What is the history of Critter Sitters?
I started Critter Sitters over 25 years ago doing pet sitting, pooper scooping and overnights at people’s homes. About five years into the business I knew I want to do this on a larger scale. Finally after four years of searching I found the perfect spot for Critter Sitters in Chittenango to expand our services to daycare and boarding. So yard by yard, fence by fence and dog by dog we grew exponentially.
We separate ourselves from most standard daycares and boarding facilities. We feature an in home type of boarding, daycare is managed 6.5 acres with five different play yards, and we pick up and drop off.
The present day Critter Pad has many different nick names: Disneyland for Dogs, Camp bow wow or the Critter Compound. The vision and purpose of each yard is to maximize socialization, enrichment, and training to foster our pups overall well being and zest for life. Getting to experience and explore the outdoors in a pack allows dogs to hone in on their five senses to each breed specific qualities. The present day Critter Pad is “Pack” proud on so many levels. The connection with you and your pup is what is so special about Critter Sitters. I feel we are all small cogs in a big wheel but together we all make a difference.
Door-To-Door Service
Critter Sitters utilizes custom vehicles complete with a fun dog wrap to pick up and drop off the dogs who choose to use our transportation services. Our clients love the convenience of our door-to-door service. The owner is sent approximate pickup time the night before their first time being transported and then texted again an approximate pickup time the morning of. We pickup early, and drop off early. If the drop off timing isn’t ideal, the owner is more than welcome to pick up their dog anytime before we close at 6pm.
Our Outdoor Facilities
We have 6 very large outdoor play yards for dogs to hone their natural instincts allowing them to run, chase, scent, and frolic for up to 8 hours a day. We have a pole barn in one of the play yards for rain, snow, sleet or hail. Our clients report that their dogs return home dog tired and happy after a day of play at the Critter Pad.
An At Home Indoor Experience
We have excellent indoor facilities for boarding. It is not a typical kennel-type atmosphere. Instead, we offer climate controlled rooms with an air filtration system and plenty of bedding to keep your dog comfortable during their stay. Also, the in home atmosphere means our dogs are calm, relaxed and feel at home while they are away. We are a chemical free company, using only natural cleaning products. We tailor the care to each individual client’s needs often supplying medications, or special diets upon request. Click on photo to the left to view all of the boarding spaces.
The Supervision
When the dogs are with us during the day, they are supervised by a passionate and highly trained staff. The staff monitors pack dynamics and make sure that the dogs are engaged in fun and safe play. At night, the dogs sleep in the dog room and Stephanie is present to support the dogs if any issues arise. Mostly the dogs sleep very well after a big day of play with new friends.Is there a screening process?
Critter Sitters is a referral based business utilizing recommendations from current clients or veterinarians. This ensures a good client/dog business fit. We screen each potential new dog to make sure they are comfortable around other dogs and easily accepted into the pack. Vaccination requirements include; rabies, bordetella/kennel cough, and all three rounds of distemper. Proof of vaccination records are mandatory before any of our services can be utilized and must be kept up to date in order to come. Potential new clients are only allowed to come check out the facility after an enrollment form is filled out and a meet and greet appointment is made and confirmed.
What’s on the menu?
The dogs are served a high quality dry dog food two times a day. If other dietary needs are stipulated, we are happy to meet those requests as well.
