Traveling With a Cat on Insulin or Daily Medication
Cats with diabetes, kidney disease or other conditions can still stay home while you travel. Here is how to plan the schedule, supplies and vet backup.
The Porchlight Journal
Pet care advice for homeowners and pet owners
Vet basics, vaccines, walking, and how to get your pet and your home ready for a sitter, written for people in and around Belmont, NC.
My Cat Hides From Strangers. Can a Cat Sitter Still Help?
A cat who vanishes when the doorbell rings can still be cared for well at home. Here is how a good sitter works with a shy cat, and how you can set them up.
Can You Leave a Cat Alone for a Weekend? Risks and a Safer Plan
Cats are independent, but two nights alone can go wrong in ways owners do not expect. Here are the real risks and what a safer weekend looks like.
How Much Does a Cat Sitter Cost? What Changes the Price
Cat sitter pricing depends on visit length, number of cats, holidays and overnight stays. Here is how it adds up for a typical trip, with real local numbers.
Holiday Travel Season: Book Your Pet Sitter Early and Prepare for Thanksgiving to New Year's
Good sitters book up weeks ahead for the holidays. Here is a timeline for booking, what to prepare, and how to keep pets safe around holiday food and guests.
Puppy and Kitten Care: What a Sitter Needs to Know Before You Leave
Young pets need frequent potty breaks, safe play and incomplete vaccines to be handled carefully. Here is how to arrange care for babies.
Caring for Senior Pets While You Travel: What Sitters Need to Know
Older pets are wonderful companions, and they need extra planning. Learn what changes with age and how to set up safe, comfortable care.
Birds, Reptiles, Fish and Small Pets: Care While You're Away
Exotic pets have specific needs for heat, light, feeding and handling. Here is what to prepare, and what a sitter should know, before you leave.
Microchips, ID Tags and Escape-Proofing: How to Keep Your Pet From Getting Lost
A microchip only works if the registration is current. Learn how ID, chips and a few home fixes protect your pet, especially when someone else is in charge.
Halloween and Everyday Hazards: Foods and Plants That Are Toxic to Pets
Chocolate, xylitol, grapes, lilies and more. A quick reference to common household toxins, plus Halloween-specific risks for dogs and cats.
Pet Emergencies: Warning Signs, a First Aid Kit and Your Emergency Plan
Know the signs that mean "go to the vet now," build a simple pet first aid kit, and set up an emergency plan before your sitter needs one.
Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Signs, Causes and How a Sitter Can Help
Is it boredom or true separation anxiety? Learn the signs, gentle ways to help, and what to look for in a sitter if your dog struggles when you leave.
Caring for Cats While You're Away: How Often Should a Sitter Visit?
Cats are independent, but they are not self-sufficient. Learn how many visits cats need, what a sitter checks, and how to keep your cat comfortable.
Fleas, Ticks and Heartworm: Year-Round Prevention for Dogs and Cats
Mild southern winters mean parasites do not take a break. Here is how prevention works and what your sitter should know about it.
Dog Walking Basics: Exercise Needs, Harness vs. Collar, and Leash Manners
How much exercise does your dog need, which gear is safest, and how can you make walks calmer for everyone? A practical guide for owners and walkers.
Giving Medications While You're Away: A Safe Plan for Pet Owners and Sitters
Pills, drops, insulin and supplements need a precise plan when someone else is in charge. Here is how to set up a sitter for success.
How to Write a Pet Care Instruction Sheet Your Sitter Will Actually Use
A clear one-to-two page sheet prevents most mistakes. Use this template to cover feeding, walks, medications, quirks and emergencies.
Cat Vaccines and Health Checks to Complete Before You Travel
Even indoor cats benefit from a pre-trip checkup. Learn which vaccines are considered core, which are optional, and how to hide fewer surprises from your sitter.
Dog Vaccines Before a Sitter or Boarding Stay: What's Required and What's Recommended
Rabies, distemper, bordetella and more. Here is how core and non-core dog vaccines differ, and which ones sitters and boarding facilities typically ask to see.
Pet Sitter or Boarding Kennel? How to Choose What's Right for Your Pet
Both options can work well. This guide compares in-home pet sitting with kennel boarding so you can match the care to your pet's personality and health.
Fireworks, Thunderstorms and Noise Anxiety: Keeping Pets Calm and Safe
July 4th is one of the busiest times of year for lost pets. Here is how to prepare your dog or cat for fireworks and summer storms.
The Complete Checklist for Getting Your Home and Pet Ready Before an Overnight Stay
A week-by-week countdown of everything to do before you leave, from vet records and food supplies to the small home details sitters always wish they had known.
Hot Weather Dog Walking: Pavement, Paws and Heatstroke
Summer in the Carolinas is hard on dogs. Learn the seven-second pavement test, the early warning signs of heatstroke, and how to keep walks safe when it is hot.
What to Expect at a Pet Sitter Meet & Greet
The meet & greet is where trust gets built. Here is what happens, what to show your sitter, and the questions every pet owner should ask.
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