Louanne Sylvestre knows that leaving a pet at home for any extended amount of time brings that sinking feeling of guilt to owners.
It is something she hopes her new mobile business Woofin’ Good Times will be able to alleviate by offering services such as pet visits and dog walking to people away from their home and pet.
“Anyone with a pet that works long hours or even has an extended period of time away from them at home once and awhile gets that guilty feeling. I hope to relieve that guilt,” said Sylvestre, owner of Woofin’ Good Times.
A recent animal well-being report conducted by the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals, an organization that provides free treatments to sick and injured pets, outlined dogs need plenty of company and it is important that they are not routinely left on their own for more than four hours a day, depending on age. They said long periods of alone time brings lonely, distressed and bored dogs. That leads to a wide range of behavioural issues including destructive behaviours and separation anxiety.
“If your dogs need a walk while you’re busy all day at work, we’ll look after that for you. If you are travelling, we will come to your house to check on your pet and feed and walk them. If you are looking to get your pet to the groomer, vet or another preferred location we will be there with a pet taxi at your door,” said Sylvestre, adding she is not a trainer so dogs must be socialized and of good behaviour.
Woofin’ Good Times is licensed and insured to offer pet services from Penticton to Oliver. Sylvestre said with the help of Community Futures self-employment program she was able to start up her dream profession.
“My goal is for Woofin’ Good Times to bring peace of mind to people who have busy lifestyles and do not have time to exercise and socialize their pets as much as they desire,” said Sylvestre. “It is so rewarding for me to be able to work with animals and provide this service.”
As spring approaches, the idea of going outside to clean up after a long winter is a time consuming and not so pleasant experience for many people. Sylvestre said one of Woofin’ Good Times services is pet waste removal in private yards, multi-family condos, apartment complexes, doggy daycares, kennels or any other commercial units.
Woofin’ Good Times can be contacted at 250-488-7443 or by email at woofingoodtimes@shaw.ca to arrange for a consultation or for information on services and rates.