Pet Connection Site -ideas, support & feedback

[Sachita]

Originally Posted by Sparkle

Your site looks great, and the mission is wonderful. Thank you for sharing your work.

I have a rescue dog with specific care needs and it is often difficult to find the resources (both in pet care and training) that he needs.

My dog, though well trained and socialized in his first two years, has become reactive with other dogs. It took me a long time to find a reputable behaviorist to work with us; despite the fact that I live in an area that is extremely dog-friendly and full of trainers and doggy day care centers. It is also really difficult to find him overnight care (when I have to travel) because he can't stay in a kennel or regular boarding facility. I rely on close friends who know and understand his needs to help me care for him when I am away.

Many rescue dogs do have physical or emotional health needs that makes them unsuitable to be housed with other dogs. I wonder if it is possible to have a section on care (foster care, training, regular dog care walking/sitting/boarding) for dogs who are reactive and/or have special medical needs.

yes very good point. My business grew mainly from dogs that could not handle traditional boarding or hand special needs. I have a few areasm one bedroom next to my bedroom set up for older dogs, baby monitor if needed
One lady broke down and cried at my door because her and her husband hadn't been anywhere in years because of their dog that needed a lot of care and attention. I had to pick her up often to go potty and wake up in the middle of the night to check, take temp, etc. Most kennels don't do this. Or the dog that cries and shakes- holding her for hours, carrying her around while doing chores, sleeping in your bed, yadda yadda... trust me, there isnt a night I don't have a few dogs in my bed and a bunch also on beds on my bedroom floor. You are a special care giver and your primary concern should be the happiness and welfare of that animal. In turn you give pet owners tremendous peace of min they are more then happy to pay for,

I have two dogs going home after a year here. They look happy, healthy and during the stay I email, send videos, pics with santa, whatever I can do to give that family peace of mind. OMG I love my job! Some people can pay, and should, top dollar, but this affords me the chance to take a womans dog for 6 month at a really low discount while she deals with divorce, relocation of her and her children. I helped her keep her dog instead of it ending up in a pound. She was happy, thrilled to pay the discounted price of 200 a month plus food while she and her kids stayed with friends. I was happy to do it. Its all about balance and I have to have more full paid to do a few discounts. you decide what you can afford to provide or the breeds or sizes.

I was knocked down by a mastiff yesterday during play. I'm hurt! lol but i'm use to this, its my full time job. Others can handle a cat, a small dog, maybe a bird. you never really know unless you put it out there and see who bites.

[Toughy]

What you offer makes more sense yes........

thanks............it's a great idea and good luck.

It's just a shame you have to join to browse your website......I'm sure you might be losing potential foster care folks by requiring folks to join in order to look at your pet care classifieds or events or donate or translated content. At least on my computer you have to be a member to look at any of those topics.

Hope you hand gets better...........gotta love those big ole slobbery mastiffs....

[justkim]

You are on to something here... good luck!
Something else people need to consider is that many of our soldiers are having to leave pets behind and they are ending up in shelters when they would like nothing more to come home to their pet or pets... Perhaps you could take a look at this program and see if maybe you could work with them...
www.guardianangelsforsoldierspet.org

[Sachita]

Originally Posted by justkim

You are on to something here... good luck!
Something else people need to consider is that many of our soldiers are having to leave pets behind and they are ending up in shelters when they would like nothing more to come home to their pet or pets... Perhaps you could take a look at this program and see if maybe you could work with them...
www.guardianangelsforsoldierspet.org

perhaps you didnt read my post or the site or overlooked. At least 70 % are military. Offering a discount for them over traditional boarding which could be over 1000.00 a month is something they really need.
Sure there are sites out there hooking up free care but try and email them and see how long you wait or how much work. *this* is what I do and work hard to make it easy for them. I had customer who used a free connection site and while overseas was informed that she needed to pick up her dog asap. I actually helped make the arrangements to pick up the dog. It was awful. This can happen anywhere, any time but we hope through proper training and referrals to build a dependable network.

[Sachita]

Originally Posted by Toughy

What you offer makes more sense yes........

thanks............it's a great idea and good luck.

It's just a shame you have to join to browse your website......I'm sure you might be losing potential foster care folks by requiring folks to join in order to look at your pet care classifieds or events or donate or translated content. At least on my computer you have to be a member to look at any of those topics.

Hope you hand gets better...........gotta love those big ole slobbery mastiffs....

I don't think so because we have to protect the overall integrity of the site. Everything carefully monitored. If you're unsure create a free web based email. People are networking and looking to provide care or seek care. They will want to know the people are real.