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Parrot-Centric Pet SittingBoarding Services
Frequently Asked Questions
We are bonded, insured, and recommended.
Our sitters are savvy parrot professionals: rescuers, vet techs, zookeepers, professional bird trainers, and behaviorists.
Parrot-Centric Pet Sitting
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Before we begin care of your animal(s), we visit you in your home. We take copious notes while you tell us all about your friend(s), their health history, and their normal routine. Our prelim visit is a MUST to see the animal interact in its own environment. This helps us to care for your pal in the least intrusive way, allowing us to keep as much of a regular routine as possible. (Keeping a routine is key to reducing stress on your pet at this strange time when you are away.) Once we set up your account, you can call us anytime (give us as much notice as possible, please!) to pet sit. First-time clients must pre-pay their services. Once you are a repeat customer, you may pay 50% up front, 50% upon return. On each visit, we stay at least an hour and can let you know what we did and how your animal reacted to us/its treatment. We can tell you what they ate, how much, any curious or interesting behaviors, and what medications were administered monitor weight, and much much more. |
And we are parrot-centric, which means that we know how to handle birds, detect their illnesses, and focus on their needs. Rather than leaving them in the cage, we offer showers, singing and dancing, fun and games. We can bring stuff from The Squawk Store with no delivery fee (plus, as a Squawk and Howl customer, you get 10% off!)
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Squawk and Howl loves and understands birds- our staff has socialized/tamed and rehabilitated
birds ourselves! We know that daily proper diet goes beyond seeds and
water. We know what a bird-proofed play area looks like. And we ensure
that willing, tame birds get daily out of cage supervised flight and exercise time, baths, and interactive
play. We also do all the other things pet sitters do (change food and
supplements, rotate toys, clean cage). |
 We can easily deal with aggressive or fearful birds! |
On every visit, we offer you and your bird:
1. clean, nutritious food that is appropriate for your bird
2. fresh water
3. a safe, bird-proofed place to get out of their cage
4. exercise- supervised flight and exercise, climbing, wing flapping, games
5. handling and training (if desired)
6. cage liner change & poop/organic waste removal
7. handmade, organic, fresh diets &/or treats, or new toys (optional and extra)
We can also offer:
* as many showers or baths as your bird desires
* complete cage renovation: steam cleaning, disinfection, rehabbed with new toys, perches, etc.
* cage, perch, and toy cleaning (we use avian safe cleaners)
* toy rotation
*10% discounts at The Squawk Store (and free delivery when we are sitting for you!)
* hand feeding of babies
*daily weigh-ins
* medication administration
*foraging enrichments
and much much more. Tell us about your needs and we will try and meet and exceed them.
Go to the "contact us" page to set up your account by arranging a prelim visit. Arranging for pet sitting is like finding a good vet- its best done in advance and shows that you are a responsible animal caregiver.
Boarding Services
On principle, we do not offer boarding to just anyone. We only offer boarding to people that have temporary situations where
keeping the bird in its current home is dangerous (such as remodeling, fumigation or in the case of a move). From a parrot
behavior standpoint, pet sitting (where someone comes into the home and cares for your bird in its familiar safe environment)
is leaps and bounds above boarding. Boarding should be a last option, as it is not as preferable as sitting for the parrot's
welfare.
When their flock "disappears" (travels) it is important to keep other things (like location) as constant as
possible. Taking your bird to a store for boarding is little better than warehousing your bird- sitting it on a shelf
gathering dust (and depression). Having worked in "GOOD" boarding facilIties, I can tell you that even the "best" ones make horrible
mistakes. I have seen improper diets given, medications forgotten, injuries, and no cage-free time (even when promised).
At a store,
because of the sheer volume of birds they take in (I am not talking about their intentions, just the results), they are more likely to make mistakes.
And boarding at a vets could mean exposure to illness and all the stress that is associated with being at the vets the entire time you are away.
This is also an ideal service for a bird with special needs that needs attentive assistance more than a once or twice a day pet sitter can provide.
This is why we offer LIMITED in-home boarding in a flock setting. While nothing can compare to you and your flock, we offer a home
setting with lots of birdie play areas, fresh organic species appropriate food, and a clean safe environment for your bird to be while they cannot be at home.
Space is limited and can only be held for birds that have had an avian vet check up and clean lab work in the last 3 months. Email us with your needs and let's talk!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is sitting better? Why not just board my bird at a store or the vet?
Why not just hire ANY pet sitter? Why do I need a bird-centric one?
How is Squawk and Howl different from other sitters?
Why should I hire someone when my friend/neighbor/cousin can stop by?
Cleaners that we use (& don't use)
Services above & beyond the ordinary...
Why do you charge for a prelim visit?
I have more than birds. How will my other animals do in your care?
What do you do when the birds are out? What is "socialization"?
Why won't you do a "drop by" visit for my birds, cats, or dogs?
What do you require to become a Squawk and Howl pet sitting or boarding client?
Why not just board my bird at a vet or store?
When you board a social animal like a parrot, dog, or cat you are not doing what is necessarily
best for the animal- just what is most convenient for you as a human. Doesn't your animal
companion deserve better?
Boarding can be traumatic- shy & prey animals are overwhelmed by the noise, unfamiliar sights
and sounds of the boarding facility. Many parrots pluck at this time, pick up bad habits (like
screaming), or have constant stress diarrhea.
Boarding exposes an animal to unecessary health risks, too. Is every single animal being boarded
disease and illness free? How do you know for sure?
Many boarding facilities are little more than "warehousing" your animal to a crate, pen, or cage the entire time that you are gone.
And what about your pet's emotional needs? Will your parrot get cage-free time, fun and games?
Will your dog play fetch and run free in the park? Will your kitty get lap time?
Hire Squawk and Howl, so your animals stay in their home, safe and happy!
Sure, boarding is a cheaper alternative when you go out of town. But you get what you pay for.
There are many reasons why a bird sitter is preferable to boarding:
1. Exposure to illness & disease. How much money (not to mention heartache) are you saving when your bird
comes down with an illness they were exposed to while being boarded? Don't get us wrong, there are times boarding
is needed (house remodeling, for example). If that is your situation, contact us about exclusive limited boarding services.
2. Less stress and a familiar environment. Parrots are prey animals that need familiar surroundings to feel secure.
They get stressed out when you change their surroundings. Leaving your parrot in its own cage, in its familiar surroundings
(toys, playgym, food) is much better for your bird's mental well-being.
And when you hire Squawk and Howl, you get even more than that! We additionally offer:
-Cage-free time and one-on-one socialization.
-showers or baths
-Videos taken of your pets while you are away & emailed to you.
-A sitter who KNOWS birds:
-knows how they hide their illnesses.
-what poop should look like.
-how to play with and scritch a bird.
-what a healthy diet is.
-and what cleaners are OK to use around birds, and more!
Why not just hire ANY pet sitter? Why do I need a parrot-centric one?
Those of us with companion parrots know that they are flock animals- social creatures who NEED companionship for their
well-being.
At Squawk and Howl, we know that bird sitting should be more than chucking food into a dish, scrubbing off excess poop, and
changing the water.
We also know that sitting for social animals like dogs and cats means more than a quick spin around the block and the
scooping of poop from the litter box.
At Squawk and Howl, of course we provide basic care- but more than that, we provide companionship, affection, and
interaction. That's why we started this business! We wanted a service that we, ourselves, would be happy to hire. A service
that spent TIME with needy and lonely animals when their human companions are away- one that met emotional needs as well as
physical ones.
Squawk and Howl spends time with your pet. Our minimum visit for social animals is one hour. For birds, this allows cage-free
time,
games and toy play, baths or showers, and more.
For dogs, it's more than a quick walk around the block. It means companionship- games, lap time, and
time to play in the park.
For cats, it means games, treats, petting, and lap time.
Additionally, parrots have special needs and body language that is not as obvious to people who have no experience with them.
This leads to a fearful sitter (or friend or neighbor) leaving Polly in her cage the entire time that you are gone. Doesn't
s/he deserve better? Hire Squawk and Howl. We know birds!
How is Squawk and Howl different from other sitters?
If your house doesn't have parrots, chances are you'd be just fine with the infinite number of professional cat
sitters/dog walkers out there. But if you have parrots, there's really only one way to go- Squawk and Howl!
Those of us with companion parrots know that they are flock animals- social creatures who NEED companionship for their well-being. At Squawk and Howl, we know that bird sitting should be more than chucking food into a dish, scrubbing off excess poop, and changing the water.
We also know that sitting for social animals like dogs and cats means more than a quick spin around the block and the scooping of poop from the litter box.
At Squawk and Howl, of course we provide basic care- but more than that, we provide companionship, affection, and interaction. That's why we started this business! We wanted a service that we, ourselves, would be happy to hire. A service that spent TIME with needy and lonely animals when their human companions are away- one that met emotional needs as well as physical ones.
Squawk and Howl spends time with your pet. Our minimum visit for social animals is one hour. For birds, this allows cage-free time, games and toy play, baths or showers, and more.
For dogs, it's more than a quick walk around the block. It means companionship- games, lap time, and time to play in the park.
For cats, it means games, treats, petting, and lap time.
Additionally, parrots have special needs and body language that is not as obvious to people who have no experience with them. This leads to a fearful sitter (or friend or neighbor) leaving Polly in her cage the entire time that you are gone. Doesn't s/he deserve better? Hire Squawk and Howl. We know birds!
We specialize in households with companion parrots. While we know and love other animals, we are a boutique service
that caters specifically to the needs of companion parrots. We can help you, whether you have one bird, a flock, or a zoo-
birds and other animals!
We are professionals who are paid to spend time at your home. We don't just "run inside in our spare time". We make the
time! We only accept a limited number of clients per day so that each client's animals get their deserved time.
We can help you with bird-centric services that other sitters may not offer: socialization & behavioral advice, clipping
nails & wing feathers, organic bird-tasty diets and/or treats, specially created toys for YOUR bird, videos and photos
emailed to
you while you are away, and other assistance (de-toxifying your home or steam cleaning a cage, for example).
We support rescue: we donate money to The Oasis, rehome and rescue birds ourselves, and give discounts to adoptive & foster families of rescue birds!
Why should I hire someone when my friend/neighbor/cousin can stop by?
Pet Sitters are professionals that clear their schedule for your animals- they don't just fit
them in "when they can" or "drop by" for a few minutes. The service is worth paying for, because pet sitters are
knowledgeable in pet care, first aid, behavior, and more. They are better able to care for your animals quite simply,
because they are specialists. Professional pet sitters are bonded and insured and come recommended.
Is your neighbor a trained professional that knows animals, their signs of illness, and behaviors?
Do they understand parrots and prey animals hide their signs of illness & injury?
Do they fear your parrot? Will they let it out of its cage or will it be trapped your entire vacation?
You do not need to worry when you hire a pet sitter- your animals will get excellent care, time spent with them,
and their health will be closely monitored. Can you guarantee that cousin Bobby can get all that right?
Hire Squawk and Howl, so your animals stay in their home, safe and happy!
Cleaners that we use (& don't use)
Companion birds are more susceptible to toxins that humans keep and use in their homes. That's why we only use
natural, avian safe cleaning supplies when working in your home. We will not use known avian toxins around your birds, and
will ensure no one else will, in your absence either! Our daily mild dinsinfectant and anti-bacterial of choice is organic
apple cider vinegar and a scrub brush. We also use:
Bio-O-Kleen Produce Wash
Unbleached Recycled Paper Towels
All Natural Unscented Baby Wipes
Nature's Miracle
Poop-Off
Oxyfresh Cleaning Gele
Because we care, we will also alert you to any toxins we see in your home that could adversely affect the health of your birds. All in a day's work!
Services above & beyond the ordinary...
Non-toxic, bird safe cleaning supplies
Videos and photos taken of your animals, emailed to you while you are away
Organic treats and/or diets delivered
Custom built toys delivered
Cage-free time
One-on-one socialization for parrots
Wing and nail clipping
Handfeeding sick or baby birds
Medicating sick animals
Steam cleaning cages
Why do you charge for a prelim visit?
In order to come out and do a bang-up job for you, we need to spend some time getting to know you, your preferences, and
the animals in our charge. A "prelim visit" is our way of doing that, and it takes an hour of your time- and at least two
(most likely more) of ours. It means foregoing seeing a client and making the time for you.
We are professionals that charge for our services because they are, frankly, exemplary (if we do say so ourselves!).
When you compare everything that you get with Squawk and Howl versus a service that does not charge for their prelim
visits, we think you'll agree- you get what you pay for.
I have more than birds. How will my other animals do in your care?
We love all animals and we take their care just as seriously as we do companion parrots. Our sitters have veritable zoos
themselves! Many of our clients have multi-species households, too. And they are pleased as punch with the care.
What do you do when the birds are out? What is "socialization"?
Parrots are flock animals that need group activities to feel happy. These activities include eating, sleeping, foraging, bathing,
playing, allopreening, and noisemaking, among other things. These are the activities we will do your bird- singing, whistling, interactive
games and/or toy play, watching cartoons, reading to your bird, showers, removing pesky pin feather sheaths, or eating as a "flock".
Why won't you do a "drop by" visit for my birds, cats, or dogs?
A "drop by" visit is one we do ONLY for non-social animals (like reptiles or fish, or aviaries of non-parrot birds like finches).
Since we spend less time in the
home for these animals, we charge less for the visit. We offer this service to households without companion parrots,
cats, or dogs. Why not "drop by" a house with social animals? Because we believe in a higher standard of care. We want
to meet these animals emotional needs as well as their physical ones.
What do you require to become a Squawk and Howl pet sitting or boarding client?
In order to use Squawk and Howl, there are a few items that need to be arranged (for your pet's safety and
comfort) first:
1. We must set up a "preliminary visit", where we will take notes about each animal to be in our care. (If you expand your family after that first visit, a quick form needs to be filled out on your new addition). We also get a feel for your animal's routines, how you care for them (we want their care to be as close to yours as possible!), and where you keep supplies. This visit takes about an hour of your time. The cost of this visit and account set up is a one-time fee of $30.00. Once you are in our system, you may call upon us for services anytime! (Please give us as much notice as you can.)
2. All animals must be current with their vaccinations and vet care (we just need copies of their records from you or the vet for confirmation).
3. All furry animals must be flea-free or on a flea prevention program (like Advantage). All birds must be screened for diseases and disease free. We will take clients whose birds have diseases only if we are not caring for other clients that day (in order to properly disinfect bodies, clothing, and supplies.) A "disease surcharge" of will apply, as we will be forgoing other clients while we care for that bird. We reserve the right to refuse service to birds with diseases during high-need times (like the winter holidays).
5. All necessary supplies must be provided unless arranged and paid for in advance: food, litter, leash and collar with ID (for outdoor jaunts), carrier (for vet/groomer visits or emergencies), cleaning supplies, newspapers, etc.
6. In order to allow your bird cage-free exercise and socialization, it needs to be tame and interact with strangers well. Occasional nips are always to be expected, but the bird should be well socialized in general. Please note: some birds are shy with strangers. We will do our utmost to give your bird cage-free time.
7. If your animals have regular medical care that requires medications, all prescriptions and supplies must be available to our sitters before you leave.
8. New accounts must pay for their first visit in advance, existing accounts can pay up to 50% of their fees up to 10 days after services are rendered.
9. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone, particularly people we think do not take proper care of their animals.
10. Boarders must have written proof/results of exam and lab work (blood chem, CBC, and gram stain) from an approved avian vet within three months prior to boarding dates. It must be in our possession and verified BEFORE a bird arrives to us.
