
Caring for pets while their owners are away is more than just a job—it’s a privilege we take seriously. At Barkside Bay, our team of dedicated pet sitters spreads out across the county every day, ensuring pets stay happy, healthy, and loved in the comfort of their own homes. Each day is unique, filled with a variety of routines, quirky personalities, and small but meaningful moments with the pets entrusted to our care. Here’s a closer look at the daily life of a Barkside Bay dog walker and pet sitter, highlighting just how much love and attention goes into what we do.
Early Morning: A Gentle Start for Every Pet
Our days often begin well before sunrise, with sitters making their way to their first stops of the day. Morning routines are crucial for pets, and we aim to replicate what they’re accustomed to at home. Across the county, Barkside Bay sitters are:
• Feeding Breakfast to a Comfort-Loving Shepherd
One of our morning stops includes a gentle shepherd who would not thrive in a kennel environment. She loves her cozy bed and peaceful surroundings. We prepare her breakfast exactly the way she likes it, give her time to eat without rushing, and ensure she’s ready for a relaxing day ahead.
• Walking a Routine-Loving Doodle
Next up, a dedicated sitter heads out with a doodle who insists on sticking to the same route for every walk. We honor her preference and follow her well-trodden path, offering her the security and familiarity she needs to enjoy her daily outing.
• Giving Medication to Pets That Need Extra Care
For pets with medical needs, mornings often mean medication time. One of our sitters gently administers eye drops to a senior cat while another ensures a Lab recovering from surgery gets their pain medication on schedule. We prioritize comfort and reassurance during these tasks, turning them into positive interactions.
Mid-Morning to Afternoon: Activity, Enrichment, and Love
The heart of our day revolves around physical and mental enrichment for the pets we visit. Each sitter has their hands full ensuring pets get their exercise, attention, and care while owners are away. During these hours, our team may be:
• Running Off Energy with an Active Spaniel
A spirited spaniel’s day isn’t complete without a long, brisk walk through the park. Our sitter lets them take in all the sights, sniff every interesting patch of grass, and burn off the energy that would otherwise have them bouncing off walls.
• Caring for a Playful Golden Retriever Puppy
Life with a golden retriever puppy is full of wiggles, zoomies, and boundless energy! Our sitter spends time teaching basic manners like “sit” and “stay” while giving this bouncy pup plenty of potty breaks and short strolls. After some fun, it’s time to go back in the crate for a quick puppy nap before his parents arrive home.
•Exploring a College Campus with a Doodle on a Mission
This friendly doodle can’t wait for his daily stroll on the local college campus. Our sitter guides him past bustling walkways and open fields where he loves watching students and staff, wagging his tail at every new face. For him, the highlight is the chance to watch squirrels darting up the trees along his favorite path. Oh, and posing for the best photos.
•Peaceful Cemetery Strolls with a Pitbull Mix
For this sweet pitbull mix, walking on her busy street isn’t ideal. Instead, our sitter loads her into the car and drives to a serene local cemetery where the quiet paths and open spaces provide the perfect environment for a stress-free walk. She happily sniffs her way along the winding trails, wagging her tail at the peaceful atmosphere stalking the chipmunks and geese at a distance.
• Reassuring a Shy Rescue Cat
Not all pets are social butterflies, and that’s okay! For one of our stops, a sitter quietly visits a shy rescue cat who needs patience and calm to feel at ease. Sometimes this means simply sitting in the same room, offering comfort through presence rather than action.
• Keeping Seniors Comfortable
Another sitter checks in on an older dog who prefers shorter walks followed by some gentle play indoors. They refill his water, adjust his favorite blanket, and ensure he’s comfortable and content before heading to the next stop.
• Puzzle Toys and Play for High-Energy Dogs
Some pets thrive on mental stimulation. After a walk that teeters on a run, a sitter fills a treat-dispensing puzzle for an Australian Shepherd who loves a challenge. After solving the puzzle, it’s time for tug-of-war and belly rubs to round out the visit.
Each pet’s needs are different, and our sitters adapt their care to provide individualized attention and love.
Afternoon: Communication and Check-Ins
Midday is the perfect time for our sitters to check in with each other and with pet owners. We take pride in sharing updates, sending pictures of your happy pets, and letting you know how their day is going. A few examples of what you might hear:
• “Bella finished all her breakfast and enjoyed a slow walk by the lake. She’s now curled up on her favorite blanket!”
• “Rex mastered the treat puzzle in record time and is currently napping after an energetic game of fetch.”
• “Mittens wanted lots of pets today and even purred the entire time I sat next to her!”
Communication is key to keeping pet owners reassured, especially when they’re missing their furry companions.
Evening and Overnight: Winding Down the Day
As the sun sets, the focus shifts to dinner, evening walks, and bedtime routines. The Barkside Bay team steps in to provide care during the hours when pets crave routine and comfort the most:
• Tucking in Two Loving Labradors
One of our sitters spends the night with a pair of Labs whose mom works long shifts at the hospital. After dinner and a walk around the neighborhood, they enjoy snuggle time on the couch before heading off to their respective beds. We give them an enrichment toy that their mom prepared before leaving and telling them to "be good, mom will be back soon!"
• Dinner for the Picky Eaters
Some pets have their dinner routines down to an art form, and we’re happy to oblige. One sitter carefully prepares meals for a small terrier who insists on the perfect balance of kibble and wet food—no shortcuts allowed!
• Staying Late with Pets Who Need Extra Comfort
For pets who struggle with anxiety or prefer companionship, our team offers overnight stays to maintain a sense of normalcy. Overnight, we’re there to comfort them if they wake up and make sure they always feel secure. We handle everything from their nightly potty breaks to the morning reset, ensuring they’re never left feeling alone.
What Makes Barkside Bay Special
Our team’s ability to be everywhere, all at once, ensures that no pet is overlooked and that every family receives consistent, personalized care. From high-energy dogs to senior cats and everything in between, we thrive on creating an environment where pets feel loved and owners feel confident their furry family members are in the best hands.
Your Pet’s Happiness Is Our Priority
Whether it’s walking a doodle on her carefully planned path, preparing a shepherd’s breakfast so she can relax on her favorite bed, or cuddling a pair of Labs while their mom works a long shift, the Barkside Bay team is committed to providing exceptional care. If you’d like to learn how we can support your pet’s unique needs, reach out to us today. We’d love to welcome your furry friend into the Barkside Bay family!
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