Pet Pop in Services.

05/02/2025

My Journey of Passion and Purpose with trusted and Compassionate Pet Care.

My name is Angela Smith, some of you may remember me as a Zumba fitness instructor, teaching throughout Red Deer County, Innisfail, Spruce View, and Bowden. Those years were filled with joy, movement, and connection, and I cherished every moment.

From Zumba, I transitioned into another lifelong passion: caring for animals. I started my own pet care business, originally called Hap-pee Pet Services, now rebranded as Pet Pop-In Services. This journey deepened my understanding of animal care.

As an experienced foster volunteer and pet caregiver, I provide loving, reliable care for pets of all kinds. From young kittens to senior pets, I understand that each animal has unique needs, and I treat every pet as if they were my own.

My Services Include:

✔ Pet Care Visits – Feeding, fresh water, litter box cleaning, and basic grooming.
✔ Tailored Attention – Ideal for kittens, senior pets, or those with medical or behavioral needs.
✔ Playtime & Enrichment – Ensuring pets feel happy, loved, and engaged.
✔ Medication Administration – Confidently caring for pets with specific health requirements.

No more kennel stress—just peace of mind for you and a happy pet at home!

Why Choose Pet Pop-In Services?

🐾 Personalized Care – Visits are customized to your pet’s specific needs.
🐾 Experienced & Trustworthy – Years of hands-on experience with foster pets and diverse animals.
🐾 Reliable & Compassionate – Your pet’s comfort and well-being are my top priorities.

While I do not offer overnight stays, my pop-in visits (up to 30 minutes) provide attentive, loving care while you’re away.
I am not a regular dog walker, however I may be able to accommodate walk requests during your absence.

Now, in addition to Pet Pop-in services I’m taking another big step forward with the launch of Needy Paws, my own small rescue initiative dedicated to saving orphaned kittens where I will volunteer my services in collaboration with established organizations .

Needy paws page link!
https://www.facebook.com/share/1HQgexd38e/?mibextid=wwXIfr

05/02/2025

Second Meet & Greet Policy

For dog visits with Pet Pop-In Services, if more than 4 months have passed since my last visit, a second meet & greet will be required before resuming services. This ensures your dog is comfortable and familiar with me. The meet & greet will be charged at the rate of a regular visit.

Thank you for understanding!

05/02/2025

From Stray to Stay –

I specialize in the care of abandoned newborn kittens, with the intention of working with rescues to provide round-the-clock care and a path to adoption.
I am volunteering my time and experience.

05/02/2025

How to Reduce Noise-Triggered Barking in Small Dogs

If your dog barks at household noises—like doors opening, footsteps, or pets running through the house—it’s likely due to instinctive alert behavior. While barking is natural, you can help them learn to stay calm with these techniques:

1. Desensitization to Noises

Gradually expose your dog to the sounds that trigger barking in a controlled way:
• Record or recreate the noises at a low volume and reward calm behavior.
• Gradually increase the volume over time while continuing to reward quiet responses.
• If barking happens, lower the volume and try again.

2. Teach a “Quiet” Command
• When your dog barks, say “Quiet” in a calm voice.
• The moment they stop barking, reward with praise and treats.
• Practice in low-distraction situations before using it for big triggers.

3. Redirect Their Focus
• Teach a simple command like “Look” (making eye contact) or “Touch” (touching your hand with their nose).
• When they hear a noise that would normally trigger barking, cue the command and reward their focus on you instead.

4. Manage Their Environment
• Use white noise or background music to help mask startling sounds.
• Create a safe, cozy space where they feel secure and less reactive.
• Reinforce calm behavior by rewarding quiet moments when noises happen.

5. Use High-Value Rewards

Since barking is instinctual, regular treats might not be exciting enough. Try:
✔️ Small bits of chicken, cheese, or soft, smelly treats
✔️ Play or affection as a reward for quiet behavior

Consistency is Key!

With regular practice, dogs can learn to pause before barking and look to you for guidance instead. Training takes time, but even small improvements can lead to a quieter, more relaxed household.

05/02/2025

How to Prevent and Manage Fights Between Household Dogs

Even well-bonded dogs can have occasional disagreements, especially in high-energy situations like rushing to the door or reacting to sudden noises. If fights happen, here’s how to handle them safely and reduce future conflicts.

1. Safe Ways to Break Up a Fight

Never reach in with your hands—dogs in fight mode may redirect aggression. Instead, try:
✔️ Using a Barrier – Place a chair, broom, or cushion between them.
✔️ Loud Noise Distraction – Clap, bang metal lids together, or use an air horn.
✔️ Water or Spray Bottle – A quick splash of water can sometimes startle them apart.
✔️ Blanket Over One Dog – This can confuse them long enough to separate.
✔️ Wheelbarrow Method (With Help) – If safe, each person lifts a dog’s hind legs and pulls them apart.

Once separated, keep them apart until they fully calm down (at least an hour). Check for injuries—bite wounds can be serious even if they don’t look deep.

2. Understanding Why Fights Happen

Common triggers include:
• Excitement at the door – Rushing to greet visitors can lead to competition.
• Resource guarding – Dogs may fight over food, toys, or space.
• One dog correcting another – A protective or dominant dog may try to “discipline” the other.
• Redirected frustration – A dog gets overstimulated (e.g., barking at a noise) and takes it out on a housemate.

3. Reducing Future Fights
• Impulse Control Training – Teach dogs to wait at doorways instead of charging ahead.
• Place Command – Have a designated mat or spot where dogs go when excited.
• Separate When Necessary – If tensions rise, give them space before a conflict starts.
• Monitor Body Language – Stiff posture, hard staring, or raised hackles can be warning signs.
• Avoid Tension Between Dogs – If one dog frequently corrects the other, reward neutral behavior to encourage a more relaxed dynamic.

4. Reintegrating After a Fight
• If both dogs seem relaxed after cooling down, allow a calm, supervised reintroduction.
• Keep interactions low-key—avoid high-energy moments right away.
• Watch for lingering tension and intervene early if post-fight stress remains.

Final Thought

Fights can be scary, but understanding the cause and managing triggers can help prevent future conflicts. If fights become frequent, working with a trainer to address underlying tension may be beneficial.

01/02/2025

It’s life threatening to a cat without shelter at -20 degrees Celsius .
It’s cold out there , please consider these facts and if there’s anything you can do to help these cats …please do 😀

Without Shelter:
• 0°C to -5°C – Most healthy adult cats can tolerate this for some time but will seek warmth.
• -6°C to -12°C – Risk of frostbite on ears, nose, and paws increases. Cats will struggle if exposed for long periods.
• Below -12°C – Dangerously cold. Hypothermia and frostbite set in quickly, and survival without shelter is unlikely for extended periods.
• Below -20°C – Life-threatening. Even a short time outside at this temperature can be fatal, especially if it’s windy or wet.

With Shelter:

A well-insulated shelter (like a foam or straw-lined box) makes a huge difference. Cats can survive much colder temperatures if they have:
• A dry, windproof space
• Straw bedding (not blankets, which freeze)
• A small opening to retain heat

With proper shelter, many cats can endure -20°C to -30°C, though prolonged exposure is still dangerous. Below -40°C, even well-sheltered cats are at extreme risk unless they have additional heat sources.

31/01/2025

From Zumba fitness to pet pop-ins and Animal Rescue: My Journey of Passion and Purpose

My name is Angela Smith, and some of you may remember me from my days as a Zumba fitness instructor, teaching classes throughout the Red Deer County area, Innisfail, Spruce View and Bowden.I had the privilege of sharing my love for movement, health, and community, and those years were filled with joy, laughter, and connection.

From teaching Zumba, I transitioned into my other passion: caring for animals. I started my own pet care business, originally named Hap-pee Pet Services and recently rebranded as Pet Pop-In Services. This journey deepened my connection with animals and opened my eyes to the growing needs of vulnerable pets in our community.

Now, I’m taking another big step forward with the launch of Needy Paws, my own small rescue initiative dedicated to saving lives. I will provide specialized care to orphaned kittens. I intend to volunteer with a rescue organization and provide round-the-clock attention, ensuring they receive the nutrition, medical care, and socialization they need to thrive. My goal is to see these kittens through to adoption, hosting meet-and-greets at my home, only after an adoption coordinator has approved potential adopters.

I can’t do this alone—I need your support to bring this dream to life. Whether it’s spreading the word, donating, or sharing ideas, every little bit helps. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of kittens who need us most.

Let’s create a community of compassion and action. Thank you for being part of my journey—past, present, and future. Stay tuned for updates on Needy Paws!

24/11/2024

My name is Angela and I am Experienced, Trustworthy, and Passionate about animal care.

With my background as an animal foster volunteer, I have extensive experience caring for animals with diverse needs. Over the years, I’ve provided hands-on care for premature orphaned kittens, malnourished pets, and animals requiring specialized attention, helping them grow strong and healthy in a safe, loving environment.

My Services:
• Pet Care Visits: Feeding, fresh water, litter box cleaning, and basic grooming.
• Tailored Attention: Ideal for kittens, senior pets, or those with medical or behavioral needs.
• Playtime & Enrichment: Ensuring your pets feel happy and loved while you’re away.
• Medication Administration: Confidently caring for pets with specific health requirements.

I understand that each pet is unique, and I bring the same care and dedication to your furry family members as I do to my foster animals and of course my own pets. Whether it’s a one-time visit or ongoing support, I’m here to ensure your pets feel comfortable, safe, and loved.

15/11/2024

🚨Water Fountain dangers🚨

Pet water fountains can pose a number of dangers, including:
👉🏻Bacteria growth
Bacteria can thrive in a pet water fountain due to the water, room temperature, nutrients, and time it provides. 👉🏻Bacteria can double every 20 minutes, and can grow in the pump, filter, or on scratched surfaces. 👉🏻This can lead to serious health issues for your pet, such as gum disease, vomiting, and diarrhea.

* I wash my dishes every time I fill the dishes and clean out filters …..that’s not enough ! I assumed if it looked clean it was clean .
I never considered breaking it up into parts that also need cleaned until today…. Please take your fountain apart and wash in all the nooks and crannies !

07/11/2024

When I’m not caring for your pets I am caring for these little guys . They are 10 weeks old today and they will be ready for adoption very soon .
They will be spayed vaccinated and microchipped .

22/10/2024

I ve seen this clip many times but there’s a little something extra someone has added in at the end 😂

07/10/2024

12/09/2024

29/07/2024

26/07/2024

Are you concerned about leaving your pet behind when you're away from home?
Pet Pop-in Services will provide a trusted and caring solution.
I am a skilled animal lover with a great understanding of your pets behavior. I will visit your home to attend to your pet's needs which can include feeding, medication playtime, and snuggles and more depending on requirements. I am not a dog walker but I may be able to accommodate that request if necessary .
Most importantly I will ensure your pet remains feeling comfortable in the safety of their own home.
No more kennel stress – just peace of mind for you and a happy pet!