As dog walkers and pet sitters we are not:

Vets

Vet nurses

Professional groomers, although we brush dogs and cats during visits as we found that it helps to form a bond. This is by no means a professional 'treatment'.

Animal trainers

Animal behaviourists

Animal psychologists

Animal nutritionists

Boarding kennels

We just LOVE all animals, have vast experience of pet ownership, and want to supply an excellent service looking after your cherished pets for a reasonable price. Any advice we are asked for or give is purely our personal opinion and not necessarily based on expert advice.

We recommend Wiltja Dog Obedience Club @ Bundoora Park Plenty Road. www.wdoc.com.au Tel: 9308-2466

We encourage responsible pet ownership whatever the animal. We also encourage finding a pet who really needs a home as an alternative to using pet shops and breeders. Some excellent places to find a wonderful pet suited to your family are listed below.

Desperate for a particular breed? Wonderful people dedicated to specific breeds run rescue programmes for abandoned and disadvantaged animals. You can get the wonderful pedigree animal you covet for a great price, and be helping a needy and eternally grateful animal at the same time. Just google (breed type) rescue Australia.

If you do decide to go with a breeder, please ensure they are registered and checked out by animal welfare and government organisations. Those working out of their back yards and advertising in the classifieds are probably working illegally without much concern for their animals. Responsible and caring breeders will be happy to be asked for, and show you, their credentials.

Really want a puppy or kitten but don't think you can get one anywhere but a pet shop? Try the wonderful animal rescue groups; we got a fabulous kitten from Cats Protection Society Victoria for much less than pet shop prices, and he was vaccinated, microchipped and desexed already! They also often have beautiful pure bred and mixed breed cats who need loving forever homes.

We encourage desexing of animals as early as possible. Your bitch or queen cat does not need to 'have just one litter'. She only wants a loving, caring home. Ask yourself why you think this way, is it for yourself, for profit, or for the welfare of the animal? Your vet or animal rescue centre can advise on neutering services. Neutering can also calm down a frisky and destructive dog, and stop cats marking their territory with the stench of cat urine. Contented animals are neutered animals!

We love all the animals we meet be they pure breeds, mixed breeds, or cross breeds. All of the pets we meet are so loved and cherished by responsible and caring owners. Just by considering using Hershey's Friends for your pet care, you are proving your love and concern for your animal.

Rescuing an animal is not for everyone, but if it is for you please check out some of our favourite sites:

http://www.catprotection.com.au/

http://users.ssc.net.au/ingridshaven/

http://www.victoriandogrescue.org.au/

http://www.petrescue.com.au/shelter_directory/vic

http://www.aaps.org.au/linksevent/linksb.html

http://gap.grv.org.au/

Breed specific, and there are many more:

http://www.muttspace.com.au/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=94&Itemid=57

Do something AMAZING today, rescue a needy and marginalised animal!!