Tag: pet sitter

Winter’s Almost Here!

Posted on by Invermere Pets

Welcome to Winter 2024 and looking ahead to 2025.

Summer was busy and fall went by in a blur. Now here we are, winter is knocking at the door and it’s time for an update! Weekly walks are in full swing and most days have a stacked line up. Contact me for walk availability on Tuesdays, Fridays and limited space on Saturdays. Book early to secure a spot!

Vacation Dates for the new year include: January 9-13 (Vancouver), January 18 – February 1 (VACATION) and February 14-20 (Vancouver). My parents and family are in Vancouver and as they get older I will try to spend time with them when / while I can. Thanks for understanding!! Currently overnight pet sitting is fully booked until March.

Coming in 2025… additional training programs and pack walks. These on-leash structured walks help dogs learn to be neutral and co-exist with other dogs. All you will need is a dog and a leash! Stay tuned for more info to come!

As always, Thanks for the continued support, referrals and time spent with the best companions.

: ) Shannen

May Days and Beyond!

Posted on by Invermere Pets

Spring and Summer Updates for Walks and Pet Sitting

May is here and we are finally creaping into warmer temps and spring conditions. Sunny days definitely make dog walks more enjoyable but keep a towel by the door in case of rain!

I have a couple more family-time trips planned in the coming months. * I am away May 11 – 19 and again June 23 – July 11 *. Pet Sitting nights are currently fully booked until the end of October. Once we get closer, I can “release” dates for November, December and Christmas. Stay Tuned!

Thanks for all the support and keeping me busy and active!
Shannen

On-leash walks.

Posted on by Invermere Pets

Why I choose to keep dogs on-leash.

I believe the most important part of dog walking is bringing your dog home at the end of the walk (call me crazy!) I always keep new-to-me dogs on a leash until we get to know each other better. Walking on a leash builds a connection because we are (literally) connected! A leash is a great communication tool and provides lots of valuable feedback.

Keeping your dog on a leash keeps everyone safe. Your dog might have great recall with you, but will they listen to someone new? Is your dog a runner, wildlife chaser, or garbage snacker? Is your dog spooked by loud noises, startled or distracted? These are some of the little unknowns and risks that I would rather not explore.

But my dog needs to run off leash or with a pack to be tired!

You might think, “My dog needs to run off leash in order to be tired.” I can move pretty fast, ask anyone that has ever tried to walk with me. I cover a lot of ground so your dog will get plenty of physical exercise. Walking with a different person will keep their brain switched on, which in turn will also make them tired. It’s a new person to listen to, new places to walk and there are so many different smells along the way to keep things really interesting!

Some people confess, “My dog pulls!” Mine too, but we keep training every day! With your dog, I work on leash skills while we get to know each other. We practice a nice calm sit at the door, we stop on our walk for check-ins, or we do drills to help with leash awareness and handling.

And, after time, your dog might progress to off leash fun – some dogs may never get to that point – and that’s ok! When your dog is so excited to see me on our walk days, then we can try off leash time in small controlled settings. Sometimes we go to an empty tennis court to do quick recall drills or we will go to quiet trails or parks and spend a few minutes to build up to more off leash time.

Keeping your dogs happy, healthy and safe is my top priority. Keeping your dog on leash is the best way for me to keep that promise!

Thanks again for choosing me and keeping me busy!

: ) Shannen

Welcome to Summer!

Posted on by Invermere Pets

Reminder *** I will be away June 27 – July 12! ***

I’m off to the coast (home) for a visit with family and friends and to work my other, other, other job with BC Bike Race!

Summer in the Columbia Valley is amazing, there’s new snow on the mountains (!!) the lake is refreshing and the trails are perfect for running, hiking or riding. During the hot summer days our dog walks might get a little shorter, slower and shadier. I bring water with me on all walks and try to get to the lake or other water source whenever possible.

Pet sitting dates are almost fully booked from July to November. I only have a few potential spaces available. As well, I will likely (hoping!) be away during the first two weeks of December to have a much needed vacation and get some SUN before the cold of winter hits.

As always, I want to say a huge THANK YOU to all the awesome dogs and cats (and the people!) for all the support. The dog walk days keep me fit and active and I love to get as many kitty cuddles as possible!

Thanks for all the love,
Shannen

Winter Walks

Posted on by Invermere Pets

Thanks to all my amazing dog and cat clients! I am so grateful for all the ongoing support here in Invermere and the Columbia Valley. This May will be THREE YEARS of Invermere Pet Services! WOW!

Winter Dog Walks

Christmas was a very busy time for pet sitting and home visits. That momentum kept my calendar packed until the end of January. I have a little quiet time before the spring break rush starts again in March. Currently, pet sitting bookings are fully booked until May.

My dog walking days continue to be Monday and Thursday with a few weekend spots on Saturdays too! I have a few “Black Out” dates to note: No Dog Walks on: Monday Feb 13, Monday March 13, Thursday March 27.

Thanks for choosing Invermere Pet Services!
~Shannen

Spring in the Valley

Posted on by Invermere Pets

Winter is slowly melting away and spring has finally arrived in the Columbia Valley! I am loving the longer days and warmer temperatures. This certainly makes all my dog walks much more enjoyable.

Spring break means many families had the opportunity to travel and that means I am busy pet sitting. Thank you so much to all my friends and clients for trusting me with your pets.

Many clients that had to postpone trips have now been able to reschedule and book me for pet sitting. My availability is limited in the coming months, but I will always do my best to make it work! I am available for dog walking on Monday, Thursday and Sunday – contact me to book a time!

Looking ahead to spring and summer… I will be taking a quick visit to Vancouver April 10-19. I will also be away July 1-5!

Thanks again for keeping me busy, fit and active, I definitely have a spring in my step these days. I love all the good dogs and cute cats that I meet… seriously, your dog is my favourite!

: ) Shannen

Winter Availability Update!

Posted on by Invermere Pets

Welcome to Winter – the holidays are coming and the snow is here!

*NEW SCHEDULE* Dog walking days and times are available Monday, Thursday and Sunday.
Dog walking times (approximate) are 9:00am, 10:30am, 12pm (one hour only), 1:30pm and 3pm.

If you are planning a family visit or sunny vacation book your pet sitting dates now. I have limited availability during the winter months and dates will fill up fast. I am happy to come and pet sit at your place! This keeps your pet comfortable in their regular routine and environment.

Overnight stays or (my) home boarding is very limited and all guests must be approved by my *manager (*my 1 year old puppy Mavi needs to meet your dog first!)

Contact me if you have any questions or to arrange a free meet and greet with you and your pet. I love to help keep your pets happy and healthy in Invermere, Radium, Fairmont and the beautiful Columbia Valley. ~Shannen

Other Boarding or Pet Services in the Valley:

Boarding or Daycare at Unleashed!
Contact: 250-347-9933

Shannonbrook Boarding Kennels in Windermere
Contact: 250-342-6188

Kootenay Kritters Dog Walking or Petsitting
Contact: 250-755-6334

Fall Availability Update!

Posted on by Invermere Pets

What an incredible summer – THANK YOU for keeping me busy and active. I can’t believe I am nearing the end of my Parks contract (how has it been 5 months!?) Don’t worry, I still have time for my favorite dog walks on Wednesdays and Thursdays!

*I am away from Sept 25 until the end of October*. I have a two week contract for BC Bike Race in the Okanagan and then I will be going home to Vancouver for a long overdue visit with my family and friends. (I CAN’T WAIT!!)

I hope to see all my favorite 4 (and 3!!) legged friends when I return in November. I will be ready for all the winter walkies and home visits that you may need. Thank you again so much for sharing your pets with me.

~Shannen

Winter dog walking is coming!