Archive for the ‘In The News’ Category

Covid 19 and Contact-less Dog Walks – Starting the New Normal

Tuesday, May 12th, 2020

We here at Pet Sitters Club hope you are all well and safe.  A few customers have started to ask if we can start providing walks.  Since we had already been considered an essential service and were providing contact-less visits to essential workers, we have been able to practice and refine contact-less walking procedures with our team.  We will go over the procedures with you to ensure all parties are comfortable beginning the new normal in dog walking at Pet Sitters Club.   We thank you for all your support over the past few months and we are excited to start seeing some of our old friends.

Our Contact-less Dog Walking Measures to keep Dog Walkers and Clients Safe

Dog Walkers, New York, Long Island, pet Sitters
Walkers are issued and wear masks
Walkers use protective hand gear at door entrances
Walkers are issued and use company supplied leashes
All dogs are leashed at the threshold of their home, walkers do not enter homes when clients are present
Hand Sanitizer is used in between all visits
Pet Sitters Club is supplying free tie out equipment and installation free of charge at client request
Clients may put dogs in fenced in area so that walkers can attach their leash
Walkers avoid contact with all dogs and humans while on walks.
Social distancing is adhered to at all times.
Pet Sitters Club is open to any and all suggestions and recognizes that everyone’s situation is unique. Please feel free to contact us so that we may discuss and tailor a protocol that addresses your concerns.

 

We look forward to hearing from you when you are ready to have us back!!!

Stay safe and healthy.

Naomi and James

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Is your Pet Super? Then let us know!

Monday, June 23rd, 2014

Do you have a patriotic pooch at home who drools red, white and blue? Or a heroic hound who is faster than a bicycle and able to leap over a fire hydrant? Then let us know by submitting their photo to contest@petsit4u.com GRAND PRIZE is 5 FREE WALKS by Pet Sitters Club Submission deadline is July 4 2014.

Please visit http://www.facebook.com/petsittersclub for updates and http://woobox.com/ydhh4f for contest page and rules

Do you have a patriotic pooch at home who drools red, white and blue? Or a heroic hound who is faster than a bicycle and able to leap over a fire hydrant? Then let us know by submitting their photo to contest@petsit4u.com GRAND PRIZE is 5 FREE WALKS by Pet Sitters Club Submission deadline is July 4 2014.

Do you have a patriotic pooch at home who drools red, white and blue? Or a heroic hound who is faster than a bicycle and able to leap over a fire hydrant? Then let us know by submitting their photo to contest@petsit4u.com GRAND PRIZE is 5 FREE WALKS by Pet Sitters Club Submission deadline is July 4 2014.

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Pet Sitters Club’s Dog’O’Ween Photo Contest

Thursday, October 10th, 2013

Pet Sitters Club is proud to introduce our first annual

Dog-O-Ween Photo Contest!

In order to win the Grand Prize 5 FREE WALKS, 2nd Prize 2 Free walks, 3rd Prize 1 Free walk, a dog must garner as many votes as possible!! In order to vote visit this page http://goo.gl/GY9ajB  and then you can all vote for the best costumed canine once a day. Come back daily to cast your vote!

The flyer below has step by step instructions for reaching the contest on our Facebook page and on how to cast your vote. Be sure to share this email with your friends and family so you have a greater chance of winning a prize!

Dog'O'Ween Photo Contest Invitation

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Dogswell Recalls Dog and Cat Jerky Treats

Saturday, July 27th, 2013

Dogswell Recalls Dog and Cat Jerky Treats

July 26, 2013 — Arthur Dogswell LLC has today announced it is voluntarily withdrawing certain Dogswell and Catswell brand duck or chicken jerky treats with a “Best Before” date of January 28th, 2015 (or any earlier date).
Dogswell Logo
The vast majority of these products were distributed via retail stores and mail order companies before March 1st, 2013.

These products may contain trace amounts of an antibiotic residue that has not been approved for use in the United States.

According to a letter posted by Dogswell, the affected jerky treats were made in China.

There is no evidence that products containing trace amounts of this antibiotic pose a health risk for pets or humans.

The company is taking this action after learning this week that the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM) found trace amounts of the additive during a routine product sampling.

Antibiotics are commonly used, both in the USA and other markets, when raising animals fit for human consumption. And the antibiotic in question is accepted for use in poultry in other parts of the world.

What’s Being Recalled?

The withdrawn products include Chicken Breast and Duck Breast jerky marketed under the following brand names:

  • Breathies
  • Happy Heart
  • Happy Hips
  • Mellow Mut
  • Shape Up
  • Veggie Life
  • Vitality
  • Vitakitty

The affected products contain a “Best Before” (or earlier) date of January 28th, 2015. No other products are affected.

Additionally, Chicken Breast and Duck Breast jerky products with a “Best Before” date of January 29th, 2015 and later have been fully tested for these antibiotics and are not affected.

The “Best Before” date can be found stamped in black ink on the back of the package on the bottom right hand side.

Company Statement

According to company spokesperson, Brad Armistead…

“We encourage our customers to reach out to us with any questions about this withdrawal.

“It is important for consumers to know that all Dogswell and Catswell products remaining on the market are safe for dogs and cats to consume and enjoy as directed.

“Since January, the company has been using state-of-the-art testing procedures to ensure that our chicken and duck products do not contain these unapproved antibiotics.”

What to Do?

In the event a consumer is in possession of any of the affected products, he or she should contact Dogswell to arrange for a full refund by calling 1-888-559-8833 from 8 AM to 5 PM PT, Monday through Friday.

You can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in your area.

Or go to http://www.fda.gov/petfoodcomplaints.

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Going Out? Call Your Best Friend’s Best Friend

Wednesday, July 24th, 2013

Originally published: July 3, 2013
By Lily Choi. Anton News
EDITORIAL@ANTONNEWS.COM
For a scan of the original article Click Here

Pet Sitters Club offers a wide range of services, including walking and transportation.

Going Out? Call Your Best Friend’s Best Friend

          As a pet owner, it’s often difficult to find comprehensive, daily care for your pet you are at work or on vacation. A common solution is to ask friends or neighbors to look after pets, but pets usually require several visits, feedings, or walks per day. If your pet has special needs, such as medical needs, it’s hard to ask for care from someone who does not normally have an obligation to care for your pet.

That’s where Pet Sitters Club comes in. Founded in 1999, the in-home pet care business, run by James and Naomi Garfinkel, has been offering all-inclusive short-term and long-term care provided by experienced per sitters, catered specifically to your pet.

The Garfinkels once experienced the same frustration that plagues most pet owners who are trying to Find appropriate and convenient care for their pets.

“At the time, we had cats,” said Naomi Garfinkel. “We were away and We [had to] beg, borrow, and steal from a neighbor, a friend, and a relative on one vacation to get the care [our pets’ needed].”

While on vacation, the Garfinkels met a family who also agreed that there was a lack of convenient, all-inclusive care. The family, from Boston, had put their own pets in the care of a pet-sitter, an idea that inspired the Garfinkels’ now-14-yearold business.

Pet Sitters Club offers pet-walking and other in-home services while their 2000-plus clients are at work or on vacation.

The most important difference, Garfinkel feels, between the services offered by Pet Sitters Club and those received from neighbors or friends is that sitters are animal lovers whose top priority is the comfort and care of your pet.

     “We felt like We were imposing when we had to ask people [to care for our pets] when they weren’t really people who loved pets, let alone our pets,” Garfinkel laughed. “Most people consider their dog or their cat [as] their child because they always need your care. So, really, to find somebody who is professional, who does [pet-sitting] for a living, and who truly loves animals is a very unique situation, but that’s what we offer.”The biggest benefit of using pet-sitting services is, in Garfinkel’s opinion, that pets can be cared for directly in the environment in which they feel most comfortable: their own homes. Kennels are stressful for many pets, especially if the pet is a rescue animal or is unaccustomed to being caged or being away from its owner.“Pets are happiest in their own environments,” Garfinkel said. “When you leave them in a caged environment or in an unfamiliar setting, they might not understand that you’re coming back for them, so some dogs may suffer anxiety. When they’re exposed to other dogs, there’s a potential for them to get sick. From our perspective, a pet should be exactly as you leave them when you come home. So if you go away on vacation, when you come back, [your pet] should be happy and healthy, just as when you left.”

To arrange care for your pet, Garfinkel sets up a consultation with the pet sitter and your pet. The sitter learns specific feeding instructions, veterinarian information and where the owner can be reached. Pet Sitters Club is also bonded and insured so that pet owners can feel safe letting sitters into their homes. One visit to the home is $21 and lasts half an hour. 

Pet Sitters Club has locations throughout Nassau and Queens. Consultations can be arranged by calling 516-466-5617 or visiting www.petsittersclubinc.com

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Natura Again Recalls Innova, EVO, California Natural and Others

Tuesday, June 18th, 2013

by Mike Sagman

June 18, 2013 – Natura Pet Products of Fremont, Nebraska, has today announced it is voluntarily recalling specific lots of dry pet food because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.

Natura Pet Products Dog Food RecallThe recall includes specific lots of these brands

  • Innova
  • EVO
  • California Natural
  • Healthwise
  • Karma
  • Mother Nature

No canned food is affected by this announcement.

What Products Are Recalled?

Natura Pet Dog Food Recall

Where Were They Distributed?

The affected products are sold in bags through…

  • Veterinary clinics
  • Select pet specialty retailers
  • Online in the USA and Canada

About Salmonella

Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea or bloody diarrhea
  • Abdominal cramping
  • Fever

Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms.

Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting.

Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

These products were packaged in a single production facility. During routine FDA testing, a single lot tested positive for the presence of Salmonella.

There have been no reports of pet or human illness associated with this product. In an abundance of caution, Natura is voluntarily recalling all products with expiration dates prior to June 10, 2014.

What to Do?

Consumers who have purchased the specific dry pet foods listed should discard them.

For further information or a product replacement or refund, call Natura toll free at 800-224-6123, Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM CT.

You can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in your area.

Or go to http://www.fda.gov/petfoodcomplaints.

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A.G. SCHNEIDERMAN LAUNCHES NEW ANIMAL PROTECTION INITIATIVE

Wednesday, May 1st, 2013

News from Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 1, 2013

 

New York City Press Office / 212-416-8060
Albany Press Office / 518-473-5525
nyag.pressoffice@ag.ny.gov

Twitter: @AGSchneiderman

 

A.G. SCHNEIDERMAN LAUNCHES NEW ANIMAL PROTECTION INITIATIVE

Statewide Effort Will Promote Enforcement Of Consumer Protection Laws, Target Animal Fighting & Animal Cruelty

Schneiderman: I Am Committed To Protecting New York Consumers And The Right Of Every New Yorker To Live In Safe Communities

 

NEW YORK – Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced the formation of a new Animal Protection Initiative aimed at shutting down criminal animal fighting rings, ensuring compliance with New York State’s Pet Lemon Law, charging those who abuse or neglect animals, and cracking down on the abuses of so-called “puppy mills” in order to protect the welfare of the animals being sold and the consumers. Drawing on resources from the Office of the Attorney General’s regional offices as well as many of the Office’s bureaus, this new initiative will use civil and criminal remedies to target allegations of animal cruelty and unscrupulous sales of pets and other animals.

 

In announcing the new Animal Protection Initiative, Attorney General Schneiderman also highlighted a string of recent successes in combating animal cruelty and related issues. Today, he announced a civil settlement with a Yonkers pet store that was keeping animals in unsafe and inhumane conditions. The settlement includes a $20,000 fine and an agreement that the store cease its illegal activities.

 

“Fighting animal cruelty is both a consumer protection issue and a public safety issue,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “There is a direct correlation between the dog fighting rings and other criminal enterprises, including gangs, gambling and illegal drugs, that put our communities at risk. At the same time, New Yorkers spend millions of dollars each year on the companionship a pet can provide. I am committed to enforcing our state’s consumer protection laws and protecting the right of every New Yorker to live in a safe community.”

 

Protection of Consumers from Unscrupulous Pet Sellers

 

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association’s U.S. Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook, more than 50 percent of New York households include at least one pet. In addition to the cost of purchasing pets, the average pet owner spends hundreds of dollars to care for them. New York’s Pet Lemon Law is aimed at ensuring the good health of cats and dogs sold in the State.

 

New York Law grants consumers very specific rights when they purchase dogs and cats from pet stores. For example, consumers have the right to know the source of the dog or cat they are considering for purchase, and the history of vet treatments. If a consumer purchases a sick dog or cat and a veterinarian certifies the animal as unfit within 14 days of a sale, the consumer has the right to a refund, exchange, or reimbursement of veterinary costs up to the cost of the pet.

 

Consumers have the right to ask questions about the breeders used by pet stores and receive accurate information in return. For example, if a breeder is a large scale breeder – commonly referred to as “puppy mills” – the consumer has the right to know. The OAG will monitor whether pet stores are being honest and following the law and bring civil or criminal prosecutions where appropriate.

 

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

 

The OAG’s Initiative will also target those who abuse or neglect animals. One example of such types of abuse is dog fighting, which is illegal in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. New York has multiple statutes addressing animal abuse, including animal fighting. For example, an animal fighting conviction can result in up to 4 years in jail and a $25,000 fine.

 

In addition, animal abuse can be a “gateway crime” that destabilizes communities. Many communities report growing involvement of juvenile and other offenders in dog fighting or animal abuse, often as a part of gang involvement. This has created an underground environment that often includes other criminal activities, such as illegal gambling, possession of illegal weapons and drugs. Raids on dog fighting rings often result in the arrest of many offenders with outstanding warrants.

 

The Attorney General’s Animal Protection Initiative will promote public safety by cracking down on individuals or groups that abuse or neglect companion animals; pursue criminal animal fighting enterprises; and protect consumers who do not wish to purchase sick or diseased animals from in-state or out-of-state “puppy mills” by ensuring compliance with New York’s consumer protection laws.

 

The Initiative is comprised of Investigators and Assistant Attorneys General across the entire state, from the OAG’s Regional Offices, the Consumer Fraud Bureau, the Criminal Prosecutions Bureau, the Organized Crime Task Force and the Investigations Bureau, who will work to bring the perpetrators of these and other animal crimes to justice.

 

“We are thankful to Attorney General Schneiderman for his persistent leadership in combating some of the worst forms of animal cruelty and protecting both the animals and people of New York State,” said Stacy Wolf, vice president and chief counsel of the ASPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement and Legal Advocacy departments. “The new Animal Protection Initiative sends a clear message that perpetrators who engage in animal cruelty will be held accountable for their actions.”

 

“Animal protection laws are only meaningful if put to use, and Attorney General Schneiderman’s commitment to robust enforcement can make New York State a national leader in the effort to protect animals from willful cruelty,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. “This initiative says loud and clear, to everyone, that there’ll be a zero tolerance policy for animal abuse.”

 

In recent months, the Attorney General’s office has conducted several successful efforts related to animal cruelty and animal abuse. Today, Attorney General Schneiderman announced that his office has reached a settl

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Jones Natural Chews Recalls Woofers Beef Patties for Dogs

Wednesday, March 13th, 2013
by Mike Sagman
http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-recall/jones-natural-chews-recalls-woofers/

March 6, 2013 – Jones Natural Chews Company of Rockford, Illinois has announced it is recalling 245 boxes of Woofers (beef patties) because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

The affected treats were distributed in:
Caution Sign

  • Arizona
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Pennsylvania
  • Virginia
  • Wisconsin

The products were shipped to distributors and retailers between November 1, 2012 and November 12, 2012.

The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by Colorado Department of Agriculture Feed Program which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria.

According to the company, no illnesses have been reported to date.

About Salmonella

Salmonella can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products.

People handling dry pet food and/or treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the chews or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever.

Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain.

Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

What’s Being Recalled

The company states, “Woofers in bulk 50 count box may be sold individually”.

Jones Natural Chews Co Woofers (beef patties) 1 pack shrink-wrap, 50 count box, Item UPC 741956008657, Lot 3102, Best By 11/05/15.

Jones Natural Chews Co Woofers (beef patties) 1 pack shrink-wrap, 50 count box, Item UPC 741956008183, Lot 2892BF-Best By 10/15/15, Lot 2962PWV-Best By 10/22/15, Lot 2962ASC-Best By 10/22/15, and Lot 3032ASL-Best By 10/29/15.

Jones Natural Chews Co Woofers (beef patties) 2pack shrink-wrap, 25ct box, item UPC 741956008190, Lot 2962ASC-Best By 10/22/15 and Lot 3032ASL-Best By 10/29/15.

Special Concerns About This Recall

We’re unusually concerned about this event. That’s because the company’s official announcement of this recall is dated March 6, 2013. That was 6 days ago! And we’ve heard nothing until just moments ago.

So far, there have been no news bulletins posted by the FDA.

What’s even more disturbing here is that the company has stated, “Woofers in bulk 50 count box may be sold individually”.

Does this mean the affected treats could have been removed from their packaging by retailers and sold in unlabeled bins to unsuspecting consumers?

Considering 250 boxes contain 50 beef patties per box, simple math suggests there could be as many as 12,250 contaminated treats yet in circulation.

What to Do?

Consumers who have purchased any of these woofers are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 877-481-2663, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Central Time.

You can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in your area.

Or go to http://www.fda.gov/petfoodcomplaints.

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Steve’s Real Food Recalled Due to Salmonella

Monday, March 11th, 2013
by Mike Sagman

March 7, 2013 – Steve’s Real Food of Murray, Utah has announced it is recalling its 5 pound bags of Turducken Canine Diet 8 ounce patties due to potential contamination with Salmonella.

The recalled products were distributed from October 2012 through January 2013 in retail stores in…
Steve's Real Food Turducken

  • California
  • Connecticut
  • Massachusetts
  • Maine
  • Minnesota
  • New Hampshire
  • New York
  • Tennessee

The product is sold in 5 pound green and cream colored bags with lot number 209-10-27-13 and an expiration date of October 27, 2013.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with this event.

About Salmonella

Salmonella can affect animals eating the products.

In addition, there’s a risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products — especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • Abdominal cramping
  • Fever

Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms.

Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting.

Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans.

If your pet has consumed the recalled product and have these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

What Caused the Recall?

The potential for contamination was noted after a routine sampling of one 5 pound bag by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

Production of the product has been suspended while the company and the FDA continue their investigation as to the source of the problem.

What to Do?

Consumers who have purchased 5 lb. bags of Steve’s Real Food Turducken Canine Recipe are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions should contact the company at 801-540-8481 or gary@stevesrealfood.com Monday through Friday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm MST.

You can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in your area.

Or go to http://www.fda.gov/petfoodcomplaints.

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Pet Sitters Club’s Charitable Endeavors Recognized

Monday, February 11th, 2013

New York Dog Walkers, Pet Sitters, New YorkNew York Dog Walkers, Pet Sitters, New YorkPet Sitters Club was thrilled to receive two letters of recognition from the New York State Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel and Nassau County Clerk Maureen O’Connell for their recent charitable endeavors on behalf of Hurricane Sandy and local Shelter Pets.

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