Critter Sitter
Pleasant Valley Road P5E1S2 Espanola, ON, Canada

A trained dog is a great dog!! Skiplyn does a wonderful job helping people with training

We are open but please note this area is now moving in to a red zone as of Monday. Stay safe everyone. At this time I will not be accepting booking from Patrons in grey or lockdown areas or from People visiting there. As in a red or those zones we are asked to not go in to other zones and only go out for essentials. The only Exemption is if you’re visiting a grey or lock down zone for medical purposes only. Sorry for any inconvenience.... Stay safe.

We are open for services. As of Feb 16 in-home and day cares can also resume following all covid Protocols.

NOTICE So the lock down continued until the 16th. We have to follow the measures in place until then. Stay tuned..... Areas under Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Public Health, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health and the Renfrew County District Health Unit will be moving back to the province’s most relaxed stage of its colour-coded framework as planned on Feb. 11, while the rest of the province continues to be under the stay-at-home order until Feb. 16, except the Toronto, Peel and York regions, which will continue to be under order until Feb. 22.

Reminder: As we are now in a yellow zone. Please wear your mask if you can not maintain the 6 foot distance. ... Please treat your items the same as you would if buying from A store after leaving the kennel. Wash or clean your dogs items with disinfectant as suggested by public health. And wash your hands frequently. If you developed symptoms of covid please inform us ASAP. **** Very important please have a back up plan for yourself. If the area gets shut down or we move in to another zone I may have to close unexpectedly. Have a plan in place for that please.****

Just a friendly reminder that appointments have always been needed. Please do not just drop in. Now with the world dealing with COVID there are more steps required, such as mask for a viewing. Thank you for your understanding of this matter. ... Pam

DATES WE ARE FULL OR CLOSED See below:DATES WE ARE FULL OR CLOSED See below:

PLEASE NOTE: I am having a large number of people yell at me so please stop and check your manners that your mamma Taught you. We have a process to board, we have always in the 6 years of business had a process it isn’t new. I will not change my process. Lol... You call, I explain what’s needed, you send me what’s needed, I review what you send , I decide if I want to move to the next stage of a meetings. We meet, I take you on as a client. Or I don’t. I have always suggested getting this done a few weeks before boardings are needed. Meetings are only done on weekends they have always only been done on weekends. (Usually) Now with COVID things may take longer. Extra cleaning measures are in place. I have to try and keep a ten family bubble as per public health per week. I don’t make the rules I just follow them. So with kennel, in homes, meetings, and family bubbles this limits what I can do. If you call me on a Monday, tue or wed for a booking on the Friday chances are you will not get a space. (New clients) We have to do the process. -Do not ask me to just not do the process -Do not ask me to just not ask for records -Do not ask me to just take your dog with no back ground info -DO not show up at my house assuming I will fit you in- I WONT LOL -Do not complain about my hours, it’s my business I may have to adjust for life and Situations outside of my control such as school drop offs during COVID -Do not use COVID to guilt me, saying your business has taken a hit you think you take anyone who calls (safety is my number one not wealth, my Mandate is to keep peoples family safe, I won’t wavier on that) If you book in and cancel for a meeting do not expect to get in the next weekend. Chances are my bubbles are expanded to max! And least of all DO NOT YELL AT ME BECAUSE YOU WAITED LAST MINUTE TO GET YOUR STUFF IN ORDER!! Mask are to be worn for the viewing. There is no exceptions. The 6 meter distance can’t be kept in that small space and I am housing people’s pets (family). I have to keep their safety in mind. Outside in the yard if no dogs are present you may remove your mask. If you are Medically exempt from wearing a mask you will have to ask someone to bring by your dog that can wear one for the viewing. I can also do a walk through via zoom with you. I try to be as Accommodating as I can. I will bend over backwards to keep my clients happy. But you have to do your part as well. The number one thing to remember is we are in a unknown time in the world, Procedures and precautions have to be followed and may change Suddenly. DO NOT YELL, SWEAR OR THREATEN TO GIVE ME A BAD REVIEW WHEN YOU ARE NOT EVEN A CLIENT ALL BECAUSE YOU WAITED LAST MINUTE. Thank you- end rant lol To all my loyal clients thank you for being you and your commitment to the kennel.

I will be unplugged until Monday. All messages will be answered starting Monday afternoon, sorry for any inconvenience. Depending on the volume of messages it may take a few days to get back to you. Have a great weekend.

My summer hours are 9 am to 8 pm but please note starting Sept 8th they will be 10am to 1 pm then 4 pm to 8 pm ... (There May be some exceptions) If an early drop off is needed you can bring them the evening before. Saturday, Sunday and holidays will be 9am to 8pm Do to COVID extra time is going to be needed in the am to drop my daughter at school as the routine is going to be different in the am for busing, parking, entering the school ect. Same with evening pick up. So more time is required for me to get there and follow the needed procedures. Sorry for any inconvenience. Of course this is subject to change. Thank you for your understanding.

Big shout out to Miss Molly and her parents For thinking of me and sending me this lovely mask. It was a lovely surprise and I will wear it daily

This is one of my furry friends. Let’s help get her home

Notice of Road Construction Saturday, July 18 Bass Lake Rd. Please be advised that weather-permitting, a single layer of surface treatment will be installed o...n Mead Blvd./Bass Lake Rd. from Black Creek to just past Auge Rd. on Saturday, July 18. There will be traffic disruptions, delays should not exceed 25 minutes. Once commenced, the work should be complete within 6 hrs. An alternate route for traffic needing to access the landfill or Bass Lake Rd. residences beyond Auge Rd. would be to take Lee Valley Rd. West to Pleasant Valley Rd. (7.5kms West of Queensway Ave. intersection with Lee Valley Rd.), then take Pleasant Valley Rd. to Bass Lake Rd. (9.5kms). We apologize for the inconvenience and short notice and thank you for your patience.

New clients: With extra steps and procedures in place with Covid please give yourself Ample time to get the contract, viewing and meet and greet completed. These are only done on weekends and there are limited spots with all the extra measures. I suggest 2-3 weeks before you need a service. ... Sorry for any inconvenience. If you need a physical viewing off the kennel mask are Mandatory. If a mask can not be worn a face shield must be or you can have someone else bring your dog. Sorry for any inconvenience. Because I am encouraging Virtual viewings if you decide to bring your dog for the meeting. He/she must be extremely social and be ok with me (a stranger) approaching them to retrieve them from my area so I can do their behaviour assessment. As we are trying to limit exposure so we ask you to leave and come back instead of waiting or being here. If you’re dog isn’t social enough to be left you may stay but again a mask must be worn and distance respected. Thank you for the understanding of the matter. *Please keep in mind Ontario is in a ten person bubble. If I am doing in home care for you I am concerned a part of your bubble. As you are mine. If you develop symptoms, are exposed, or become ill, Please inform me Immediately. The same applies for the kennel, if I cared for your pet and you are exposed let me know ASAP. Thank you.

NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE As per public health as of July 8th if entering the kennel a face mask has to be worn. As we do outside exchange this more pertains to new clients. ... To protect myself, you and the pups I will be encouraging Virtual viewings of the kennel and for new meetings there is a Protocol that will be discussed if it pertains to you. I understand there may be some medical conditions or reasons as to why a mask can’t be worn and we respect that. If that is the case someone else will have to bring your dog by or you can wear a face shield. (Again this more so Pertains to new clients) For drop off and pick up I encourage a mask as well. As we are exchanging your pet outside I ask you respect the 2 meter distance if you are not wearing a mask. I will be sanitizing bowls leashes ect. Upon entry to the kennel and when things are packed up for home. I encourage you to sanitize, wash their items as well before returning them back to your home. Use gloves or proper hand sanitizing/washing after handling items. We love cuddles but as there is limited knowledge about pets and exposure, handling of your pets will be limited. We encourage you to also bath your dog when you return home and use proper glove or hand washing techniques. All of these steps are extra Precautions to keep everybody safe. Thank you

If you call, message or email and do not hear back from me in a few days please reach out again. Unfortunately our internet is not functioning properly! I have not been getting phone messages. (We have a Internet based phone) Sorry for any inconvenience! Please do not drop by. All services are by appointment only. Thank you.

Interested in HelloFresh? What to try a box? Here is a 40 dollar off Opportunity. They deliver to Española. My boxes are always fresh and on time. This is so convenient (30 minutes to a meal) and even more convenient if you don’t like going out to the store during Covid. Not to mention the cost of Groceries have skyrocket and items are always out. This has solved those issues Enjoy. Enjoy this HelloFresh promo code! https://www.hellofresh.ca/

Book in today! With things opening up we are starting to get busy. I will be limiting bookings to ensure we can practice safe distancing and provide times to get new intakes completed. Also extra cleaning measures and disinfecting of items coming in to the Kennel and before your dogs goes home takes extra time. If you were thinking of boarding in the near future it is a good idea to book in advance to Ensure you get a spot.... Also good news -in home cares are now allowed. I ask all items be in a central location so I am not touching items in your home. I will be wearing gloves and a mask when I enter your home. If you are a new client and I have to come to your home to do a meet and greet. Mask will be required for me to enter if social distancing Can’t be kept. Thanks looking forward to seeing all my friends.

Just a reminder appointments are needed for all services. No drop ins please. Unfortunately as before (even more now with covid) if you drop in I will direct you to make an appointment. Please keep the 2 meter distance. If it isn’t possible please wear a mask. Wash your hands regularly. If you have any symptoms of covid please reschedule and stay home. ... Thank you

Would you put your dog in your oven? Of course not! Then why expose them to fatal temperatures by leaving them in a hot vehicle? The summer weather hit... fast and it hit hard. It is insanely hot out. Due to COVID many people are still home with their dogs more than usual and it's great they are getting lots of owner time, but please, unless you are driving to a pet appointment or down to the trail for a walk...leave your beloved dogs home! Especially during this current world where you really just can NOT pop into a store...there are lineups, wait times, you have NO idea how long you will be. Your dog will start to suffer right away in the heat and we will explain why. Worse...your dog can literally die in a few minutes. Dogs can ONLY cool themselves internally by panting, or sweating through the pads of their paws. You put a hairy creature in a hot car where the air is hot, the seats are warm, the whole environment is already above the body temp of that dog, and cells begin to die within minutes. Brain damage can occur quickly, followed by unconsciousness, and ultimately death. MINUTES. Putting the windows down, parking in the shade...STILL TOO HOT. To be blunt, as sometimes we have to, see how comfortable you are...sitting in it in a fur coat. At least you can sweat from practically your whole body, so you wouldn't die as quickly. Your dog will just continue to overheat. What to do if you see a dog in a hot car? CALL 911 A lot of bylaw Officers including in our area, (animal controls) do not have the legal ability to enter a vehicle without permission. POLICE DO. Government Investigation officers can, but they are already out on calls all day long and the quickest response is 911. Straight from the government cruelty website. Shelter workers can also not enter vehicles nor investigate cruelty. TAKE PHOTOS of the dog, a screenshot of the outside temp on your phone, and of the license plate. So if help does not arrive in time they can be followed up on. What NOT to do. As much as you would LOVE to smash that window, can you tell if the dog is in distress yet? Do you know if that dog is going to be terrified, and bite you or even worse, get loose and then get hit by a car...and yes that has happened. And yes, you could get charged. If police are busy, see if the fire department can help. Yes this is long but worth knowing the very important following information on HOW to help an overheated dog no matter what the situation! FIRST AID: NEVER attempt to cool down an overheated dog with ice or ice-cold water. It will simply constrict their blood vessels more, which can lead to a fatality. Further info that can apply to ANY situation where your dog may have gotten overheated! Warning signs of heatstroke: Is the dog panting heavily? Is the dog drooling excessively? Does the dog appear lethargic, drowsy, or uncoordinated? Is the dog collapsed or vomiting? What is heatstroke? If dogs are too hot and are unable to reduce their body temperature by panting, they will develop heatstroke which can kill. If a dog is displaying any signs of heatstroke, move them to a cool, shaded area and call a vet immediately. Some types of dogs are more prone to heatstroke, like very old or young dogs, dogs with thick, heavy coats, or dogs with very short flat faces like pugs and bulldog types. Dogs with certain diseases or on some types of medication are also more at risk. Emergency First Aid for dogs For the best chance of survival, dogs suffering from heatstroke urgently need to have their body temperature lowered gradually. Move him/her to a shaded/cool area. Immediately douse the dog with cool (not cold) water, to avoid shock. If possible, you can also use wet towels or place him/her in the breeze of a fan. Allow the dog to drink small amounts of cool water. Continue to douse the dog with cool water until his/her breathing starts to settle but never so much that he/she begins to shiver. Once the dog is cool, take him/her to the nearest vet as a matter of urgency. Please share and help safely save lives this summer!

Everything that I am & all that I have means nothing without you Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mom’s out there or the person you call mom in your family. To the mom’s who had to be dad’s too, to the moms who never got to hold their babies, to the moms who loved and lost, to the moms who loved other babies like their own, to the moms who’s babies have paws & fur. You are all loved and you are all important. Happy Mother’s Day day

And remember social distance, wash those hands and stay safe. Looking forward to serving you when the closure measures are released.

Edit as of 12:01 am Saturday May 16th kennel care is OPEN. In home care and walks has to Remain closed until we are allowed to enter others homes. Sorry for an inconvenience. ... So when Mr Ford opens the economy we will be here to serve you. Things will look a bit different thoe: SO WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU Drop offs and pick ups will be no contact. Option 1 We have a 10x10 over by the kennel. There will be a teathered leash in there as well. If your dog is a jumper I ask you to hook them on in the 10x10. (Don’t worry the leash will be short so they can’t jump over with the leash on) If they do not jump just Putting them in there unleashed is fine. If your dog is known to slip their collar please put them in a harness for drop off. I will quickly retrieve them. Option 2 By Shays play house is a tie out. I will hook them on for you to retrieve them or you can hook them on for me to intake them. (Only if they are not collar slippers as we do not want any runaways) Harnesses are a good idea. Some of you all ready use this option for pick up and drop off. Hand sanitizer will be at both areas. We will make arrangements via text on the day. Please do not bring bedding, toys, blankets, or bowls. We have all of that. JUST BRING FOOD IN A BUCKET THAT CAN BE WASHED DOWN, MEDICATION AND A LEASH. Nothing else please. Payments as we are non contact will have to be paid via online means. If cash is the only way you can pay Let me know and I will set up a drop off site. New Clients- this is a bit tricky as we have to practice the 2 meters distancing. -Paper work will have to be emailed please. No drop offs if possible. -The meet and greets are going to be different. If you are interested in boarding with me I will give you a Virtual view of the kennel. If you decide you like to stay with us we will then move on to the greeting. -The greeting- normally I would have you come and do a walk through with your dog. As we are trying to cut down on exposure you will now bring your dog, follow the steps in number one and I will keep them here for an hour or two and do an assessment. I’ll message for pickup and you will follow the retrieval steps. If your dog passes the assessment you will be taken on as a client. I truly am sorry for the lack of human contact but it’s for the safety of everyone. Your dog will also be wiped down upon intake with a Hyper allergenic dog wash Wipe. IF YOU OR A FAMILY MEMBER HAS FLU LIKE SYMPTOMS PLEASE CANCLE YOUR SERVICE. Stay Safe In home cares will proceed as normal when we are allowed to visit other homes. Once that restriction is lifted I will announce my procedures for this care. Unfortunately this will probably be one of the last services to open. Sorry for any inconvenience. If you can’t have company over to your home that means I can not come over for an in home care.

IMPORTANT POST - Long post So with Doug Ford starting to roll out his reopen plan I anticipate people will start to travel for doctors appointments ect. We are open at Critter Sitter as per number 11 on the Essential list. But for emergency services only. ...Continue reading

For anyone wanting to board in the future. This would be the perfect opportunity for you to get your paper work completed. I can send you a contract if you like. You can send it and vet records back for review. We will still have to complete the meeting when the social distancing measures are relaxed. For existing clients if your vet records are due to be updated or some of your pets history has changed you can send a copy of the information at any time. ... Thank you

Local business opening. Check them out #support local

Lol why didn’t I think of this yesterday!! Lol https://www.facebook.com/503115844/posts/10157817820925845/