What are /r/RoverPetSitting's favorite Products & Services?

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I’d just have tweezers with you rather than ask a question but great thinking! I keep a pet first aid kit I got off Amazon in my car always! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WRPCLYR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_R99WMTZQXGRAYDKC29PF

If there are cats- Do the cats bolt for the door?

Are there places the dog doesn’t like to be touched/pet?

PetSafe Indoor Ultrasonic Dog Bark Control - No Collar Needed - Up to 25 Feet Range - Anti-Bark Pet Training System - Automatic with Manual Trainer Button https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00068R98C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_QVVPN36433QE1BD33NXG?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Try Nextdoor.com. You can create a business profile that is seen only by those in your direct neighborhood or the neighborhoods you select. I've gotten quite a few clients from it, I was surprised.

I bought a bag of the cheapo wrist band key holders like cashiers have. Super cheap, and then I can color code them according to client. Like these:

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B089FSB9X6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_8nsyFbSNF1QB2

I just went to Amazon to look at the poop bag holders and found this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089DNW5DX/ref=sspa_dk_detail_3? which seems pretty cool so you don't have to hunt for a public trashcan.

I absolutely love my stretchy crampons for winter walking on ice and snow. They fit on most boots and they're so quick to pop on or off. example

I bought a pooper scooper thing with bigger bags with a handle that goes around it.

Best investment ever:

https://www.chewy.com/earth-rated-dog-poop-bags-handles/dp/36173

https://www.chewy.com/dogit-jaws-grass-dog-pooper-scooper/dp/149884

If you google "Photo Frame Cards" you'll get some options, I just made sure I picked one meant for 4x6 pictures as they are by far the cheapest to print. (For reference, I bought these, https://www.amazon.com/Photo-Insert-Note-Cards-Envelopes/dp/B0799JPMXV ).

And then I print a 4x6 picture from Walgreens (they do same day ~ 1 hr printing and almost always have a sale. (Currently they're 50% off.) You could also use CVS or I'm sure there are some other options.)

Retractables are horrible and dangerous. I only use my own leash, it’s a waist lead with handles so you can go hands free to pick up poop, and have extra control when you need it. https://www.amazon.com/iYoShop-Zipper-Padded-Handles-Durable/dp/B08LY86B2K/ref=zg_bs_3024195011_sccl_1/144-1199512-8650749?pd_rd_i=B08LK45HVQ&psc=1

I'd let the owner know but only offer to replace the harness if they told you to remove it. I'd consider it if they asked regardless. For now I'd consider using a slip leash if the dog is fine with that. (Or using the collar if the dog also has a collar and it doesn't seem to unclip/ slip over head.) I typically leave a harness on during the day and only take it off at night unless told otherwise. (I mainly have experience with foster dogs, rather than rover clients and many would find it a bit scary to take a harness on and off. And I would go on 4-7 walks a day as I was in an apartment. I also prefer to use a harness with a handle on the back and it is just convenient sometimes for them to be wearing it.

You can sometimes get lucky with a sale on harnesses (that are decent quality) and find them cheap. My favorite place to look is Chewy. You can see if you find one of a similar style that is inexpensive. Or if you're not replacing their harness but want a back-up one (it seems like you're boarding, I at least like having some additional supplies.) I'd recommend getting a harness that has both the normal back loop and a front-pull loop and then if you get dogs that are pullers you have a resource to use on them. (I've done that before at least and clients have been fine with me using a front-pull harness on their dogs.)

For instance this harness (it doesn't have a handle and it has a tendency to slide around, but it is quite adjustable, has a front pull and a normal back loop and at least some colors and sizes are quite cheap.( https://www.chewy.com/frisco-padded-nylon-no-pull-dog/dp/166953 )

https://www.chewy.com/mendota-products-large-slip-solid/dp/144719?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=12650402586&utm_content=Mendota%20Products&utm_term=&gbraid=0AAAAAC3guyU2un5PMWWXGUhKslwRJtGu6&gclid=Cj...

A leash that doesn’t need a collar or harness

Report the issue to Rover. Take pictures of your animal. Take screenshots of any communication you had with the sitter. There is no reason not to medicate an animal you've agreed to medicate. I have a regular who has epilepsy and is on a cocktail of meds morning and evening. I have to often shove them down her throat and it sucks, and sometimes she still spits them out and I have to do it again, and it isn't my favorite thing, but I do it because the dog's health is so, so important to me.

If a cat won't take a med by hand then yeah, you do a pill shooter method- every sitter should have a pill shooter or be willing to acquire one just in case they don't feel comfortable doing the "shove the pill to their throat" method (one of these: https://www.amazon.com/PETHOUZZ-Shooter-Syringe-Medical-Dispenser/dp/B072BS471Z).

For the future, you should always do a meet and greet around med giving time so you can watch the sitter successfully give the medication. That alone should give you a good idea if they're going to actually do it, and actually know what they're doing, or if they're lying/stretching the truth. I always ask owners to show me how to administer meds to their animals and try to do so under their supervision.

So sorry your poor cat had to go through this.

I bought the largest round keyring I could find and use these tags labeled with the animals name https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G8L4T74/
all garage codes etc are in my schedule software

I own a Bissell spot vac because I have my own pets at home. It has saved my sanity in this job. It’s an investment for sure, but it’s a sit it and forget it deal where you don’t have to be down there scrubbing forever, and makes it so it’s like it never happened.

I also recommend to everyone I meet who deal with animals to buy My Pet Peed. Same deal. You soak up the pee the best you can with a towel and then spray this stuff. the enzymes in it literally eat the pee and it’s like it never happened.

Bissell SpotBot Pet handsfree Spot and Stain Portable Deep Cleaner, Blue, 2117A https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DTJ9G6G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_MEH26HT9W1HKZP4FR31C

I have lanyards that have an ID tag on them. I cut out a piece of notecard and write their info on it and slide it into the plastic tag.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B098L7QGZN/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.chewy.com/kong-safestix-dog-toy-color-varies/dp/44305?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=13905630662&utm_content=KONG&utm_term=&gclid=Cj0KCQjwr-SSBhC9ARIsANhzu15TWF3AQzQfGB9nuh9eTHIbbD4mJYH0YGEy7W...

These ones always make me do a double take 🤣

Sorry for long link, I'm on my phone

If she is teething it could feel good for her to chew on something harder. You can try a Chillybone. It's worked with a lot of teething pups I have had. You can get one on Amazon for just under $4 and it will be delivered tomorrow if you have prime, basically you soak it in water and then put it in the freezer or in a ziploc bag then in the freezer. When the pup chews on it the cold provides relief!

Here is the Amazon link if you want to give it a try. Multipet's 5.5-Inch Chilly Bone Dog Toy This Canvas Toy(Colors May Vary) https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0019608LK/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_CB0MB9F36KWMECA7X3BG

This is a super good tip! You can also look up DIY dog puzzles online. Some ideas are a muffin tin with tennis balls, or you can roll treats up in a towel.

If you have your own dogs, I would recommend a snuffle mat (easy to diy or buy) or some dog puzzles (I like level two to start) or a lick mat, or a toppl (freeze it). Enrichment is good for all dogs, but they are too expensive for a dog that isn't yours. Hiding treats around the house is another option.

Ok they’re 70 now I think I got em on sale my apologies but footwear investment is worth it! adidas Women's Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoe https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0719HP69P/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_M2ZRXZHMW0EDVJ2MBCW8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I have ice spikes because it is so icy here!

Order a muzzle lead from Amazon, worked for my male German shepherd who pulls on walks. Then let the owner know this was the only solution to keeping the dog from injuring you and others and charge them for it. Tell them they can keep it after your sitting is over.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B097T42HF2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_C9ZYW38EDG0NTVZA1ETX

So sorry this happened to you OP - it could seriously happen to anyone, and it sounds like you’re handling it in the best way possible!

I had an incident where two dogs (out of the four I was walking) slipped out of their ill-fitting harnesses at the same time and went running down the street. It was only thanks to the help of few good samaritans that I was able to get them all home safely.

After that I bought a couple of slip collars (these ones, specifically), and now I just keep them clipped to my purse with a carabiner. If I have any concerns about whether a dog’s harness/collar is secure I just use one of the slip collars in addition to (or instead of) the dog’s regular harness/collar. It’s made me feel way less anxious about potentially losing a dog, mostly because it gives me a lot more control over the situation and I don’t have to rely on whatever set-up the owner uses.

I hope the dog is found and everything works out okay, but no matter what happens just know that you’re a great person and dog walker - sending you all the good vibes :)

We have [this.](https://www.chewy.com/frisco-spring-action-foldable-scooper/dp/253998) I love it! I go out for a few mins every day, scoop into a 5 gallon bucket & then dump the bucket into a wooded area far back in my yard.

I have multiple fanny pack for walkings. This one is my favorite: the High Sierra Passport Fanny Pack. It’s functional and practical. I got it at a local TJ MAX/Marshall for $10

Features why I like it ✅1. It has a key fob clip inside the fanny pack where I can clip the key and tuck inside the interior slip pocket, ✅2. It an exterior zipped pocket where I put poop bags, two webbing chain loops for other things to hook on/attach, there’s a headphone hole I don’t really use but maybe others find it useful ✅3. It has sturdy belt and buckle ✅4. It’s big enough I can put my phone, dog treats, and pack of hand wipes and hand sanitizer

I am also a “event dog attendant” so I have this one for when I do special events like weddings and photoshoots: Ubon Large Fanny Pack 3L Waist Pack with Adjustable Belt for Hiking Running Walking Silver Gray

I have this one. It has a waterproof pocket inside and it’s great for holding keys, phone, treats. There’s even a water bottle holder on the side but I rarely use it bc I feel like it would be super imbalanced. I can also clip a bunch of stuff to it like pepper spray, bag dispensers, flashlight.

Try building this same calendar in Notion. https://www.notion.so/ Free for first 1000 blocks. Use across platforms. Share with others as guests. They can do the same, of course. I use the calendar format to track my bookings, checking on my smartphone all day long. Check it out.

Regarding off leash dogs, invest in a Dog Horn XL. Regarding the peeing, this is tough with no good answer...are there really no utility poles or fire hydrants? If there are really no other options, if it were me, I'd reply to anyone confronting me that I'm a hired dog walker following owner instructions and not engage further. If this is public greenspace, no property owner has any room to say anything to you. If they plant on public greenspace, what happens there is a risk they're taking. Local ordinances vary in regard to possibly being a violation, but that's not a property owner's place to enforce.

I have social anxiety and regular anxiety and it deffffinitely helps reduce that if I follow the following...I make a "new client template" in my notes app for each client. I tell them at the beginning I'll be taking notes on my phone. The "template" is really just reminders of what to explain and reminders of what to ask. Note I only do care in the client's home, so it's relevant mostly to those services.

Here it is:

• my dog walking technique/tools/lightning contingency. (dog horn dog-appropriate pepper spray, poop bags). Ask to use my leash if they use a retractable.

• when at meet and greet, actively leash and walk dog if dog displays any hesitancy. Demonstrate greyhound hold. Actively lock and unlock entry point.

• location of food and bowls, trash if needed?

• leash/harness/litterbox location?

• bring in mail/trash can?

• any other people to expect with access to home?

• feeding schedule?

• kept confined or loose in house while alone?

• toys/treats?

• likes/dislikes?

• flexibile on appt times?

• vet info in Rover?

• access to home?

• any other notes

Hope this helps!

-poop bags, the dispenser with the little tooth to tear the perforation is my favorite -keychain hand sanitizer -a Dog Horn -keychain pepper spray

I've had that happen once, and I was ready to fight someone.

A vacation lock like this might interest you. These allow you to lock the place from the inside so that nobody can enter, even with a key. They aren't perfect, but they're something.

I invested in some bite gloves. Tonight was the first time I had to use them and they saved me from getting my hands torn up. I highly suggest keeping these on hand for these kinds of visits. Our hands are one of the most valuable parts of our body for this job field and a bad bite can really upset your work.

RAPICCA Animal Handling Gloves Bite Proof Kevlar Reinforced Leather Padding Dog,Cat Scratch,Bird Handling Falcon Gloves Grabbing,Reptile Squirrel Snake Bite 16in Grey-Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DVXQ9RD/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_R2HNSG8CKYVDFGST28XJ?psc=1

Here you go friend: BalanceFrom Puzzle Exercise Mat with EVA Foam Interlocking Tiles https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IDRWPG8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_3DESPM1N3W43HCK8VRWX?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

This is the exact one I bought back in 2019 and they hold up well. I’ll probably replace them in another year or so.

True on the rug grips. We had to get some, but mainly to not ruin our new floor. This is the rug we just got, which is $225 on Kohls:

Safavieh Lyndhurst Collection LNH552-4091 Traditional Floral Red and Multi Area Rug (4' x 6') https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0062BM52C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_GpMaGbAWYQ2J1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I use a white noise machine I bought on amazon. Marpac Dohm Classic (White) | White noise machine | 101 Night Trial & 1 Year Warranty | Soothing sounds from a real fan helps cancel noise while you sleep | For adults & children https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HD0ELFK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Fgb0Cb65X85CW It just produces a soothing noise sort of like being on an airplane, and helps drown out doggy noises in the night and any other noises. I never travel without mine.

Would she consider a little portable pen (not to be mistaken for a crate) to place Kayla in? That way she's still in the one room with the others, but she has her space, still separated from Hallie.

something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Allisandro-Playpen-Portable-Outdoor-11-8x11-8/dp/B07PSHQ5PN/ref=sr_1_14?crid=1HEA2KJI5SXXI&keywords=pet+playpen&qid=1558667790&s=gateway&sprefix=proxy+spr%2Caps%2C199&sr=8-14 Inexpensive, keeps her separated and still safe.