Blog - Paws And Pastures Pet Care

05Nov 2025 by pawsandpastures

Reasonable Expectations to Have for a Farm Sitter

Farm Visits

When you invite a farm sitter to care for your animals and property, you’re trusting someone to step into your daily routine and keep everything running smoothly while you’re away. The best way to set your sitter and your animals up for success is by having reasonable expectations and making sure everything is clearly organized, labeled, and easy to manage. Label Everything Clearly Even the most experienced farm sitter won’t know your setup like you do. It’s your barn, but you’re inviting in someone who isn’t familiar with its quirks, layout, or routines. To avoid confusion, label all feeds, supplements, and medications clearly, and keep them in an easily accessible place. Use simple written instructions that outline feeding amounts, times, and any special notes (for example, “Give after grain” or…

16Oct 2025 by pawsandpastures

Why Booking Your Overnight Pet Care Early Matters

Pet sitting, Tips and Tricks

If you’re planning a trip, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a much-needed vacation, one of the best things you can do for both you and your pets is to reserve your overnight pet care as early as possible. At the farm, we pride ourselves on providing personalized, attentive care. That means we intentionally keep our schedule small so every animal gets the time and attention they deserve. But because we’re a small-scale operation, our calendar fills up quickly especially around holidays, long weekends, and school breaks. I will always do my best to accommodate last-minute requests when something unexpected comes up. Life happens! But even when there’s a chance of availability, current clients always get priority. Those who book in advance ensure their spot is secure and their pets…

23Sep 2025 by pawsandpastures

How to Leave Clear Pet Care Instructions for Your Sitter While You’re on Vacation

Pet sitting, Tips and Tricks

When you’re heading out on vacation, your pets’ comfort and safety are top priorities. Hiring a pet sitter is a great way to ensure your furry (or feathered!) friends stay happy at home, but one of the most important things you can do is leave clear, written instructions. Even the most experienced pet sitter can only follow what they know and many pet parents unintentionally leave out essential details. A little preparation goes a long way toward avoiding confusion, unnecessary interruptions during your trip, or worse, stress for your pets. Here’s how to create easy-to-follow instructions for your pet sitter: 1. Write It Out and Leave It in a Visible Spot Always write your instructions down and leave them on the kitchen counter or another obvious location. Even if you’ve…

05Sep 2025 by pawsandpastures

Farm Visits Aren’t Just for the Big Animals

Farm Visits

When most people think of farm sitting, they imagine caring for large animals, horses, cattle, or donkeys. But from my experience, farm visits are just as important for the smaller residents who keep a farm lively and full of personality. Whether it’s feeding goats, checking on chickens, or giving a pony some well-earned grooming time, the “little things” add up to peace of mind for farm owners. That’s where professional Westminster farm sitting makes all the difference. Feeding the Goats: Quirky Personalities and Breeds Goats are some of the most entertaining animals to care for. Each breed has its own quirks, and I’ve come to know them well on my farm visits. The playful Nigerian Dwarfs are always curious, sniffing at pockets to see if I’m hiding a treat. Nubians,…

18Aug 2025 by pawsandpastures

Farm Sitting in Rocky Ridge, MD: Caring for Five Lovely Mares

Farm Visits

One of the joys of offering farm sitting in Rocky Ridge, MD is getting to spend time on properties full of history, beauty, and character. Recently, I had the chance to care for five lovely mares on a picturesque farm tucked away at the end of a long country lane. The owners even drew me a map to help navigate the fields, a thoughtful detail that added to the charm of the experience. The herd was split between two pastures: two mares in one field and three in another. As someone who has always been partial to mares, I was delighted to care for this group. My responsibilities for the day included making sure each horse was in the proper pasture, checking and refreshing water, and doing a wellness check…

07Aug 2025 by pawsandpastures

From Shy to Snuggly: How I Build Trust with Nervous Pets

Pet sitting

When you’re searching for dog sitting near Mount Airy, MD, it’s not just about finding someone to feed and walk your pup, it’s about trusting someone with a member of your family. This becomes especially true when your pet is a little more reserved, anxious, or slow to warm up. Whether they’re a senior dog set in their ways or a rescue pup still learning to feel safe, my gentle, patient approach is designed to meet them exactly where they are. Every Pet Has a Story Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of caring for animals of all ages and backgrounds, many of whom arrive shy, unsure, and in need of extra reassurance. Some have been recently adopted from shelters, while others are aging companions dealing with the uncertainty…

02Aug 2025 by pawsandpastures

Why Farm Sleepover Dogs Need to Be Truly Cat-Friendly

Farm Visits

Why Farm Sleepover Dogs Need to Be Truly Cat-FriendlyRespecting the Cats Who Call the Farm Home When dogs come to stay at our farm for a cozy overnight visit, they’re stepping into a home that already belongs to two very important residents: our cats. These two farm cats are more than just passing shadows on the porch, they’re confident, curious, and completely at ease in their home territory. They’re used to the comings and goings of visiting dogs and are not likely to run and hide. In fact, they’ll often stand their ground if a dog approaches, and once they feel safe, they may even want to get to know the dog better. That’s why it’s absolutely essential that any dog staying at the farm is truly cat-friendly. What Does…

22Jul 2025 by pawsandpastures

What to Pack for Your Dog’s Daycare or Farm Stay

Farm Visits, Tips and Tricks

Helpful Tips from Your Trusted Pet Sitter in Westminster Leaving your pup in someone else's care, whether it's just for the day or for an overnight farm stay, can come with a lot of questions. As your go-to pet sitter in Westminster, I’m here to make the transition smooth, stress-free, and even fun for your dog. One of the best ways to set your pet up for a successful stay is to pack the right items. Here's a handy guide to help you prepare for daycare drop-offs or longer visits to the farm. Food & Treats Just like us, dogs feel their best when sticking to their regular diet. Please pack: Enough food for the duration of their stay (plus a little extra, just in case) Any special treats they’re…

17Jul 2025 by pawsandpastures

Basil the Basset Hound’s Farm Sleepover Adventure

Pet sitting

I recently had the pleasure of hosting the adorable Basil the Basset Hound for an overnight stay at our cozy, pet-friendly farm and what a delight she was! From the moment Basil arrived, she brought her signature low slung charm and soulful eyes to every corner of the farm. After a little time to sniff around and get her bearings, she settled in beautifully and made herself right at home. One of Basil’s favorite things? A good old-fashioned game of tug! Whether it was a rope toy or a soft plush, she lit up with enthusiasm every time we played. She’s got a surprising amount of strength packed into that squat little frame, and we had a blast going back and forth. When we weren’t playing tug, we enjoyed some…

11Jul 2025 by pawsandpastures

Farm Sleepovers: No-Kennel Boarding in Carroll County

Pet sitting

When you’re searching for a pet sitter in Carroll County, you want more than just a place to leave your dog, you want peace of mind. That’s exactly what you’ll find with our Farm Sleepovers: a cozy, no-kennel boarding experience that feels more like leaving your pet with a trusted friend or family member than a traditional boarding facility. Located on our quiet, pet-friendly farm in Union Bridge, MD, your pets will stay in a relaxed, home-like environment, far from the stress of loud, crowded kennels. We believe in no kennel boarding because we know how important it is for pets to feel safe, secure, and loved while you're away. Here’s what sets us apart:Private Stays – We only host pets from the same family at a time, ensuring your…