This isn’t just an American phenomenon, either. It’s been happening in cities like Barcelona and Hong Kong, and in India in general. The reasons pretty much come down to a combination of protecting users from what are basically unregulated services, protecting the aforementioned tenants and cab drivers from economic loss, and, to be honest, protecting tax income for the local jurisdictions — but that’s a standard reason for just about any law or regulation.

Now, New York has set its sights on another gig economy business: dog sitting apps.

It’s actually not a new law. Article 161 of the health code prohibits anyone without a kennel license from charging money to sit pets. The Catch-22 is that the law also bans private homes from having a kennel license, meaning that it’s illegal for people to use businesses like DogVacay or their new owner, Rover, and authorities have issued fines starting at $1,000 per violation.

Last October, the city also asked DogVacay to require sitters to verify that they have a license before they can use the service, although the company has reportedly not yet complied with that demand — and Rover lists over 40,000 sitters in the city, starting at $15 per night. While they do state that dog sitters should follow their state and local laws, they do not give any indication of what those laws are, so it’s up to you to do your research if you want to board other people’s pets for a fee.

However, as Huffinton Post points out, this does not ban all private pet-sitting in the city. While you can’t technically open your home for boarding other people’s, nothing prohibits you from paying someone else to come into your residence to take care of your pets, licensed or not.

On the bright side, Health Department enforcement is complaint-driven, so as long as there are no complaints there are no citations. There’s incentive for would-be dog sitters to be very nice to all of their neighbors! Also, Rover.com is lobbying City Council health committee Chairman Corey Johnson for a change in the law, and he is reportedly very receptive to an update.

As reported in the NY Daily News, Johnson said, “To have a law on the books that says (unlicensed pet-sitting is) illegal is antiquated and not practical.”

Of course, New Yorkers are nothing if not resourceful, as seen by the rather hilarious solution to a recent ruling that said that dogs could only be brought on the subway if they could fit into a bag that their owner could carry. The goal was to limit such travelers to smaller dogs. Instead, New Yorkers just got bigger bags — and sometimes avoided that whole carrying part in the first place.

And not that it’s a solution to the dog-sitting question, but we couldn’t avoid pointing out one enterprising dog walker, who is using New York’s Citi Bike program to optimize his business and bring pack walking to a whole new level. So if the law doesn’t change, look for locals to come up with unique and creative workarounds for the ban.

Is private dog-sitting for pay regulated where you are? Or are you a dog-sitter who has had problems with local regulations? Tell us about it in the comments!

The post Putting A Leash On NYC Dog Sitters appeared first on Cesar's Way.

According to a recent survey by the ASPCA, more than one-third of dog and cat owners don’t have disaster preparedness plans in place for their pets. Make sure this isn’t you.

Storm safety is crucial, and making sure you’re prepared can mean the difference between life and death for your pets.

Why Are Storms LIke Hurricanes, Tornados, and Floods Dangerous for Dogs?

What will you do with your pets if a natural disaster strikes?

When faced with an emergency, pet owners must intervene on behalf of their dogs and cats to ensure their safety. How four-legged family members fare will depend on their preparedness, says Janell Matthies, emergency services manager for the United Animal Nations, a Sacramento, California-based organization that brings animals out of crisis through various programs, including emergency sheltering and disaster relief services.

Hurricanes, floods, fires, earthquakes, tornadoes, blizzards, and even volcanic eruptions, not to mention human-triggered crises like house fires and gas leaks, happen with little warning. If forced to evacuate or hunker down at home, unprepared dog owners may find themselves panicking.

Advice for Keeping Your Dog Safe During a Storm

When it comes to preparedness, emergency management professionals have a saying: “If you fail to prepare, you’re preparing to fail,” says Ines de Pablo, a Washington D.C.-trained emergency management specialist based in Herndon, VA. Here’s how experts recommend you prepare:

Rehearse Ahead of Time

Once you’ve identified and prepared for these different emergency and evacuation scenarios, you’ll need to create a plan and practice it to make sure you’re prepared should disaster strike.

Run through every step in your plan and time how long it takes your family to gather their emergency packs and meet at the car. Drive to evacuation centers, noting resources along the way. Know what you’ll do with your dog if you have to leave him behind. By practicing, you’ll be able to fill any holes in your plan and come up with solutions to any problems that may arise.

Though you can’t prevent natural disasters or emergencies from happening, you can prepare for them.

Pick Designated Caregivers

This stage will require some time and consideration. Consider a temporary caregiver who lives near your home while making your selection. They should either be at home throughout the day at work or have easy access to your house. This trustworthy individual should have a set of keys. This may work well with neighbors who have dogs of their own—depending on who has access. You could even exchange duties.

You’ll need to examine additional factors while choosing a permanent caretaker. This person is the person to whom you’ve entrusted the care of your pet if something may happen to you.

Create a Safe Room

If you reside in a location prone to natural catastrophes such as tornadoes, earthquakes, or floods, you should prepare ahead of time and escape as soon as possible.

Determine which rooms provide safe havens ahead of time. It would be best to avoid risks such as windows, flying debris, and other hazards in these spaces.

It is critical to have access to clean drinking water. Fill bathtubs and sinks ahead of time in regions where electricity may be lost to ensure that you have access to water in the event of a power outage or other emergency.

Don't Leave Pets Behind If You Evacuate

Don’t leave your pets behind. It’s important to remember that if it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for your dogs. They may become trapped or escape, exposing themselves to various life-threatening dangers. Because not all shelters allow pets, you must plan ahead of time and have a plan for where your pets will go.

Create an Emergency Kit In Case You Have to Leave

Plan for the worst-case situation if you must flee your house during a crisis. If you believe you’ll only be gone for a day, expect to be barred from returning for several weeks. Pay attention to the directions of local and state officials when there are evacuation recommendations. Follow these easy actions to cut down on evacuation time:

• Bring your dogs inside at the first indication or warning of a storm or calamity. In a crisis, pets might become bewildered and walk away from home.
• Keep an emergency kit and leashes as close as possible to an exit. Ensure that everyone in the family knows where it is, that it is appropriately labeled and that it is easy to transport. 
  • Include a pet first aid kit and a guidebook. Ask your vet what all to include.
  • Pack 3-7 days’ worth of food, whether pop-top canned or dry food. (Make sure to rotate every two months)
  • Disposable litter trays
  • Litter or paper towels
  • Dish soap and disinfectant 
  • Disposable bags for cleaning up
  • Pet feeding dishes and water bowls
  • Extra collar and leash
  • Photocopies or a USB of your pet’s medical records, a waterproof container with a two-week supply of any medicines your pet requires (Remember, you need to cycle the food and meds out of your emergency kit, or they will go bad or become worthless).
  • Bring at least seven days with water bottles.
  • A travel bag and a carrier for your pets
  • Flashlight
  • Blanket
  • Pictures of your pets (in case they get lost)
  • Chew toys

Make Sure Your Pets Have Microchips

The ASPCA suggests microchipping your pet as a more permanent form of identification. In most animal shelters, a microchip can be inserted under the skin in the animal’s shoulder area. 

Check That IDs Are up to Date

Preparing for an unforeseen or natural disaster begins with ensuring your dog has its ID with it at all times, says Heather Case, DVM, director of the scientific activities division for the American Veterinary Medical Association. It should list current, updated information and, ideally, a cell phone number where someone can reach you if you and your pet separate during an evacuation. 

Affix a Rescue Alert Sticker to Your Door

This simple sticker will alert visitors to the presence of dogs in your house. Make sure it’s visible to rescuers (we recommend posting it on or near your front door) and contains information about the types and quantity of pets in your home and your veterinarian’s name and phone number. If you must flee with your pets, write “EVACUATED” across the stickers if time permits.

Preparation Considerations For Different Types of Storms

Other storms create different situations to accommodate. It would help if you reviewed the different ways to prepare for these storms.

Hurricane Safety for Dogs

Hurricanes cause floods and heavy rainfall, increasing the frequency of ailments. Furthermore, if you cannot return home after the storm, your dog may be forced to stay in a boarding kennel or shelter, potentially exposing it to dangerous infections like kennel cough. Vaccinations and parasite prevention drugs should be updated to ensure that your dog remains healthy despite the changes. Based on the most frequent ailments in your region, your veterinarian can advise you on the best preventative care plan for your dog.

Flood Safety for Dogs

If your home floods, go to the highest point in the house to see refuge. Make sure you have all of your pet’s important documents in a tightly sealed bag.

Tornado Safety for Dogs

When a tornado threatens, the best location for you and your pets is in a basement or underground storm shelter; if that isn’t possible, stay in an inside room with no windows or beneath a stairway.

The post How To Prepare Your Pets For The Storm appeared first on Cesar's Way.

Start Your Search Early

Whatever you do, don’t wait until the last minute to contact potential boarding hosts. You’ll want to do your homework and research various host profiles to see who is in your area, is available, and makes a great match for your dog’s personality. On dogvacay.com, for example, you can browse through in-home boarding host profiles, narrowing down by specific geographic location, price, housing type and more.

Once you’ve whittled down potential hosts, contact them. It’s important to start a dialogue to make sure the match is a good fit and they have the time available to host your dog while you are away. And your host will want to get to know you as much as you want to get to know him or her.

Know Your Dog’s Habits

Once you’ve started a conversation with potential hosts, let them know your dog’s habits and quirks. If your dog is a high maintenance princess that needs to be the center of attention (hey, no judging) a host that doesn’t have other dogs may be the ideal fit.

On the other hand, if your pup needs to be social, a host with their own dogs will provide your pet some friends with which to play. Similarly, an extremely high-energy dog needs to spend his days hiking and staying active, so you would more likely consider a host who works from home and can give him extra attention.

Pick a Location Based on Size and Exercise Needs

Let’s face it. A hyperactive German Shepherd isn’t exactly going to have the best time staying in a tiny apartment. He’s going to need a host to keep him occupied and space in which to do it. And a lapdog like a small Yorkie probably doesn’t need the expanse of Ol’ MacDonald’s farm. Rather, a cozy space with constant supervision so she feels secure would be much more preferable. No one knows better than you where your dog would do best. Like the saying goes, it’s all about location, location, location.

Read Host Profiles and Browse Photos

And as to location, services like dogvacay.com allow hosts to post in-depth profiles about their hosting experiences, their love of dogs as well as photos of their homes and outdoor spaces. Many are very experienced and have been working in pet care for years. For example, dogvacay.com approves all its hosts, but you’ll also find references and user reviews so you can’t go wrong.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

If there’s not enough information in the host profile to convince you or you have additional concerns, ask questions and even request additional photos. Maybe your dog eats hand stirred grain and sliced chicken meals and you want to be sure your host knows how to prepare it. Or maybe there are other special needs, such as handicaps or allergies. The hosts want to put you as much at ease as they do your dog, so ask away!

Determine Which Hosts Can Customize to Your Dog’s Routine

Dogs live according to routine and no two routines are exactly alike. To make sure your dog’s routine, such as eating at the same time every day, stays intact while you’re away, a host who is willing to work with you is key. Each dog lives under a different set of disciplined routines. If you don’t allow your dog to sleep on the bed at home, he shouldn’t be allowed to sleep on someone else’s bed. Otherwise, once you are back home, you might wonder why there’s a nice, cozy warm spot on your pillow. It’s important for dog parents to feel like they’re leaving their best friend with someone who respects the rules they’ve set and is willing to adapt to them.

Schedule a Meet and Greet

Everything may seem perfect — perfect host, perfect location. But as we know, nothing is perfect until it’s…well… perfect. There might be some little unforeseen item that could put a wrench in the best-laid plans. Don’t rely solely on online communication. Schedule an in-person meeting in the location where your dog would potentially be staying. This way, you can discuss any additional needs and see how your dog interacts with the space and other dogs, if there are any. Once you find the perfect host, it’s potentially a relationship that both you and your dog can enjoy for years to come.

We all work hard for our vacations. And vacations should be relaxing, rewarding, and wonderful. With a little planning, your dog will enjoy his or her vacation as much as you will yours.

The post How To Find The Right In-Home Dog Boarding Host appeared first on Cesar's Way.

Whether you plan vacations months in advance or need a last-minute getaway, the question always remains — what to do with your furry best friend when you’re away?

For many pet owners, kennels aren’t a great option — but home dog boarding is a solution that will offer peace of mind and provide almost any pup a vacay to remember!

In addition to the convenience of finding a host sitter in your neighborhood, one great benefit to home dog boarding is the ability to find a host and home that accommodates your pup’s exact needs and provides the same loving attention that you do. Since pups come in different sizes and personalities, here’s a guide to finding the perfect home boarding host for your furry friend.

For your Puppy

The host should be able to give your puppy 24/7 supervision. Puppies need a lot of attention, so this host will be on the constant lookout to make sure that the home is safe for exploring, and that the puppy is healthy and happy.

A stay-at-home parent or retiree would be ideal for this pooch. Be sure to visit their home first, to ensure a fun, puppy-proof environment.

For your Big Dog

A host who loves big dogs usually has a yard so that the guest pup has room to roam. Larger dogs may need a lot of exercise, and your host will understand how to physically and mentally care for a dog with high energy or strength.

You can even find hosts with specific breed experience, so you know they’ll be completely comfortable in public with your big love bug.

For your Anxious Dog

Many dogs experience separation anxiety when away from their beloved owners, so it’s important to choose a host who knows how to love under pressure!

Calm hosts who know how to earn a dog’s trust with activities and gentle care are the best choices, so don’t be afraid to ask questions about their experience. You may also want to choose a host who works from home or is able to be with your dog most of the day, giving your pup the full attention she deserves.

For your Senior Dog

Hosts who have experience with senior dogs know the importance of patience and taking it slow, so consider someone without high-energy resident pets or young children.

The right home will be easy for older pups, with safe floors and ramps or single levels. This host will also know how to notice any warning signs of exhaustion or distress, and may even be able administer oral or injected medications, as well as CPR.

The post Choosing The Best Home Boarding Host For Your Dog appeared first on Cesar's Way.

Picking the right sitter: Try to choose someone who you know can help balance and calm your dog if he is anxious or nervous when you are first away. Remember, it’s about energy and matching energy. Leaving a hyperactive dog with an elderly relative is not a good idea.

Most important is that you make sure you leave your dog with someone who understands the needs of your dog. Ask yourself whether you can trust that this person is adhering to your rules, boundaries, and limitations, or whether they are creating a problem by not maintaining your leadership.

Location: Ideally, you would have someone stay at your home and maintain the dog’s normal routine. This means keeping their walk and feeding and sleeping schedule the same.

But if you leave them with someone in another location, it’s a good idea to get them familiar with this place on several occasions prior to leaving them there for an extended stay.

Before you change your dog’s routine (by having them stay somewhere other than your own home), get them used to change. This way, any concerns or separation anxiety is prevented.

If you choose to board your dog, look at and thoroughly research the place beforehand. Talk to people who have boarded their dogs there before. What’s the energy like there? How does it smell? How do you feel? How do the caretakers there act and react with the dogs there? Do they practice “nose, eyes, ears” and “no touch, no talk, no eye contact,” when they meet new dogs? All of this will tell you how well-informed they are to ensure your dog is happy there. Just because you leave your dog at a boarding facility doesn’t mean you have to follow all of their rules. If you have specific restrictions or requests, you can ask. If they won’t accommodate your needs, they probably aren’t going to accommodate the dog’s either.

Expectations: If you leave your dog with a family member or a friend, make sure they know the requirements. If your dog is used to a one-hour walk every morning, they will not be fulfilled by a 15-minute walk instead. In fact, the reverse is better. When my dogs are at the ranch, for example, the routine changes. Instead of a 45-minute walk, we go for an hour and a half hike. When you change the environment, it’s good to also change – and increase – the daily challenges, the physical and mental stimulation. This keeps the dog’s mind and body more relaxed and less focused on their primary pack leader being away.

Keep in mind that if you leave the dog at a kennel for a long time, they are going to spend most of their time in the kennel. There are exceptions, of course, but this is something to generally be aware of. So when you pick up your dog, he is going to have a lot of pent up energy. Take him for the longest walk of his life when you pick him up!

If your only option is to leave your dog with someone who cannot maintain your exercise routine or schedule, hire a dog walker to help share the responsibilities. Ones who are comfortable walking more than three dogs at a time are probably going to be the best handlers, even if you just have one dog.

Details: Just as parents leave a checklist for a babysitter, you can leave a checklist for your pet sitter. Include important information like the vet’s phone number and address, the closest 24-hour emergency hospital, any medications they will need while you are gone, allergies, feeding schedule, how often to check their water bowl, any behavioral problems, whether you allow them on the furniture or whether they get people food, how often they get a treat, and any other information that will help keep your dog as happy, fulfilled, and balanced as possible while you are away.

If your sitter isn’t well educated or familiar with dogs, you might also give them some information on household items or foods that may be toxic to them, which you can find here.

Relax! If you take all of the above into consideration, you have taken the proper steps to ensure a pleasant experience for your dog while you are gone, so enjoy your time away. Even if you aren’t with your canine companion, a calm-assertive attitude will help keep you stress-free!

The post Cesar’s Tips: Dog Sitting appeared first on Cesar's Way.