As the old saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers,” and what better way to welcome the bloom of May than by creating a garden that both you and your furry companions can enjoy? Gardening is a wonderful way to connect with nature, and when done thoughtfully, it can provide a safe, stimulating, and beautiful environment for you and your pets. The aim of today’s blog post is to guide you through crafting a pet-friendly garden, ensuring that your outdoor space is a safe haven for every member of your family – including those with four legs.   Choosing Pet-Friendly Plants A pet-friendl ..read more

In our pet-loving communities of the Newmarket, Aurora area, the welfare and well-being of our furry friends is a topic dear to many hearts. Among the myriad decisions pet parents face, how we choose to feed our dogs stands out for its impact on their health and happiness. While the convenience of free feeding—leaving food out for your pet to eat at any time—might seem appealing, it’s essential to consider the potential drawbacks. This blog post delves into the benefits of providing structured, measured meals over free feeding, ensuring your beloved canine leads a balanced and joyful life. &n ..read more

Welcome, Newmarket. Aurora, Holland Landing and Sharon pet parents!   We all know that a happy pet is an active pet, but just how crucial is regular exercise to your furry friend’s well-being? Spoiler alert: it’s as essential as the unconditional love they shower on us! In this blog post, we’re diving into the wonders that simple daily walks or a game of fetch can work for your pet’s health. We’re here to stir you and your four-legged pal into an active routine that will have tails wagging with joy.   Physical Health Benefits: Heading outdoors or playing indoors isn’t just a trea ..read more

As devoted dog parents, we often hear the call to obedience, the need for a well-behaved furry friend at our side. But before we proceed down the dog training path, it’s crucial to understand one underlying truth in the Canadian dog training arena: all dog trainers are not created equal.   A Country Wide Conundrum: Canada’s Lack of Regulatory Oversight Imagine a world where anyone, regardless of education or experience, could be called a professional. In Canada, that’s not a far-fetched reality when it comes to dog trainers. With no governing body to oversee standards or certify pro ..read more

When Valentine’s Day approaches, we’re surrounded by hearts and flowers, a reminder to show our affection for those nearest and dearest to our hearts. Among those cherished ones are often the pets that grace our lives with wagging tails, calming purrs, and companionship that speaks in silent volumes of love. They too, deserve to be celebrated on this day of love. In this post, we’re going to explore whimsical and heartwarming ways to express our adoration for our furry family members this Valentine’s Day. From tail-wag-worthy treats to memory-making experiences, let’s make this Valentine’s Da ..read more

The new year often brings a desire for new beginnings. For some, that means opening their heart and home to a rescue animal in need of a fresh start. However, the decision to adopt a pet should not be made lightly. Bringing an animal into your family is a long term commitment – they rely on you for their health, safety and wellbeing. If you’ve decided 2024 is the year to expand your family with a rescue pet, congratulations! With some mindful preparation and understanding of your new friend’s needs, it is an incredibly rewarding experience for both humans and the pet you choose. These tips wi ..read more

Does your dog spend most of the short winter days cooped up inside while you’re working or busy with the holidays? With limited daylight hours, it can be difficult to fit in proper daily walks. However, dogs need exposure to natural light for their physical and mental well-being. Getting your pup outside during daylight is crucial, even in the winter. Without adequate sunlight, dogs can become deficient in vitamin D. Vitamin D helps dogs absorb calcium which is vital for strong bones and muscle function. Prolonged vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets or osteomalacia which causes bone pain ..read more

The holiday season can be an exciting yet stressful time for pets. With visitors coming and going, changes in routine, new sights and sounds, and tempting holiday foods, it’s important to take steps to reduce pet anxiety and keep them comfortable. Here are some tips to help ease your pet’s mind this holiday season: 1. Gradually introduce holiday decorations and events. Don’t overwhelm your pet by decorating the entire house or hosting a big gathering all at once. Introduce these holiday changes slowly so they can get used to new sights and sounds. 2. Create a safe space for your pet. Set up a ..read more

One of our most Frequently Asked Questions is “Do you only care for dogs and cats”.  Although that is the majority of the pets we care for, at York Professional Pet Sitting and Dog Walking we care for all types of family pets. We believe that pets are part of the family, and no living creature should ever be left alone for more than 24 hours.    It doesn’t matter if you have a cat, dog, rabbit, guinea pig, bird, reptile, fish or any other animal – we can look after them when you’re away. We have experience caring for all types of pets and making sure they are comfortable, safe a ..read more

Introducing your pet to new experiences, animals, and people is crucial for their development and well-being. Proper socialization teaches your pet how to behave appropriately, reduces anxiety and fear, and helps them become well-adjusted. This article provides tips and information on properly socializing both puppies and kittens, as well as adult dogs and cats.   What is Socialization? Socialization is the process of introducing your pet to new sights, sounds, smells, people, animals, and experiences in a gradual, positive way. It’s not the same as training, which teaches particular beha ..read more