Creature Comforts Pet Services, LLC

Compassionate care for your friend

safety

What you can expect from Creature Comforts Pet sitting and Dog Walking Services

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There are a lot of bigger companies out there offering pet sitting and dog walking services.  The reality behind those companies is that while they have the means to advertise a smaller company like mine right out of the water they just aren’t personal.  There is little to no vetting of their sitters as far as safety or knowledge of animals and no real accountability.  They take a percentage of the sitter’s rate making it unlikely that the sitters are able to fully dedicate their time to just your pets because they need to do other work in order to make a living.

At Creature Comforts, I am dedicated to the animals I work with.  I got started because of my love of animals and that has never left me.  I do focus on professionalism and good business practices, but that is not the reason I do this.  Here are some of the things you can expect from my experience and dedication to you and your pets.

  • I always give more than the full time to each visit and walk.
  • I aim to follow your pet’s normal routine to the best of my ability.  It can help ease stress and anxiety to keep routines familiar.
  • I administer medication with the least possible invasive methods, And have lots of patience, kindness, and experience with animal behavior and how to handle gently.
  • I do my utmost to comfort, love, and show kindness towards an animal who is probably missing their person and whose world is a little disturbed. 
  • I keep in close touch with you, for your peace of mind.
  • I can provide a background check if requested so you can rest easy that your home is safe.
  • I keep current Liability and Care, Custody, and Control insurance in case things do not go as planned.
  • I have many years of hands-on experience with many different types of animals and situations that could happen. 
  • I maintain and update an emergency plan in case something were to happen to me. I have done everything in my power to make sure to have a system in place so that animals will get taken care of no matter what.
  • I maintain and update a disaster preparedness plan for how to keep animals safe and cared for.
  • Safety is topmost priority while walking dogs. I do not allow them to interact with other dogs because only you know your dog best and can judge if the situation is safe.
  • I keep up-to-date on the latest practices of good animal care, health, and training and am always happy to share my knowledge with you.
  • Above all, instead of getting caught up in the business and money side of things, I keep one thing in mind.  The reason I do this is my love of animals and that is the most important thing you can expect from my business – Compassionate care for your best friend.

January 2nd is National Pet Travel Safety Day,

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but it is also a great time to assess and upgrade best practices for transporting your dog or cat safely.  Whether you’re heading to the vet or groomer, off to the park, or hitting the road for vacation, travel safely.  Thousands of animals get injured and die in car accidents every year.  During a collision, a 50-lb. dog riding in a 30-mph car will experience 1,500 lbs. of force if thrown from the vehicle. Newton’s first law of motion states, “a body in motion will stay in motion until acted upon by an outside force,” so even after brakes are applied, an unrestrained pet will continue 30, 40, 50 mph or more until something stops him. Sadly, what stops him may be the dashboard, seat back, or windshield, all of which can cause devastating injury. 

If the pet survives the accident but is not restrained, he may escape through a window or door, broken or opened by the impact, only to end up being hit by an on-coming vehicle.  According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), animals moving around in cars are the third worst distraction to drivers, ranking behind children and cell phones.  Additionally, if you are injured in an accident, your protective Chihuahua, Poodle or Rottweiler might prevent paramedics from quickly offering aid out of fear of being bitten, so Animal Control may first need to be called to confine your pet. Their protectiveness may delay emergency personnel from providing you much-needed medical assistance, so restraining your pets in motor vehicles is a win-win.

Pets Safety Tips and your Holiday Tree

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Whether artificial or real, you must look out for your pets when decorating for the holidays. To keep dogs and cats safe, here are four pet safety tips concerning the holiday tree:

1) Male dogs and cats pee on trees.  It is that simple, so when their pee station moves indoors, it becomes confusing when you say, “No!”  Consider leaving your tree undecorated for a day or two, teaching pets to stay away before you decorate. Also, choose the location wisely.  Do not place your tree in front of the window Fido watches for the mailman or the windowsill kitty suns herself daily.  To keep pets away, a short white picket fence around the tree may look festive, or giving them their own new and interesting thing to check out may do the trick. 

2) To further dog or catproof your tree, try bitter-scented sprays or position oranges, lemons, or grapefruit underneath, but only if you know these citrus scents are unappealing to your pet.  Attaching the tree, with an invisible fishing line, to a cup hook in your ceiling, could prevent it from falling over should your cat decide to use it as a jungle gym.  Of course, never place candles on the tree and tape down light cords so that pets cannot chew or get caught in them, but always supervise when any fixtures are plugged in. 

3) Never tempt pets by hanging dog biscuits, popcorn garlands, candy canes, or other food items on your tree.  Also, take care with scented packages (i.e. food, soaps, potpourri) placed underneath as well as ribbons, tinsel, ornament hooks, and string.  Any of these objects inside your dog or cat can be CAT-astrophic!  

4) Real trees require water, so cover the tree water securely with foil, plastic wrap, or a plastic lid with an “X” cut through (where the trunk goes).  The oils seeping into the water from the tree are toxic!  Additionally, cut trunks are often coated with preservatives and pesticides, so your pet will get sick and need quick veterinary care if he drinks tree water!  Pine and fir needles are sharp and can cause digestive upsets, so pick up any needles that drop before your pet ingests them or gets them caught in a paw or fur. Fake needles are not safe either if consumed, so monitor pets around ALL holiday decor.  

When you have a dog or cat, you have a furry toddler for their lifetime, so being mindful of potential problems and keeping dangers out of paws and claws reach can keep ‘the merry’ in your holiday season. Make it a New Year’s resolution to sign up for a pet first aid class by contacting Theresa at Creature Comforts or check out www.creature-comforts-pets.com  for 2025 classes!

Top 5 Holiday Safety Tips

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Practice these Top 5 Holiday Pet Safety Tips, and sign up for a Pet First Aid Class so you will have the skills and confidence to help your best friend!   

With Christmas upon us, the chances for ingestion of pet-UNfriendly foods and choking incidents, multiplies, so supervise, supervise, supervise throughout the celebration, and learn pet first aid…  

  • ROUTINE: Walk at your normal walk time, feed on schedule and don’t forget to play — it does a body good (human, canine, or feline).  Don’t forget vitamins, washing bedding, scooping litter. Holidays create added chores, but change can create anxiety in your pet coupled with the intense energy you are giving off at this time of year. Sticking to your normal routine will help. 
  • DECORATIONS:  Don’t let pets access tree water.  Don’t hang edible items on the tree.  Take care with candles and holiday scents which can upset canine and feline noses.  Ribbon, tinsel, and bread dough ornaments can all be hazardous.  When you have a furry child, you have a toddler for life that you must keep safe.  
  • COMPANY:  Dedicate playtime just for you and your dog or cat BEFORE company arrives, and then let kitties retreat to a quiet back bedroom with safe toys to keep them out of mischief — scratching post, kitty tree or chew toys for dogs, maybe even quiet music, or a radio to drowned out noise coming from the boisterous humans. If you feel your pet can make an appearance, let him join in the fun, but remind children (0-99) not to bother pets when they are eating or sleeping, and to never pull ears or tails. If kitty’s ears and whiskers go back or your pup utters a low-gutteral warning, it’s time for socializing to cease. Pheromone sprays (Adaptil for dogs and Feliway for cats) may take the edge off their anxiety.  Also, take care to make sure doors and gates are closed so as not to have a pet escape, and kindly ask overnight guests to keep suitcases closed so that your pet won’t sniff out trouble.  
  • FOOD & WATER:  Anything on the floor is fair game, including toothpicks from hors d’oeuvres!  Designate a place to deposit used cocktail sticks, and safely throw away bones, foil, and plastic wraps. Yeast from bread rising on counter tops will continue to ferment in a pet’s tummy, causing life-threatening bloat, an intestinal blockage and/or alcohol poisoning.  Have pet-safe treats available and avoid giving Fido or Fluffy salty foods, gravies, dark meat and skins, and NO COOKED BONES of any type! With the heat cranked up in our homes and potentially upset tummies brought on by holiday stress, make sure your pets are staying well-hydrated.  
  • QUALITY TIME: Take time out daily to show your furry family members how much you love them!  Drop your purse, briefcase, or backpack when you come home and get on the floor and play; make time for a walk WITHOUT your cell phone so that you tune in to your dog; let your cat curl in your lap and give her your undivided attention. Paying attention is one of the best ways to make sure you pets stay safe – by noticing them and keeping their environment safe.

For those moments when life happens, know where your nearest 24-hour animal emergency hospital is!

Sharing your life with a pet should be among your greatest blessings, so rejoice in knowing a four-legged friend has chosen to share his life with you, and in the New Year, learn or refresh your Pet First Aid skills so that you can help your dog or cat when he or she needs you most!

What can you do to increase your bond with your cat?

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Here are some quick tips for things you can do to help both yourself and your cat to be happier and more relaxed.  While some of these don’t seem to directly affect you and your cat bonding.  A cat that is relaxed in his environment will be far happier and easier to live with.  Enriching your cat’s life isn’t just about the latest toys.

Keep your food and water bowls separate.  While it does seem logical to us humans to put the water and food right next to each other.  Cats don’t like to eat their “prey” near their water source.  It presents the possibility of contamination. Cats also quite often prefer their water not to be stagnant.  A source of water that is moving, as in a cat water fountain, is preferred by some.  However, if you do go this route, it is important to also have a source of still water so your kitty has the opportunity if that appeals to them.

Use unscented litter.  Cat’s sense of smell is much more sensitive than humans.  Cats have around 200 million odor sensors in their noses, while humans have only about 5 million. This makes a cat’s sense of smell about 14 times better than a human’s!  Scented litters are quite often too much for a cat’s nose.  What is best for cats is an odorless, dust free litter that is also soft to step into.  Cleaning the box regularly with just soap and water will help to keep the box from smelling like an outhouse to your cat.

Have multiple litter boxes.  Even if you only have one cat, multiple litter boxes will help to keep elimination problems to a minimum.  Consider how it is for you to have to go a long way when you have to go.  Keep a box on each level of your home in and not so difficult places to get to.  Also, some cats prefer separate boxes for urine and feces.

Have regular grooming sessions.  Lots of cats love to be brushed and this can add to your bond with your feline friend.  It also has the added benefit of reducing hairballs and helping you to know your cat’s body well, allowing for early detection of injuries or changes you may want to check with your veterinarian about.

Turn your carrier into a cozy cat hideout.  Getting the cat into a carrier is a big issue for many cat owners, causing a whole lot of stress for  both you and your cat. You can use a cat’s desire to hide to your advantage.  Keep the carrier out in a well used area of the house, such as the living room. Use comfy blankets to create a cozy cave for her to hide in.  Add some toys and she will consider it a great place to be.  If she is reluctant to enter you can use treats or a wand toy to entice her.  You won’t need to chase her around the house every time you need to get to the vet, or worse, totally lose her to hiding and have to cancel your appointment altogether.  This can also reduce stress at vet visits because her safe and relaxing space goes right along with her.

Schedule regular play sessions.  Cats like to have a predictable world.  Most owners do have regular feeding times, but adding in regular playtimes is a great way to help his world be more predictable.  It also increases your chances of playing with him, strengthening your bond.  Remember that your cat does love to interact with you!

Create a warm and cozy spot.  We all know cats like to lounge in a sunny window!  Cats prefer warmer temperatures than we do and since you are not going to keep your house at 80 degrees, you can create a nice spot for your cat by placing blankets or a bed near a source of heat, such as a vent or fireplace.

Think vertical.  We tend to set up our living spaces with all the furniture on the floor.  Cats like to climb and can feel safer up high.  Cat trees or shelves or perches up on the walls will create a happy dimension for your friend, as well as provide them with a safe space from which to view the world.

Music!  Putting on some relaxing music, especially while you are out, will help your cat to be less anxious.  Studies show that relaxing music can reduce a cat’s heart rate.

Learn to speak cat.  Cats blink slowly and languidly while they are content and relaxed, if you return the slow blink you are communicating your love back to her in her own language.  Cats accept our slow blinking as a signal to be relaxed in our presence. And increasing your understanding of cat body language can help you to know what your cat needs.

Know how to help your cat if an injury occurs.  Be familiar with pet first aid and CPR so you can be a help to your friend if the worst should occur.  This can not only potentially save your cat’s life, but will increase your confidence and relaxation in an emergency situation.  Keep important phone numbers close by, such as your veterinarian and ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435).

Teach your cat to work with you. Cats are often thought of a being uncooperative or uninterested in working with you.  But this just isn’t true.  Use some yummy treats, petting, or play with a favorite toy to help your cat learn that cooperation can benefit him too.  They can be taught to scratch in appropriate places or to sit on the floor rather than the counter while you prepare food.  

    Winter weather considerations for our furry friends

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    Since we have just had our first,and possibly only, snowstorm of the year, thoughts for keeping your pets safe and healthy for the winter are on my mind.  Exposure to the dry, cold air and cold rain can cause chapped paws and dry itchy skin much like it is for us.  But these are not the only discomforts for your pets in winter weather.

    Keeping your home humidified and towel drying your pet, with special attention to the paws, can help with the dry chapped skin.  Reducing the amount of bathing will remove your pet’s natural oils that help protect from dry, flaky skin.  If you must bathe, ask your vet to recommend a moisturizing shampoo or rinse.  When grooming, consider keeping your pet’s coat longer in the wintertime.  If your pet is long haired, trim to minimize clinging ice balls, salt, and de-icing chemicals.  Again, with special attention to the hair between the toes.  If your friend is short haired, consider getting a coat that covers from the neck to the base of the tail, including the belly.  Remember to consider your pet’s age, older animals will not tolerate the cold for as long.

    De-icing chemicals and salt can pose many skin problems too.  Fortunately, the streets in Port Townsend are only treated with gravel, but there are still other chemicals and salts on sidewalks and off of cars coming into town.  Carrying a small towel on hikes can help to reduce irritated paws.  After each walk, wash and dry your pets feet and belly to reduce exposure to ice, salt, and chemicals. It is also a good practice to check paw pads for cracks and redness.  Messaging petroleum jelly or other paw protectant into paw pads before going out can help protect feet. Booties provide even more coverage and can also keep sand or salt from getting lodged between toes to irritate.  There are pet friendly ice melts available if you need to de-ice surfaces. 

    But that is not the only danger from chemicals.  Antifreeze is lethal to pets in small doses.  During walks, don’t let your dog drink from puddles.   For our feline friends, it is a good idea to clean paws when they come in so they don’t lick chemicals off.  Clean up any spills from your vehicle thoroughly and consider pet safer (propylene glycol) based products rather than ethylene glycol.  Note that I said pet safer, it is a better alternative, but still not something good for pets to ingest.

    Pets burn extra energy in the winter, so if they go outdoors be sure to feed a little bit more, as well as giving them plenty of fresh water to prevent dehydration.  Be sure your companions have a warm place to sleep up off the floor and out of drafts.  A cozy dog or cat bed and warm blanket to snuggle in is perfect.

    Remember, if it is too cold for you, it is probably too cold for your pet.  If left outdoors, pets can freeze or suffer from other hypothermia effects such as disorientation and become lost.  Additionally, cars can hold in the cold and cause animals to freeze, soo don’t leave pets in your car alone during cold weather.

    And lastly, be sure to enjoy the winter weather together whether that is cozy book reading with your favorite feline or romping in the snow with your pup!