Pet Articles

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overnight pet sitting

Yes, We Tuck Them In: What a Latchkey Overnight Visit Looks Like

If you’ve ever wondered what really happens during an overnight pet sitting visit, grab a cup of coffee (or a handful of treats) and settle in — because this one’s for you. At Latchkey Pets, we take our overnight visits seriously, but not too seriously. After all, it’s hard to keep a straight face when…

evening dog walks

How Often & When to Walk Your Dog: A Time-of-Day Breakdown

If you’ve ever stood at the front door with a leash in your hand while your dog is doing a happy dance, you know the one, spins, wiggles, maybe even a bark or two, you already know walks aren’t just for bathroom breaks. They’re adventures, workouts, and sniffing marathons rolled into one. But here’s the…

back-to-school blues in pets

Back to School Blues: Helping Pets Cope When the Kids Go Back

For many families, the end of summer means new backpacks, fresh pencils, and the chaos of back-to-school mornings. For your pets? Well,  it means something very different. One day, their little humans are home for endless belly rubs, snack “accidents,” and mid-day fetch sessions. The next day, poof! The house is quiet, and your dog…

dog zoomies

What Your Dog’s Zoomies Really Mean

If you’ve ever witnessed your dog suddenly take off like a furry rocket around your living room or backyard, tail tucked, eyes wide, spinning in loops like they just drank an espresso shot, you’ve met the infamous dog zoomies. Officially called Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs), zoomies are those random, high-speed sprints our dogs do…

keep your dogs cool and safe

Keep Your Dog Cool & Safe This Summer: Our Favorite Products for Fun in the Sun

Summer is all about sunshine, backyard BBQs, and soaking up those glorious rays. But while you’re sipping lemonade and flipping burgers, your furry best friend might be overheating in their fur coat, wondering how on earth they got stuck with you as their personal weatherman.Dogs love to play outside, but heat and humidity can pose…

new dog walker

How to Introduce Your Dog to a New Dog Walker

Changing up your dog’s routine can feel like a big leap for both of you. Bringing in a new dog walker is one of those changes that might make even the chillest pup (or pet parent) a little anxious. But with a bit of prep, some treats, and the right approach, your four-legged family member…

stress free pet care

The Ultimate Guide to Stress Free Pet Care: Keeping Your Pet Happy While You’re Away

Your pet is more than just an animal—they’re family. Whether you have a curious cat, a playful puppy, or another furry (or feathery) friend, their well-being is always a top priority. But what happens when life gets busy, work calls or travel takes you away from home? That’s where stress-free pet care comes in! With…

dog party decorations

How to Throw the Ultimate Birthday Party for Your Dog!

Your dog isn’t just a pet; they’re family. They’re there for you every day, offering unconditional love, tail wags, and maybe the occasional chewed-up shoe. So, when their birthday or “Gotcha Day” rolls around, why not go all out and celebrate? Throwing a dog birthday party is not only fun for your pup but also…

make dog walking fun

How to Make Dog Walking Fun – Even for Dogs Who Hate Walks!

How to Make Dog Walking Fun for Your Pet! Taking your dog for a walk should be a fun and enriching experience for both of you, but what happens when your furry friend isn’t a fan of walks? Some dogs resist going outside, dragging their paws or seeming uninterested in the adventure. If that sounds…

pet sitting vs. boarding

Choosing Pet Sitting vs. Boarding for Your Dog

As pet parents, we’re faced with a tough decision regarding leaving our beloved furry friends behind: should we opt for pet sitting or boarding? While both options have their perks, there’s something truly special about pet sitting that makes it stand out as the superior choice for many dogs and their owners. Let’s dig into…

reactive dogs

How to Handle a Reactive Dog During Walks: Tips for Calmer Outings

Taking your reactive dog for a walk can sometimes feel like a high-stakes adventure. The lunges, the barking, and the intense stares at squirrels or passing bikes—it’s enough to make you question whether walking your dog is worth the effort. But don’t worry; you’re not alone in this challenge, and with the right tools and…

bored dog with toilet paper

How to Keep Your Pets Entertained While You’re Away: Tales from the Boredom Chronicles

Dear Humans, It’s us, your beloved pets. Yes, the fluffy, furry, and four-legged companions you leave at home while you go off to… whatever it is you do for hours on end (seriously, what is this “work” thing? Are there treats involved?). We’ve decided to take over this blog because, quite frankly, we have some…

professional pet sitter

Top Reasons to Choose a Professional Pet Sitter

You want the best care possible when heading out of town or just need someone to care for your furry friend. So, what’s the better option: asking a friend or hiring a professional pet sitter? While asking a friend might seem convenient, the advantages of hiring a professional pet sitter are clear. Your pet deserves…

common dog walking mistakes

Common Dog Walking Mistakes Pet Owners Make and How to Avoid Them

Dog walking seems simple enough: leash your dog, head out the door, and enjoy the fresh air. However, there are several common dog walking mistakes that many pet owners make without realizing it, which can affect both the safety and the quality of your walk. From improper leash handling to forgetting essential gear, understanding these…

introduce your pet to a new sitter

How to Introduce Your Pet to a New Sitter For a Smooth Transition

Bringing a new person into your pet’s life can be a bit nerve-wracking, both for you and your pet. Whether you’re going on vacation, your work schedule is busy, or you are looking for some extra help, introducing your pet to a new sitter is a crucial step in ensuring their comfort and happiness. In…

small animal pet care

Ultimate Guide to Small Animal Pet Care: Rabbits, Rats, and More!

At Latchkey Pets, we understand that your furry friends are more than just pets—they’re family. While many think of cats and dogs when it comes to small animal pet care, we know that caring for small animals like rabbits, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and others has an equally special place in your heart. These little…