When the kids beg for a dog, but a pooch doesn’t fit into your budget or your long-term plans, Don’t Fret Pet! (DFP) has the perfect solution – host a dog while the owners are away.
The leading dog-minding service in Australia scientifically matches a dog’s temperament with a host family so you can be sure your house guest will fit right in with your family.
“Don’ Fret Pet! is as popular with children as it is with dog-owners,” said Kathleen Mansfied, Director of Don’t Fret Pet!. “The kids get so much joy from the doggie visits, and they learn about animal care.”
There are now more than 700 Don’t Fret Pet! dog-minding families across the country and more are signing on every day. Like all dog-minding families, Maria and Glen Fincher of Sydney say dog-sitting teaches their children about responsibility and gives them some pocket money.
“DFP tells us all about the dog’s personality and its likes and dislikes so our three kids have a great time preparing a schedule even before our furry guest arrives,” says Maria Fincher. “They knew that Sarge, a staffie, would like to swim with them in the pool, and Angel, a standard poodle, would enjoy being combed and sleeping at the foot of a bed.”
Australia has one of the highest rates of dog ownership in the world, making Don’t Fret Pet! a welcome solution for many owners who used to worry that their dogs would suffer stress and anxiety in their absence. With the Don’t Fret Pet! matchmaking program, pet parents can leave on a holiday, confident that their pooches will get the care, belly rubs and ball tosses to keep them healthy and happy.
DFP dog-minders say their four-legged house guests make their days more fun, and their photo albums more interesting. In one host home, there are shots of ‘Maisy’, the daschund stretching out her neck to let her minder know that she’s ready to be dressed in PJs and go to bed. In another, there are pictures of ‘Billy’, the bitzer who insists on sitting on a chair at the table when the family eats dinner. Some minders, who have dogs of their own, treasure the pictures of their pets playing with their new best friend.
“Our dog-minding families can’t wait for the dogs to return to spend their holiday with them,” says Kathleen. “They look forward to the dog’s vacation, as much as the dog owners do. The bonus is that owners no longer have to fret about leaving their pooch in a cage or home alone.”
To find out how to become a Don’t Fret Pet dog-minder visit the website www.dontfretpet.com.au or call 1300 3070 21 within Australia.
Main photo: 7yr old John Jefferies with his house guest Sascha