Home Alone Professional Pet Sitting - The Woodlands, Texas

...........in our 10th year now!

We provide peace of mind to pet parents who travel away from home. We provide care, cuddles, walks, playtime and fun for your furry or feathered kids. This site will address your questions regarding using a pet sitter, as well as pet care, concerns and problem solving. And much more!  Have fun!

· The sitter is bonded, insured and criminal background check passed· The sitter provides references, has experience in caring for pets and is mindful of their safety and well-being.· .

· The sitter visits the client's home before the first pet sitting assignment to meet the pets and get detailed information about their care, at no charge (Additional introductory meetings are $15 each when requested by customer) · We want to learn as much as possible about the animals in our care! The sitter is courteous, interested and well informed. We leave a Daily Diary - sharing each visit with you, even tho you are not there, you will feel like you were!

Call Jan Barr: 832-453-6244 or email her at petshomealone@yahoo.com for an appointment today!! YOUR PETS WILL THANK YOU!!!!!

If you have only one pet, a kennel may be cheaper than hiring a pet sitter, but you must realize that you cannot compare a kennel to your pet staying in his own familiar surroundings with a regular routine, where he needs no extra shots.

Plus, we are caring for your home as well, getting your mail, picking up newspapers, and adjusting lights so your home looks "lived in" in your absence. A visit is 20 to 40 minutes long, depending on your needs. We do not charge extra for multiple pets. We do not charge extra for Holidays. Per visit prices are from $14.00 to $18.00 per visit, again, depending on your needs. If you are combining pets from another family into the pet sitting job, you will be charged accordingly - in fairness to your pet sitter!

Please understand that reservations are made to plan our petsitters' availability to all customers. Clients returning home early will be required to pay for the reserved amount of time booked, as we often turn down others to schedule your trips. No credits or refunds will be offered as you are buying the time.

SPECIAL OFFER! $15.00! Our "Daily Doggie Walk" is offerred on week-days only between 11AM and 2PM for pet parents who work long hours. This is a 20 minute visit with no feeding - just a walk or playtime in the yard. Limited to one visit per day.

Emergency Lock-Out Service! Only $12.00! Cheaper than having to call a locksmith! This service is available to current customers who have us keep a house key on file.

House check with no pets (we get your mail and newspapers - check house, adjust lights) $14.00

If you request a key pick up/drop off, there will be a $5.00 charge each trip (Sorry, but this takes our gas and our time, so we must have a minimal charge for this service).

Please Note: If you require more work and responsibility than the norm, there may be an extra charge.

We offer a 10% discount to members of Villa Sport The Woodlands (off of your first booking). Must show membership card at the initial Introductory Meeting to receive this offer.

Notice: We are the most reasonably priced pet sitting service around!! We do not charge a Holiday fee or surcharge!! We do not charge extra for each pet! We do not charge extra for walks!!

Call: 832-453-6244 or email petshomealone@yahoo.com for an appointment!

Sorry: We do not text.

Due to limited space I will just post a few rave reviews from satisfied pet parents! We go above and beyond the "bark" of duty!

Hi Jan,
We are back from our trip now and I just had to write and let you know how much I appreciate your great service to my babies while I was gone. Ellie was so wonderful and made me feel very comfortable leaving. She was organized and very caring and I know the dogs loved seeing her face! I will definitely be using you all again.
With great gratitude, Sarah

Jan, I wanted to make sure I personally let you know what a wonderful service your company offers. Susan was outstanding and our dogs seemed to be both happy and well exercised. We were thrilled with the quality of service, Susan brought in our mail and newspapers. But our favorite part was reading a brief daily journal of events. We will gladly refer your company to others and while we never look forward to leaving our two precious pets, we will absolutely know who to call when it happens. Thanks again, you made our Christmas more enjoyable knowing our babies were in your capable hands. David H. , Spring, TX.

Hi Jan......I just wanted to let you know that once again, Linda R. was incredible in all that she did while we were away. She goes above and beyond in taking care of our kitties and home! Thank you for everything. Jane L. The Woodlands, TX.

Thanks so much for taking care of the Girls this weekend. AS ALWAYS, it is such a wonderful feeling to know they are being taken care of… I AM SO GLAD I FOUND YA!!!!! Just wanted to say how much I appreciate YOU!!!! Thanks, Kay D. The Woodlands, TX.

Jan - Not sure when our next little trip is, but wanted to let you know that Isabel is the best pet sitter we have ever had. I think about that little stinker of a dog 24/7, but never worry when Isabel is taking care of him. She always writes notes on him, picks up the paper, leaves the house so clean. I always recommend you to my friends so hopefully you may get more business. Thanks again!! JIll D. The Woodlands, TX.

Susan was the best!!!! Wrote wonderful notes for me and cuddled with Tucker everyday!!! Thanks so much, Jan, for having such great pet sitters. Regards, J.

I just wanted to let you know what a great job Terry did taking care of my cat Jasper last week. She was very thorough and made sure that not only was the cat well provided for but also that the plants were watered and that the neighborhood was safe. Thank you for providing a great pet sitter, and I will definitely be using your service again in the future! S. in Spring

JM

Not only do petsitters need guidelines to make the pet sitting job go smoothly, but our customers need some guidelines, as well. Read below and you will see what I mean.

1. DON'T forget to leave the house key in the agreed upon location if you choose not to have it held on file with your Pet Sitter. There is a $5 key drop off/pick up charge if required, as it takes our time and our gas.

2. Do not forget to leave your mail key and mailbox number for your mail pick-up.

3. Leave detailed instructions for any medicines taken by pets; which pet, how it's given (peanut butter, cheese, etc.), how often, when next dosage is due, etc.

4. Please have enough food, treats, chew bones, and kitty litter to last until you get home. If we have to go to the store for supplies you will be charged a minimum fee of $15.00 per hour, as well as the amount of the items we purchased for your pets. You will be left an invoice.

5. Please leave contact numbers (cell phones, hotels, relatives, etc.) of where you can be reached in case of emergency.

6. In the event of inclement weather or natural disaster we may be unable to get to your pets in a timely manner, therefore we ask that you have someone close-by as a back-up during hurrican season, should the need arise. If you do not, we can not be held responsible for consequences related to your decision. We are also not responsible for home or grounds in such circumstances.

6. We will be happy to water a few patio or house plants but we will not be held responsible if a plant dies under our watch. We will charge for the extra time spent, if required, depending on the amount of plants needing care.

7. It is up to you to update Home Alone Petsitting on any changes in your pets' veterinarians, your cell phone numbers, changes in pets' behavior, health, diet, etc.

8. Please leave out some old towels in case of rain. It is hard to wipe off dirty feet with paper towels!

9. Please leave carpet cleaner, Resolve, etc. on counter, along with paper towels, for any pet messes on your carpet.

10. Leave out a dust pan and brush by kitty litter box for litter clean up, as well as a scoop & plastic bags.

11. Notify us of any changes in your alarm system! We'll also need the code word, and please notify your alarm company that we will be petsitting.

12. If you cook your own pet food please have all food precooked and packaged in the refrigerator. We do not cook.

13. I do not invoice, so please leave a check (or cash) on kitchen counter for pick up on the day you leave. The check is to be made out to JAN BARR. If you forget to leave the check a $5 fee is charged for pick-up upon your return home. If a gratuity is included in payment, write tip amount on bottom of check, it will be forwarded to your Pet Sitter.

14. Reservations are made to plan our petsitters' availability to all customers. Clients returning home early will be required to pay for the reserved amount of time booked. No credits or refunds will be offered as you are buying the time.

15. When booking for summer months or holidays understand that we are a service company..... "First come, first serve"....SO BOOK EARLY (even with just approximate dates).

16. A 25% cancellation fee will be charged for cancellations made preceding Holidays and peak summer months if done so within 2 weeks of the start of your reservation. Full amount is due if you cancel the same week.

17. Understand that the more chores you require of your Pet Sitter the more time it takes away from your pets cuddle/play time and the more we may have to charge for the extra responsibilities.

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

~Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters~ We do not have to wait for Heaven, to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness. It is here on earth and has four legs!

Selecting a veterinarian for your pet is a personal choice, the same as is selecting your own doctor or dentist. The criteria you use in choosing a physician or dentist should be similar.

The veterinarian will maintain a history of your pet, including health records that detail immunizations, reactions to medications, behavior traits, etc. So, it's important to see your veterinarian for all your pet's health care needs. Your veterinarian will know the best preventive and critical care to provide with your pet's individual health care needs in mind.

It is a good idea to start thinking about selecting a veterinarian before a new pet becomes a member of your family. In fact, a veterinarian can assist you in selecting a pet that complements your personality, work schedule and home life.

If you've just moved, you will want to locate a veterinarian soon. Don't wait until your pet becomes ill; you want to establish a relationship right away.

Schedule a visit to meet the veterinarians who have been recommended and to discuss your pet and your expectations. You may wish to visit several practices before you make a decision. I personally like a vet who takes the time to introduce him/herself to me, shakes my hand, then greets my pet one on one. I like respect for us both.

With some pet owners now shelling out thousands of dollars for medical procedures for their animals, a number of companies have sprung up offering health insurance plans for pets.

Consumer Reports found that when you add up the premiums, deductibles, co-payments, unreimbursed costs and exclusions, pet insurance is no bargain. The magazine concludes that the policies are almost never worth the price.

In fact, pet insurance is such a bad deal that Consumer Reports recommends that if you're worried about having enough money to keep your pet healthy, start a savings account. That way, you'll have the money if you need it. And if you don't need it, it goes back in your pocket.

So far, less than one percent of the nearly 60 million U-S households with pets have opted for the insurance. But the largest pet insurer company says its business grew by 45 percent last year.

Sushi was rescued by the Humane Society, along with 175 other poor starving dogs in 2004, from Cleveland, Texas.
Over half of the dogs died.
He was malnourished and had severe skin and health problems. He had lived in a cage for 3 years. He had never walked on grass and stayed alive by eating feces and bugs.
Please do NOT buy a pet from a pet store. That is where the puppies go that these poor puppy mill dogs breed.
If we all rescue the wonderful, loving dogs available at shelters this abhorition would end.
You can help change this unnecessary cruelty.
If you know of someone looking for a new addition to their home, PLEASE direct them to a shelter. Thank you.

No, he is not a deer, pony or giraffe!! It's a Chinese Crested Hairless Dog!! They are classified as part of the toy group of dogs and range in size from 6 lbs to 13 lbs (altho Sushi is above that average). They are unique in that, like many other breeds, there are two varieties, except in the Chinese crested breed the varieties are drastically different.... one may have a full coat of hair and is called a powderpuff and the other can have almost no hair and is called a hairless. Most breeds have a standard color where as the Chinese Crested is a party dog and may be born in any color or combination of colors including pink lilac and blue. They make an excellent companion pet or family pet. They are intelligent, sweet dispositioned, very fun loving, and get along well with other animals.

Live simply. Love generously.. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride...Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face ...Take naps....Stretch before rising. ..Run, romp, and play daily...Thrive on attention and let people touch you.....Avoid biting when a simple growl will do....On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass...On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree....When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body...Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.... Be loyal...Never pretend to be something you're not. ..If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it....When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently. ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY! Handle every stressful situation like a dog. If you can't eat it or play with it.... Pee on it and walk away... "

I rescued a human today. Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels.

I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid. As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them. As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life. She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her.

Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors.

So many more to be saved.

At least I could save one. I rescued a human today.

A new airline in the US fully expects its passengers to behave like animals.
On Pet Airways, of Delray Beach, Florida, all pets travel in the main cabin and owners are not allowed on board - not even in the cargo hold.
The airline claims to be the first designed specifically for the safe and comfortable transportation of pets.
Company founders say they got the idea while planning holidays with their pet dog.
"Currently, most pets travelling by air are transported in the cargo hold and are handled as baggage," said Mr Wiesel.
"The experience is frightening to the pets, and can cause severe emotional and physical harm, even death. This is not what most pet owners want to subject their pets to, but they have had no other choice, until now."
Pet attendants give the animals a "potty break" shortly before take-off and then monitor the animals during the flight.
Owners - or Pet Parents - can follow their travel progress using an online "pet tracker".
On its website, the airline promises never to leave a pet alone adding: "A pet attendant will always be within a cat's meow."
The flights will be made in 19-seat turbo-prop planes operated by Suburban Air Freight, which have their seats removed to make space for the pet carriers.

Buy a food product for your 4 legged friend that has a 100% nutritional guarantee. Read the amount guidelines on the can/package and divide it in half, feeding your pet once in the morning and the other half approximately 8 hours later. Don't let your pet graze all day as pets tend to overeat that way. Many owners are killing their pets with kindness...over-treating and/or giving treats of cheese, candy and human food. Not good! Give treats intended for your pet and give in moderation. Pets can get obese, too!

To help prevent the red "tearing" found in many breeds, sprinkle desiccated liver powder over their food. It works!

A great treat for dogs is pieces of carrot. Good for them and most dogs like it. Mine even enjoy lettuce. And a real low calorie treat for my boys (HA) = ice cubes!!

NEVER feed your pets the following items, as they are harmful: grapes, raisins, onions, garlic (this includes garlic salt sometimes found in recipes for pet treats), chocolate, salmon, coffee, and alcoholic beverages.

Another caution: I gave my dogs bone meal as an additive to their food and it made them very aggressive! DO NOT give to your dogs!

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. 

When an animal dies that has been especially close to 

someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There 

are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they 

can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and 

sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to 

health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made 

whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams 

of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, 

except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special

 to them, who had to be left behind. 

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one 

suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes 

are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run 

from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying 

him faster and faster. 

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend 

finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to 

be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your 

hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more 

into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your 

life but never absent from your heart. 

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....  

Author unknown...