What are the benefits of in-home pet care?

​Here at Kara's Pet Care, we are passionate about in-home pet care.  Pets in an environment they are unfamiliar with, regardless of the quality of care, may exhibit signs of stress in even the best of situations.  We would like to help you identify what is right for you and your pet!

Typical signs of kennel stress: 
-Low activity upon return home 
-Low appetite upon return home or within first few days at a kennel or boarding situation
-Loose bowel movements or diarrhea upon returning home
-Holding urination or defecation until returning home
-Excessive panting
-Illness at a kennel or upon return


        Almost everyone in our industry cares incredibly deeply for your pet, and are very well-intentioned, even if you see the above signs of stress. A change in environment can cause stress for some dogs, while other dogs remain unaffected. For example, wild parties are a great source of fun for many people, who tend to be more extroverted. They enjoy the busy nightlife, and socializing extensively with friends at all hours of the night and day. I, however, tend to Netflix Friends for extended periods of times on my CRAZY Friday nights, so I find the wild party on a Friday night to be EXTRAORDINARY stressful- and I tend to massively oversleep after a big event.

         Watching for these signs in your dog, especially upon returning home, may help you decide what is right for your pet. Unfortunately, in a large group caring for the needs of many dogs, these signs may be difficult to monitor for kennel staff.

      It is common to believe many of these signs are from your pet having so much fun--- but sometimes the distraction is not an indicator of fun, but an indicator of being stressed or hyper stimulated for an extended period of time. Therefore, they are not concerned with fulfilling their most basic needs (water, food, elimination).

       With in home pet care services, your pet receives the closest care to the care their own pet parents give at home. Their familiar napping spots, the food they eat, their daily routine, and their favorite activities can all be enjoyed while their pet parents are way.  Pet care services in your home allow you to dictate the best care for your pet- and we feel you know your pet, and what they enjoy, the best.

     Of particular importance are pets with severe medical issues. Many pets in our care take medications, and a professional pet care company will give medications in the exact way, timing, etc by trusted pet care professionals with backgrounds in veterinary technology, dog training, shelter work, and other related fields.  Many trusted in home pet care companies will provide assurance that your pet's needs were met, with updates from apps such as Scout, Handlr, Time to Pet, etc. These apps will show GPS tracked check in and check out, photos of every medication your pet was given, photos of food dishes, photos of litter boxes, and house sitting tasks attended to.  

      With personalized in-home pet care, you are sent reports and can be in touch - personally - with those who are caring for your pet. You can also indicate the type of exercise and frequency that your pet is used to! Many pet care companies will give you a choice of on-leash walking, on-leash hiking, off leash hiking, mental stimulation/exercises, dog park adventures, etc. Personalized in-home pet care can also be a great tool for "reactive" dogs, pets with medical concerns, or simply great care for pet parents who prefer to stay well-informed.

Here at Kara's Pet Care, which serves the NH seacoast, and Southern Maine, we love sharing how we can help your pet be incredibly comfortable and feel like they are on vacation while you are away! 

  -Kara Dello Russo
Kara's Pet Care
170 Commerce Way #203
Portsmouth, NH 03801

207-558-3218
Download the Handlr app today to book a complimentary consultation.

---