Weather or Not: How Pet Sitters Adapt to Rain, Heat & Storms
Preparedness from Lezlie’s Pet Sitting in Marietta, GA
When you hire a pet sitter, you expect reliability. But what happens when the weather turns extreme — scorching summer heat, torrential rain, winter cold snaps, or sudden Georgia thunderstorms?
At Lezlie’s Pet Sitting in Marietta, GA, we know that pets still need care — even when the skies open up or the sidewalk sizzles. That’s why our team is trained and equipped to keep your pets safe, comfortable, and happy in any weather.
Here’s how we prepare, adapt, and keep tails wagging — rain or shine.
🌧️ Rain: Wet Paws, Dry Pets, Safe Homes
Georgia downpours can strike without warning. But your dog still needs to pee, and your cat still needs food and affection. Here’s how we handle wet weather:
1. Rain-Ready Gear
Our sitters arrive with:
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Waterproof rain jackets
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Slip-proof boots
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Towels for drying pets post-walk
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Plastic bags to keep leashes, treats, or notes dry
Your pup won’t return home sopping wet — and neither will your floors.
2. Adjusted Walk Routines
If your dog dislikes the rain, we shorten walks and focus on quick potty breaks with extra indoor engagement after:
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Puzzle toys
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Treat games
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Belly rubs and towel snuggles
For more adventurous pups, we’ll still walk — safely — while keeping close watch for lightning or standing water.
3. Home Entry Clean-Up
We never track wet paw prints through your house. Our sitters will:
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Wipe paws thoroughly
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Towel off fur
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Change out pee pads if used
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Dry off hardwood floors or rugs
Your home stays clean, and your pet stays dry.
☀️ Heat: Beating the Georgia Summer Safely
Marietta summers can be brutal — with temps climbing into the 90s and dangerous humidity. Here’s how Lezlie’s handles hot-weather pet care:
1. Heat-Sensitive Scheduling
We adjust walk times to avoid the hottest hours (11am–4pm):
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Early morning walks when possible
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Shorter mid-day outings if necessary
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Focused indoor play or backyard potty breaks
We’ll always follow your pet’s routine — but adapt based on safety.
2. Surface Safety Checks
Sidewalks and asphalt can burn paw pads. Before every walk, our sitters:
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Use the “5-second test” (touching pavement with the back of the hand)
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Walk dogs on grass where available
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Carry booties if your pet tolerates them
No burned paws on our watch.
3. Hydration Checks
We refill water bowls every visit, and monitor:
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Panting
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Lethargy
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Excessive drooling
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Shade-seeking behavior
If a pet seems overheated, we cool them down and notify you immediately.
🌩️ Thunderstorms: Calming the Chaos
Summer storms in Georgia roll in fast and loud. Thunder, flashing lights, and barometric changes can frighten pets — especially dogs and cats with storm anxiety.
Here’s what we do during storms:
1. Calm Arrival
We enter quietly and avoid startling already-nervous pets. Using calm body language and a soothing voice, we give your pet time to approach us.
2. Safe Spaces
We’re trained to identify and use “safe zones”:
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Crates or covered beds
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Interior rooms with less noise
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Calming pheromone sprays (with your permission)
If your dog usually hides in the closet during storms, we’ll make sure their spot is accessible and cozy.
3. Thunder Anxiety Protocols
If your pet has a storm anxiety plan (e.g., Thundershirt, CBD treats, anxiety meds), we’ll follow it exactly. We’ll also provide calm company — often just our presence and gentle touch can help.
❄️ Cold Snaps: Keeping Pets Cozy When Temps Drop
Even in Georgia, occasional cold spells hit. When they do, we adapt routines for warmth and comfort.
1. Shorter, Warmer Walks
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Walks are brief and focused
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We use coats or booties if you provide them
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Dogs are dried and warmed afterward with towels or blankets
2. Home Heating Checks
If we notice:
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Thermostats turned down too low
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Space heaters near pet beds (potential danger)
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Drafty sleeping areas
…we’ll notify you and adjust your pet’s bedding as needed.
3. Extra Bedding and Comfort
Senior pets and small breeds are especially cold-sensitive. We fluff blankets, move beds to cozier areas, and double up on cuddle time.
🔌 Emergency Preparedness
Extreme weather sometimes leads to power outages, road closures, or travel disruptions. At Lezlie’s, we’re ready for anything:
Backup Sitters
If one sitter can’t reach your home due to weather, we have trusted backup sitters on call. Your pet never misses a visit.
Communication Protocol
You’ll be the first to know if:
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We must shift a visit time
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Weather conditions delay our arrival
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Your pet exhibits any stress
We believe in proactive updates — so you’re never left wondering.
Emergency Contacts
We always ask for a local emergency contact in case weather cuts off access. We’ll work with you to create a plan that keeps your pet safe no matter what.
🐾 Indoor Enrichment Alternatives
When weather limits outdoor time, we boost mental stimulation indoors:
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Hide-and-seek with treats
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Trick practice
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Scent games
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Interactive toys (if provided)
Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean your dog has to be bored. We keep minds active — even when paws stay dry.
✅ Final Thoughts: Weather-Ready Pet Sitting Is Peace of Mind
From muggy thunderstorms to icy mornings, weather in Marietta can be unpredictable. But your pet’s comfort shouldn’t be.
At Lezlie’s Pet Sitting, we plan ahead, adapt in real-time, and prioritize your pet’s safety in every forecast. Whether it’s a summer scorcher or a surprise January freeze, you can count on us to show up, keep your home clean, and — most importantly — keep your pets calm and cared for.
Planning a trip or working long hours this season?
Let us know — and we’ll tailor weather-conscious visits that suit your schedule and your pet’s needs. Rain or shine, we’re here.
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