How to Choose the Best In-Home Pet Care in Cherry Hill, NJ

Finding the right pet care provider is a big decision. Your dog or cat is family. You want someone dependable, kind, and comfortable caring for your pet in your home.

For families in Cherry Hill, Maple Shade, Pennsauken, Mount Laurel, Marlton, Burlington, Deptford, and nearby New Jersey communities, in-home pet care can be a wonderful choice. Your pet stays in familiar surroundings. You get personal support. And daily care feels a little easier.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing the best provider for your pet.

Start with your pet’s needs

Every pet is different.

Some dogs need a midday walk and a little playtime. Some cats are happiest with a quiet visit, a fresh meal, and a clean litter box. Senior pets may need medication, extra supervision, or help recovering after an illness.

Before you contact a provider, make a short list of what your pet needs:

• Dog walking
• Feeding and fresh water
• Playtime and companionship
• Litter box or yard cleanup
• Medication reminders or administration
• Nail trimming and grooming
• Post-surgical or recovery support
• Monitoring for changes in appetite, movement, or behavior
• Updates while you are away

It also helps to write down your pet’s personality. Are they shy? Energetic? Nervous around strangers? Sensitive about their paws? A good caregiver will want to know these details.

Personal care starts with paying attention.

Look for care that comes to your pet

One of the biggest benefits of in-home pet care is that your pet does not have to leave home.

There is no car ride. No busy waiting room. No unfamiliar kennel or crowded grooming space. Your pet can follow their normal routine in the place where they feel most comfortable.

This can be especially helpful for:

• Nervous or anxious pets
• Senior dogs and cats
• Pets recovering from surgery or illness
• Pets who do not travel well
• Multi-pet households
• Animals who prefer quiet, familiar surroundings

Staying home does not mean your pet misses out on attention. With one-on-one care, they receive personal time, gentle supervision, and support built around their usual routine.

Familiar home. Personal attention. Less disruption.

Choose a provider with the right experience

Experience matters, especially when your pet has special needs.

Ask how long the provider has worked with pets and whether they have cared for animals like yours. You may want someone familiar with large-breed dogs, senior cats, rescue pets, medication schedules, mobility challenges, or fearful behavior.

For everyday services, look for a provider who understands safe handling and responsible pet care. For medical support, ask about professional credentials and veterinary experience.

Paw Prints On The Move is owned and operated by Christopher Costa, a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) and Fear Free Certified Professional (FFCP). That background brings professional knowledge to the home while keeping the experience warm and personal.

You can learn more about the team on our Meet the Staff page.

Ask about Fear Free handling

Your pet’s comfort should always be part of the plan.

Fear Free care focuses on reducing fear, anxiety, and stress during handling and care. The approach may include moving slowly, allowing the pet time to adjust, using positive reinforcement, taking breaks, and watching closely for signs of discomfort.

You can learn more about the philosophy through Fear Free Pets.

When speaking with a provider, ask:

• How do you introduce yourself to a nervous pet?
• What do you do if a pet becomes stressed?
• Do you use treats, praise, or other positive rewards?
• How do you handle nail trims or medication if a pet resists?
• Will you stop and reassess if my pet becomes overwhelmed?

A caring provider will not dismiss your pet’s fear. They will listen and adjust.

Slow and gentle is still good care.

Compare the services you actually need

Different providers offer different types of in-home pet care. Make sure the services match your pet’s needs.

Dog walking

A dog walk should be more than opening the door and heading around the block.

Ask whether walks are private or provided in groups. Find out how the provider handles leash reactivity, hot weather, icy sidewalks, and encounters with other dogs.

You should also discuss:

• Walk length
• Preferred routes
• Collar and harness use
• Your dog’s energy level
• Whether playtime is included
• What happens if the weather is unsafe

Some dogs want a brisk walk. Others need a slower sniff-and-explore visit. The right provider will follow your dog’s pace and routine.

In-home pet sitting

Pet sitting may include visits during the day, several visits each day, or overnight care.

Before booking, clarify what each visit includes. Will your pet receive food, medication, playtime, companionship, and a bathroom break? How long will the caregiver stay?

Also discuss your home routine, including:

• Feeding instructions
• Treats and food sensitivities
• Favorite toys
• Litter box or yard care
• Where your pet sleeps
• Alarm systems and keys
• Emergency contacts
• How often you will receive updates

Clear instructions help everyone feel comfortable.

In-home grooming and nail trims

At-home grooming can be a great option for pets who feel uncomfortable traveling to a salon.

Ask what services are available. Some providers offer nail trims, brushing, bathing, and general grooming care. Others may focus on specific coat types or basic maintenance.

A good provider should explain what your pet can comfortably handle. If a nail trim becomes too stressful, the goal should be to protect trust and comfort rather than force the appointment to continue.

Nail care may seem small, but it matters. Overgrown nails can affect comfort, movement, and paw health.

In-home medical care

Some pets need more than routine sitting or walking.

A Certified Veterinary Technician may be able to provide in-home support such as medication administration, treatment assistance, monitoring, and recovery care, depending on the pet’s needs and the veterinarian’s instructions.

Always ask:

• What type of medical care can you provide?
• Are you a CVT or otherwise professionally trained?
• Will you communicate with my veterinarian?
• How are treatments documented?
• What changes would cause you to contact the veterinary team?
• What should I do in an emergency?

At Paw Prints On The Move, in-home medical care is coordinated with the client’s veterinarian. This helps keep everyone informed and supports the care plan your pet already has.

Medical support at home is not a replacement for emergency veterinary care. But for appropriate ongoing care, it can help your pet stay comfortable in familiar surroundings.

Schedule a meet-and-greet

A meet-and-greet gives you and your pet a chance to get comfortable before care begins.

Notice how the provider enters your home and approaches your pet. Do they move calmly? Do they give your pet space? Do they ask thoughtful questions?

Your pet does not need to become best friends right away. A quiet first meeting can be a very good sign.

Use the visit to review:

• Your pet’s normal daily schedule
• Feeding and medication instructions
• Favorite hiding places
• Triggers and fears
• Leash or grooming concerns
• Emergency contacts
• Your veterinarian’s contact information
• Update preferences

Trust is built through small details.

Ask about communication

You should know how your pet is doing while you are away.

Ask whether the provider sends text updates, photos, visit notes, or videos. Find out how they will tell you about changes in appetite, bathroom habits, mood, or energy.

Good communication does not need to be complicated. A simple message can mean a lot:

“Bella ate her breakfast, took her medication, and is resting comfortably.”

That kind of update helps you enjoy your time away while knowing your pet is being watched with care.

Review policies before you book

A professional provider should be clear about the practical details.

Ask for written information about:

• Visit length and frequency
• Pricing
• Holiday rates
• Cancellation policies
• Key and access instructions
• Medication policies
• Emergency authorization
• What is included in each service

You may also want to ask about liability insurance, background checks, and references. These questions are reasonable, especially when someone will be caring for your pet and entering your home.

Clear policies help prevent surprises later.

Pay attention to how you feel

Choosing pet care is not only about checking boxes.

You should feel that the provider listens to you. They should take your concerns seriously and show genuine interest in your pet’s comfort. You should feel welcome asking questions.

Be cautious if someone:

• Rushes through the first conversation
• Dismisses your pet’s anxiety
• Refuses to discuss their experience
• Will not follow your veterinarian’s instructions
• Gives vague answers about communication
• Does not want to meet your pet beforehand

The best in-home pet care feels personal, calm, and dependable.

Local care from people who understand pets

Whether you need a daily dog walk in Cherry Hill, pet sitting in Maple Shade, grooming in Mount Laurel, or coordinated medical care near Marlton or Burlington, the right provider should meet your pet where they are, literally and emotionally.

At Paw Prints On The Move, we provide compassionate in-home pet care with professional veterinary technician experience and Fear Free handling. We gladly help with dog walking, pet sitting, grooming and nail trims, and appropriate in-home medical support in collaboration with your veterinarian.

Your pet’s care should feel comfortable.

Your questions should be welcome.

Your pet should be known as an individual: not just another appointment.

If you are looking for in-home pet care in Cherry Hill or a surrounding New Jersey community, connect with Paw Prints On The Move to talk about your pet’s routine and needs. We would be glad to learn about them! 🐾