Adopting a cat or dog is a truly rewarding experience. And the day you finally get to take your furry friend home marks the beginning of your mutual journey. Yet those first few days can be fraught with tension. Planning to adopt a cat or dog? Ensure that you're thoroughly prepared for the big day with our helpful tips below!
Read moreWalking your dog is the most natural thing in the world. However, you rarely see anyone with a cat on a lead! Walking your cat might not be a 'walk in the park', but it can have many benefits for the right feline. Fancy giving it a go? Then follow our helpful 3-step plan below.
Read moreThat pets reduce stress, and make us happy and healthy, we already know. So, it's hardly surprising that so many of us have a furry friend of our own or enjoy looking after those of friends and neighbours. But did you know that those feelings of bliss can rapidly transform into stress? Prevent burn-out from affecting you and your pets with our useful tips for pet owners and pet sitters.
Read moreMany houseplants are toxic to dogs, and some are downright life-threatening. You should therefore avoid growing these common houseplants and replace them with a safe alternative instead.
Read moreImagine: you suddenly have an unexpected work commitment or the possibility of a last-minute weekend getaway. You have to find a suitable solution for your cat or dog, and soon. Would you hand over your beloved pet to a complete stranger? Of course not!
Read moreSince the introduction of tough state and local council laws, most responsible dog owners now clean up after their four legged friends. But scooping up your dog's poop is actually more beneficial than you might think: your pooch's poo reveals a great deal about his or her current state of health. So, time to overcome your reservations, grab a bag and start studying the brown stuff!
Read moreSome people prefer allowing their cat outdoors, whilst others believe that cats are perfectly happy indoors. But who's right?
Read moreConsidering getting a new kitten or cat? Finding one is a piece of cake. These days the internet will help you to locate the ideal litter in no time. Such an adorable little ball of fluff costs next to nothing and, well, how hard can it really be? Well, getting your first cat is certainly exciting, but it should never, ever be done on impulse. So, before you take the plunge, ask yourself the following 5 questions. Our checklist below will ensure you're thoroughly prepared for your new kitten!
Read moreMost dogs change their outfit to match the weather: just like us, they swap their summer coat for a winter one. This may also be accompanied by additional shedding. While molting is perfectly normal, there are ways to make life more comfortable for your four-legged friend. With that in mind, we've prepared 5 questions and answers to ensure optimal care of your dog's coat.
Read moreAlthough you might not want to think about it - pets do go missing. Many cats and dogs are placed in SPCA shelters in New Zealand each year. And plenty of other pets go AWOL too. Thankfully, the microchip registration scheme ensures that many are ultimately reunited with their owners.
Read moreRegardless of whether it's your cat, dog, bunny rabbit or parakeet: far from being strange, talking to your trusty companion is actually healthy! In fact, those who converse with their pets tend to develop a closer bond with them. And there are numerous other benefits too.
Read moreMost dogs love travelling by car! That's because there's usually a fun walk or an interesting destination at the end of it. A trip to the vet or pet sitter might also involve a car journey. Although this sounds simple enough, dangerous situations can arise when entering and exiting the vehicle, and during the car journey itself. Which is why we've conveniently listed the essential do's and don'ts for you below.
Read moreHey, pet sitters! Can't wait to land your first job looking after the sweetest of pets? Great! Plenty of pets and their owners will be delighted! But have you stopped to consider the most important aspect...? The one thing that you as pet sitter must never forget. That the very success of your pet sitting service absolutely depends on. Read on to discover our indispensable Golden Tips for pet sitters!
Read moreIs your four legged friend a bit of a couch potato? It might seem like he's just being lazy, but that's highly unlikely! A lethargic dog can be an indicator of something more sinister. Do you know what your dog is trying to tell you?
Read moreThe greatest job in the world? It's got to be a pet sitter! Which child doesn't dream of 'working with animals' when they grow up? Thanks to modern technology and a large community of animal lovers, that dream can now become a reality at Pawshake! So, what knowledge and skills are required to become a competent pet sitter? The 5 qualities below will certainly stand you in good stead.
Read moreJust because someone is an animal lover, doesn't mean they are a people person, and likewise a person who is great with other people may not really be that keen on animals. In order for dogs and their owners or pet sitters to enjoy a pleasant walk, it's therefore important to be familiar with the unwritten rules. Apply these simple guidelines, and you can be sure of fun and stress-free walkies with your four legged friend!
Read moreTraveling with your pet sounds idyllic: exploring far-flung places with your faithful friend at your side... There are many suitable options for those of you wishing to take your dog on your travels, but flying with a pet is far from ideal. If you really are unable to avoid flying with your pet though, then our handy tips below will help to ensure your next flight is as safe, healthy and pleasant for your four-legged friend as possible.
Read moreEaster is fast approaching, and homes up and down the country will have an abundance of chocolate eggs and bunnies. Yet, whilst many dog owners are well aware that chocolate is toxic to dogs, accidents still happen. Dogs don't come with their own built-in 'poison detector' and most of them love chocolate as much as we do! But chocolate isn't the only item that's life threatening for your four legged friend. Below is a handy list of some of the most common food products that are poisonous to dogs.
Read moreThe first thing that many of us instinctively do upon seeing a dog, is to reach out and stroke him. Which is hardly surprising when most dogs look so irresistibly soft and cuddly. Children in particular want to stroke and cuddle dogs. But is that always such a good idea? Below are some useful tips on the best way to pet a dog.
Read moreIn order to give your cat a happy life, it's important to understand him. What makes your cat tick, and what does he need? The following information about the nature and behaviour of cats will help you to better understand your pet.
Read moreDid you know that a dog can make you happy and healthy? Indeed, a dog can change your entire life. Dog owners, of course, already know this. Yet you needn't own a dog yourself in order to benefit from the company of a dog. A dog sitter or dog walker can also experience all of the wonderful things that a dog has to offer. Below you'll find 7 reasons a dog makes you happy.
Read moreCat owners know only too well that every small object left lying around is a potential cat toy. Why buy expensive cat toys when they are so easy to make at home? You can be as creative as you wish. And a homemade cat toy makes the perfect gift for your cat sitter!
Read moreThey are cute, have large ears and they like nibbling on things...but did you know that rabbits are also quite smart and affectionate? At Pawshake you can bunny-sit the loveliest rabbits! For all the rabbit lovers out there here are 7 fun facts about rabbits.
Read moreThe time has come to meet your cat sitter for the first time. Pretty exciting, isn’t it? You want to know exactly who this sitter is, so you can leave your cat (and your home) in their care without any misgivings. We have made this checklist for your first meeting to help you find out whether the cat sitter you are meeting is a good match.
Read morePuppies are just too cute! You want to get one, right this instant. But wait a minute! Answer these 6 questions first before you welcome a puppy into your home. With this checklist, you can make sure that you will enjoy the company of a lovely, healthy dog that is a good match for you and your life style.
Read moreWant to spend your new year surrounded by as many pets at possible? Who wouldn’t? :-) And it’s possible with Pawshake! With a pet sitter profile, you can board pets in your home, or you can visit them in their own home. But how do you find “customers”? With a lovely and attractive profile, of course. All of you dog people, cat ladies, rabbit lovers and friends of other pets: keep reading!
Read moreDog boarding for the first time is quite an experience for your best friend! That’s why it’s so important to be fully prepared. The best preparation is to visit the pet sitter’s home, where they can ask you questions about your dog and your expectations. Here are some issues that should be taken into consideration.
Read moreKeep your pet safe during fireworks by bringing them inside, and provide distracting chew treats and quiet spots to hide. Be sure to make sure your home is escape-proof and your pet's microchip information is current.
Read moreHow do you make the dog’s time with you as pleasant as possible for him? Here are 4 important tips for dog owners and sitters!
Read moreDuring the Christmas season, there is always an abundance of yummy seasonal food. Christmas ham, chocolate, mince pies you name it ... Many pet owners like to let their pets share in the joys of these delicious treats, and inconspicuously “drop” bits of food for them under the table. The problematic results can become apparent come January: the pet is too heavy. Fido has to get used to a dog’s diet again and Tiger is going on a diet. Is that what we want?
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