PET CARE INSIGHTS

The Pet CareJournal

Expert tips and heartfelt advice to help your furry friends live their happiest, healthiest lives.

Big MikeYour Local Pet Care Expert

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Lancaster County

⭐ Featured Article

Pet Care Tips5 min read

How to Prepare Your Pet for a Pet Sitter Visit

First-time hiring a pet sitter in Elizabethtown or Lancaster County? Learn proven tips to prepare your dog or cat for an in-home pet sitting visit so they feel calm and comfortable.

June 15, 2025Read Article

"Big Mike has been a lifesaver for our family. Max gets so excited when he sees Mike's car pull up. The daily updates with photos give us such peace of mind when we're traveling."

Sarah M.

Pet parent to Max

Latest Articles

Dog Care

6 min readJune 1, 2025

7 Signs Your Dog Needs More Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Is your dog destructive, restless, or gaining weight? Recognize these 7 warning signs and learn how a professional dog walker in Elizabethtown and Lancaster County can help.

Cat Care

5 min readMay 15, 2025

Cat Sitting 101: Keeping Your Cat Happy While You're Away

Cats need daily care even when you travel. Professional cat sitting tips to keep your feline happy and stress-free at home in Elizabethtown and Lancaster County PA.

Pet Travel

7 min readMay 1, 2025

Traveling With Your Pet vs. Hiring a Pet Sitter: What's Best?

Should you bring your pet on vacation or hire a sitter? Compare pros and cons of pet travel vs. in-home pet sitting in Lancaster County to find the best option.

Pet Health

5 min readApril 15, 2025

How to Make Giving Your Pet Medication Easier

Struggling to give your dog or cat their medication? Professional pet sitter shares proven tricks to make pill time and liquid meds stress-free. Serving Lancaster County PA.

Pet Care Tips

6 min readApril 1, 2025

10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Pet Sitter

Hiring a pet sitter for the first time? Ask these 10 critical questions about experience, emergency plans, and services to find a trustworthy sitter in Lancaster County PA.

Dog Care

6 min readFebruary 10, 2026

Best Dog Walking Trails in Elizabethtown PA

Discover the best dog-friendly trails and parks in Elizabethtown and Lancaster County PA. Local spots for walking, hiking, and exercising your dog year-round.

Pet Care Tips

5 min readFebruary 8, 2026

Holiday Pet Sitting in Lancaster County: Why Your Pet Deserves a Sitter

Traveling for the holidays? Learn why in-home pet sitting beats boarding during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year in Lancaster County PA.

Dog Care

6 min readFebruary 5, 2026

Senior Dog Care: 8 Tips to Keep Your Aging Dog Comfortable

Help your senior dog live their best life with these 8 practical tips from a professional pet sitter in Elizabethtown PA. Covers exercise, diet, mobility, and more.

Pet Care Tips

7 min readFebruary 1, 2026

Overnight Pet Sitting vs Boarding: Which Is Right for Your Pet?

Comparing overnight in-home pet sitting to boarding kennels. Pros, cons, and costs to help Lancaster County pet owners make the best choice.

Pet Health

6 min readJanuary 28, 2026

Pet First Aid Basics Every PA Pet Owner Should Know

Essential pet first aid skills for dog and cat owners in Pennsylvania. Learn how to handle common emergencies before the vet arrives.

Dog Care

8 min readFebruary 17, 2026

Best Dog Parks and Walking Trails in Lancaster County PA

Discover the best dog-friendly parks and walking trails across Lancaster County PA. From Long's Park to Middle Creek, find the perfect spot for your pup.

Pet Care Tips

7 min readFebruary 16, 2026

How Much Does Pet Sitting Cost in Lancaster PA? (2026 Guide)

Compare pet sitting costs in Lancaster County PA. Breakdown of rates, what's included, and how local prices compare to Rover and Care.com averages.

Pet Care Tips

7 min readFebruary 15, 2026

How to Find a Reliable Pet Sitter in Lancaster PA

Looking for a trustworthy pet sitter in Lancaster PA? Learn what to ask, red flags to watch for, and why local sitters outperform app-based services.

Pet Travel

8 min readFebruary 14, 2026

Pet-Friendly Activities and Places in Lancaster County PA

Your guide to dog-friendly restaurants, parks, trails, pet stores, and events across Lancaster County PA. Bring your furry friend along!

Pet Care Tips

9 min readFebruary 20, 2026

Moving to Lancaster PA with Pets: Complete Guide

Relocating to Lancaster County with your dog or cat? Find pet-friendly neighborhoods, vet recommendations, parks, registration requirements, and settling-in tips.

Pet Health

7 min readFebruary 20, 2026

Emergency Pet Care Resources in Lancaster County PA

Know where to go when your pet has an emergency. Lancaster County emergency vet clinics, poison control, and what to do when every minute counts.

Dog Care

8 min readFebruary 20, 2026

Dog Walking Trails Beyond Elizabethtown: Lancaster County Edition

Explore the best dog-friendly trails across Lancaster County PA. Chickies Rock, Middle Creek, Warwick Park, Governor Dick, and Conewago Trail hiking guides.

Pet Care Tips

7 min readFebruary 20, 2026

Why Choose a Local Pet Sitter Over Rover or Wag

App vs local: Compare platform fees, vetting, insurance, personal relationships, and accountability. Why Lancaster County pet owners choose local sitters.

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