Pet care tips, Arizona-specific guides, and stories from our sitters in the field.
The Scritches Blog
Pet care tips, straight from the field.
Dog walking, pet sitting, and Arizona-specific advice from a police-vetted team that’s out in Phoenix metro homes every day — not theory, just what actually works.
Latest post
Group walks vs. solo walks: pros and cons
When a group setting helps your dog’s energy and socialization — and when a one-on-one walk is the better call.
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Signs your pet sitter is doing a great job
The everyday details that separate a great sitter from an average one.
Understanding pet sitting insurance and bonding
What “insured and bonded” actually means, and why it matters more than most new clients realize.
Protecting paw pads on hot Arizona pavement
The pavement test every Arizona dog owner should know, and how our sitters plan around it.
Local dog parks worth the drive
A few Valley dog parks our sitters keep coming back to, and what makes each one worth the trip.
Leash reactivity: what a professional walker does differently
How trained sitters read and manage reactive moments on a walk before they escalate.
How to prepare your home for a pet sitter
A short checklist that makes your sitter’s first visit smoother — and your pet more comfortable.
What separates a professional pet sitter from a neighbor favor
Insurance, backups, and accountability: the real differences once something doesn’t go to plan.
Dog-friendly hiking trails around the Valley
Trail picks our team actually uses, with notes on shade, water access, and leash rules.
How to choose between boarding and in-home sitting
Two genuinely different experiences for your pet — here’s how to decide which fits your trip.
Monsoon season safety for outdoor pets in Arizona
What changes for outdoor pets once monsoon storms roll in, and how to prep before the season starts.
How often does your dog really need a walk?
A realistic answer based on breed, age, and energy level — not a one-size-fits-all rule.
Questions to ask before hiring a pet sitter
The questions worth asking before you hand over a house key and your pet’s daily care.
Best pet-friendly restaurants in the Phoenix metro
Patio spots across the Valley where your dog is genuinely welcome, not just tolerated.
Thunderstorm & monsoon anxiety: helping your dog through storm season
Practical ways to ease storm anxiety, from safe spaces to what to avoid during a monsoon.
Paw protection 101: summer safety
Why the pavement test matters once temperatures climb past 100°F, and what to do instead.
What to expect from your first pet sitting visit
A walkthrough of your first visit, from Meet & Greet to the first written report.
Building a daily dog walking routine
Building a walking routine your dog can count on, even on your busiest weeks.
Why we background-check every sitter — twice
The two-step vetting process behind every sitter we bring onto the team.
Surviving Arizona’s summer heat: a pet safety guide
Year-round heat considerations for Arizona pets, not just the hottest few weeks.
5 signs your dog isn’t getting enough exercise
The early behavior signs that usually mean your dog needs more physical activity.