Safe Haven Advocate Pet Care & Photography

Safe Haven Advocate Pet Care & Photography Experienced, compassionate & reliable in-your-home professional specialty pet care.

Safe Haven Advocate Pet Care is focused on caring for pets in their own homes, not vice versa. We believe that it's best to keep pets in an environment where they are familiar, comfortable and feel safe. As a Fear Free certified business, our mission is to alleviate as much fear, anxiety and stress away from pets as possible while their owners are away. We also provide dog walking and medication

administration for clients who have busy lifestyles, crazy work hours, and an uncertainty in the ability of medication administration on their own. We understand that these angels are your loyal and devoted friends and family members. Animals are our heartstrings and we treat each and every one as if they are our own. Exceptional Services Provided:
* Daily dog-walking
* Feeding & playtime home visit services
* Vacation Care
* Medication administration
* Post surgery aftercare & rehabilitation
* Ill patient / Hospice care
* Certified Pet Wellness & Nutrition Consultations

How ✨STUNNING✨is Apollo!? I can’t get enough of this sweet, majestic boy. 😍
03/21/2025

How ✨STUNNING✨is Apollo!? I can’t get enough of this sweet, majestic boy. 😍

Our pets’ health is in our hands, and being proactive in monitoring their well-being is a sign of great care. Knowing ba...
01/23/2025

Our pets’ health is in our hands, and being proactive in monitoring their well-being is a sign of great care. Knowing baseline vitals allows us to detect issues in their earliest stages, ensuring we can provide timely treatment and a better quality of life.

🌡️ Temperature: Measuring body temperature might seem like a simple task, but it's a crucial indicator of your pet's health. Detecting a fever or hypothermia early can reveal underlying issues like infections or illnesses, ensuring timely treatment.

💓 Heart Rate (Pulse): Monitoring your pet's heart rate can be a window into their well-being. Changes in pulse rate can signal cardiac problems, stress, or even pain. By keeping an eye on it, we can act promptly to address any concerns.

🫁 Respiratory Rate: Just like us, pets can face respiratory issues. Monitoring their breathing rate helps us spot problems like respiratory distress, pneumonia, pain, etc. allowing for early intervention and improved outcomes.

👅 Mucous Membrane Color & Capillary Refill: Checking the color of their gums and mucous membranes is a quick way to assess their circulatory health. Pale or blue gums can indicate problems like anemia, circulatory issues, etc. Additionally, the capillary refill time helps assess their circulatory status, with delayed refill suggesting dehydration or shock.

__________________ Additional “Baselines” ________________

🐾 Snout-to-Tail Assessment: A thorough examination from snout to tail helps identify lumps, bumps, injuries, or skin conditions early. Early detection is key to prompt treatment and better outcomes.

😢 Pain Assessment: Understanding your pet's pain levels is essential for their comfort. Pain can be subtle, so evaluating their behavior and physical cues is key. By recognizing discomfort early, we can provide the care they need.

These baselines are the keys to your pet's future well-being! 🗝️

Do you know how to check these vitals at home?
If not, I’d be happy to share step-by-step instructions into obtaining them!

Let's work together to ensure our furry friends live their happiest and healthiest lives! 🐾❤️

🎶🎄Oh, Christmas tree, oh, Christmas tree… OH NO, what’s Fido doing now?! 🙀Let’s keep the holidays merry and mishap-free!...
12/22/2024

🎶🎄Oh, Christmas tree, oh, Christmas tree… OH NO, what’s Fido doing now?! 🙀

Let’s keep the holidays merry and mishap-free!
Here are some important tips for pet-friendly trees:

⚓️ Anchor that tree!
Your cat’s audition for Cirque du Soleil is cute, but a toppled tree? Not so much. Use a sturdy base or anchor it to the wall.

🐾 Tree climbing is not a spectator sport.
Your dog thinks it’s a stick, and your cat thinks it’s a jungle gym. To avoid a chaotic climb, block access with a baby gate, strategically placed furniture, or a pet-proof tree skirt. Bonus: You’ll save your ornaments and your sanity!

🍝 Skip the tinsel temptation!
That shiny stuff might as well be labeled “edible spaghetti” to pets. Keep it off the tree or out of reach! When ingested, tinsel can cause some serious obstructions! Better safe than an expensive vet visit!

✨ Tangled up in trouble.
Twinkling lights are magical, but to your pet, they’re just a game of tug-o-war waiting to happen. Dangling cords can lead to serious accidents like getting tangled, electrocution or worse. Secure lights tightly to the tree and keep plugs out of paw’s reach!

🎄Ornaments: Pretty but risky.
Hang fragile, glass, or edible ornaments up high. Lower branches are perfect for pet-safe decorations like felt or wood.

💦 Go natural—but not too natural.
Real trees smell great, but stagnant water in the tree stand can be a bacteria-filled cocktail. Cover it up to keep curious noses (and tongues) out.

🌵Watch out for pine needles!
They’re not as digestible as they look. Sweep them up regularly to avoid tummy troubles!

🍫 NO chocolate Or other edible items under the tree!
Those beautifully wrapped boxes could be filled with toxic treats for pets. Keep food gifts well out of paw’s reach.

🔌 Unplug when you’re away.
Always unplug your tree when you’re not home. A dark tree may be less festive, but it’s also a lot safer for curious paws and whiskers!

Keep these tips in mind, and your furry friends will stay on Santa’s “nice” list this year! 🐶🐱

Have a hilarious tree vs. pet story? (or photo?)
Drop it below! 😃

Ever wonder why your pets perceive the world differently? Let's explore the science behind their unique vision! 🌈👁️‍🗨️ H...
12/13/2024

Ever wonder why your pets perceive the world differently? Let's explore the science behind their unique vision! 🌈

👁️‍🗨️ Humans have three types of color receptors, or cones, in their eyes, allowing us to see a wide spectrum of colors. Dogs and cats, however, have only two cones.

🐕 Dogs primarily rely on cones sensitive to short (blue) and middle (green-yellow) wavelengths, lacking the cone for long (red) wavelengths. Consequently, they perceive blues and yellows but struggle to distinguish reds and greens, which appear as various shades of gray.

🐈 Cats share a similar visual spectrum, with cones for short and middle wavelengths. This means they also see blues and greens more vividly than reds. Their vision is adapted for stealthy hunting, especially in low-light conditions.

Now, the fascinating part is the trade-off: What they lack in full-color vision, they compensate for with other exceptional senses!

• Dogs and cats boast incredible hearing, capable of detecting sounds beyond our range.
• Their sense of smell is extraordinary, allowing them to discern scents we might not even notice.
• They excel at spotting motion and navigating in low-light environments, making them the ultimate adventurers and hunters.

So, while our pets may not see the world in all its colorful glory, they're equipped with super senses that make them extraordinary in their own right! 😀🐾

12/10/2024

I’ll never forget the excitement of being named Pet Sitter Of The Year and hearing it announced on 101.9, The Mix! 😃

This honor was a testament to the love and care I’ve always strived to provide for every furry friend and their families.

Hearing my name on the radio was such a surreal and proud moment—it’s all thanks to amazing clients like YOU who trust me with your beloved pets. 🫶🏻

🎙️Take a listen and relive this unforgettable memory with me! 🐾🐕

‼️ PET SAFETY ALERT ‼️Many of you know that Xylitol, a sugar substitute, can be toxic to our furry friends. Well, Xylito...
12/09/2024

‼️ PET SAFETY ALERT ‼️

Many of you know that Xylitol, a sugar substitute, can be toxic to our furry friends. Well, Xylitol isn't just in sugar-free gum anymore! It's sneaking its way into products like peanut butter, other human foods / candy and even toothpastes that use artificial sweatners!

But that’s not even that SCARIEST part…
It is now being labeled as "Birch Sugar” on many product labels. 😡

So, before you share that tasty treat with your dog, PLEASE make sure to double-check the label!! 🔎

🚨 Xylitol Poisoning Signs & Symptoms 🚨

• Rapidly Dropping Blood Sugar
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Loss of Coordination
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Liver Failure
• Coma

🏥 Fast and aggressive treatment by your veterinarian is essential to effectively reverse any toxic effects and prevent the development of severe problems.

👉🏻 Prevent an accidental poisoning by ensuring that products containing xylitol are securely stored away from your dogs, refrain from sharing any xylitol-containing food with them, and exclusively utilize toothpaste designed for dogs when brushing their teeth, avoiding human toothpaste.

Let's keep our fur babies safe and healthy together. Please share this info with everyone you know and tag a pet-loving friend! 🐾

Facts 😆
10/15/2024

Facts 😆

❌ THE OATMEAL BATH DILEMMA ❌Oatmeal in shampoos for pets has been around for a while, and it's often touted as a soothin...
07/15/2024

❌ THE OATMEAL BATH DILEMMA ❌

Oatmeal in shampoos for pets has been around for a while, and it's often touted as a soothing, gentle ingredient. You might be thinking "Oatmeal is GREAT for my pet's skin!" Well… not exactly. 🤔

REGULAR oatmeal in shampoos, like the kind you eat for breakfast, can actually make your pets MORE itchy. Sounds strange, but it's true. That's because regular oatmeal can leave behind a residue that makes your pet's skin feel sticky. It's like having an itch that won't go away. 😬

Here's the surprising twist: Regular oatmeal can also FEED yeast on your pet's skin. Oatmeal contains sugars and starches that some yeast species LOVE to munch on. So, while you're trying to soothe your pet's itch with oatmeal, you might inadvertently be providing a buffet for yeast. 😩

As yeast feasts on the sugars and starches from regular oatmeal, it can lead to an increase in yeast populations. This overgrowth can cause more itching, discomfort, and skin issues for your pet. It's like throwing fuel on the fire when you were trying to put it out. 🔥

⛑️ COLLOIDAL Oat Extract:

What makes COLLOIDAL oatmeal DIFFERENT? Unlike regular oatmeal, it's processed differently and does NOT contain the same sugars and starches. This means it won't provide the same food source for yeast. Instead, it soothes your pet's skin without inviting any unwelcome guests to the party.

👌🏻 Finding the PERFECT Pet Shampoo:

When shopping for pet shampoo / conditioner, it's essential to consider the following factors. Your pet's comfort and well-being will thank you for it! 🛁

• Hypoallergenic: Look for shampoos labeled as hypoallergenic. These are less likely to trigger allergies or irritate sensitive skin. Strong artificial scents can bother your pets as well, so consider fragrance-free or lightly scented shampoos for sensitive pets!

• Colloidial Oat Extract & Beyond: If your pet has skin issues or allergies, look for a natural shampoo / conditioner with colloidal oat extract, aloe & camomile, Vitamin A, D & E or alternative ingredients like enzymatic and pre/probiotic shampoos.

• Soap-Free: Avoid shampoos with harsh soaps that can dry out your pet's skin. Opt for soap-free options that clean gently and more naturally. 🧼

• pH-Balanced: A shampoo with a pH balanced for your pet's skin will help maintain their natural skin barrier.

• Paraben-Free: Keep an eye out for paraben-free shampoos. Parabens are synthetic preservatives that some pets may be sensitive to. Choosing paraben-free products can be gentler on their skin.

• Sulfate-Free: Sulfates can be harsh on your pet's skin and coat. Look for sulfate-free shampoos for a milder and more gentle cleansing experience.

Below, I have compiled a list of ingredients that you should also consider when searching for the right bath time solutions for your pets!

♥️😄
06/12/2023

♥️😄

How cute are my new fur friends!? Meet super social ham BoBo and shy girl Roxy! ♥️☺️🐈 Welcome to the pack sweet babies!!...
06/11/2023

How cute are my new fur friends!?
Meet super social ham BoBo and shy girl Roxy!
♥️☺️🐈

Welcome to the pack sweet babies!!
🤗

Going on vacation this summer? ✈️🧳Check out these tips on what information to share to ensure your pets are happy & heal...
06/01/2023

Going on vacation this summer? ✈️🧳

Check out these tips on what information to share to ensure your pets are happy & healthy while you're away! 🐾

Sun’s out, bellies up! ☀️😎
05/31/2023

Sun’s out, bellies up! ☀️😎

One of the MANY things I’ve missed about pet care…. THE PHOTOS!!! 📸🐈♥️
05/27/2023

One of the MANY things I’ve missed about pet care…. THE PHOTOS!!! 📸🐈♥️

Oh Maui Blue, how sweet it is to be loved by you 🫶🏻🎶
05/25/2023

Oh Maui Blue, how sweet it is to be loved by you 🫶🏻🎶

Although I am slowly starting over in a new town where I am a stranger to everyone, IT FEELS SO GOOD TO BE BACK DOING WH...
05/25/2023

Although I am slowly starting over in a new town where I am a stranger to everyone, IT FEELS SO GOOD TO BE BACK DOING WHAT I LOVE PART TIME!! ♥️🐾

Don’t you just want to BOOP those little pink noses?! 😍

Welcoming the SWEETEST little hams - Leia, Caesar & Apollo - to the Safe Haven Advocate Pet Care family!
🤗🐈

Address

Ponds Of Bull Valley
Bull Valley, IL

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 9pm
Tuesday 7am - 9pm
Wednesday 7am - 9pm
Thursday 7am - 9pm
Friday 7am - 9pm
Saturday 7am - 9pm
Sunday 7am - 9pm

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Our Story

It is best to keep your pet(s) in an environment where they are familiar, comfortable and feel safe. The goal is to alleviate as much fear, anxiety and stress from your pet(s) as possible while you are away. Therefore, Safe Haven Advocate is based around staying at clients' homes for their pets’ care, not vice versa. It is so important to have someone who can truly CARE for and BOND with your pet(s). Our elite team of Fear Free pet care specialists are made up of a diverse group of medically trained, experienced, certified & very passionate individuals who will go above and beyond and treat your best friends as if they were their very own. For the utmost safety of your home and your pets, We are a Licensed, Bonded and fully Insured business. Exceptional Services Provided: * Daily Dog-Walking * Feeding & Playtime home visit services * In-Client-Home Pet sitting * Overnight care * Medication Administration (Including oral, injections, topical, and SQ fluid administration) * Post Surgical Care & Rehabilitatiom * Ill patient / Hospice care * In-home nail trims, ear cleaning, oral health maintenance * Equine, Barnyard Animal, Small Mammal & Exotic care * Dog Training - Utilizing a force free approach, positive reinforcement technique; Yet never a one-size-fits-all program. - Puppy Obedience & Socialization - Counter Conditioning - Adult Obedience - Behavior Modification * First Aid, CPR & Emergency Care Seminar Instruction Taught by our President, Carrie; An experienced day practice & ER Veterinary Technician - Canine & Feline CPR - Rescue Breathing - Emergency Restraint & Muzzling - Choking - Bleeding & Shock Management - Poisoning - Insect Bites & Stings - Snakebites - Heat Stroke - Heat & Cold Injuries - Seizures - Snout-To-Tail™ Assessment - Assessing Pet Vitals - Building a Pet First Aid Kit