FAQ
Want to know more about John’s Pet Sitting & Farrier services?
Read our FAQs below.
Pet Sitting FAQ
What is your service area?
We cover Bucks and Montgomery Counties within roughly 20 miles of Newtown PA. We will travel farther if time allows. Contact us for pricing if you’re outside of our normal service area.
Will you stay overnight with my pet?
Yes, we will. Due to the hours required for overnight pet sitting there will be an additional charge. Please contact us for details.
How long is a pet sitting visit?
Visits are generally 15 to 30 minutes. Homes with multiple pets will often require longer visits than homes with only one animal (thus the upcharge).
How many times a day should my pet be visited?
The frequency of visits depends on you and your pet. We’ll visit as frequently as you’d like. We’re happy to discuss this with you to determine the best plan for you and your pet.
Most indoor only dogs will require a minimum of 3 visits per day (at least morning, dinnertime, and bedtime).
Most clients choose once per day, or twice per day for cats. If appropriate for your cat we will consider every other day visits for cats.
Farrier FAQ
How do I know if my horse needs shoes?
There are several reasons why a horse may need shoes. Number one would be for therapeutic reasons. They may be needed to manage an ongoing condition or disease such as laminitis. Some horses need shoes in order to perform properly. Reining horses need what are called “sliders” to help them do sliding stops. Arabian and Saddlebred horses use weighted shoes to animate their gait. Sometimes studs are needed for jumpers so they do not slip. Some horses may have very sensitive or weak soles and will not be sound without shoes.
Why hot shoe?
There are so many benefits to hot fitting shoes. First and foremost there is 100% contact between the hoof and the shoe making the shoe a perfect fit. It also kills bacteria in the white line. Hot shoeing also helps moisture control. It helps seal the tubules, making them less likely to dry out in drought conditions or take on moisture in a wet environment.
How often does my horse need to see the farrier?
It is individual to each horse’s needs of course but every 6-8 weeks is a good rule of thumb.
What hoof dressing should I use on my horse?
Honestly, hoof dressing does more harm than good in most cases. Studies have found hoof moisturizing dressings start to actually build up on the hoof wall and the foot can’t breathe. Another study found that when hoof moisturizer was applied to cracked, brittle feet, it further weakened the protein in the hoof wall; and the hoof lost its ability to regulate the moisture content of the hoof. If you insist on using some sort of dressing on your horse use a hoof hardener.
