Will You Visit My Cat Every Other Day?

The answer to this question is no and the reasons why we don’t do every other day cat visits are below.

Cats in general can be very independent, they give and receive affection on their terms, play only when they feel like it, if at all but as independent as they may seem they still need supervision.

Some people think that leaving their cat alone with only a pet visit every other day and an automatic cat feeder will be okay.

A cat left home alone for more than a day at a time could lead to tragedy.  To ensure your cats safety, Scamps & Champs does not offer every other day cat visits for the following reasons:-

Your Cat Could Get Ill

Cats can become very unwell, very quickly as we have experienced.   Swift action can be taken by your pet sitter to take your cats to the vets for emergency treatment.   A visit 48 hours later may well be too late.

Your Cat May Become Injured

Accidents can and do happen.  A cat left unsupervised for more than 24 hours increases the risk of an injury.  Your cat could injure themselves after the pet sitter has visited but would then have to wait 48 hours for her to return causing them unnecessary pain and suffering before being able to get them veterinary treatment.

The Automatic Pet Feeder May Malfunction

Again this something we have experienced where an automatic pet feeder has not opened at the time it was scheduled to.   Your cat would be extremely hungry having to wait 48 hours for their next meal.

Your Cat Could Become Trapped

Another of our experiences. We arrived at a client’s house and the cat didn’t come to greet us as she normally did.  After hunting all around the house, we discovered that the cleaner had locked her in a bedroom.   Imagine we hadn’t found her for another 48 hours, we would have had an extremely distressed, very hungry and thirsty cat, not to mention the damage done to the client’s bedroom.  A daily visit by a professional pet sitter will ensure your cat remains safe.

Your Cat Could Run Out Of Water

We have visited cats where they have managed to upturn their water dish. Even the sturdiest of bowls can be flipped over. Your cat would have no access to fresh water for 48 hours.

We have had lots of different experiences over the last eight years and because of what we have learned, we will not offer pet visits every other day for the safety of your cats.   Leaving your cats home alone without a pet visit every day to check on them just doesn’t make sense when you consider the potential risks.Scamps & Champs daily cat visitswill ensure the safety of your pet and provide them with care, love and attention while you are away providing you with peace of mind. To ask us a question, make an enquiry or booking, simply compl

Looking After Your Dog Whilst Working Full-Time?

BLEEP – the alarm rattles you out of bed, as you groggily pull on your workwear. While you’re getting ready for another long, coffee-filled morning at work, your pet looks up at you with shining eyes: ‘Where are you going?’ they seem to say, ears perked, nose snuffling around the breakfast leftovers…

It’s heartbreaking to leave our dogs in the house for eight, nine or ten-plus hours at a time. They aren’t built for it, and neither are we. Isn’t there a way to ensure your pooch has company when you’re gone?

Follow Scamps and Champs down several options for looking after a home-alone pet:

Ensure they have everything they need

Before leaving for work, it’s important to care for their thirsts, appetites and sense of comfort until you return. Fill up the water and biscuit bowls. Then prep the doggie bed with soft, warm blankets, and leave any rooms open that you don’t mind your pet wandering between (conservatory, kitchen hallway etc.) with a favourite toy.

Some dogs are fine with being left outdoors when the weather permits. Just remember that they need to have topped-up food and water, guarded by a secure gate, fence or paddock.

Make a schedule for coming back halfway through the day

Anyone can reasonably think that eight or more hours is too long – we’d go a little mad ourselves in that time, without anything to distract us! To keep your pooch stimulated, why not see if you can head back home, on a lunch break, for a brisk 20-minute walk around the neighbourhood?

During these periods, try to wear the dog out as much as you can, either through walking, a Frisbee session, or tugs of war with a rope. That’ll tire them out until the evening; they might make a habit of falling asleep, only rousing when you walk through the door again.

Embrace professional dog sitting

Many people, however, aren’t able to flex their schedules, or make it to and from the workplace in a short span of time. Long commutes, single living and/or tough bosses can make caring for your dog a hardship in the week… That is unless you take on a dog sitting service like ours.

Scamps & Champs offer dependable carers who will turn up several times a day (if required) for a dog sitting experience like no other. We take on only the warmest, most capable pet lovers, so you’re guaranteed a fine friend in lieu of your own presence. Every dog gets their own dedicated sitter, and an updated feedback report every time we turn up at your doorstep. You’ll be aware of what happened in the day, how your dog was behaving, and anything else crucial to your peace of mind.

See what dog sitting can do for your home-bound hound – we’re very happy to have a chat, as Scamps & Champs continue to help hundreds of full-time workers in the UK. The stark choice of ‘dog’ or ‘career’ shouldn’t be drawn so deeply in the sand… With us on your side, we can rub it out altogether.

Contact us if you would like to enquire, make a booking or ask us a question about our services, via our online enquiry form.

Our Favourite Toys for Home Alone Dogs

dog toys in stockport, dog walking in stockport,

We often hear that owning a dog is like having an eternal toddler at your beck and call. Why, you ask? Because they’re obsessed with fun, games and entertainment. A pooch never tires of the stuff you buy to amuse it, even when you aren’t personally on the other end of the rope, so to speak…

This is doubly important when we leave a dog at home, as they need to keep themselves active – both mentally and physically – until you return. Scamps and Champs done some sniffing around, and come up with a list of top canine toys to fill the void:

Benebone Flavoured Chews

USA brand Benebone is a big name for quirky chew toys, and they’ve amassed a range of gourmet flavours that include peanut butter, bacon and rotisserie chicken. The lip-smacking treat has been designed to resemble a wishbone, so pups and adult dogs can gnaw on it easily. Any pets heavier than 70lb, though, are off the cards for Benebone toys.

KONG Rubber Ball Extreme

Round objects seem to be the absolute, heavenly peak of a pooch’s sense of play. The KONG Rubber Ball Extreme has a ridiculous bounce capability, whilst remaining 100% puncture resistant. Your furry pal can knock it about at their whim, chasing it through the backyard, living room or kitchen. ‘Small’ measurements are 2.5” high, whilst the ‘Medium/Large’ option adds another half an inch, catering for variously sized breeds.

KONG Classic Dog Toy

We’re back in KONG’s playground, as they prove once more why they’re a solid brand for pet-centric games. Basically, the Classic version of their accessory is shaped like a triple-layered dollop of cream, built from red rubber. When dropped on the ground, it’ll boing unpredictably from one spot to the next – that’s what the unusual design is for! Dogs can’t fail to be delighted by this, making the KONG Classic a highlight on our list.

Our Pets IQ Treat Ball  

For a short stay on their own through the day, the Our Pets IQ Treat Ball is a perfect, tongue-frothing blend of smarts and physical pleasure. A dog can only gain access to the biscuits within if they roll the toy in a certain way; steadily, they’ll drop out, ready to be snaffled up. Owners can raise the difficulty when they think it’s become too by-the-numbers. Overall, an ideal choice for the brainy hound.

Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel

Now this is a special case of paw-tastic pastimes… The Hide-A-Squirrel Toy emits a squeak when dogs wrap their mouth around the belly, lending comfort and stimulation in periods of stress. There are several of these plush squirrels to buy at once; what’s more, they live in a furry tree trunk, requiring a dog to hunt them through the storage holes. The Ginormous Hide, as its’ known, features five woodland critters to pile on top of each other.

Together, these are excellent distractions for a home alone dog – the kind, we may add, who would benefit hugely from a pet sitting service like Scamps & Champs. We can visit your pooch several times a day and/or week, or stay at their side through a whole holiday. Just get in touch with your requirements, and we can add a real pair of hands to their new toy chest.

What happens during a Scamps & Champs puppy visit?

Would you love to get a puppy but are out at work all day? Scamps & Champs puppy visits can help.

I think any animal lover would agree that there is nothing as cute as a young puppy. The puppy breath, the floppy ears and those adorable puppy eyes. Proper care, training and routine is so important. Scamps & Champs puppy visits are typically two to three times a day, around three to fours apart, depending on the age of the little one.

When we arrive, the first thing we do is take the puppy outside for a toilet break. Lots of praise will be given when the pup toilets outside and any accidents cleaned up.

We will then feed the puppy based on your instructions and then back out again into the garden.

Depending on your requests, most of our time will be spent outside. We will have plenty of playtime and most importantly lots of cuddles.

Afterwards, hopefully your puppy will be tired out and ready for a nap. A lot of puppy owners use a crate so back in the crate the pup will go with a treat if we have the owner’s permission. Some owners like us to give a filled puppy kong to keep the pup busy in-between our visits.

Once the pup has been fully vaccinated then we can start to incorporate a short 5 to 10 minute walk and build this up very gradually. It helps with getting the puppy used to having the lead/harness put on. 

To find out more about our puppy visits, give us a call on 0333 200 5827 or contact us through our website.

Scamps and Champs Chichester is Growing!

In the last 2 months Chichester Scamps and Champs has taken on 4 new team members. Requests for services are increasing weekly and with great reviews and plenty of happy pet lovers it can only get better.  If you are looking for a reliable premium per service then look no further that Sarah and her team at Scamps and Champs Chichester.

‘I am really pleased that Scamps and Champs Chichester has taken off so well and this is due to great service from the team of pet lovers that we have and the great brand that is Scamps and Champs.’


Sarah Davies – Branch owner

The current team at Scamps and Champs Chichester can cover your dog boarding, pet sitting and pet visit needs all over Chichester, Bognor Regis and the surrounding area.  We have a great team in place to look after your pets and treat them as part of the family. 

Our team members so are:

Mike Parham – East Wittering

Mikes is the name, dog boarding our game!

We are a family of three, Mike, Ksenia and Anarella (7) we live in West Sussex.

We have a great passion for our four-legged friends, as a child I grew up always with a German Shepard around and in adult life, until recently, there has always been one or even two at times, with the occasional Irish Wolf and even a Cavalier King Charles (slight diversity there!)

I have to admit that we currently do not have any dogs of our own. I have been reluctant despite family pressure to own another dog as the memories of losing one’s best friend is always so heart breaking, something you, animal lovers, no doubt will appreciate

So here we are! Scamps & Champs dog boarders! 

Cyra Shepherd – Fishbourne

Cyra has just joined our home boarding team at Scamps and Champs Chichester. She has a lovely home that she shares with Ernie, her lovely golden Labrador and her family.  We are thrilled she has come on board and know that she will be a real team player. Cyra says: 

“I love dogs. This is an ideal job for me where I look forward to welcoming them into our home, in a safe and loving environment for them to enjoy, so the owners can relax and feel confident that their dog is well cared for while they are away.” 

Carla Campbell – Nutbourne

My name is Carla and a really excited to join Sarah at Scamps and Champs Chichester. I am a very happy, friendly and energetic person. I’m a big animal enthusiast and have studied animal care at college to achieve my higher national certificate. I love all animals but my main passion is for dogs.

Having grown up with a variety of dogs from Rottweiler’s and German Shepherds to Dachshunds and Chihuahuas. I couldn’t imagine my life without them. I have a little Cockapoo called Daisy who is my world. We enjoy lovely walks around the local villages where we live. Emsworth, Nutbourne and Bosham are among our favourites. I love walking and exploring new places for dog walks. 

I can’t wait to start looking after your pets in Chichester and bring Scamps and Champs to the South Coast.

Jane Mason – Pagham

I’m Jane and I have lived with and cared for animals of all types and sizes for over half a century!

I teach animal care and management at a local college and have a particular interest in animal/owner bonding.

I am happy to be working with Sarah and her team and look forward to getting to meet new pets and their owners around the South Downs area.

If you think you might need one of our premium pet services then drop me an email here chichester@scampsandchamps.co.uk

For more news and reviews then please follow us on our Facebook page and sing up to our newsletter on the website https://www.facebook.com/Scamps-Champs-Chichester-556789104730590/

We would love to hear from you!

Pet Sitting VS. Dog Home Boarding: The Great Debate

We’re never thrilled about leaving our pooches behind, but certain situations, like holidays abroad, dictate we must. When you can’t take your dog along for the ride, there are generally two courses of action available: pet sitting or dog home boarding.

But which option is best for our furry friends? We’re going to throw you a couple of bones, if we may, as we gauge the benefits and drawbacks of both choices…

Dog home boarding – Pros

Dog home boarding is a popular alternative to kennels, giving you peace of mind that your pup is being cared for in a comfortable environment, whether that’s a friend’s house, or that of a professional dog sitter.

It’s ideal for dogs who have had bad experiences with kennels in the past, struggle with socialising, or simply require a few home comforts – especially older animals. With dog home boarding, your pet can be taken for regular walks, plied with cuddles, kept safe and healthy, and enjoy some companionship for the days ahead.

Most top-tier services (like us!) ensure you’re totally comfortable with the boarding experience beforehand; only when you’ve had a chance to meet the carer do we ask for a deposit.

Cons

While dog home boarding may sound like a luxury escape for your pooch, it’s not suited to every animal. For starters, if your dog isn’t toilet trained, or struggles with basic obedience, you could lose your deposit in the event of an incident at your carer’s home.

Plus, even though home boarding is a much nicer alternative to kennels, it can still place a lot of stress on animals with a nervous temperament, or those who are sick or injured.

Pet sitting – Pros

Most dogs take a while to adapt to a new place; they like to sniff, sleep and feel their way around a territory. With pet sitting, a committed carer will turn up at your door – armed with treats, toys, or just an overnight bag – and stay in your home for a prescribed amount of time.

By staying dry, fed and loved in a space they recognise, any dog will be calmer, mediating their separation anxiety. The pet sitter can have as much or as little influence on the day-to-day routine of your pooch as desired: merely popping over to walk them and filling up their biscuit bowl, perhaps, or camping over for a week or two. They can even water the plants…

Cons

Depending on the levels of service you ask for, pet sitting can be pricier than dog home boarding; after all, we’re asking someone to (potentially) spend every minute with your furry pal. It also requires a much greater degree of trust; while this shouldn’t be a problem with a reputable service, like ours, some people feel uncomfortable giving strangers free roam of their home.

There isn’t a single answer to what’s preferable here; it all comes down to your personality and, of course, the needs of the Main Mutt in question. Still can’t decide on the way forward? Contact Scamps & Champs Today, or delve into our range of pet care services, each of which can be tailored to you.

Pet Sitting: An Alternative to Dog Home Boarding

Although dog home boarding can be beneficial in several ways, this option might not be the best for your pet for several reasons. For example, even though your dog will be staying in a home, it won’t be the same as staying in his/her home as the unfamiliar routine and environment may cause your pet stress.

An excellent alternative to dog home boarding is pet sitting, a pawsome service offered by Scamps and Champs.

Why consider pet sitting?

Wondering why you should opt for pet sitting? Here are some amazing benefits you should know:

  • Less stress for your pet

When you choose pet sitting for your dog, your pet is going to be staying in the comfort of his or her home where all the sights, smells, and sounds say home! Since it’s an environment they are familiar with; your pet will feel safe and secure. This will help keep your dog remain calm and relaxed while you’re away.

  • Daily routine of your pet remains uninterrupted

Pets tend to get used to set routine overtime and interrupting their routine can make them anxious and stressed. A routine includes your pet’s customized diet, medication, and exercise. Pet sitters from Scamps and Champs understand the importance of a routine and stick to it so your dog can be safe, healthy, and happy.

  • Security

It’s not unusual for many pet owners to have security concerns about their home while they’re away. Pet sitters from Scamps and Champs can help ensure your home is protected from security risk by bringing in your post, turning lights on and off, bringing in and putting out recycle bins and closing the curtains in the evening.

  • No extra travel for you

With dog home boarding, you have to travel to where the host family of your dog stays to check whether the setting is right for your dog as well as to drop them off and pick them upon your return. You might be unable to make the extra trips due to time constraints or the inconvenience it can cause. But when you choose pet sitting, you can leave your dog at home, which will help save you time.

  • No travel trauma for your pet

Some pets don’t handle traveling well as they sometimes get traumatized during the trip in the vehicle or travel sick.   Even if you do all you can to make them comfortable during the trip, there’s no guarantee that they will enjoy the experience.  With pet sitting there is no travelling involved.   

  • Pet sitting experience, license, and insurance

Since you’re planning to be out of town for a while, it’s essential to hire a professional pet sitter who is experienced, licensed, and insured. An experienced pet sitter has seen it all with dogs and knows how to handle an emergency. They also have a vast network of resources at their fingertips. Similarly, they’re licensed to operate and are fully insured.

  • Special services

Apart from caring for your dog, pet sitters can provide additional home services such as keeping the house clean, watering the plants, bringing in the mail and newspapers. You can even ask them to run errands for you while you’re gone.

  • Health concerns

Since your pet will be staying at home where they are used to, there’s minimal exposure to illness from other animals. And should your pet fall ill, you can rest assured that they will receive adequate TLC from the pet sitter.

  • Peace of mind

While you’re away, you can feel confident that your pet is in the right hands, and that your dog will be relaxed because they’re in a familiar environment. Your pet sitter will send you daily updates with photographs so you can monitor the wellbeing of your pet. This will contribute to your peace of mind and make you feel more relaxed as well.

Conclusion

Whether you need to go out of town urgently, take a long holiday or need some help caring for your pet because you’re unwell, a pet sitter from Scamps and Champs can help give your dog the care, love, and individualized attention he or she needs at all times.

Please do contact us if we can help in any way at all with your Pet Sitting Service Enquiries via our online form and one of the team will get back to you as soon as possible. To view our full range of Pet Care Services please visit our Scamps and Champs Website.

REASONS SCAMPS & CHAMPS DON’T PACK WALK

At Scamps and Champs, we recognize that dog walking is a huge part of a dog’s life and also an excellent way to keep them healthy and fit. It opens them to new and stimulating experiences needed for their overall well-being. Additionally, it can also help them to tire them out, and you might know, “a tired dog is a happy dog.” 

You might have noticed that that pack walks are springing up all over the U.K. as many believe it’s a fantastic way for dogs to experience strangers and other canine friends in a safe environment.  While it might appear to hold many benefits for those, it does have several downsides which shouldn’t be brushed off in a hurry. Here are the reasons Scamps and Champs don’t pack walk.

1. Supervision

Walking just one dog requires full attention to keep an eye on them effectively and to make sure they’re safe. Dogs often get easily fascinated by new sights, smells, and sounds that they encounter during the walk. If something new and interesting catches their attention, they may forget their manners and rush up to that thing or person. Consider all the concentration walking a single dog requires and then imagine what it is like trying to control five or more dogs at once! Additionally, controlling them on busy roads and unfamiliar surroundings can be quite risky during pack walks.

2. Lost Training Opportunities

Walking a dog is an opportunity to train them and reinforce what they have learned. For example, if you take your dog on a walk, you can notice their reaction to potential triggers and take appropriate action. If your dog takes a look at a scary sight and focuses on you, it’s a sign that your dog is learning some manners and should be rewarded with a treat. On the flip side, it is hard to specially train one dog at a time during a pack walk since there are about five other dogs or more.

3. Disease

Whenever dogs congregate, there’s always a high risk of them spreading diseases such as kennel cough, canine influenza, or canine parvovirus. Your dog is also at risk of coming home with fleas and ticks after exposure to a dog gathering, no matter how careful the owners are. This could cause severe discomfort for your pet and also require a visit to the vet. The chances of a dog contracting a disease is drastically reduced when we walk them individually and not in a pack.

4. Fights and Bullying

Just as in any human group, bullying can also happen among dogs leading to fights in a bid to establish their dominance. The bigger the group, the more likely it is for some dogs to break the rules of polite social interactions and make their own rules. This can lead to cases of dogs overwhelming their potential playmates with overly assertive and inappropriate behaviours. Many dog owners try to avoid situations that might trigger their dogs and result in fights as well as protect their pets from being picked on. Pack walks increases the likelihood of fights and bullying among dogs, potentially leading to lacerations, puncture wounds, and even broken bones.

5. Injuries

Although injuries are unexpected occurrences that can happen in an instant, they tend to occur more during pack walks due to divided attention of walkers and fights that may break out.   It is nearly impossible to keep an eye on other dogs while tending to one dog, and this could turn out badly in several ways. Conversely, walking one dog at a time allows walkers to give adequate attention to injured dogs without having to worry about monitoring other pets.  

6. Physics

When it comes to pack walks, some walkers sacrifice safety for management by walking five (or more) strong reactive dogs at the same time. This might appear to be easy except that the physics is wrong. Imagine a dog walker who is 11 stone and walking seven stone large dogs; it’s going to take a lot of hard work to keep them under control, and that is only possible if they’re able to resist the pull.

 Conclusion

Pack dog walks might be trending at the moment, but the disadvantages are hard to ignore. Like every dog owner that loves their canine bestie, it’s important you make the right decision, so your pet can have an enjoyable and stimulating walk with our walkers from Scamps and Champs.  

If your dog enjoys the company of other dogs, we will carefully match your dog to a dog of similar size and temperament.  

To view our Dog Walking Services and our extensive range of other
Pet Care Services please visit our Scamps and Champs Website. To ask us a question, make a booking or to simply make an enquiry please complete our Online Enquiry Form


NEW Dog Home Boarding and Doggy Daycare Services – Launching in Reading and Windsor!

We are excited to introduce yet another NEW animal care branch to you! Scamps and Champs Reading and Scamps and Champs Windsor, are both set to launch next month in August 2019!

The two branches will be offering our most popular Dog Home Boarding Service and a Doggy Daycare Service to Reading, Windsor and the surrounding areas! Marina is our new branch manager and she will be running pet care services via both branches, alongside a dedicated animal care team.

Hi, I’m Marina and I run the Reading & Windsor branches of Scamps & Champs!

I am absolutely thrilled to be offering professional pet care services in and around Reading, Windsor and Slough. Whether you are looking for regular or one-off care, you can rest assured that we will look after your pet like our own giving them all the love and attention, exercise and cuddles they are used to!

pet care services in reading, dog home boarding in reading
Marina – Scamps and Champs Reading and Windsor Branch Manager

My professional background as a Software Consultant has enabled me to work from home in recent years which meant I could finally have a dog of my own. My first pet as a child however was a budgie called Bobby. I taught him to speak and he ended up being bilingual!  I also love horses and as a teenager rode as much as I could and looked after a local pony.

I can’t wait to hear all about your pets and pet care needs! With our online booking system everything is quick and easy, you will always get to meet your carer before you book and we will send you regular updates and photos so you can see what your pet has been getting up to whilst you’re away.

We would like to extend a walk welcome to the Scamps and Champs family Marina! It’s clear how dedicated you are and how much you love animals and we are delighted to have you on board!

Marina will be looking to recruit caring Dog Home Boarding families, as well a dedicated animal care team. If you are passionate about animals and this opportunity interests you then please contact Scamps and Champs Reading via their web page.

If you are interested in booking Scamps and Champs Reading or Windsor Pet Care Services; Doggy Daycare or Dog Home Boarding, please do contact us via our online enquiry form.
Or alternatively email reading@scampsandchamps.co.uk

Overnight Pet Sitting in Dartford

Do you have pets and worry about what you are going to do when you go on holiday or can’t be there? Do you worry about them not being well cared for and having to be kept in an unknown environment while you are away? Well if you live in and around Dartford then we have the perfect solution for you with our overnight pet sitting service.

A member of our overnight pet sitting team in and around Dartford will come and stay in your home and take care of your pet as if they were their own, as well as ensuring your home is looked after while you are away. All of our overnight pet sitters are fully insured, police checked and most importantly all massive animal lovers. They have a lot of experience with all pets, big or small, and will give your pets the love and attention they deserve during every overnight pet sitting visit.

If your pet is easily stressed and likes their usual routine then our overnight pet sitting service could be the ideal option for you. Your pet would get to stay in their own home in familiar surroundings, avoiding any unnecessary stress and ensuring they are comfortable, which will leave you free to enjoy your holiday without worrying!

At Scamps & Champs Dartford we understand how difficult it is to trust someone to care for your pet, as they become part of the family. Your pet deserves the best care and our team of overnight pet sitters will be sure to provide this while you are away. To ensure we offer the best care we take the time to get to know you and your pet before any overnight pet sitting visit. A member of the Scamps & Champs Dartford team will come out and undertake a completely free no obligation visit. During this visit we get to know your requirements and your pets routine, as well as any special quirks your pet may have. This ensures our overnight pet sitting team can offer a tailored service and make sure your pet remains happy and stress free during your holiday.

At Scamps & Champs Dartford we also know how many things there are to worry about when you go away. Our overnight pet sitting service takes away some of those worries like whether your home is secure. Our team of overnight pet sitters will stay at your home and ensure no one will be breaking in. The team of overnight pet sitters can also undertake tasks such as watering plants, tidying, sorting post and other small tasks that can often get overlooked when you go away.

So if you live in and around Dartford and need someone to care for your pet while you are away please do get in touch. We will be more than happy to discuss our overnight pet sitting service in more detail and arrange a convenient time for a free meet and greet session.