In most cases, however, it would be better to use the term “pet checker” as most only check on your pet once or twice during a twenty-four hour period. Many times there is little or no supervision, exercise or companionship.

Emphasis all too frequently is placed more on the quantity of calls rather than the pet’s welfare since pet checkers are usually paid by the job.....there are differences, and you should know about them before you leave your pets home alone.

Misconceptions
Many misconceptions exist between what pet care professionals can provide, and what pet checkers do in the absence of pet owners. Since Mesquite Flats Kennel has a genuine interest in the welfare of the pets they care for, here are some points for consideration.

At Mesquite Flats our kennel staff is available throughout the entire day, and night time hours, to provide care should the need arise.

NEXT TIME YOU PLAN A VACATION, CONSIDER THESE DIFFERENCES:

Pet Checker Situation

• Pet left alone 23 out of 24 hours.

• Pet may suffer from separation anxiety and extreme boredom.

• With no social interaction or routine the pet may become ill or howl or bark nonstop.

• Pet may suffer needlessly due to delayed treatment for illness or accident.

• Pet may bar entry of pet checker - "protecting" his home, or hide under a bed preventing adequate care.

• Pet may destroy home, yard, belongings, or even forget house training.

• Pet may run away to find his owner, or hurt himself trying, especially during thunderstorms, or fireworks.

Mesquite Flats Kennel 

• Structured social environment with care givers and other pets present. Pets are encouraged to participate, eat, eliminate several times a day, not left to fend for himself.

• Social interaction & routines are designed for the pets physical and emotional health: i.e. playtimes, treats, toys, walks, frisbee sessions, tennis sessions, grooming, and training.

• Immediate treatment of illness, injury & stress-related symptoms.

• Special Care - Mesquite Flats Kennel  provides extra services for old, young and sensitive pets to alleviate anxiety.

• Security - As most dogs that end up as strays or in pounds have escaped from the yard while the owner was away, escape from Mesquite Flats Kennel is an extremely rare occurrence as we are double fenced.

• The entire Staff at Mesquite Flats Kennel is dedicated to providing the very best care for your pets while they are in our care.

Pet checkers can't match this routine without several costly trips to the owner's house and just may miss or overlook important signs during the short time they are in your home.

Costs
One of the primary reasons pet owners revert to pet checkers is price. As you well know, good quality care does not come cheap, but consider that Mesquite Flats Kennel have invested great capital in state-of-the-art facilities and the finest trained staff. Mesquite Flats is financially motivated to provide excellent care and service and to develop and maintain long-lasting relationships with the pet owners.

Boarded pets are observed by full-time trained staff with the owners living on the premises. The pet's well-being is our 1st priority. Health or behavior problems can then be referred to the right specialist. Mesquite Flats Kennel regularly notice symptoms even the most attentive owners might overlook at home. Boarded pets are monitored individually throughout the day and evening hours. Grouped pets cannot be monitored effectively and when left at home, cannot be monitored at all.

Boarded pets receive flea treatments, skin, coat and medical care as needed or as directed by their veterinarian each time they board.

Boarded pets are required to have current vaccinations for contagious diseases. Pet checkers going from house to house may introduce virus to unvaccinated pets. Boarded pets do not destroy carpeting, drapes, landscaping or your relationship with your neighbors.

Home Security
While the care and well being of your pets is your main concern, you should also consider the risks of strangers (whether bonded or not) having access to your home and personal property.

Separation Anxiety
Pets suffer emotional stress when their owners leave whether they're left at home or placed in a boarding kennel. It's how those providing the care respond that makes the difference in the pet's emotional state.

Health & Welfare
Stresses brought on by the pet owner leaving may cause an illness to come on quickly. Disorders such as bloat, diarrhea and heatstroke need prompt attention or the pet may suffer needlessly. Home accidents such as ingesting household poisons, injuries or bee stings can be fatal if not treated immediately.

At Mesquite Flats Kennel pets are monitored throughout the day & evening by staff trained to recognize early signs of illness. This prevents problems from escalating. Staffing at Mesquite Flats Kennel allows the pet to be taken to your veterinarian immediately if needed, and ensures the veterinarian's instructions are followed throughout the convalescence. A pet checker may not notice a problem until a late check, at which time the pet may be critical and need the services of an emergency clinic, at a greater cost to the owner. Should problems occur moments after a pet checker leaves, it may be many hours before it is noticed - a very serious and possible deadly delay.

Pets on medication should receive it on schedule and be monitored for side effects and other symptoms. Extra effort must be made to keep the convalescing pet comfortable, clean, eating, eliminating and to make follow-up visits to the veterinarian.