https://porchlightpetcare.com/blogPractical pet sitting, dog walking and pet care advice from Porchlight Pet & Home Care in Belmont, NC.en-us https://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/cat-with-medical-needs-sitterhttps://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/cat-with-medical-needs-sitterThu, 12 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTCats & Small PetsCats 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. https://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/shy-cat-and-sittershttps://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/shy-cat-and-sittersThu, 12 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTCats & Small PetsA 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. https://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/leave-cat-alone-weekendhttps://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/leave-cat-alone-weekendThu, 12 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTCats & Small PetsCats 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. https://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/cat-sitter-costhttps://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/cat-sitter-costThu, 12 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTCats & Small PetsCat 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. https://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/holiday-pet-sitting-planninghttps://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/holiday-pet-sitting-planningThu, 12 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTSeasonalGood 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. https://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/puppy-and-kitten-carehttps://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/puppy-and-kitten-careThu, 05 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTGetting StartedYoung pets need frequent potty breaks, safe play and incomplete vaccines to be handled carefully. Here is how to arrange care for babies. https://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/senior-pet-care-while-travelinghttps://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/senior-pet-care-while-travelingThu, 29 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTHealth & VetOlder pets are wonderful companions, and they need extra planning. Learn what changes with age and how to set up safe, comfortable care. https://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/exotic-and-small-pet-carehttps://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/exotic-and-small-pet-careThu, 22 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTCats & Small PetsExotic pets have specific needs for heat, light, feeding and handling. Here is what to prepare, and what a sitter should know, before you leave. https://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/microchips-and-pet-idhttps://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/microchips-and-pet-idThu, 15 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTSafetyA 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. https://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/halloween-pet-hazardshttps://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/halloween-pet-hazardsThu, 08 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTSafetyChocolate, xylitol, grapes, lilies and more. A quick reference to common household toxins, plus Halloween-specific risks for dogs and cats. https://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/pet-emergency-planhttps://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/pet-emergency-planThu, 01 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTSafetyKnow 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. https://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/separation-anxiety-in-dogshttps://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/separation-anxiety-in-dogsThu, 24 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTHealth & VetIs 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. https://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/caring-for-cats-while-awayhttps://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/caring-for-cats-while-awayThu, 17 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTCats & Small PetsCats 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. https://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/flea-tick-heartworm-preventionhttps://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/flea-tick-heartworm-preventionThu, 10 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTHealth & VetMild southern winters mean parasites do not take a break. Here is how prevention works and what your sitter should know about it. https://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/dog-walking-basicshttps://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/dog-walking-basicsThu, 03 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTWalking & ExerciseHow 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. https://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/pet-medications-while-awayhttps://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/pet-medications-while-awayThu, 27 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMTHealth & VetPills, drops, insulin and supplements need a precise plan when someone else is in charge. Here is how to set up a sitter for success. https://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/pet-care-instruction-sheethttps://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/pet-care-instruction-sheetThu, 20 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMTTravel PrepA clear one-to-two page sheet prevents most mistakes. Use this template to cover feeding, walks, medications, quirks and emergencies. https://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/cat-vaccines-and-health-checkshttps://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/cat-vaccines-and-health-checksThu, 13 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMTHealth & VetEven 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. https://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/dog-vaccines-before-a-stayhttps://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/dog-vaccines-before-a-stayThu, 30 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMTHealth & VetRabies, 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. https://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/pet-sitter-vs-boardinghttps://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/pet-sitter-vs-boardingThu, 16 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMTGetting StartedBoth 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. https://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/fireworks-and-storm-anxietyhttps://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/fireworks-and-storm-anxietyThu, 02 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMTSeasonalJuly 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. https://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/overnight-stay-checklisthttps://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/overnight-stay-checklistThu, 18 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMTTravel PrepA 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. https://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/hot-weather-dog-walkinghttps://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/hot-weather-dog-walkingThu, 04 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMTWalking & ExerciseSummer 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. https://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/pet-sitter-meet-and-greethttps://porchlightpetcare.com/blog/pet-sitter-meet-and-greetThu, 21 May 2026 12:00:00 GMTGetting StartedThe meet & greet is where trust gets built. Here is what happens, what to show your sitter, and the questions every pet owner should ask.