and feel passionate about. I saw some advertising for Fetch! Pet Care's pet franchise opportunities and began to research the brand. After learning more about Fetch!, I was sold on the possibility of pursuing a business with pets as the focus.

Q: Regarding your previous experience, which skills do you feel helped you in your business?

A:  I had a basic knowledge of business from marketing and sales positions. Franchising with Fetch! Pet Care made sense because they could provide me with experience specific to professional pet services that I was lacking. The system was already in place for me, so I could focus on the business and not have to worry about any start-up nightmares.

Q: Why did you choose to enter the pet care industry?

A: Although pet sitting business was a new industry to me, I have always had an active interest in animals. It was a business that I could feel good about and enjoy.

Q: What makes your business different?

A:  I have been with Fetch! Pet Care since very early on in the franchise. Being one of the first franchisees gave me the ability to see the company change and grow. My business approach is unique because I have been able to mature with the franchise and was able to learn quickly from their attentiveness.

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.