everything about your dogs

Showing posts with label LIFESTYLE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LIFESTYLE. Show all posts

Sitter Guide - an Airbnb for all Pets

The Christmas and school holidays are almost here and you’ve booked your holiday, but who’s going to look after your beloved pet while you are away?

Sitter Guide is a new Australian online service, created to take the stress out of finding suitable care for all your pets. Like an Airbnb for pets, it connects pet owners with pet sitters through its website. Membership is free, and sitters and pet owners are automatically covered by free insurance, ID checks and 24/7 support.

CEO and Founder, Daevid Richards, says people consider their pets to be part of the family and they don’t necessarily want to leave them in a kennel when they go away.

“We offer a sharing economy, personalised, cost effective and flexible alternative to retail day care and pet kennels,” says Daevid. “Much like Airbnb offers travellers an alternative to staying in a hotel, Sitter Guide offers pet owners an alternative to kennels when they are away. We cater for all pets great and small and not just for those with paws, i.e. dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents and ferrets, plus reptiles, fish, birds, horses and ponies – the whole menagerie!”



PLAY AND PAY


Sitter Guide provides freedom and opportunity for both pet owners and pet sitters. Pet owners can relax knowing that their pet is being cared for by a local, trusted pet lover and pet sitters get paid to play with pets.

There are a range of services including:

  • Boarding – Pets stay at the sitter’s home for longer visits over 24 hours. 
  • House Sitting – Sitters stay at the pet’s home for longer visits over 24 hours. 
  • Day / Night Care – Pets go to a sitter’s home for short visits under 24 hours. 
  • Drop-in Visits – Sitters go to the pet’s home for short visits under 24 hours. 
  • Market Place – Pet sitter services that can run for approximately one hour or less at either the pet’s or the sitter’s home. Pet walking, grooming, training and even driver pick-up and drop-off services are available. 

PETS ARE BIG BUSINESS IN AUSTRALIA

Australian households are estimated to have spent more than $12.2 billion on pet products and services in 2016, up 42% since 2013. Around 5.7 million households (i.e. 62% of all households) have at least one pet, with more than 24 million pets in Australia*. 
Almost two in five households have a dog (38%) and almost three in 10 households have a cat (29 per cent) giving Australia one of the highest domestic animal ownership rates in the world.

*According to Animal Medicines Australia’s ‘Pet Ownership in Australia 2016 Report’


Whether you have a pet with paws or claws that barks, meows, neighs or squawks, there’s a carer for you through Sitter Guide.

To find out more about Sitter Guide, please check out the website 


About Sitter Guide

Sitter Guide is like Airbnb for pets, connecting pet owners with pet sitters through its website. Time-poor pet parents join Sitter Guide for free, then simply search the national online network of local, trusted and insured pet sitters and walkers who will treat their pet like family, ensuring their wellbeing.

Sitter Guide is Australia’s first online marketplace catering for all pets great and small, not just those with paws. Offering a personalised, cost effective alternative to retail day care and pet kennels, Sitter Guide provides freedom and opportunity for both pet sitters and pet owners.


MEDIA RELEASE 24/11/2017

Top 15 Christmas Gifts for Dog Lovers


Love dogs and want the world to know it? Here are our picks of Christmas presents for dog lovers this year. As this is the season for giving, we selected a few items that also give back to support animal welfare and rescue groups.



Share your love of Greyhounds with the world with one of these awesome comfy lightweight t-shirts designed in Australia by The Friendly Doggo.

All women t-shirts are a regular fit and feature a scoop neck, capped sleeves and curved tails. They're also preshrunk to minimise shrinkage.

If you love "twinning", similar designs are available for men! Available in 6 sizes (from XS to 2XL).

A portion of proceeds goes towards Gumtree Greys who rescue and rehabilitate Greyhounds across Australia.


RRP: $24.95
at shop.friendlydoggo.com




Petflair took the world by storm in 2017 with their Kickstarter campaign! Choose from their amazing range of custom swimwear, towels, bags uniquely designed for you and your best friend – dog, cat, whatever!

Simply take a photo of your furry pal, upload it to their website and Petflair will create a unique design from your choice of colours, background patterns and styles!


These would make a unique present for the dog lover in your life and if you can't decide, why not give a Christmas Gift Card so they can choose? Please allow delivery time in early January 2018 as the company is at capacity to fulfill existing Christmas orders.

RRP: from US$59 at petflair.co/collections/shop








Dream job, right?

Now, you can tell everyone with this funky 'Stay at Home Dog Mum' T-Shirt designed by The Dog Mum - an Australian brand which is all about urban-style clothing and accessories for dog obsessed mums! 


This design comes in a range of colours (Black, White, Grey and Pink) and is available in 6 sizes (from S to XXL).

RRP: $34.95 from thedogmum.com     





Is the dog lover in your life the sporty type yet uncompromising on her style? Then check out Active Creatures – a Melbourne-based brand designing sportswear for woman and pooch for a unique gift.

They have just released their summer collection with matching styles across their range.

Choose from women’s leggings, sports bras, tanks and tees, all with matching tees for your dogs (Boys of Summer and California Girl dog tees featured).

RRP: from $84 for women’s leggings; $29 for dog tees at www.activecreatures.com.au






This premium luxurious and highly absorbent Jacquard towel by Growl Towels is thicker than most beach towels and perfect to snuggle in after your swim! 

It is 500gsm (grams per square meter) meaning it will absorb more water and dry you or your dog quicker than other towels. 

The velour side is super soft to lie on comfortably whilst the other side is specially designed for drying yourself or your dog off with its absorbent 100% natural cotton fibres. 

The size is 80cm x 160cm.

RRP: $35.00 at www.growltowels.com.au   





The ingeniously designed DOOG water bottle + dog bowl means you can carry water for yourself and share it with your dog by using the dog bowl whilst out on your walk. The wrap-around bowl keeps the water insulated and cool.

Simply unwrap the bowl (made from insulated neoprene) from around the bottle and construct the bowl when your dog gets thirsty then pour water from the bottle into his bowl. The inside of the bowl has a water proof lining. Available in blue or red. 

RRP $19.95 at www.dogculture.com.au
 





The 2018 'Rescued Blockheads' and 'Rescued' calendars and the 'Adorable Puppies' Diary were all designed and photographed by Sydney pet photographer, Ruth O’Leary.

Both calendars are A3 size, with 300gsm stock covers whilst internal pages are printed on 150gsm with plenty of room for writing birthdays, appointments etc. on each day.

Almost all of the photos are actual adoption photos taken throughout the year with the aim of producing these calendars and a diary. 
100% of the profits from the sale of these calendars and the diary will be donated to help Fetching Dogs and other local rescue groups.  

These limited editions make a great Christmas present and are selling out quickly! Available from Rupert & Dora, Paddington, Sydney.

RRP: $25 + p&p (diary or calendar) at www.ruthlessphotos.com/shop/   







At a price of just $3 and with 100% of proceeds going to PetRescue, the 2018 PETstock Calendar is the feel-good stocking filler that supports the adoption of homeless pets from around Australia.

Showcasing pets that have been assisted by PetRescue, the 2018 edition features a photogenic menagerie of dogs, kittens, rabbits, guinea pigs and even a paddle of ducks!

Sales of the 2017 calendar raised more than $110,000 for PetRescue, which translated to 12,000 pets finding safe and loving homes.

RRP: $3.00 at PETstock stores nationally and online at www.petstock.com.au







Staying organised doesn’t have to be ruff! The Dog Diary is a classic, sophisticated diary created in Australia by Nooshel for modern pet parents.

Pawsome dog quotes throughout highlight how precious our furkids are to us… Now you can keep track of your dog’s commitments like play dates, bark days and important things like vaccinations and worming. The enclosed stickers sheet will ensure you never forget another important date! 

This A5 diary (224 pages) is printed on FSC certified paper with all packaging made from recycled materials. 

10% of the profits from every sale goes towards RSPCA Australia.

RRP: $49.95 from www.nooshel.com









This is the season for giving and you can spread the houndy cheer this season with this pack of 8 unique hound-inspired designs. Each image was lovingly created by Greyhound Rescue supporters and volunteers. 

Printed on premium-quality recycled card, they're not only a luxe addition to your seasonal gift giving, but also good for the environment! 100% of profit of sales are going towards the rescue and rehoming costs of Greyhounds.


RRP: $25
 (pack of 8 cards) at 
www.greyhoundrescue.bigcartel.com





These quirky pet stickers by Stickapet feature your favourite dog breed. You can choose from a male or female dog sticker but they're always wearing glasses!

Stickers are both UV and water resistant and you can use them anywhere you like: car windows, laptops, drink bottles, your favourite diary etc. The stickers measure approximately 105mm high x 83mm wide (this varies slightly for each breed). 

A stocking filler that won't break the bank!

RRP: $7.95
from www.stickapet.com.au



Silver Pet Prints sterling silver jewellery is the perfect way to capture the paw prints of your family's furry members and keep them close to your heart.

Handcrafted in a variety of shapes (pendants, necklaces, bracelets etc.) your pet’s paw print will be showcased on your choice of a stylish sterling silver chain with their name stamped on the back.

This is a unique gift for the dog lover in your life! 

Use your promo code ADL2017 and receive 10% off your first order until 31/12/2017.


RRP: from $190
 at www.silverpetprints.com







If you work long hours or travel away from home regularly, the new Petcube Bites might just be the perfect device to keep you and your pet connected!

This two-way communication system allows you to check on your dog or cat (like the Petcube Camera) thanks to a built-in HD camera with zoom and night vision capabilities and a two-way audio system for “conversations” while apart!

The most innovative feature is the ability to offer your pet treats, tossing them up to 1.8m away! All that’s required to run the device is reliable Wi-Fi since you control the Petcube Bites via the companion app on any smartphone.


For more information, please visit petcube.com/en-au/bites/  


RRP: $349 exclusively at www.petbarn.com.au








Guinness World Records: Amazing Animals is an action-packed annual book full of the fastest, tallest, strongest and coolest animals in the world!

Featuring famous dogs and other celebrity animals, animals at work, tricks and stunts, it is visually eye-catching and full of fun facts! Create your very own record-breaking animal with an online game, or try making an origami zoo! Test your wildlife knowledge with fun quizzes, plus find out if your pet is a secret Einstein with exclusive IQ tests.

This should keep the kids quiet – sorry, occupied – during the summer holidays! Be prepared for them to share their newly acquired knowledge with you …


RRP: $24.99
at www.booktopia.com.au



It just would not be Christmas without a great jigsaw puzzle for the holidays! Just make sure the dogs don’t eat any of the pieces …

Put together this 1000 piece family puzzle from Mudpuppy to reveal a series of playful "Hot Dogs" that represent each letter of the alphabet. The sturdy and easy-to-wrap box is perfect for gifting, reuse and storage. 


The puzzle will measure approximately 69cm x 51cm once completed. For kids aged 8+ years old.


RRP: $29.90
from www.puzzlepalace.com.au





This is a great present idea for young animal lovers! These super cute floppy (15cm) Purple Poppy Plush Toys uniquely recognise the brave animals which have served in war alongside their human handlers. 
Available in this series are a Purple Poppy Puppy, Horse, Donkey and Camel exclusively from the Military Shop, Australia's leading military site.

3% of the sale of these products are donated to the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation.

RRP: $9.95 at www.militaryshop.com.au


Not sure what to buy for the pooches this year? Why not check out our "Top 20 Christmas Gift Ideas for Dogs" for some inspiration!

20 Christmas Gift Ideas for your Dogs

"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere you go!" We all love spoiling our pets but we also want high-quality items that are natural, healthy, stand out from the ordinary and will last and it does not hurt to support our local economy and the new wave of creative pet entrepreneurs! 

So here are our top picks to help you fill your furkids' Christmas stockings this year!




Whether your pooch loves Santa, Rudolph or Snowy the Snowman, they’ll love cuddling to these squeaky Christmas toys from the Bark-a-Boo Holiday Range.

If you want extra fun on the day to capture on your social feeds, why not wrap one in festive paper, squeak the toys inside and unleash your hound(s)! You’ll enjoy seeing them tearing into their presents just like a kid!

If you can’t handle the squeaks, a safer choice may be the Bark-a-Boo Wonderland range? You can choose from reindeer twisters, wonderland snakes and cuddly teddies for a Christmas morning tug game or to snuggle up to at nap time!


RRP: $6.99-$19.99 (from November 2017)
at www.petstock.com.au





Your puppy loves to play, and there is nothing more exciting than when food is part of the equation!

The P.L.A.Y. Wobble Ball is an interactive food puzzle toy uniquely shaped to roll around unpredictably to your fluffy friend’s delight. 


Coupled with the sound and sight of dog treats spinning inside, the Wobble Ball stimulates your pet mentally and physically with hours of interactive fun and enrichment. Simply put your dog's favourite treats or kibble in and reward them for their persistence and intelligence! It comes in 3 vibrant colours: Lime, Pumpkin and Sea Foam.

RRP: $39.95 at petplayaustralia.com





Playing tug of war is a great way to burn off some of those Christmas treats!
These large colourful ball tug toys make a great present for any sporty pup or their sports loving human!

Fuzzy Dog Tug Toys are hand braided with love from premium polar fleece. Strong for tug of war games but still gentle on doggy teeth and human hands. The sports balls are made of a bouncy rubber and are available in basketball, soccer ball or tennis ball varieties. They can even be made in your favourite sports team colours! A wonderful gift for any agility, flyball or obedience enthusiast, Fuzzy Dog Tug Toys are available in four sizes.

RRP: $18.00 from www.fuzzydogtugtoys.etsy.com











If you’d love to be able to play with your dog after the sun goes down, this is the perfect combo to enjoy the summer holidays with your pooch! 

The Glowstreak from Nite Ize is a durable rubber ball featuring bright LEDs that are motion activated. The size of a tennis ball and invincible to water or slobber, this tough little ball is ideal for the dog who wants to fetch for hours into the night. Perfect for summer as it is waterproof and even floats!

The Spotlit LED Collar Light is a fun and functional way to keep your dog visible at night. It attaches quickly and securely to your dog’s collar. You can choose from 6 colours making it easier to keep track of multiple pets or leave it cycling through all the colours in Disc-O Mode

RRP: $47.95 (from November 2017) at niteize.net.au/pet




This Tug-a-Jug™ interactive toy from PetSafe® will keep your dog engaged and motivated to play. 

The unique design lets dogs see, smell and hear the food or treats as they roll around in the jug. The attached rope is perfect for dogs who like to grab and shake their toys. The rope acts as a barrier to meter the amount of food that is dispensed.

The Tug-a-Jug™ is perfect for obedience training or slowing down meal times! 

Available in 3 sizes: Extra Small, Small, Medium/Large.

RRP: from $16.99 at
 store.intl.petsafe.net/en-au





These Peek-A-Boo toys from Charming Pet Products are sure to give your dog a surprise. Not only do these toys squeak, their paws also play peek-a-boo. 

This toy’s oversized squeaker continues to squeak when punctured so the fun continues! All toys contain K9 Tuff Guard which consists of non-rip canvas and double stitched seams (great for tough chewers)

This festive holiday squeaky dog toy is available as a Snowman, Penguin or Reindeer (43cm).

RRP: $29.99 from www.shop4pets.com.au





The PetSafe® Automatic Ball Launcher is an interactive way of playing fetch with your dog(s) that may save your arm! This water-resistant launcher is great for both indoor and outdoor use as you can adjust both the distance and angle settings.

Ideally, you will train your dog to return the ball directly into the launcher so that they can play by themselves. The best feature is the automatic rest mode (after 15 min) to ensure your dog does not get overworked if he's a little ball crazy!
The multiple built-in safety sensors will keep pets and people safe while playing fetch. 

RRP: $199.99 at www.petbarn.com.au and store.intl.petsafe.net





The key to living a happy life is to have a great sleep, and why not look good doing it! Sweet Pup creates bespoke pet furniture that will provide superior support and comfort for your dog whilst complementing your existing decor. 

The cover is waterproof and 100% UV proof for outdoor use. It is tailored by a professional upholster with materials selected from a leading textile company. All beds are handmade to order so allow up to 2 weeks for delivery. 

Available in 3 sizes (S/M/L) and 3 colours: Fingal Grey, Duke Beige or Charlie Brown.

RRP: from $295 at www.sweetpup.com.au





Never worry about your dog(s) running out of drinking water again with one of these automatically refilling stainless steel Pet Rehydration Stations!

Handmade in Australia from heavy duty stainless steel, these DK Stainless stations are indestructible and will last a lifetime. Because it's fixed to the wall, it is impossible for your pet(s) to tip it over and destroy. 


This station is suitable for most dog breeds, but if you need something bigger, check out their XL version and custom options which also include a pet feeding station.

RRP: from $295 at www.dkstainless.com.au   






The Outward Hound Fun Feeder Mat makes mealtime longer lasting and much more fun at home or on-the-goIt promotes natural eating habits by requiring dogs to forage for their food.

The flexible food safe rubber
creates a playful experience whilst the unique nonslip and flip resistant design ensures dogs enjoy their food at healthy pace. 

The flexible construction of the Fun Feeder Mats makes them ideal for dogs with shorter snouts that may have trouble eating out of other slow feeding bowls. The regular size (25.4cm x 2.5cm) can hold up to 4 cups of food.

RRP: $20.96 from www.dogtrainingproducts.com.au




Growlees dog collar charms are definitely for outspoken pups. These fun and stylish pet tag will let your dog do the talking!

Choose from Christmas themes like Happy Howleedays, Official Turkey Taster or Fleas Navidad or capture your pet’s changing moods (Less Talking, More Walking) with over 30 humorous tags to choose from in a range of colours!

Add one to your dog’s collar before you head to the dog park and watch people’s reaction when your pup tells them how he really feels…

RRP: $20.00
from www.lapdognation.com.au


Porthos' pick: Beary Merry Christmas bandana!
These very funky Aussie Christmas dog bandanas are brought to you by Perth-based The Sartorial Dog.

All dog bandanas are 100% cotton and reversible and you can choose from: 
Beary Merry Christmas
Aussie Christmas
Candy Cane Delight
Scandi Winter Wonderland

All dog bandanas come in a range of five sizes (from XS to XL).

RRP: $12-$20 (all designs) exclusively from The Sartorial Dog Etsy shop



These CafĂ© Collars by Melbourne-based designer Animals in Charge are lovingly handmade with experimental and locally sourced materials so each style is limited in its run. 

These make a special gift to your dog for daily wear or for special outings. Each collar is made from cotton (exterior) and polyester (core), sewn and hand riveted. The hardware is natural brass which will develop patina over time.

The collars come in 2 fabric choices: Navy or Pink Guatemalan Ikat and 3 sizes (Small, Medium, Large).


RRP: $49.95
from www.dogue.com.au   







Not every dog enjoys a dress-up however some pups appear to relish the extra attention when wearing a designer bandana, coat or a dog singlet!

Our Editor's pick for this year is the red Furry Christmas Dog Singlet by More Than Paws as it's made with a light cotton fabric, ideal for a summer Christmas. The red and white embroidered tree style pattern is also very classy. 

The racer back cut is perfect for large or small chesty dogs (e.g. Staffies, Boxers, French BulldogsPugsand makes it easy to put on.

Available in 7 sizes to suit most dog breeds from Chihuahuas up to German Shepherds etc.

RRP: $29.95 from www.morethanpaws.com.au  






The Bone-A-Fide dog grooming range was developed in Australia to relieve serious dog skin allergies. 

These dog shampoos and deodorisers are  formulated using only natural plant extracts like nettle or calendula, chosen for their soothing and moisturising properties.

Why not pamper your dog this Christmas? Choose from one of three Bone-A-Fide bundles which all include a Dog Shampoo and Deodoriser plus your choice of dog brush (tailored to your dog’s size, breed and hair length).

RRP: $74.85 from boneafidedogshampoo.com





Loyalty Pet Treats are made in Australia using their unique Nutrieseal™ system which dehydrates meat, fish, vegetables etc. to produce natural treats that seal in all the flavours!

This Christmas special will allow you to sample 6 of their best sellers: Chicken Nibbles / Lamb Jerky / Roo Liver (100g packs), 2 Meal Toppers (Pure Fish / Pure Lamb & Beef, both 200g packs) and Roo Ribs (3 pieces). Your dog may even forget to beg for a slice of turkey this year! 

RRP: $45.00 (free delivery within Australia) from loyaltypettreats.com.au 



Each beautifully presented Christmas Box by Laila and Me will contain a selection of 2 healthy dehydrated treats, 1 pack of biccies, 1 dog toy, a pack of 4 Christmas themed dog biccies (carob based so these will melt if left in extreme heat) plus 1 Christmas stocking to put them all in!

All treats and toys are selected at random, however if your dog has specific allergies or is fussy, please contact the company directly and they will be more than happy to assist. 
You will need to pre-order with boxes being sent from the first week in December.

RRP: $60 (free shipping in Australia) from www.lailaandme.com.au







We love baking our own Christmas pudding (which we can’t share as it contains alcohol, sultanas and other foods toxic for dogs) so why not create these special treats for your pooches?

The Santa Paws Pudding Kit from the Mix & Bake Easy Peasy range makes approx. 24 paw-shaped carob and cranberry mini puddings. 


This kit comes complete with vanilla yoghurt for topping and 24 red jelly beans for decoration plus a paw print cutter is included in the kit!

RRP: $22.99 (makes approx. 24 small biscuits). 

Available from Petbarn, Best Friends, Just For Pets stores as well as independents.





Because no Christmas feast would be complete without drinks, this pack of L’Barkery's 100% natural dog beverages is the perfect finish!

Your dog will love the all natural beef flavours of the Paw Blonde Doggie Beer with glucosamine for healthy joints! If your dog is into mocktails, he'll love Barkeraide with its fruity flavours of coconut, strawberry and mango, which provides essential electrolytes.
The Puppicino Shot is made with condensed cultured skim milk, yoghurt, maize corn flour, coconut blossom and natural vanilla flavour! 

Drinks come in a powdered form so you just need to add water and shake! They also work as frozen icy treats or sprinkled on food.

RRP: $10 (beverage value pack) from www.pupswhoparty.com.au      


Not sure what to buy for the dog lover(s) in your life (or yourself!)? 
Why not check out our "Top 15 Christmas Gifts for Dog Lovers" for some inspiration!


Disclaimer: this is not a sponsored post nor am I, in any way, affiliated with the above companies. Products selected reflect our own personal tastes.