So, you’re heading out of town for the holidays. The flights are booked, bags are packed, and you’ve arranged for a trusted professional to care for your dog or cat while you’re away.

You’re prepared—but is your pet sitter? Here you’ll find a list of the eight most important things your pet sitter needs to know before you hit the road. Make sure you check it twice!

We all love sitting on the couch with something to snack on after a long day, but how many of us are guilty of sharing with our furry friends? Of course it's too easy to want to slip something over to your doe-eyed dog, but how can we be sure that what we’re sharing is safe? This is a list of foods that are not only safe for you and your dog to share, but they can also be good for your pup!

It’s a fact: pets are expensive. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), it is estimated that pet owners will spend $72 billion on their pets in 2018. That number includes expenses such as food, medication, supplies, and veterinary care—and if your pet is insured, you could get a significant portion of those out-of-pocket costs covered.

Did you know dogs are at risk of heatstroke? As the weather heats up, human bodies’ sweat as a way to regulate our body temperature, but our pups are at greater risk. If a dog gets overheated, this can lead to heat stroke and severe health issues -- even death. Even worse, it can happen in minutes.

Some emergencies are obvious, such as if your dog or cat has stopped breathing or is bleeding profusely. In those cases, of course, you’ll call the emergency vet.

April showers bring May flowers…and with them, bees.

Just like humans, pets can have severe or even life-threatening reactions to bee stings. Unfortunately, our furry friends are also at greater risk for stings due to their curious and playful nature.

Because pets often like to chase, swat, or bite at bees and other flying insects, they are most likely to be stung in the mouth or on the muzzle, nose, face, or paws. It is also common for dogs to accidentally step on a bee while out on a walk.

Summer has officially arrived! Protect your pets this season with our second installment of safety tips for the beach and pool.

Watch for signs of heat stroke.

Pets can easily overheat in the summer months, even while swimming. Remember to have fresh water available for your dog at all times and offer it frequently. Because swimming usually takes place during the hottest part of the day (between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.), it is important to give your dog regular breaks.

Disaster can strike at any time! As a pet owner, having a plan ahead of time will help things run as smoothly as possible in the event of an emergency. The most important thing you can do is put together Disaster Preparedness Kits for your pets. It should contain bowls, toys, leashes, and bedding, as well as a week’s supply of food and water. It should also have first aid supplies and any medication that your pets may need. Pictures of your pets and written care instructions ensure that they will be properly cared for even if you are indisposed.