http://www.metro-vet.com/event_5k_Oct01_11.php

First, independent contractors cannot be trained.  A company who utilizes IC’s cannot do ANY type of formal training with them.  They cannot force them to follow company policies and procedures, and they cannot tell them how their services should be rendered.  For example, if an IC decides that they want to walk your dog off-leash (even though company policy states they are not allowed to do that), they can do that.  The IC decides how they get their work done, and the company that they work for cannot technically do anything about it.

Another problem with utilizing IC’s as pet sitters (and this is the scariest factor) is they can hire another person to do their work for them.  Think about a plumber.  If they are contracted by a construction company to do work as an IC, they can bring in anyone else that they want to help work on their job.  If your pet sitter is an IC, they can technically “hire” someone else, unknown to you, to do their work for them.  This means that you could have a strange person, who you (or the pet sitting company) have never met, entering your house and interacting with your furry babies!

Lastly, IC’s have to set their own schedule.  The pet sitting company they work for cannot direct them as to where they have to be at a specific time.  As long as they “get the work done”, they cannot be told when they have to do it.  Think about the plumber, again.  The construction company doesn’t tell them when to go to the job site, they only contract a “job” with them.  The IC can set their own schedule as to when they want to work.

If you are currently using a pet sitting service, or planning on using one in the future, make sure to ask them if their pet sitters are employees or independent contractors.  If they use IC’s, keep in mind that the company has very little control over the people they are sending to your home.  If you want a reputable company that has more control, regarding what their pet sitters do on a daily basis, find one that hires employees as pet sitters.  This way you can have peace of mind and know that the person who is taking care of your “furry baby” is competent and has had proper training.

Angel Pet Sitting is a professional pet sitting and dog walking company that only hires employees as their pet sitters.  In addition, all Angel Pet Sitting employees go through a rigorous interview process and training program.  This training program includes a one-on-one training with the owner, Jean Brillman, supervised visits, and Pet First Aid/CPR certification.  Angel Pet Sitting services the Main Line and surrounding Philadelphia Suburbs.

Cares4Pets Rescue Adoptable Animals

Biggie (2 years old, been in rescue since 8/20/10)

Hi!  My name is Biggie because I’m such a big handsome boy!  I weigh in at 70 lbs and my doctor says that’s perfect for me.  They tell me I’m an american bulldog mix, sometimes it’s hard to tell from my pictures.  I like other dogs a lot so I’d really like a home with a brother or sister for me, that way I don’t have to be alone.  My FAVORITE game in the whole world is FETCH!  I would rather have a ball to play with than any other treat in the world – if you want to be my best friend just toss my ball.  Wouldn’t you love a big bulldog to sit in your lap?

Garfield (1 year old, in rescue since last fall (8/12/10)

HI! My name is Garfield and I came to cares4pets with my other 2 siblings. We all have a special condition called eyelid agenesis. It’s really painful because it means my upper eyelid never developed and hair rubs in my eye all the time. The good news is I had my special surgery, I feel much better now.  I will not need any special medical care in the future either!  I’m a super sweetheart and I’m about 8 months old now. I LOVE LOVE LOVE other cats, dogs and everyone I meet, I’m a perfect kitty for almost anyone.  I’m almost ready to go home – wouldn’t you like to take me home? If you can’t adopt please consider making a donation to help with my medical care!

Mr. White (2 years old, since 1/19/10)

Hello there, I’m Mr. White (an interesting choice of names, I know, since I actually have very pretty brown patches).  I originally came into rescue with another rescue group because my owner went to jail and I was left behind and had no where to live.  I was a young puppy and I didn’t understand what had happened to me.  The woman who saved me had a bunch of other dogs and she couldn’t care for me so she found a rescue group to take me and they put me in a great foster home that loved me very much. Unfortunately, they placed me in a home in the city and it was way too scary and overwhelming for me and I just couldn’t do it.  I really am a country boy at heart, I love to go out and run around and play and bask in the sun (don’t worry, I know to be carerful and put sun screen on my nose).  I am a super sweet, super smart dog and I would really love to go to a home that wanted to take me out running or play ball with me or wrestle with me and chase me around the yard.  My foster mom says thjat I am a lot of fun to work with and that I am beautiful when I run (sleek and graceful).  I am crate and house trained and I know basic commands.  I am a total smoosh face love bundle and would really like to be a lap dog, I don’t understand I am too big for that.  Don’t you think I could be a good match for you?

Jezebel (1 year old, since 8/20/10)

HI!  My name is Jezebel and I came to cares4pets with my other 2 siblings.  We all have a special condition called eyelid agenesis.  It’s really painful because it means my upper eyelid never developed and hair rubs in my eye all the time.  I’ve now had my surgery and I’m happy, healthy and all fixed!  I don’t need any special care in the future, I just look a little different from a normal kitty but I see just fine!  I’m a super sweet girl, I’m about 8 months old and I’m ready for my forever home!    If you can’t adopt please consider making a donation to help with my medical care!

If you are interested in any of the pets above, please contact:

Cares4pets, Incorporated
PO Box 31942
Philadelphia PA 19104
www.cares4pets.org
cares4pets.petfinder.com
cares4petsPA.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/cares4pets

Jean Brillman recently became a Pet Tech instructor and is now offering classes in and around the Philadelphia, PA area.  The Pet Tech Petsaver program offers hands-on training in Pet First Aid and CPR procedures.  Not only does it teach pet parents and professionals what to do in pet emergency situations, but it also includes important information regarding care of senior pets and pet dental care.  The Pet Tech Program will educate pet parents and give them the confidence to help them save their pet’s life in an unexpected emergency.

Pet Tech is the first international training center for pet first aid and care.  Their national network of instructors promote “caring, conscientious, responsible and loving pet ownership.”  Pet Tech’s mission is to “improve the quality of pet’s lives, one owner at a time.”

For more information on Pet First Aid, visit www.PetTech.net.  If you are interested in attending or hosting a Pet First Aid/CPR class, please contact Jean Brillman at angelpetsit@yahoo.com or 610-539-5113.  Jean also offers short informational sessions, available for groups or club meetings.

There is more to the saying “man’s best friend”, than you think.  Studies, done all over the world, have shown that pets can actually help or change your mental and physical health.  This fact is so widely known that many professionals in the health field will recommend pet ownership as treatment for their patients.  Treatment can vary, but the one thing that is consistent is that it involves being exposed to a pet in some way, shape or form.

At Universuty of Buffalo, a study was conducted which proved that a pet cat or dog can actually control blood pressure better than an ACE inhibitor.  The study focused on a group of hypertensive New York City stockbrokers, who were being treated with an ACE inhibitor.  Half of the stock brokers added a dog or cat to their treatment regimen, and that half’s health was found to be more stable during stressful situations than the participants who did not have a pet.  After sharing these results with the study participants, many went out and got a pet.

Not only do pets help your blood pressure, but they have also been found to be allergy fighters.  Research pediatrician, Dr. James Gern, found in a recent study that infants having a pet living with them were less likely to show pet allergies.  They were also less likely to have eczema.  In addition, they were found to have higher levels of some immune system chemicals, which is a sign of a stronger immune system overall.  Because pets (especially dogs) can be dirty, babies who have greater exposure to dirt and allergens have been found to have a stronger immune system.

In addition to physical benefits, pets also have emotional and social benefits.  Pets can help with loneliness by providing companionship and unconditional love.  They never have a negative thing to say and they are always happy to see you.  What better friend exists than one with those qualities?  And because so many of us take an interest in our pets, they can also help as social lubricant.  When out walking your dog, or at the vet with your cat, pets make us more approachable and give people a reason to start up a conversation.  Pets can even be the support system a shy person needs to allow them to engage in a conversation with a stranger.

Although pets can truly enhance our lives in many ways for the better, pets come with added responsibility and financial demands.  Pet ownership is not for everyone and should not be taken lightly.  However, if you are able to provide a safe and loving environment for a furry friend, the benefits you will experience from them seem to outweigh what they actually need from you.  So, when you go home today, give them an extra kiss, treat or snuggle…they deserve it!