Nancy Retzer is an animal lover who grew up in a house full of pets. Today, in addition to her two dogs, she regularly takes in stray animals that she encounters in her neighborhood. Nancy eventually turned this passion for caring for animals into a business, when she founded Rover’s Pals Pet Sitting Service. Today, Nancy and her team provide in-home pet sitting, day care, grooming, training, and adoption services to pet parents in the Atlanta area.

Nancy knows that caring for an animal is challenging when you’re pressed for time. When she was working a high-powered job, Nancy Retzer would have to race home in between meetings to let her dogs out. If she got caught up at work, she knew she’d come home to a torn up couch as her dogs protested her late arrival. Though there were other pet sitting services in the Atlanta area, all of these companies were either out of the way or expensive. She simply didn’t have the time or the funds to fork over thousands of dollars each week and then drive her pets all over the city so that they could get care while she was working.

Rover’s Pet Pals offers a multitude of services at a reasonable rate. They include:

Dog walking

Pets are happiest when they’re able to get out during the day and stretch their legs. When their owners are working full-time, this is often difficult. The professionals at Rover’s Pals Pet Sitting Service take dogs out for a walk in a safe environment, allowing them to get exercise even if their owner is occupied.

Grooming

Much like people, dogs require maintenance to stay fit and healthy. A professional dog groomer will tend to your dogs coat, keeping it shiny and well-maintained. She’ll also trim his nails and brush his teeth with a specific canine-friendly toothpaste to keep bad breath and gum disease at bay.

Training

Even good-natured dogs can benefit from training. A few sessions with a professional from Rover’s Pals will have your dog following orders and learning when and where to use the bathroom. These tools make your home a more peaceful environment.

In-house pet sitting

Many pets feel most comfortable in their own homes. They often get distressed when they have to spend time in an unfamiliar setting. For pet owners who want to keep their dogs or cats relaxed when they have to go out of town, Rover’s Pet Pals offers an in-home pet sitting service. A professional from the business will provide overnight care for your pet in the comfort of your home.

Doggy day care

Rest assured that your animal is getting top-notch care when you drop them at Rover’s Pals as you head to work or school. Animals can interact with other dogs and cats, romp in a spacious yard, or lounge on comfortable couches and pillows. They enjoy nutritious meals and plenty of fresh water. It’s like a day spa for your pets.

Shuttle services

If you want your pet to spend the day interacting with other animals and receiving personalized attention, but don’t have the time to get them to and from Rover’s Pals, the company’s shuttle service is perfect for your four-legged friend. A professional from the company will pick up your animal and take them to day care, they can also get returned to you at the end of the day if you’d prefer not to have to pick them up.

Nancy Retzer On Meeting Your Pet’s Needs

Nancy Retzer notes that pets, like humans, have many needs that must get met in order to keep them content. Since your dog or cat can’t verbalize these needs to you, it’s especially important that you’re aware of your responsibilities and know how to keep your pet happy. Here are some basic elements that any pet parent must offer:

A safe home

Dogs are pack animals by nature. While they can live outdoors if necessary, they do best when they’re allowed to live among the other members of the family. Give your pet a space that’s his own, whether it’s a kennel, crate, or bed. This teaches the animal about respecting his space, as well as yours. Enforce ground rules if you don’t want the dog on your bed or couches, and teach him where it’s appropriate to use the bathroom. Your dog will enjoy cuddling with family members at night and on the weekends, so make an effort to let them spend time inside the home.

A balanced diet

Just like people, dogs can develop health problems when they’re not eating properly and getting exercise. As a pet owner it’s up to you to make sure that your dog gets out for regular walks, and is eating a nutritious diet. When you’re purchasing dog food, buy from companies that use natural ingredients like chicken and beef, instead of relying on fillers. If you don’t have the time to take your pet out for regular exercise, employ a dog walking service to make sure that your four-legged friend gets the physical activity that he craves.

Checkups

Regular visits to your pet’s veterinarian keep the animal healthy. Make it a point to bring your dog or cat into the vet for annual checkups, as well as whenever they’re displaying signs that they’re feeling ill.

Bonding time

Like any relationship, you need to devote time and effort into your bond with your pet. If you’re out all night with friends or working all weekend, it will become difficult for you and your animal to feel attached to one another. Even when you’re managing a busy schedule, it’s important to make time for your pet. Take them for a car ride or bring them to play in the park. These activities will strengthen your bond and keep the dog or cat feeling content.

Discipline

Pets need structure, and this includes rules about acceptable behavior. If you don’t set any ground rules, but then get upset when they use the bathroom in the house, they’ll feel confused and nervous. When you adopt a new pet, you’ll need to work to provide rules for the dog or cat, so they understand how to live in the home with you.

When you adopt a pet, Nancy Retzer emphasizes that you’re making a lifetime commitment to that animal. Prior to bringing a new dog or cat into your home, make sure that you have the time, resources, and funds necessary to provide for that animal.

Nancy Retzer is the founder of Rover’s Pals Pet Sitting Service. She and her team offer dog walking, doggy day care, overnight in-home stays, grooming, training, and adoption services to families and individuals in the Atlanta area. Nancy Retzer believes that adopting a pet is like adding a new member to your family, and that the choice requires serious thought and commitment.