Is pet insurance worth it?

Posted by admin on February 25th, 2009 filed in General | Comment now »

There are many reasons to buy pet insurance. The main reason to buy pet insurance is to save money. If you know you will spend thousands to help a sick pet, then you should buy insurance. Even high premiums will be less than covering surgeries and expensive treatments on your own.

Another reason to buy the insurance is because the plans are flexible enough where you can find one that works for you. You can get a plan that covers vaccinations. You can get one that covers emergencies only. You can even find coverage for your senior dog. There are so many pet insurance companies to choose from.

Because there are so many companies out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why it’s a good idea to just select two or three companies and compare them. Which has lower premiums? Which has the most coverage? Which has the best coverage? Don’t just take what’s available on the web sites. Go a step further and call a representative from each company and ask your specific questions. How the person treats you on the phone will be a good indication of how the company runs, and how easy it will be to process claims in the future.

If you don’t want the hassle of pet insurance, then have some kind of plan in mind such as a savings account. You want your pet to be cared for when an accident or illness occurs!

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Pet care when you are traveling

Posted by admin on February 25th, 2009 filed in General | Comment now »

There are many options available in Fargo when you have to travel without your pet or work long hours and leave your pet home. You could board your dog, leave him at daycare, leave him with a friend or hire one of the Fargo pet sitters. The same options are available almost anywhere.

Each option has its benefits. Some people like the security of a kennel. Others are uncomfortable leaving their pet where they will be kenneled for much of the day. Others don’t like it when dogs are playing around other dogs all day, picking up bad habits, risking getting bitten or sick. But some people love the idea of their dog playing with other dogs and don’t care if their dog sleeps on concrete.

The other choice is to leave your pet with a friend or professional pet sitter. Either is an OK option, depending on your situation. The thing is, most friends don’t want to watch our animals, they just feel obligated so they do it. One of the professional pet sitters in Fargo would be happy to watch your dog and cat because it’s their job. Your pet will be able to stay in the comfort of his own home or stay at the pet sitter’s house. It is usually less stressful on the animals to stay in their own homes and have the pet sitter come visit them.

A pet sitter can spend more time with your dog, take him for walks or runs or even to a grooming appointment. Most of all, you know your pet will be staying with someone who knows a lot about animals and loves animals.

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Is pet insurance worth it?

Posted by admin on February 25th, 2009 filed in General | Comment now »

There are many reasons to buy pet insurance. The main reason to buy pet insurance is to save money. If you know you will spend thousands to help a sick pet, then you should buy insurance. Even high premiums will be less than covering surgeries and expensive treatments on your own.

Another reason to buy the insurance is because the plans are flexible enough where you can find one that works for you. You can get a plan that covers vaccinations. You can get one that covers emergencies only. You can even find coverage for your senior dog. There are so many pet insurance companies to choose from.

Because there are so many companies out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why it’s a good idea to just select two or three companies and compare them. Which has lower premiums? Which has the most coverage? Which has the best coverage? Don’t just take what’s available on the web sites. Go a step further and call a representative from each company and ask your specific questions. How the person treats you on the phone will be a good indication of how the company runs, and how easy it will be to process claims in the future.

If you don’t want the hassle of pet insurance, then have some kind of plan in mind such as a savings account. You want your pet to be cared for when an accident or illness occurs!

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Pet care when you are traveling

Posted by admin on February 25th, 2009 filed in General | Comment now »

There are many options available in Fargo when you have to travel without your pet or work long hours and leave your pet home. You could board your dog, leave him at daycare, leave him with a friend or hire one of the Fargo pet sitters. The same options are available almost anywhere.

Each option has its benefits. Some people like the security of a kennel. Others are uncomfortable leaving their pet where they will be kenneled for much of the day. Others don’t like it when dogs are playing around other dogs all day, picking up bad habits, risking getting bitten or sick. But some people love the idea of their dog playing with other dogs and don’t care if their dog sleeps on concrete.

The other choice is to leave your pet with a friend or professional pet sitter. Either is an OK option, depending on your situation. The thing is, most friends don’t want to watch our animals, they just feel obligated so they do it. One of the professional pet sitters in Fargo would be happy to watch your dog and cat because it’s their job. Your pet will be able to stay in the comfort of his own home or stay at the pet sitter’s house. It is usually less stressful on the animals to stay in their own homes and have the pet sitter come visit them.

A pet sitter can spend more time with your dog, take him for walks or runs or even to a grooming appointment. Most of all, you know your pet will be staying with someone who knows a lot about animals and loves animals.

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Finding a pet friendly apartment

Posted by admin on February 24th, 2009 filed in General | Comment now »

If you own a dog, it’s challenging to find a Fargo apartment. Many of the pet-friendly places may not up to your standards, and those that are might be out of your budget. Most have a size limit, and that’s not even mentioning the many places that don’t allow dogs at all.

Once you’ve found a dog-friendly place and signed the lease, make sure your dog gets enough exercise while you are living there. One trick I use to tire out my dog on walks is to have him wear a dog backpack. A tired dog is not going to have as much energy or nervousness, and therefore will be less likely to get into trouble when left home alone. This will ensure that you will get your pet deposit back and you won’t have to pay any extra damage fees or even face eviction because of your barking or destructive dog.

Ask right away if pets are allowed, because you don’t want to waste your time looking at an apartment that doesn’t allow dogs. Of course, you’ll have to ask what the size or breed limits are as well. You also want to rent an apartment with large, grassy areas so its not too inconvenient to let your dog out.

Look over your lease carefully because there will likely be added costs or restrictions for dog owners such as an added pet security deposit or purchasing renter’s insurance. Obviously there will be restrictions against barking dogs or dogs, aggressive dogs or dogs that destroy property.

Once you have an apartment, make sure to clean more often, especially the carpets. If your dog has an accident, steam carpet cleaners work very well for getting out stains. Vacuum often to get rid of the pet hair, and pick up after your dog on walks. You should also keep your dog under control on a short leash.

Good luck renting with your dog as a roommate! It’s worth it.

 

 

 

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Finding a pet friendly apartment

Posted by admin on February 24th, 2009 filed in General | Comment now »

If you own a dog, it’s challenging to find a Fargo apartment. Many of the pet-friendly places may not up to your standards, and those that are might be out of your budget. Most have a size limit, and that’s not even mentioning the many places that don’t allow dogs at all.

Once you’ve found a dog-friendly place and signed the lease, make sure your dog gets enough exercise while you are living there. One trick I use to tire out my dog on walks is to have him wear a dog backpack. A tired dog is not going to have as much energy or nervousness, and therefore will be less likely to get into trouble when left home alone. This will ensure that you will get your pet deposit back and you won’t have to pay any extra damage fees or even face eviction because of your barking or destructive dog.

Ask right away if pets are allowed, because you don’t want to waste your time looking at an apartment that doesn’t allow dogs. Of course, you’ll have to ask what the size or breed limits are as well. You also want to rent an apartment with large, grassy areas so its not too inconvenient to let your dog out.

Look over your lease carefully because there will likely be added costs or restrictions for dog owners such as an added pet security deposit or purchasing renter’s insurance. Obviously there will be restrictions against barking dogs or dogs, aggressive dogs or dogs that destroy property.

Once you have an apartment, make sure to clean more often, especially the carpets. If your dog has an accident, steam carpet cleaners work very well for getting out stains. Vacuum often to get rid of the pet hair, and pick up after your dog on walks. You should also keep your dog under control on a short leash.

Good luck renting with your dog as a roommate! It’s worth it.

 

 

 

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Dogs need activity

Posted by admin on February 17th, 2009 filed in General | Comment now »

Dogs need a job to do. If they aren’t given a job, then they will certainly create their own "job." Too bad that job will likely be chewing your shoes, raiding the kitchen garbage can or barking and clawing at your door.

Basically a dog needs mental and physical activity for about an hour a day in order to be left home alone with no issues. Since most of us don’t have time to walk our dogs enough, buying a dog backpack is worth it. A backpack shouldn’t be an excuse not to walk your dog as far, but when your dog does wear a pack, he will get tired quicker - maybe in 40 minutes instead of an hour.

My favorite pack is the Ruffwear dog backpack. It’s durable, stylish and practical. My dog can carry his own water bottle, toys, poop bags and food when we go on camping trips. When we go for a walk through the neighborhood, I have him wear it just to tire him out quicker. He pulls less because he’s thinking about the pack instead.

Other activities for your dog could be agility, obedience class, flyball, hunting or visiting a nursing home. There is no greater therapy than a dog, in my opinion.

Probably the easiest way to tire out a dog is to go for a long walk - not a 20-minute stroll around the block, but a long walk for at least 45 minutes to an hour. If you practice heeling and other obedience along the walk, the dog will get a physical and mental workout. He’ll be ready for a nap when you get home while you head off to work.

For a really hyper dog, try rollerblading or biking with your dog, but not until he’s mastered walking nicely on a leash.

If you take time every day to make sure your dog has a purpose in life like going for a walk or a run, he won’t be looking for a "second job," and you can relax while you are away.

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Dogs need activity

Posted by admin on February 17th, 2009 filed in General | Comment now »

Dogs need a job to do. If they aren’t given a job, then they will certainly create their own "job." Too bad that job will likely be chewing your shoes, raiding the kitchen garbage can or barking and clawing at your door.

Basically a dog needs mental and physical activity for about an hour a day in order to be left home alone with no issues. Since most of us don’t have time to walk our dogs enough, buying a dog backpack is worth it. A backpack shouldn’t be an excuse not to walk your dog as far, but when your dog does wear a pack, he will get tired quicker - maybe in 40 minutes instead of an hour.

My favorite pack is the Ruffwear dog backpack. It’s durable, stylish and practical. My dog can carry his own water bottle, toys, poop bags and food when we go on camping trips. When we go for a walk through the neighborhood, I have him wear it just to tire him out quicker. He pulls less because he’s thinking about the pack instead.

Other activities for your dog could be agility, obedience class, flyball, hunting or visiting a nursing home. There is no greater therapy than a dog, in my opinion.

Probably the easiest way to tire out a dog is to go for a long walk - not a 20-minute stroll around the block, but a long walk for at least 45 minutes to an hour. If you practice heeling and other obedience along the walk, the dog will get a physical and mental workout. He’ll be ready for a nap when you get home while you head off to work.

For a really hyper dog, try rollerblading or biking with your dog, but not until he’s mastered walking nicely on a leash.

If you take time every day to make sure your dog has a purpose in life like going for a walk or a run, he won’t be looking for a "second job," and you can relax while you are away.

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Tips to get around the “no cats” rule

Posted by admin on February 6th, 2009 filed in General | Comment now »

Cats are abandoned every day for pathetic reasons like "I’m moving and I can’t take my cat" or "landlord won’t allow" or "I’ll be in an apartment." Unless you’re moving abroad, these are weak excuses for surrendering an animal you committed to caring for throughout its entire life.

Moving to an apartment or a new town is not an excuse to leave your cat behind or to drop him off at the nearest shelter. The chances that a cat will get adopted within a month are close to zero. Many landlords do have rules that cats are not allowed or that you have to pay a high pet deposit or have your cat declawed. However, it is very easy to get around these rules. I’ve done it four times.

Here are some tips for sneaking a cat into your apartment:

1. Ask about the pet policy anonymously over the phone.

When you ask in person, it’s difficult to lie. You will probably end up admitting you have a cat and paying the $300 to $600 pet deposit. When you ask over the phone without saying who you are, you can get all their policies and then decide from there what you want to do. If the property does allow pets, then ask what the deposit is and what the restrictions are. Does the cat have to be declawed? Do they need a veterinarian’s verification? Do they need proof of vaccinations? Is there a limit to one cat? The list could go on and on.

When I rented apartments in Grand Forks ND, I never mentioned I had a cat because I did not want to deal with all the ridiculous policies. Instead, I just had a cat and never told anyone.

2. Even if cats are allowed on the property, don’t admit you have one.

As long as you know cats are allowed, then you should be pretty safe. Your landlord probably won’t remember who had cats and who doesn’t. So unless he or she has a real reason to look up your information, it will probably never be an issue. You will get away with not paying a pet deposit and notdeclawing your cat.

3. If you get caught with a cat, say it’s just visiting.

It works to say you are taking care of the cat for a friend and that it will be gone the next day. If pets are allowed on the property with a deposit, then you could say you got the cat that week and the deposit will be included with your next rent payment. The chances of getting caught with a cat are pretty small, but if you do, it’s good to have a plan for what you will say.

4. Put the cat in a kennel if the landlord or maintenance team visits.

If your cat is trained to stay in a kennel for a half-hour or even half the day, he will probably sit in his kennel quietly and the visitor will never even know your cat is there. Of course, you’ll also want to put the litter box, scratching posts and cat toys out of sight. Another option is to put your cat in your car if you expect the landlord to be stopping by. Just don’t leave a cat in the car if it is too hot. If it’s cold, the cat will probably be fine, just leave it a blanket to curl up in or put a blanket over a kennel for extra warmth.

I’ve also learned that the maintenance team usually does not care what you do and will not report anything as long as you are not bothering them. This might be different if your maintenance person is also your landlord.

5. Don’t bring your pet when you check in.

Keep your cat at a friend’s house, your old apartment or at least in your car while you check in with your new property manager. Obviously they are going to see your cat if you bring it along right away when you move in.

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Tips to get around the “no cats” rule

Posted by admin on February 6th, 2009 filed in General | Comment now »

Cats are abandoned every day for pathetic reasons like "I’m moving and I can’t take my cat" or "landlord won’t allow" or "I’ll be in an apartment." Unless you’re moving abroad, these are weak excuses for surrendering an animal you committed to caring for throughout its entire life.

Moving to an apartment or a new town is not an excuse to leave your cat behind or to drop him off at the nearest shelter. The chances that a cat will get adopted within a month are close to zero. Many landlords do have rules that cats are not allowed or that you have to pay a high pet deposit or have your cat declawed. However, it is very easy to get around these rules. I’ve done it four times.

Here are some tips for sneaking a cat into your apartment:

1. Ask about the pet policy anonymously over the phone.

When you ask in person, it’s difficult to lie. You will probably end up admitting you have a cat and paying the $300 to $600 pet deposit. When you ask over the phone without saying who you are, you can get all their policies and then decide from there what you want to do. If the property does allow pets, then ask what the deposit is and what the restrictions are. Does the cat have to be declawed? Do they need a veterinarian’s verification? Do they need proof of vaccinations? Is there a limit to one cat? The list could go on and on.

When I rented apartments in Grand Forks ND, I never mentioned I had a cat because I did not want to deal with all the ridiculous policies. Instead, I just had a cat and never told anyone.

2. Even if cats are allowed on the property, don’t admit you have one.

As long as you know cats are allowed, then you should be pretty safe. Your landlord probably won’t remember who had cats and who doesn’t. So unless he or she has a real reason to look up your information, it will probably never be an issue. You will get away with not paying a pet deposit and notdeclawing your cat.

3. If you get caught with a cat, say it’s just visiting.

It works to say you are taking care of the cat for a friend and that it will be gone the next day. If pets are allowed on the property with a deposit, then you could say you got the cat that week and the deposit will be included with your next rent payment. The chances of getting caught with a cat are pretty small, but if you do, it’s good to have a plan for what you will say.

4. Put the cat in a kennel if the landlord or maintenance team visits.

If your cat is trained to stay in a kennel for a half-hour or even half the day, he will probably sit in his kennel quietly and the visitor will never even know your cat is there. Of course, you’ll also want to put the litter box, scratching posts and cat toys out of sight. Another option is to put your cat in your car if you expect the landlord to be stopping by. Just don’t leave a cat in the car if it is too hot. If it’s cold, the cat will probably be fine, just leave it a blanket to curl up in or put a blanket over a kennel for extra warmth.

I’ve also learned that the maintenance team usually does not care what you do and will not report anything as long as you are not bothering them. This might be different if your maintenance person is also your landlord.

5. Don’t bring your pet when you check in.

Keep your cat at a friend’s house, your old apartment or at least in your car while you check in with your new property manager. Obviously they are going to see your cat if you bring it along right away when you move in.

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