Christmas Holidays 2023

It's that time of year again when bookings for the Christmas period start to come in from new Clients, with some of our regular Clients already having booked up-to a year in advance. One of the questions we always get asked in the months leading up to December is if we work on Christmas Day. We are please to let everyone know that we have always worked on Christmas Day even during the COVID-19 Pandemic, so leaving your pets at home whilst you enjoy your festivities this year is nothing to worry about.

Of course, this is an exceptionally busy period for us. Over the years we have seen a huge increase in people going away over Christmas and we only have a limited amount of spaces during this period, please read the information below to understand how we operate our Christmas slots.

Hopefully we can accommodate your booking, contact us to check current availability.

For bookings on the 22nd December until the 1st January inclusive, we operate a Utilitarian System (greatest good for the greatest number of people), and as such, can only offer one visit per Client on these days.

This is unique to this time of year. Due to demand it is important that we can offer care to as many pets as possible in our hours of operation, this helps so many of you enjoy your holiday with friends and family at this special time of year (and we limit the number of slots so we can enjoy time with ours).

Christmas 2023 Book early to secure your space

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Christmas 2023 Book early to secure your space -

Over 13 Years of Christmas Service

A reliable cat sitting service with over 13 years experience offering Manchester a Christmas Cat Sitting Service. Limited Spaces.

ALL CATS RECEIVE A DRAGONFLY TOY ON CHRISTMAS DAY

From Santa Paws

Our Christmas Visits are designed to allow more clients to enjoy their Christmas Holidays in the knowledge that their pets are safe and cared for in the loving environment of their own home.

- Nicola, Dragonfly Pet Concierge

Contact us as soon as possible with your dates and area/postcode so that we can check availability for Christmas Visits against existing bookings, our existing clients often book their slots well in advance but a number of spaces are held for new clients. Our prices vary for the holiday period and we will provide a full quotation for your consideration should a space be available for you, there is a price list below (we are happy to announce our 2023 prices will again be held at £24, as they have been for 13 years on peak days). Our Facebook page will have the latest news about availability so feel free to join us on there with our community of over 1400 fellow animal lovers!

“We provide fresh turkey on Boxing Day to any pets that would like this. Pictures can be taken for those missing their pets and as always, updates can be sent on WhatsApp or e-mail.”
— Nicola, Dragonfly Pet Concierge

Why We Don't Use Vans

When choosing a dog walker or pet sitter one thing often over looked is the vehicle they have chosen to use. As the pet industry grows, awareness of the disadvantages in terms of safty and pet welfare that vans cause has become a business desision dog walkers and pet sitters must weigh-up. Unfortunatly, some are still failing to put customers safty above advertising their business and animal welfare above money.

Leading members of the pet service industry are helping to educate service providers and customers to this by the ‘Say No To Vans’ campaign.

Concerns from a Dog Walking Point of View

Your dog is probably not use to travelling in a cage in the back of a Van. Most dog walkers use vans to transport dogs to local parks, this is done to maximise the number of dogs taken on a walk with little regard to the stress being caged in a van can cause to your pet. We have never and will never use caged vans to transport our clients' beloved pets. Unlike police dogs, your dog will probably not have had training from a young age to cope with the experience of being caged in the back of a moving vehicle and as a result of this we could never think of using a van.

Vans have little to no windows, they are noisy, could mean your dog will spend more time in the back of a van than walking due to dropping off other clients, and are only a benefit to the walker and add nothing to the dogs experience or walk. Put simply they can cause stress and anxiety unnecessarily. You may notice that even dog walkers with vans stress that they will aim to have your dog home as quickly as possible. Some will even acknowledge that your dog will probably be in the van, caged in a crate for an extended amount of time because there are other dogs to drop off first. Often, due to the design of dog walking vans, it is hard for the driver to see the dogs onboard, resulting in periods of time when dogs are unsupervised. Its just one more advoidable problem that pet service providers could solve by not using vans.

We believe there is no reason why your dog should be expected to be stuck in a van just because it is more cost effective to collect and walk all dogs at the same time.

Why are dog walking vans still being used?

  • Franchises: Many dog walkers are franchise owners, more often than not one of the most tangible things that can be offered as part of a fransise sale is a van. Those new to the industry do not consider the negative inpact vans and signage are having. A new van looks appealing, there is a feeling that something of value has been purchased via the franchise fees when a van is part of the deal.

  • Advertising: Quite simply some service providers find advertising their business on a van benificial to them without considering the security issues caused to customers homes.

  • Money: A van allows dog walkers to walk as many dogs as possible. Little regard is given to the extra time dogs are kept in the van whailst dropping off other customers pets. Some dogs arn’t lucky to live closest to the park and may be driven around for a period of time longer than the walk itself.

Concerns from a Safty Point of View

A van with signage clearly showing that you are using a pet sitting service is excellent for the dog walker/pet sitter looking to gain new business but does not offer much protection to clients who are on holiday. Having a van turn up outside your house when you are away advertising pet services will be noticed by thieves as a clear reminder that you are on your holidays. This is an unnecessary risk that can be advoided by choosing a pet sitter who has put your safty above advertising.

Dragonfly Pet Concierge Complience

  1. We do not use Vans for Dog Walking. Walking as many dogs as possible in the same space of time is not our concern. We have chosen to specialise in 1-2-1 dog walking to fill a gap in the market for owners who want their dog walking, as they would, on a personal 1-2-1 walk.

  2. We do not have Signage on our Vehicle. We dont need to advertise our business at the expense of our customers home security and never will.

OUR DOG WALKING SERVICE

Care When You’re Not There

  • We come to you and collect your dog(s), at an agreed time, so that you don't have to be there when they are taken out for a walk. We walk in their local neighbourhood or park so that their surroundings stay familiar.

  • We can transport your dogs to a park or wooded area if requested, allowing for more fun and exercise.

  • Dogs will be walked on a lead intially but can be walked off lead if required - a disclaimer must be signed for his.

  • All dogs are walked on a one-to-one basis unless you specifically request a group walk for socialisation. This allows for more interaction and better observation of your dog(s).

  • If there is more than one dog in the household and provided they can safely be walked together there is a small £3.50 charge per additional dog, per walk.

  • We offer a flexible, daily or occasional service to suit your dogs needs. 

  • NO CANCELATION FEES

 
 

Pet & Cat Sitting in Didsbury, Chorlton, Burnage and Withington

Cat Sitting

A loving stay-at-home alternative to catteries for the Didsbury, Chorlton, Burnage and  Withington area of Manchester

A loving stay-at-home alternative to catteries for the Didsbury, Chorlton, Burnage and  Withington area of Manchester

One of our main areas for Cat Sitting is South Manchester. We are able to offer our specialist cat sitting service to Didsbury, Chorlton, Burnage and Withington as a loving stay-at-home alternative to catteries.

For more information you may wish to visit our dedicated cat sitting website Cat Sitting Manchester (www.catsittingmanchester.co.uk) which explains more about the services we offer in the Didsbury, Chorlton, Burnage and Withington area.

Choosing a Pet Sitter

Choosing a Pet Sitter Dragonfly Pet Concierge
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Professional pet sitters do much more than provide your pet with food and water while you’re away from home. A good pet sitter also spends time with your pet, gives exercise or cuddles, and knows how to tell if your pet needs veterinary attention. What’s more, pet sitters typically offer additional services, such as bringing in wheelie bins, watering plants, turning lights on and off, and providing homes with a lived-in look that goes a long way to deter unwanted crime.

Below are some things to consider when choosing a pet sitter.

Well Established

Pet Sitting is an enjoyable job that a lot of people would like to do. This can lead to many businesses being set up in this area with people who do not understand the huge time commitment that the job can demand and as a result businesses are closed down only a few months after starting up. It is important to look into how long your chosen pet sitter has been established as the longer they have been running means they are more experienced and usually have a better understanding of exactly what pet sitting entails. It also allows you to build a relationship with your chosen pet sitter so that each time you have to leave your pets in their care you can be assured that they will be looked after well, allowing you to enjoy your holiday with peace of mind.

Copes Well in an Emergency

Pet sitters who have been looking after animals for a long time have usually come across almost every situation at some point in time. This can range from medical emergencies with your pets, emergencies or accidents in your home and even severe weather such as snow. Knowing that your chosen pet sitter can cope well should such things arise is vital when leaving both pets and your homes in their care. A pet sitter should know who your animal’s chosen veterinarian is, or have their own vet on hand if your pets are not registered anywhere close by, and know of any existing and past medical conditions that may need to be monitored with your pets. Your sitter should also be able to handle any unforeseen events that may happen to your home such as a burst pipe or a break in. Having experience in these matters can make a big difference in reducing the worry to yourself whilst you are away from home. Weather can also play a big part in the daily life of a pet sitter, from ensuring that animals stay cool in hot weather to making sure that they can get themselves to your home even if the weather is bad, such as snow and especially if you yourself are facing travel delays. Having a pet sitter who is committed to not letting you down with visits is very important.

Commitment

There are many agencies who offer pet sitters who work on a part time basis or are self-listed, often they have other jobs outside of pet care. This can mean that your chosen pet sitter may have other commitments during the day or it may even mean that your pet is not visited by the same sitter each day. This can lead to increased nervousness with some animals who are already unsure of being left alone. Having one sitter who visits not only each day throughout the booking period but on each subsequent booking can help a relationship to grow between your pets and your pet sitter. Knowing that your animals have a bond with your sitter will help you to feel more relaxed about leaving them and will help a pet sitter to spot any changes in behaviour that someone who is unfamiliar with the pet may not notice so quickly. Handing over the keys to your home is also a huge area of trust and knowing that pet sitting is the full time job/income of the person can help you to feel assured that they will take good care of your home and carry out your wishes exactly as you would want them, without being distracted by other jobs. Having one sitter also means that your keys and security information are not being passed through multiple people.

Insured

Pet sitting is not a regulated industry – this means that a pet sitter isn’t required to be insured. Unfortunately, accidents can happen and you want to make sure you are using an insured provider. Knowing that your sitter has public liability insurance, insurance to cover the loss of your keys and even insurance to cover vet bills of a sick pet if needed can be an important factor when decided who will be looking after your pets and your home.

No Signage on Vehicles

Because pet sitters visit your home they have the added benefit of helping to make your home looked lived in whilst you are away by opening and closing curtains, turning lights and TV’s on and off and even putting your wheelie bins out on the correct days. These benefits can be negated however if your pet sitter turns up in a vehicle that has their business logo and details on the side. Anyone who may be observant will notice that a pet sitter is coming into your home each day and will work out that you are more than likely away on holiday and that your property is empty when the pet sitter’s vehicle is not parked outside. Choosing a pet sitter who does not have vehicle signage can mean that they are able to come and go from your home each day without being noticed and give your home the appearance that you are still there and that the property is occupied.

Keeping Pets Cool

Pets rely on us and owners to keep them cool during warm weather. Even here in the UK we get heatwaves and warm spells, so here are a few hints and tips to help keep your pets cool this Summer. 

All pets:

  • If your pets are outside, make sure there is access to a cool or shady area at all times of the day - remember as the sun moves areas of shade will change. If it gets too hot you may need to bring them indoors altogether.
  • Make sure to keep an eye on your pet when they are outside, as when animals are thirsty they will drink anything – including liquids like Antifreeze which is toxic to animals and from dirty water sources.
  • Offer your pet plenty of fresh water, possibly in a few bowls just in case one is accidentally knocked over.
  • Animals can get sunburn too, so apply sunscreen to the nose and ears of pale coloured cats and dogs – if in doubt please ask your local veterinary practice for advice.
  • Not all pets are the same when it comes to keeping cool; muscular dogs, overweight pets, long haired pets, young and old pets need extra care during hot weather.
  • Don’t worry if your dog or cat starts panting – they will do so in order to take on cooler air if they’re really hot. Cats pant more rarely than dogs so any heavy panting should be cause for concern, if this happens please seek veterinary guidance.
  • Remember for any pet that is kept inside; ensure that the room is cool and well ventilated. It may be necessary to close the curtains and open a window if there is a breeze.
  • If your pet seems in discomfort then wetting their feet and using a cooling mist may help. This is an option for dogs, cats, and small animals as many control their body temperature through their feet.
  • Don’t leave your pet in a glass conservatory, caravan or car, even for a minute. An open window is not an adequate way to keep them cool.

Dogs:

  • Remember to take plenty of water when you go out for a walk. There are various collapsible and lightweight options for travel water bowls which can be used.
  • Did you know that up to a third of dogs may suffer from hay fever? This can lead to skin irritations which may become infected if your dog is continuously scratching. Please seek veterinary guidance if there is excessive scratching.
  • Be particularly careful with short nosed dogs such as bull breeds, boxers, pugs, older dogs, and those that are overweight. These dogs can get heatstroke simply by running around.
  • Take care of your dog’s delicate paws. If the pavement is too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paw pads too. Check that any pavements aren't too hot to walk on, this can happen when the day is at its hottest between 10am-4pm
  • Grooming your dog is important in the summer months, especially for long-haired breeds, to get rid of matts and tangles. A tangle-free coat will protect your pet’s delicate skin and help to keep them cool. Plus, if your pet’s coat is dirty and matted then you run the risk of flies laying their eggs and becoming maggots. Some breeds may need their coats trimming to keep them comfortable. Ask a professional groomer for advice.
  • There are toys available which help to keep pets cool when playing. Available from all good pet stores you soak them in water then freeze until needed. See pictures below of Willow and Crumpet enjoying their watermelon toy! (These toys retail for around £5.99).
  • Dogs also enjoy supervised playtime in paddling pools. Although there are 'special' pet versions available the classic plastic shell type we all know from childhood is a good and cheaper option.
  • Make homemade cooling treats by making ice cubes with your dog’s favourite food inside or stuff a Kong (our absolute favourite dog toy) and pop it in the freezer.

Cats:

  • Cats tend to groom more often when it’s warmer- this is a cooling mechanism which is similar to us sweating. The saliva evaporates off the fur and helps the cat to cool down.
  • Cats need a massive 16 hours of sleep a day! So they are often sensible and nap more when it’s a warm day as opposed to running around.
  • Cats don't tend to like putting their head into water bowls so it is best to keep them topped up to the rim or use a cat water fountain.
  • Another essential tip is to provide water away from feeding bowls. This is due to a cats wild instinct that water near their kill could be contaminated. Cats prefer to seek out water away from their food source.

 

Willow the puppy enjoying a frozen dog toy

Willow the puppy enjoying a frozen dog toy

Crumpet keeping cool sucking her frozen watermelon toy

Crumpet keeping cool sucking her frozen watermelon toy

Dolly & Douglas enjoying the sunny weather but relaxing in the shade

Dolly & Douglas enjoying the sunny weather but relaxing in the shade

Our Service Area

 

Most Areas within the M60 are covered

The above map shows (if viewing on a PC) every area we cover. All the area names shown in the map are covered by Dragonfly Pet Concierge. The northern border of our map is Middleton, the southern is Cheadle and Wythenshawe. We go as far to the west as Stretford and Sale and as far to the east as Oldham, Ashton-under-Lyne and Hyde. Meaning any areas in between such as Didsbury, Chorlton, Droylsden, Salford (inc. Media City & Salford Quays), Gorton, Failsworth, Chadderton etc. are all areas we operate.

We have no 'per mile charges' all our customers pay the same

Some Example Areas Including Postcodes:

Dog Walking and Pet Sitting in Manchester Central, Manchester City Centre, M1, M2, M3, M4, Salford, M5, Ordsall, Pendleton, Wallness, Seedley, M7, Kersall, Lower Kersall, Broughton, Broughton Park, M8, Cheetham Hill, Crumpsall, M9, Harpurhey, Collyhurst, Bowker Wale, Charlestown, Blakley, Higher Blackley, M11, Openshaw, Bradford, Beswick, M12, Longsight, Levenshulme, M13, Rusholme, Moss Side, M14, Owens Park, Fallowfield, M15, Hulme, M16, Trafford, City Park, Old Trafford, M17, Trafford Park, Dumpligton, Wharfside, Newbridge, M18 Abbey Hey, Gorton, M19, Green End, Burnage, Ladybarn, M20, Didsbury, West Disbury, Northenden, Withington, M21 Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Barlow Moor, M22, Withenshawe, Peel Hall, Sharston, Moss Nook, Woodhouse Park, Poundswick, Benchill, M23, Newall Green, Northern Moor, Baguley, M24, Rochdale, Higher Boarshaw, Stanycliffe, Stake Hill, Slattocks, Rhodes, Rhodes Green, Limefield, Alkrington, Moorclose, Jumbo, Middleton Junction, Middleton, M25, Bury, Dog Walking and Cat Sitting in Prestwich, Rainsough, Hilton Park, Sedgely Park, Heaton Park, Simister, M26, Radcliffe, Black Lane, Ringley, Ringley Fold, Stonecloght, Outwood, Chapel Field, Prestolee, M27, Pendlebury, Clifton, Clifton Green, Clifton Junction, Newton, Moorside, Deans, bradoak Park, Dales Brow, Light Bourne Green, Swinton Park, Swinton, M28, M32, Stretford, Mossfield, Gorse Hill, Dog Walking and Cat Sitting in M34, Tameside, Audenshaw, Denton, Dog Walking and Pet Sitting services in M35, Oldham, Failsworth, Street End, Woodhouses, Daisy Nook, Holt Lane End, M38, Little Hulton, Walkden, M40, Moston, Newton Heath, Miles Platting, New Moston, Dog Walking and Pet Sitting in M43, Droylsden, Fairfield, Medlock Vale, Littlemoss, Greenside, M44, Cadished, Irlam, M50, Salford Quays, Weaste, OL1, Oldham, Chadderton, Oldham Edge, West Hulme, Broadbent, Sholver, Spring Hill, OL7, Ashton-under-Lyne, Guide Bridge, Dog walking and Pet sitting services in OL9, Chadderton, Thatch Leach, Factory Fold, Stock Brook, Cowhill, Westwood, Alder Root, Cold Hurst, North Moor, White Gate, Dog Walking and Pet Sitting in SK15, Tameside, Stalybridge, Stamford Park, Hydes, Heyrod, Millbrook, Spindle Point, Souracre, Oakwood, Brushes, Copley, Fern Bank, Swineshaw Moor, Carrbrook, SK16, Dukinfield, Newton Wood

Dog Walking and Pet Sitting Services in Greater Manchester

Wilbur's Food

As you might know, Wilbur is fed a tailor-made blend made just for him by tails.com and it's going really well. We just wanted to recommend you give it a try if you're one of our doggie clients. You can try it free for 2 weeks with our unique code - just pay £1 for delivery.

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Wilbur has been fed his special blend from Tails since April 2016. We love that the food is delivered so he never runs out (and we don't have to carry heavy bags of food), there is even a handy measure scoop which means Wilbur gets the right amount of his food at each meal. We have also been using the dental sticks recently developed by Tails which have been an ideal daily treat with the bonus that Wilbur's teeth are kept clean and healthy. 

We think that the food and the service is great but you can see what other people think at http://trustpilot.com/review/tails.com

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