On Point Pet Sitting

02/16/2025

The Hidden Cost of Caring: Burnout in the Pet Care Industry

Pet care is more than just a job—it’s a labor of love. Whether you’re a pet sitter, dog walker, vet tech, or anyone working with animals, you do it because you care. But what happens when that care comes at the cost of your own well-being?

Burnout in the pet care industry is real. Compassion fatigue, emotional blackmail, and a deep sense of helplessness are common struggles. We give everything to the pets we care for, often absorbing the stress of worried owners, the heartbreak of sick animals, and the impossible expectation to be available 24/7. And yet, despite a growing need for experienced professionals, fewer people are entering the field—leading to even more pressure on those of us who remain.

It’s a vicious cycle. The love for animals keeps us going, but at what cost? The truth is, boundaries matter. Respect matters. And those who dedicate their lives to pet care need support just as much as the animals they help.

If you know someone in this field, check in on them. If you rely on their services, appreciate them. The demand is rising, but without change, the people who care the most may not be able to keep up.

02/14/2025

Roses are red, violets are blue, I’m paws-itively in love with you! ❤️🐶

This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate the ones who love us unconditionally—our furry best friends! Who’s your four-legged Valentine? Drop a pic in the comments! 💕🐾

02/14/2025

Happy Loooong weekend!

02/14/2025

Happy Valentine’s Day from On Point Pet Sitting! 🍫🐾

Sending love to you and your pets today and always! ❤️

02/14/2025

Tikka wants everyone to know just how ruff life is in our care... constant snuggles, cozy naps, and unlimited love. It’s a real struggle being this spoiled!

Who else has a pet that acts like they have the hardest life ever? Let’s see those dramatic sleepers in the comments!

02/13/2025

02/12/2025

🚨 We’re Hiring – Part-Time Pet Care Providers! 🚨

Are you passionate about providing quality pet care and enjoying working independently? On Point Pet Sitting is looking for 2 reliable, trustworthy, and compassionate pet care providers to join our team! 🐾

💼 Position Details:

🐶 Hours: 5-25 hours a week, primarily 9 AM – 3 PM, Monday to Friday (occasional weekends/holidays)
📍 Location: St. Albert & surrounding areas
💰 Starting Wage: $16.50-18 per hour – with potential for full-time hours as the business grows
🐾 Services: Drop-in visits & dog walking

🔎 What We’re Looking For:

✔️ Dependability & integrity – you’ll be entering clients’ homes and caring for their beloved pets
✔️ Experience with animals (personal or professional)
✔️ Ability to follow detailed care instructions and take direction well
✔️ Respect for clients’ homes and property
✔️ Clean criminal record (background check required)
✔️ Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license
✔️ Comfortable handling pets of all sizes and temperaments
✔️ Must be available weekdays between 9 AM – 3 PM

🐕 What You’ll Be Doing:

You'll provide drop-in care and dog walking services, ensuring pets receive the love, attention, and exercise they need while their owners are away. If you're passionate about animals and looking for a job where your care makes a difference, this could be a great fit!

📩 How to Apply:

If this sounds like the perfect opportunity for you, send your resume and a brief introduction to [email protected].

02/12/2025

Are You Storing Your Pet’s Kibble the Right Way?

Proper kibble storage is essential for keeping your pet’s food fresh, safe, and nutritious. Here’s why you should always keep kibble inside its original bag—even if you use a storage container!

🔹 Recall Information: If there’s ever a recall, the bag contains crucial details like batch numbers and expiration dates, making it easier to check if your pet’s food is affected.

🔹 Freshness & Rotation: Keeping the bag inside a container helps properly rotate food—when you buy a new bag, place it under the old one and use up the remaining kibble first. This prevents continuously adding new food on top of old food that never gets finished.

🔹 Avoid Bacteria & Mold Growth: If you pour kibble directly into a plastic container, microscopic scratches can trap old food particles. Over time, this can lead to mold and bacteria growth—even with regular cleaning! Keeping the food in its original bag reduces contamination risks and helps keep your pet’s food fresher for longer.

🔹 Switch to a Metal Scoop: Using a metal scoop instead of plastic prevents the same microscopic scratches that can harbor bacteria. Plus, metal is easier to clean and more durable, ensuring a safer way to serve your pet’s meals.

📌 Best Practice: Store the bag in an airtight container to protect against pests and humidity while keeping all the important info intact. Your pet’s health starts with safe food storage!

Do you store your pet’s kibble this way? Let me know in the comments! ⬇️

02/11/2025

Caring for pets means more than just feeding and walks—it also means ensuring they get their necessary medications while feeling safe and comfortable. That’s why our team takes a fear-free approach to administering medication, adapting to each pet’s unique needs.

Take Coco, for example. This sweet girl required medication twice a day while her owners were away, but she was also quite nervous. We quickly noticed that she felt safest inside a plastic bin—her little comfort zone. Instead of forcing her out of her safe space, we worked with her instincts, gently picking up the entire bin and bringing it to the kitchen to administer her meds.

🐾 Why does this matter?
✔️ Reduces stress – No unnecessary handling or forced interactions.
✔️ Keeps routines consistent – Ensures pets receive medication on time.
✔️ Builds trust – Pets learn that we respect their comfort levels.

Every pet is different, and we believe in adjusting our care to make them feel as secure as possible. Whether it’s pills, injections, or other medications, we always prioritize your pet’s well-being!

02/11/2025

📢 When your parents are hoping for grandkids… but you’re just building your fur family instead! 🐶🐾

They ask for grandkids, and I deliver... just with four legs instead of two! 😆

Who else has had the talk with their parents about this? Drop a 🐕 or 🐈 if your pets are your babies!

02/10/2025

We know how important it is to stay connected with your pets when you're away, which is why our team provides detailed visit reports after every service!

Here’s what you can expect from our updates:

📸 Photos & Videos – Because who doesn’t love a cute update of their furry friend? 🐾
📝 Activity Summary – A recap of what we did, whether it was a walk, playtime, enrichment activities, or cuddles.
🚽 Bathroom & Feeding Updates – Important details so you know your pet’s routine is on track.
💬 Personal Notes – Anything unique about the visit, like a funny moment, a change in behavior, or something worth keeping an eye on.

Our goal is to give you peace of mind knowing your pet is happy, comfortable, and receiving top-quality care! Do these updates help you feel more at ease? Let us know in the comments! ⬇️ 🐕🐾

02/10/2025

Need Overnight Care for Your Pets? We've Got You Covered!

We’re still offering overnight stays, but with a streamlined approach to ensure the best care for your pets while maintaining flexibility for your schedule. Choose the option that works best for you:

🐾 8-hour stay (~10 PM – ~6 AM) – $200
🐾 12-hour stay (~7 PM – ~7 AM) – $350

Looking for an alternative to a full overnight stay? Try our Bed & Breakfast option!

🍽️ Bed & Breakfast – $130
✔️ An extended 2-hour evening visit
✔️ An early 1-hour morning visit

Want a midday check-in? Add:
🕒 30-minute visit – $140 total
🕒 60-minute visit – $150 total

Your pets deserve top-notch care, even when you’re away! Message us to book or learn more.

02/09/2025

It’s a special day in our house—Tikka and I are both celebrating our birthdays!

Tikka turns 2 today, and she got her first taste of how we do doggy birthdays around here—let’s just say, she was very on board with the extra treats and love! Watching her personality shine since we rehabilitated her has been such a joy, and a menace at the same time 😅

Here’s to another year of adventures, snuggles, and spoiling our pets (and maybe ourselves a little too)! Happy birthday to us! 🎉🐾

02/08/2025

We've just posted a bunch of interactive polls on our story, and we want to hear from YOU! Head over now to share your opinions and have some fun. Your feedback helps shape what we do, so don’t miss out—vote now!

02/08/2025

At On Point Pet Sitting, we are committed to Fear Free practices to ensure that every pet in our care feels safe, comfortable, and respected. But what does “Fear Free” actually mean?

Fear Free methods focus on minimizing stress, anxiety, and fear during interactions with pets. This means:

✅ No force-based tools – We do not use prong collars, choke chains, or e-collars. Instead, we prioritize positive reinforcement and gentle handling.

✅ Reading body language – Understanding when a pet is stressed or uncomfortable allows us to adjust our approach to keep them feeling secure.

✅ Low-stress handling – Whether it’s a walk, drop-in visit, or overnight stay, we use techniques that build trust and create a positive experience.

✅ Respecting boundaries – Just like people, pets have their own comfort zones. We work at their pace to ensure they feel safe and never pushed beyond what they can handle.

Fear Free care isn’t just about making pets happier—it also keeps them healthier. Stress and fear can have long-term negative effects on both behavior and physical well-being. By creating a calm, predictable environment, pets learn to trust us, making every interaction a positive one.

When you choose On Point Pet Sitting, you’re choosing professional, compassionate, and stress-free care for your pets. Because they deserve nothing less!

02/08/2025

This week, Myles has been tagging along on visits and helping out with the pets! It’s always great to have an extra set of hands (and an extra lap for cuddles). The pets have been loving the extra attention, and I’ve been appreciating the company—especially on those extra chilly walks!