The Fairy Petmum

01/06/2026

28/05/2026

Let’s talk about the “magica hand.”

Well meaning people reach out their hand so a dog can sniff and make friends. For some dogs, that is fine. For others, it is the fastest way to get bitten.

A reaching hand can:
• Feel invasive
• Reduce distance
• Corner the dog
• Predict restraint

Some dogs have learned that biting makes the hand go away quickly.

A better option:
Allow the dog to approach if they choose.
Ignore them until they initiate affiliative behavior.
Watch body language carefully.

And if:
🚫 You are unsure about what you are seeing
🚫 There is a bite history
🚫 Handling is not necessary

Walking away is the safest choice.

Preventing bites is often about reducing unnecessary pressure.


Dog Illustrations by The Drawables, Owned By: Liz V.

24/05/2026

13/05/2026

06/05/2026

🐾 POSTING WITH MY CLIENTS PERMISSION 🐾

I’ve had a message from one of my clients today. I know it’s a bank holiday but I am always available for my clients whenever they need me.

I was unable to look after my clients dog due to other plans so she went with another dog sitter. This sitter was a young girl (in her 20s) who has recently set up her business. Her business page gives her bio, her experience with her own pets, & that she has insurance ✔️

However, no mention of a DBS check, canine first aid, any relevant qualifications, any experience with animals other than her own cats & dogs.

After confirming the booking, the dog carer asked if she could take the dog with her on a day out she had previously arranged - my clients agreed reluctantly as she had to work so needed dog care for the full day.

After the full day out, the carer advised my client that the pup was very strong on his lead, nearly pulled someone else over, & was approaching other dogs and would end up getting bitten.

The pup involved is still just a small / medium sized young dog (less than 12 months old) and is still in training and learning their social skills around new people & dogs. They were understandably excited, & from the sound of it went into sensory overdrive - new scents, new carer, new people, new dogs, new environment, a car journey in a different vehicle……

This is why it’s so important to research your dog day care / pet sitter.

🐾 meet & greet is ESSENTIAL so all parties including your dogs are happy with the arrangement
🐾 experience with dogs of all shapes, sizes & temperaments ensure your dog is in experienced hands
🐾 dog day cares / home boarders are legally required to hold a licence. This involves a visit from the local authority to check the premises are suitable, & lots of practices are in place - space, sanitation, cleaning regime, paperwork…..
🐾 canine first aid qualification - whilst not legally required unbelievably - should ideally be held. Accidents happen in the most careful of circumstances & sometimes first aid administered can be life saving
🐾 a DBS check, again whilst not a legal obligation, gives added peace of mind to owners that there are no reasons for your carer not to look after your dog, as well as potentially enter your home
🐾 if anyone else is involved in the dogs care are they relevantly qualified & insured?
🐾 part of the role of the carer is to ensure the dog is always safe in any environment and have control over the dog.
🐾 if your dogs carer is taking the dog to a new environment is your dog mature enough to cope with this, particularly if it’s for a longer period - will they be able to have much needed quiet time & a space to decompress? Has the carer properly researched it is dog friendly & suitable?
🐾 don’t be afraid to ask questions - you are trusting someone with a member of your family and are within your rights to. A good dog carer will not be offended, they will be grateful that you care for your dog as much as you do ❤️

07/04/2026

05/03/2026

Welcome to the crew Piff.
Sweet little lady boss

20/02/2026

Nobody talks about this part of running a pet business…
Not the puppy cuddles.
Not the cute photos.
Not the “living the dream” comments.
I’m talking about the quiet pressure behind the scenes.
🐾Checking your phone constantly in case a client messages
🐾Saying yes when you’re exhausted because you need the income
🐾Feeling guilty taking a day off
🐾Working evenings doing admin after a full day on your feet
🐾Wondering if next month will be busy or painfully quiet
🐾Trying to look confident when you actually feel unsure

From the outside, it can look easy.
From the inside, it can feel like carrying everything alone.
If you’ve ever thought,
“Why does this feel harder than I expected?”
You’re not failing. You’re just doing it without a support system.

That’s exactly why I created a community where pet businesses can talk openly, ask questions, share wins, and get real support from people who actually understand this industry.

You don’t have to figure it all out on your own….
Come and join us - you’ll fit right in ⬇️

https://www.facebook.com/groups/sampets/

19/02/2026

19/02/2026

If it can survive a Malinois in mud, it can survive your Wednesday.

Oscar looking exceptionally proud of himself after a properly wet, puddle-heavy walk.

Emma S.A.M Pet Services put the Splash Lead through its paces - and when a professional dog walker chooses something for all-weather work, that says a lot.

Waterproof isn’t about trends.

It’s about not carrying yesterday’s swamp home with you.
It’s about kit that doesn’t start smelling like regret.

Emma said:
“Yesterday’s walk was very wet… the proper muddy, puddle jumping kind. As a dog walker, I love kit that just works in all weathers. This one’s waterproof, doesn’t hold smells and wipes clean in seconds…”

Dog walkers choose practicality.
Owners benefit from it.

Built for real walks. Not showroom floors.