Furry Friends on the Move: Tips for Moving to a New State With Your Pet

 

Relocating to a new state is a huge task, and moving with a pet can add extra stress and complications. To help make this transition easier, Rose's Rescue has compiled some useful tips that will make the move as smooth as possible for both you and your furry friend.

 

Keep Vaccinations Up to Date

Moving is stressful enough without worrying about your pet's health and well-being. Before you move, make sure that your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations and has all the necessary paperwork. Doing so will ensure a smooth transition to their new environment and provide peace of mind when taking them to the vet in their new home.

 

Learn Pet Laws in Your New State

 Make sure to do your research before moving to a new state as different states will have varying rules and regulations regarding pet ownership. Fines or having to rehome your pet are possible results of not doing so, so be aware of the risks ahead of time.

 

Find a Local Veterinarian

Taking good care of your pet in your new home starts with finding a great vet. Check online reviews to get an idea of who is highly recommended in the area, or ask people you know who they trust. Good preparation ensures that your pet gets the best care possible.

 

Reduce Stress

Moving can be a stressful experience for everyone, including our beloved pets. To make the transition easier for them, it's important to stay as calm and positive as possible, and avoid any negative conversations in their vicinity. This will help ensure your pet doesn't internalize any of that stress, which could lead to potential health issues in the future. A great way to facilitate this is by walking instead of driving to run errands, and if possible, taking your pet with you.

Make Your Car Pet-Friendly

 If you’re traveling by car, consider getting an extra seatbelt harness so that your pet can travel safely and securely in the backseat during long road trips. If you’re flying, contact the airline ahead of time to make sure they allow pets on board and confirm that necessary documents are in place before departure day arrives. Lastly, bring plenty of snacks and water, as well as toys, blankets, etc., so that your furry friend stays comfortable throughout the journey.

 

Bring Familiar Things From Home

Moving into a new home with a pet can be a stressful time, but there are ways to make the transition easier. Consider bringing items that your pet is familiar with such as old blankets, toys, etc. that smell like home. Doing this will help them feel at ease and remind them of all the fun adventures you’ve had together during this new stage in life. This is why it’s important to invest in high-quality and well-reviewed pet items that will stand the test of time and distance.

 

Keep Up Your Pet’s Healthy Diet

If you are planning a move to a new place and want to give your pet the best quality food available, air-dried options like these dry dog foods are a great option. Air-dried food has fewer additives and preservatives than traditional wet canned or dry kibble food products, making it much healthier for your pup. In addition, it provides quality nutrition with convenience and supports healthy skin and coat while aiding digestion without sacrificing taste.

 

Moving to a new state with your pet doesn’t have to be stressful, but it does take time and effort. Start by confirming your pet has current vaccinations and researching local pet laws in the new home state. Make sure to connect with a new veterinarian and make pet-friendly travel arrangements. Finally, commit to your pet’s health by switching them to higher-quality food. With these steps in mind, both you and your beloved animal companion enjoy a smooth transition into your new home.

 

Rose's Rescue is here to help pets find the homes they deserve. Click here if you’d like to donate to our cause!

 

Image via Pexels

 

 

The Ultimate Guide for Launching Your Pet Care Business

Are you an animal lover looking for an opportunity to combine your passion with entrepreneurship? If so, look no further than starting your own pet care business! This industry is booming, and what better way to earn a living than by doing something you love? In this comprehensive guide, we cover essential aspects such as costs, local regulations, marketing strategies, pricing models, insurance, and organization tools for starting your profitable pet care business. Let's take the first steps to turn that dream into a reality, shared by Rose’s Rescue.

1) Pet sitting as a smart starting point:

If you're still exploring the world of pet care businesses, consider pet sitting as a viable option to kickstart your venture. Not only does this service require minimal startup costs, but it can also be a home-based business or offered as a mobile service. Begin by asking friends, family, or neighbors if they need pet-sitting services – positive word of mouth can help build your initial client base.

2) Understanding costs and investments:

Starting a pet care business requires some initial investment, though those costs can be manageable. For a pet-sitting business, essential expenses include marketing materials like business cards and flyers, transportation expenses, and insurance (more on this later). If you plan to open a dedicated facility, factor in rent, utilities, equipment, and staff salaries. It's crucial to create a comprehensive budget that helps you allocate your startup capital efficiently, and identify areas where you can possibly save.

3) Navigating local regulations:

Before starting your pet care business, it's essential to research local regulations and obtain necessary permits or licenses. This process can vary based on your location and the specific services offered. Your local government or veterinarian's office can provide valuable guidance on industry standards and zoning ordinances. Don't forget to register your business and obtain a tax identification number, while also keeping up-to-date with annual renewals and inspections.

4) Crafting a marketing strategy:

Effective marketing is crucial for the success of any new business, especially in the pet care industry where competition can be fierce. Develop a solid marketing plan that might include creating a visually appealing website with service details, client testimonials, company news, and a blog for pet care tips or advice. Utilize social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to engage with your target audience and promote your services.

5) Establishing a pricing model and insurance coverage:

Your pricing model should be competitive yet profitable, taking into account the time and effort needed for each service, as well as factoring in the local competition. Research prevailing rates in your area for similar services, and determine fair pricing that still delivers a reliable income. Being transparent about your fees can help build trust and long-term relationships with clients.

Also, don't underestimate the importance of insurance coverage. This can safeguard your business against potential liabilities or damages, ensuring that you have a financial backup in case of unforeseen incidents. Speak with an insurance agent to determine the best coverage plan that suits your specific pet care business needs.

6) Digital organization and file management:

Keeping your records organized and easily accessible is not only essential for your business’s smooth functioning but can also save you time and effort in the long run. To improve efficiency, consider utilizing a digital file management system that allows you to make changes to files as needed. Using PDF tools can help you edit, sign, and protect important documents, while cloud storage platforms ensure that your records are securely backed up and can be accessed anytime, anywhere.

 

Starting a pet care business can be an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding experience for animal lovers who dream of combining their passion with a lucrative career. By considering pet sitting as your primary service, understanding costs and investments, researching local regulations, developing a marketing strategy, establishing a competitive pricing model, securing insurance coverage, and leveraging digital tools for organization purposes, you can create a solid foundation for success in the pet care industry. Now is the perfect time to turn your love for animals into a thriving business venture.

 

Make a Difference — Help Neglected and Abused Animals in Your Community

 

Did you know that you can take simple steps today to help animals in need? Not only is it enriching and rewarding to help a neglected, abandoned, or abused animal, but it often means the difference between life and death for the animal.

 

The thing is, most of us could help pets in need if we knew where to start. All you need is a bit of extra money, time, or talent — not all of them! Below, Rose’s Rescue shares some simple ideas for making an impact on the lives of the animals in your community.

 

Giving Your Money

If you have the means, you can make a significant impact by donating and raising money for animals in need.

 

• Raise money for your local animal rescue. Rose’s Rescue thrives on bringing abandoned dogs and cats to safety and helping them rehabilitate!

• Start a fundraiser to pay for the veterinary costs of a local animal.

• Sponsor a pet at your local rescue or shelter to help cover ongoing care costs.

 

Giving Your Time

Got some extra time on your hands? Put it to good use by helping out at your local shelter or rescue!

 

• Consider volunteering for the Humane Society to save abused animals through community outreach.

• See if there is an understaffed animal shelter or rescue in your community that could use your passion and skills.

• If your lifestyle accommodates, adopt or foster a local animal in need.

 

Giving Your Talents

If you have business knowledge and skills, one way to help animals in need is to launch a nonprofit!

 

• Identify a specific need in your community, create a business name, and draft your business plan.

• Work with an online service to form your nonprofit corporation.

• Find people who are dedicated to your mission to serve on your board and staff.

• Learn how to build your brand and promote your services in the community.

 

If you have money, time, or talent, you can positively impact the lives of local animals in need. Consider the advice and resources above, and keep looking for other ways to help neglected, abandoned, or abused animals in your community. You’ll quickly notice it adding fulfillment to your own life!

 

Would you like to read more helpful content or learn about our dog and cat rescue? Visit Rose’s Rescue today!

Winter Wellness Tips for Dogs and Cats
by Nick Burton

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Exercising Your Dog: 4 Apps for First-Time Owners
by Nick Burton

You've wanted a dog for years, but the timing hasn't been right -- until now.  At last, you're going to be a dog owner.  Whether your new pet is a puppy or a new-to-you dog, you want the best for your furry friend.  Making sure your dog gets enough exercise is essential for a long and happy life together.

Depending on the breed, your dog may require a few short walks and only minutes of indoor play.  But, most dogs, especially in the puppy stage, need more exercise.  In general, a dog should be active between 30 minutes and two hours every day -- not just weekends.  If not properly exercised, your dog can become destructive, lose muscle mass, and become overweight.  Plus, exercising your pet has health benefits for you as well.

Here are four apps that can help make sure your pet is getting the exercise it needs and you are enjoying your life together.

Dog Walkers

Wag! is the perfect app for dog owners who are unable to walk their dogs during the day.  It is one of the most trusted and secure apps on the market.  All dog walkers are interviewed before they become certified Wag Walkers.  The app lets you schedule dog walks and hire walkers at the last minute.  It lets you track the dog walker via GPS and can provide lockboxes to allow walkers access to house keys.  Wag! gives you the peace of mind that your dog is well cared for.

Dog Sitters

Although Rover provides listings for both dog walkers and sitters, the application's strength is in finding dog sitters.  Rover, designed as a dog sitting application, has an extensive database of experienced dog sitters. As a result, you have a more comprehensive selection of qualified dog sitters to choose from.  It's easy to communicate with the dog sitter directly, which is crucial for making sure everything is running smoothly while you're away.  Rover offers reservation guarantees, which makes it a better app for long-term dog sitting services.

Dog Parks

Wondering what to do with an energetic puppy?  Check out Dog Park Finder.  It provides a list of off-leash parks and on-leash dog trails with maps and directions.  You can even search by location and distance to help limit the results.  When available, Dog Park Finder includes information on park fees, management organization, rules, and user reviews.  All useful information when trying to decide if a venue is right for your dog.

Of course, if you want to give your dog plenty of exercise, you may need to get a little yourself — especially if you haven’t stayed on your fitness game. While you’re downloading Dog Park Finder, look up an exercise app for humans, like LadyBoss Pocket Personal Trainer, that can help you develop and stick to an exercise routine that suits your lifestyle.

Dog-Friendly Places

BarkHappy lets new dog owners connect to fellow dog owners, but its best feature is identifying dog-friendly places to take your four-legged friend.  Whether you are looking for local venues or are planning a road trip, BarkHappy lets you know what hotels, restaurants, and attractions allow pets.  When available, the app provides the pet policies for each location.  

BarkHappy is one of the best apps for dog lovers wanting to form a community.  It lets users set up dog play dates or group gatherings.  You can create lost dog alerts and offer rewards if the dog is found.  If you are looking to take your dog with you as much as possible, BarkHappy is one of the best apps for finding dog-friendly places.

Dog Pictures

Of course, you want plenty of pictures of your new dog, so now's the time to upgrade to iPhone 12.  Its camera system uses cutting-edge technology to capture your pet in lower light and to shoot high-quality videos of its latest antics.  The new portrait mode takes advantage of the upgraded camera for better photographs of people and pets.  With the iPhone 11 pro, you'll be sharing the perfect portraits of your pet with friends and family.