I’m a big fan of Cesar Millan’s the “Dog whisperer” on the National Geographic Channel. In addition to the popular show, he has written several books on how to train your dog using “Cesar’s Way.” His way can be summarized with three words: exercise, discipline, and affection, in that order. You have to become the “pack leader.” Cesar attributes a whole lot of behavioral problems in dogs to a lack of exercise. Running in circles, tail biting, excessive barking, possessiveness, obesity, and a whole list of other problems can result when the dog isn’t walked at least 45 minutes a day. (And running around in the back yard doesn’t count; it has to be sustained exercise.) This is a hard goal for a lot of people to accomplish with other family obligations and a busy work schedule. And some elderly folks can have trouble walking their pets for that length of time. And what happens when you want to go on vacation and can’t take your pet with you? Do you really want them to endure the strange surroundings of a shelter? Sometimes you may want to enlist the help of one of the dog walking/ pet sitting services that are available here in the St. Louis area. Here are a few of the top ones:
A Leg Up Pet Care (314) 458-3721, www.AlegUpPetCare.com provides services for all kinds of pets. A standard visit includes walking, playing, feeding and enjoyment of your pet. They will also customize the visit to accommodate any special needs that your pet may have, including the administration of medications. For pet owners who are heading out on vacation, they will also provide mail and newspaper collection and well as cycling your lights and curtains/blinds. They will also taxi your pet to any vet or grooming appointments and provide homemade treats. A “visit” lasts thirty minutes and includes walking, playing, feeding, and tending to the mail. The cost per visit is $18. A “work day” consists of two visits, one in the morning and one in the afternoon or evening. The cost is $35 per day. A “vacation” package consists of a “work day” with an additional visit in the evening. The cost is $45 per day.
Critter Sitters (314) 638-8800, www.StLouisCritterSitters.com is St. Louis’ number one at-home pet care service. They have been serving the St. Louis area since 1994. They offer services such as pet sitting, dog walking, puppy care, in-home dog training, and poop scooping. A 30-minute visit includes feeding, exercising, and potty breaks. They will also bring in your mail, water your plants, cycle your lights and blinds and any other reasonable requests. Critter Sitters is licensed and bonded and will come to your house a week before you leave to get acquainted with your pets. Through special arrangement they will also book an overnight visit for clients with special needs pets. The fee is $18 per visit for up to 4 pets. Overnight fee is $55. Dog training fees are available upon request.
Gone To The Dogs (636) 349-7731, www.GoneTotheDogsPetSit.com serves the Fenton, Florissant, Chesterfield, Ladue, Frontenac, and Town and Country areas as well as all of south, west, and north St. Louis County. They are insured and bonded and a member of the Pet Sitters International. Each visit is 30-45 minutes long and costs $17. 3 or more visits per day are $14 per visit. Overnights are $45. There is a 10% discount for your first visit, as well as a 10% discount for any referrals.
