From the field

The Scratch Post

Notes on dog walking, pet sitting, home, and the business of care, from the Away Home & Pet Care team.

The Scratch Post is the Away Home & Pet Care blog for Ogden pet owners. We write about dog walking routines, cat sitting best practices, seasonal safety, and honest advice from a local team, established 2007. New posts drop most months. Learn more about our team

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Pet CPR Certified
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W-2 Employees
Locally Owned & Operated

Shih tzu puppy peeking out of an open wire crate at home in Ogden, Utah while an Away Home & Pet Care team member crouches nearby

FeaturedDog CareNovember 13, 20264 min readCrate or Free Roam? Leaving Your Dog Home While You WorkCrate or free roam while you're at work? How to tell what your dog is ready for, how long is too long, and where a midday walk fits for Ogden dogs.

By Robert Strickland · Founder, Away Home & Pet CareRead the full story

Latest dispatches.

Practical notes, sorted newest first.

Orange and white cat named Smudge leaning into a head scratch during a weekly in-home cat care visit in Ogden, Utah.

Cat Care · Nov 5, 2026 · 4 min read

In-Home Cat Care for Seniors in Ogden: Gerry's Story

Gerry is in her 80s and loves her cats. Here's how one weekly visit from our Ogden cat care team helps her live at home and keep caring for them herself.

Yellow Labrador lying calmly beside campfire smoke, showing how wildfire smoke affects dogs near Ogden, Utah.

Pet Safety · Jun 14, 2026 · 7 min read

Air Quality and Your Pets in Ogden: Smoke, Inversions, and Safe Walks

Ogden's air swings from summer wildfire smoke to winter inversions. Here's how bad air affects dogs and cats, and how to keep walks safe all year.

Cat sitter from Away Home and Pet Care scratching a relaxed gray tabby cat on a cream armchair during an in-home cat-sitting visit in Ogden, Utah

Cat Care · May 23, 2026 · 6 min read

Cat Enrichment During Cat-Sitting Visits

Play, puzzle feeders, window time, slow blinks: what cat enrichment looks like during an in-home cat-sitting visit in Ogden, UT.

Small dog in a post-surgery recovery cone at home, a common reason families need consistent medication visits during travel

Pet Sitting · May 21, 2026 · 5 min read

Giving Pet Medications While You Travel (Ogden Guide)

Pills, insulin, eye drops, transdermal. How Away Home & Pet Care handles pet medications during in-home visits across Ogden, UT.

Long-haired black dog rolled onto its back on a front porch step getting a belly rub from a team member in a gray sweater.

Dog Care · Apr 17, 2026 · 16 min read

10 Questions to Ask a Pet Sitter Before Hiring (Ogden FAQ)

The right pet sitter answers ten specific questions without hesitating. Here is the Ogden pet parent’s FAQ for vetting any sitter with confidence.

White and black husky with one piercing blue eye stands alert in a lush green Utah backyard with trees and garden beds in the background.

Dog Care · Apr 3, 2026 · 22 min read

Toxic Spring Plants for Dogs in Ogden (Safety Guide)

Learn which Ogden spring plants are toxic to dogs, how to recognize poisoning symptoms, what to do in an emergency, and how to keep a dog-friendly garden.

A walker holds leashes for a silver and a red labradoodle sitting on a sidewalk with the Wasatch mountains and an Ogden brick home visible in the background.

Dog Care · Feb 25, 2026 · 19 min read

Dog Walking for Busy Professionals in Ogden

Midday dog walks protect your dog's health, ease anxiety, and prevent destructive behavior. How to choose reliable Ogden dog walkers for your schedule.

Cream cockapoo named Mac lies upside down in the grass with mouth wide open mid-play, wearing a black collar with a personalized tag.

Dog Care · Feb 12, 2026 · 18 min read

How to Socialize Your Dog in Ogden, Utah (Complete Guide)

Step-by-step plan to socialize your dog in Ogden, from home foundations to local trail practice, with tips for reactive and anxious dogs.

Small black and white shuffle dog standing on back legs to greet a crouching team member in a jacket on an autumn sidewalk

Dog Care · Feb 11, 2026 · 15 min read

Choosing a Dog Walker in Ogden: Apps vs Professional Care

Comparing dog walking apps with professional companies in Ogden, weighing convenience, safety, reliability, and value for your dog's daily care.

An orange and white tabby cat sitting upright in a bright living room looking toward a window with golden afternoon light

Cat Care · Feb 9, 2026 · 23 min read

6 Cat Sitting Myths: Why Ogden Cats Need Pro Care

Ogden cat parents still rely on outdated myths about independence and neighbors. Learn how professional in-home cat sitting keeps cats safer and calmer.

A gray tabby cat being gently pet by a yellow-sleeved arm while resting on a cream armchair near a bright living room window

Cat Care · Feb 6, 2026 · 11 min read

How to Find a Reliable Cat Sitter in Ogden

How to choose a reliable, bonded, and insured cat sitter in Ogden, what professional in-home cat care should include and questions to ask before booking.

Friendly English Bulldog with tongue out standing on living room rug during pet sitting visit

Dog Care · Feb 2, 2026 · 14 min read

Finding a Reliable Dog Sitter in Ogden

How to choose a reliable dog sitter in Ogden, the credentials to require, questions to ask, and what professional in-home dog care should look like.

Black cat and small black dog relaxing together with colorful toys on yellow blanket during pet sitting visit

Dog Care · Jan 31, 2026 · 13 min read

Apartment Dog Care in Ogden, UT: A Local Guide

Apartment dogs in Ogden thrive with daily walks, mental enrichment, and a consistent routine. Learn how to keep your dog happy in shared-wall living.

Grey schnauzer in a padded winter coat and bandana stands alert on an Ogden sidewalk during a cold-weather walk with bare trees behind.

Dog Care · Jan 15, 2026 · 10 min read

Why Your Dog Needs a Midday Walk in Ogden

Midday dog walks in Ogden provide exercise, potty breaks, and mental stimulation during long workdays, reducing boredom, anxiety, and destructive behavior.

A chocolate labrador puppy with a teal collar leaps through deep snow in a fenced backyard on a bright winter day.

Pet Safety · Dec 6, 2025 · 15 min read

Winter Dog Safety Tips for Utah Pet Parents

Keep your dog safe through Ogden winters with tips on cold thresholds, paw protection, antifreeze hazards, indoor enrichment, and midday walking support.

Black Labrador Retriever holding tennis ball in snow during Away Home & Pet Care dog walking visit

Dog Care · Dec 3, 2025 · 15 min read

Ogden Winter Weekday Dog Walking Services

Ogden winters make midday walks tougher for busy owners. Away Home & Pet Care keeps your dog exercised, safe, and happy through cold weather.

Infographic showing a dog hike safety checklist for trails around Ogden, Utah.

Dog Care · Nov 23, 2025 · 13 min read

Best Dog-Friendly Trails Near Ogden, Utah

Explore the best dog-friendly trails near Ogden, Utah. From the easy Ogden River Parkway to Waterfall Canyon, find routes for every energy level.

Gray and white short-haired cat with bright yellow-green eyes standing on a granite kitchen counter with wood cabinets behind.

Dog Care · Nov 22, 2025 · 11 min read

Thanksgiving Pet Safety: Keep Pets Happy & Safe

Keep your pets safe this Thanksgiving in Ogden: avoid toxic foods, prevent holiday escapes, manage guest chaos, and plan in-home pet care if you're traveling.

Dog Care · Nov 4, 2025 · 2 min read

Inside an Ogden Dog Walk: Keeping Your Puppy Happy

A look inside a professional dog walk in Ogden with Away Home & Pet Care, from check-in to visit report and everything that happens in between.

Dog Care · Aug 28, 2024 · 9 min read

How to Keep Your Pets Entertained While You’re at Work

Bored pets become destructive pets. Learn how puzzle toys, enrichment routines, and midday dog walks keep dogs and cats calm and happy while you work.

Pet Care · Oct 21, 2023 · 7 min read

Setting the Gold Standard: Inside our Training Program

Discover how Away Home & Pet Care's three-week training program shapes top-tier pet sitters and dog walkers in Ogden, Utah.

Cat Care · Aug 6, 2023 · 5 min read

Don't Leave Your Cat Home Alone Over 24 Hours

Cats get into dangerous situations in under 24 hours, knocked-over appliances, UTIs, locked rooms. Here's why professional daily cat visits matter.

Pet Safety · Jul 25, 2023 · 5 min read

How Ogden Pet Sitters Handle Pet Emergencies

Away Home & Pet Care pet sitters in Ogden are trained to handle medical emergencies, administer medications, and coordinate emergency vet care when needed.

Pet Care · Jul 17, 2023 · 6 min read

Professional vs. Part-Time Pet Sitters: Differences

Professional pet sitters carry real insurance, train for emergencies, and have backup plans. Here's how they differ from part-time hobbyist sitters.

Cat Care · Jul 15, 2023 · 4 min read

Daily Cat Visits: Why Every Other Day Isn't Enough

Away Home & Pet Care requires daily cat visits. Cats get into dangerous situations fast, from UTIs to faucets left running, every 24 hours matters.

Cat Care · Jul 11, 2023 · 3 min read

Professional Ogden Cat Sitting You Can Count On

Ogden cat sitting from Away Home & Pet Care: Fear-Free certified, background-checked, and trained to keep your cat comfortable and happy while you travel.

Dogs in Ogden, Utah playing in the pool with their dog sitter

Dog Care · Jul 6, 2023 · 5 min read

Summer Dog Safety in Ogden: Beat the Heat

Ogden summers can be dangerous for dogs. Learn how to prevent heat exhaustion, protect paw pads, and keep your dog cool and hydrated all season long.

Pet Safety · Mar 10, 2020 · 2 min read

Fear-Free®️ Certified Professional Pet Business

Away Home & Pet Care is a Fear-Free Certified Pet Business in Ogden. Our team uses positive reinforcement so pets look forward to every visit.

Dog Care · Mar 1, 2020 · 2 min read

Ready for Another Dog? 3 Things to Consider First

Before adding a second dog, consider whether your kids, your current dog, and your home are genuinely ready. Practical questions for Ogden pet owners.

Dog Care · Feb 1, 2020 · 1 min read

Winter Pet Safety Tips for Ogden Pet Owners

Winter pet safety tips for Ogden: protect dogs from antifreeze, cold temps, and road salt. Plus: skip winter haircuts for double-coated breeds.

A rough collie with a golden and white coat looking up from a sidewalk with patches of snow nearby, mouth open in a happy smile

Dog Care · Jan 23, 2020 · 2 min read

How Do I Keep My Pet Safe at Dog Parks?

Keep your dog safe at dog parks with current vaccinations, proper socialization, and close attention to your dog's behavior. Tips for Ogden pet owners.

Dog Care · Jan 23, 2020 · 3 min read

3 Pet Services Every Dog Owner Needs in Ogden

Every dog needs three essential services: a trusted vet, a reliable groomer, and consistent training. Tips for finding quality providers in Ogden, UT.

Dog sitter in Ogden Utah holding a puppy

Dog Care · Jan 23, 2020 · 2 min read

What Every Puppy Owner Should Know About Training

Start training your new puppy as early as eight weeks, from house basics to leash manners. Tools, timing, and the most important commands to teach first.

Pet Care · Jan 15, 2020 · 1 min read

Best Local Service Provider – Indie Ogden Awards

Away Home & Pet Care was nominated Best Local Service Provider in the 8th Annual Indie Ogden Awards. Cast your vote for Ogden's trusted pet care team.

Dog sitter in Ogden Utah pouring food into a bowl

Dog Care · Nov 19, 2019 · 7 min read

How To Choose The Right Dog Food For Your Pup

Choosing the right dog food comes down to ingredients, life stage, and your dog's breed and activity level. Practical guidance for Ogden pet owners.

Dog Care · Oct 30, 2019 · 10 min read

Holiday Dangers for Pets and What to Do About Them

Holiday plants, foods, and decorations can be deadly for pets. Learn which holiday hazards to watch for and how to protect your dog or cat this season.

Dog walker walking two dogs in Ogden Utah

Dog Care · Oct 24, 2019 · 9 min read

How To Train A Puppy To Walk On A Leash In 10 Simple Steps

Leash training a puppy takes patience and positive reinforcement. Follow these 10 steps to teach your pup to walk calmly on a leash from day one.

Dog Care · Sep 23, 2019 · 2 min read

How Can I Help My Dog Maintain a Healthy Weight?

Help your dog maintain a healthy weight with regular vet checkups, a balanced breed-appropriate diet, and daily walks. Practical tips for Ogden dog owners.

Pet Care · Aug 24, 2019 · 3 min read

Why Your Ogden Pet Sitter Must Be Bonded & Insured

Hiring an uninsured pet sitter can leave you on the hook for thousands. What bonding and insurance actually cover, with real Ogden examples.

Pet Safety · Aug 3, 2019 · 1 min read

First Aid and Pet CPR Certified

Every Away Home & Pet Care team member is pet first aid and CPR certified, trained to handle emergencies including bloat, heat stroke, and cardiac events.

Dog looking at her dog walker in Ogden, UT

Dog Care · Jun 28, 2019 · 1 min read

Meet Honey: A Rare Breed Discovered in Ogden

Meet Honey, an American Water Spaniel, the 143rd most popular breed in the U.S. and the rarest dog Away Home & Pet Care has cared for in Ogden.

Senior chocolate lab with a graying muzzle smiling on a living room rug during an in-home pet sitting visit

Dog Care · Mar 19, 2019 · 4 min read

How Much Does A Pet Sitter in Ogden, UT Cost?

Pet sitting in Ogden runs $30 to $45 per visit in 2026. See current rates, what is included, and how professional care compares to boarding.

Dog Care · Jul 22, 2018 · 5 min read

How To Protect Your Dogs During The Summer Heat

Protect your dog from summer heat in Ogden: avoid double-coat shaving, keep water available, and watch for signs of overheating during midday walks.

Dog Care · Jul 18, 2018 · 2 min read

How Your Dog Walker Keeps Your Pooch Safe

Away Home & Pet Care walkers use waist harnesses and collar tracking tags to ensure your dog stays safe on every walk in Ogden, Utah.

Pet sitter in Ogden Utah sending a pet visit report to a client

Services · Jun 29, 2017 · 1 min read

Visit Report Cards: Photos After Every Pet Visit

After every pet sitting or dog walking visit, Away Home & Pet Care sends a photo report card via the Time to Pet app with check-in and check-out times.

Dog walking on sidewalk on leash in Ogden, UT

Dog Care · May 15, 2017 · 1 min read

What You Need to Know Before Walking Your Dog in the Summer

Before walking your dog in summer heat, protect their paws from hot pavement, bring water for hydration, and limit sun exposure to prevent sunburn.

Services · Apr 29, 2017 · 10 min read

What To Know Before You Hire Rover or Wag in Ogden, UT

Look online and you’ll be bombarded with tech companies masquerading as professional pet sitting companies. We want you to know the truth.

Pet Safety · Mar 19, 2017 · 4 min read

Springtime Dangers to Pets in Ogden, Utah

Spring brings toxic yard chemicals, poisonous plants, wildlife, and tick risk to Ogden pets. Learn the hazards to watch for and how to keep pets safe.

Dog Care · Oct 14, 2016 · 4 min read

Teaching a Dog to Walk On a Leash

Leash walking is a learned skill. Learn how to introduce a collar and leash, build reliable walking behavior, and handle challenges like pulling.

Dog Care · Oct 5, 2016 · 4 min read

Separation Anxiety in Dogs and How to Deal With It

Many dogs suffer from separation anxiety. Learn how to deal with it.

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