Winter Updates, Holiday Reminders & December Events

Pet Sitting 4 Comfort® LLC (PS4C) | Arlington, VA

As we head into the heart of the winter season, we’re sharing important updates on pet safety, enrichment, scheduling, travel prep, and year-end reminders to help you plan ahead with confidence.

Our schedule continues to fill for late December and early January.

Existing clients please submit visit requests through the Time To Pet (TTP) app or portal as soon as possible.

Winter Safety for Pets

Cold weather brings unique risks for pets. A few simple precautions go a long way.

Avoid

• Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures

• Rock salt or chemical de-icers

• Antifreeze and winter fluids

• Unsupervised space heaters or fireplaces

Safer Alternatives

• Wipe paws after walks

• Use pet-safe ice melt

• Provide warm, draft-free bedding

• Dress small or short-haired pets in jackets

Pro Tip: Keep nighttime walks brief for senior pets and small breeds.

Caring for Senior & Special-Needs Pets

Our dog, Sammy, has been with our family for more than 16 years through major life milestones. In her senior years, we support her with veterinary care, medications, mobility aids, and familiar routines.

We understand how meaningful—and emotional—this stage can be for pet parents.

Comfort Tips

• Monitor mobility and appetite changes

• Ask your veterinarian about pain management options

• Use non-slip rugs or runners

• Offer warm bedding and shorter, more frequent breaks

Medication Tip

Ask your vet about filling long-term prescriptions through Chewy or a local pharmacy.

Local Option: CVS Lyon Village offers 24-hour pharmacy services with app-based pickup alerts.

If you’re traveling, we’re happy to schedule a phone or video call to review care notes in advance.

Holiday Enrichment & Calm Celebrations

Enrichment Ideas

• Treat- or toy-filled stockings

• Evening light-viewing walks

• Paw-print ornaments

• Seasonal photo sessions

Keeping Pets Comfortable During Gatherings

• Set up a quiet room or safe space

• Use lick mats or calming sprays

• Keep unsafe foods out of reach

• Ask guests not to feed pets

Recommended calming tools: Lickable treats, lick mats, and Feliway or Adaptil sprays.

Before Your Next Visit: Account Review

Please take a moment to confirm the following in Time To Pet:

• Feeding, medication, and behavior notes

• Updated home access instructions

• Confirm access for Steve, Hong, and Khadiza (“Shatee”)

• Concierge access details (key, fob, or building procedures)

• Emergency contacts and travel plans

Updates can be made under My Info and Pet Profile.

Updated Client Resources

The following guides are available in your portal:

• Pet Sitting Preparation Checklist

• Traveling With Your Pets Guide

• Christmas & Winter Holiday Safety Guide

• PS4C Loyalty Status & Cancellation Guide (2025–2026)

• Client Business Spotlight Information Sheet

• Home Office Lockbox Guide

• Finding the Right Veterinarian Guide

• Finding the Right Groomer Guide

• Invoice Guide for Time To Pet

Message us through TTP if you need help accessing any resources.

Scheduling & Holiday Dates

Planning ahead helps ensure smooth care for every pet.

High-Demand Periods

• December 19 – January 4 (Winter Holidays)

• January 16–19 (MLK Weekend)

• February 13–16 (Presidents’ Day)

If full, 10–15 minute check-ins may be offered until standard visit lengths reopen.

Hours

• Office: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (non-urgent communication)

• Visits: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM (11:30 PM on holidays)

Inclement Weather Policy

During snow or ice, safety comes first. You may experience:

• Longer travel times

• Adjusted visit windows

• Priority scheduling for medical-needs pets and out-of-town clients

• Occasional visit modifications to ensure all pets are reached safely

Any weather-related changes will be communicated through the Time To Pet app or portal.

Team Update

Shatee continues advancing her skills in:

• Fear Free handling techniques

• Medication administration (pills, liquids, inhalers, injections when approved)

• Overnight care

• Senior and special-needs pet support

• Detailed visit reporting

Specialty care is always confirmed in advance.

Business Spotlight: DJ Danny Eventos

DJ Danny Eventos is a family-friendly DJ serving Virginia, DC, and Maryland.

• Over 20 years of experience

• Cultural, community, and private events

• Professional, warm, and dependable

Phone: (703) 568-8983

Instagram and Facebook available

Client Spotlight Archive Now Live

Our Client Spotlight Archive is now live on the website. Browse and support the talented professionals in our community, including:

• Complete Dental

• The Lloyd Braun Band

• Girls, on Film Zine

• Vince Charming

• Linda Montes, LMT

• Leigh Vogel

• SaraJen Maine Coon Cats

• Alex Icaza

Submit interest through Time To Pet or email stevehongsm@ps4c.net.View the archive at: https://www.petsitting4comfort.com/ps4c-client-spotlights

Pet of the Month: Murphy

Meet Murphy, our joyful, social butterfly who brings enthusiasm to every visit.

Recognition:

• $10 account credit

• Instagram feature

Submit your pet’s photo through the Time To Pet portal.

Rainbow Bridge Tribute

In honor of pets who passed in 2025, we donated $10 per pet to the Animal Welfare League of Arlington.

Pet loss and grief resources are available upon request.

December Local Events

Pet-Friendly / Pet-Related

• Dec 10 – Jan 4: Bull Run Festival of Lights

• Dec 14: Paint Your Pet Night (Ballston)

• Dec 29–30 & Jan 2: Winter Walk of Lights – Pup Nights

• Jan 9: Pet CPR & First Aid Training

• Jan 10: Low-Cost Vaccine & Microchip Clinic (AWLA)

Family-Friendly (Pet-Free)

• Dec 10 – Dec 24: Photos with Santa (Pentagon City)

• Dec 10 – Dec 30: Ice & Lights at Cameron Run

• Dec 10 – Jan 4: ICE! at Gaylord National

• Dec 10 – Jan 3: ZooLights at the National Zoo

Refer & Receive Program

• New client: $20 credit after their 4th visit

• Referrer: $20 credit after the new client’s 3rd visit

Now accepting new clients in Ballston, Clarendon, and Rosslyn.

A Heartfelt Thank You

Thank you for supporting our family-run business since 2016.

2025 Highlights

• Named Best Pet Care 2025 by Northern Virginia Magazine (third year in a row)

• Welcomed our first employee, Khadiza “Shatee,” who completed over 100 training hours and multiple certifications

We look forward to caring for your pets in 2026.

Warmly,

The PS4C Team

Steve, Hong & Shatee