Practical advice from Sheryl for pet and horse owners in Broward County.
Caring for pets and horses in South Florida comes with its own set of challenges. The heat, the humidity, hurricane season, the local wildlife, and the unique rhythms of life in Broward County all shape how responsible pet owners need to think about their animals. Sheryl writes from over 20 years of firsthand experience working with dogs, cats, and horses across Plantation, Davie, Cooper City, Sunrise, Southwest Ranches, Weston, Pembroke Pines, and Hollywood.
These articles cover topics that come up in real conversations with clients: how to keep your dog safe during the hottest months, what consistent daily turnout actually does for a horse's health, why enrichment matters just as much as exercise on a walk, and how to prepare your animals for hurricane season before the first storm watch appears on the radar. You'll also find practical advice on hiring a dog walker, choosing a pet sitter, and understanding your pet's behavior at a deeper level.
Everything here is grounded in what Sheryl sees and does every day on the job. No generic advice pulled from a textbook. If something on this blog sparks a question about your own pet, don't hesitate to reach out. Sheryl is always happy to talk through your specific situation.
Half of all U.S. dog owners have cooked homemade meals for their dogs at least once, driven largely by distrust of commercial pet food (Source: Dog Food...
South Florida summers kill dogs. That's not an exaggeration. As of 2026, PETA reports that 151 companion animals died from heat-related causes in 2025, with...
After 20 years of caring for animals, I can tell you that the single change that makes the biggest difference in a dog's mood, behavior, and physical health is...
The U.S. dog-walking industry contributes $11.2 billion to GDP (Source: Worldmetrics, 2026), yet most pet owners I talk to still struggle to find someone they...
Seventy-nine percent of dog owners believe their dog needs at least two walks a day, yet 57% admit they skip walks every week (Source: Rover Dog People Walking...
Here's a number that stopped me cold: 47% of evacuees have had to leave at least one pet behind during a hurricane, according to the ASPCA (Source: ASPCA, May...
The first time I watched a dog I was walking completely lose it on a quiet residential street in Davie, I stood there holding a taut leash, a 65-pound mixed...
After 20 years of caring for dogs of every size, from tiny Chihuahuas to barrel-chested Great Danes, the single biggest mistake I see new pet owners make is...
South Florida summers don't ease in gently. By 8 AM in August, the pavement outside my barn in Davie is already hot enough to burn a dog's paws, and by noon,...
Nearly 40% of Florida households own at least one dog (Source: Dogster, 2026), and South Florida's year-round heat makes caring for those dogs a genuinely...
Regular dog walking is a structured, daily outdoor routine that gives dogs physical exercise, mental stimulation, and behavioral reinforcement, making it one...
Heading back to school? Your pets might experience separation anxiety. Learn how professional pet sitting can help your furry friends adjust to a new routine.
Consistent turnout is essential for horse health and behavior. Learn how our turnout care services in Southwest Ranches keep your horse happy and healthy.
Does your dog bark at their own reflection, or completely ignore it? The science of canine self-awareness is more fascinating than you might expect, and it reveals a lot about how dogs experience the world.
Hurricane season in South Florida is no time to improvise. Here's a practical guide to building a pet go-bag, finding pet-friendly shelters in Broward County, and preparing your horses before a storm.
Brown anoles, iguanas, geckos, tegus, and Bufo toads: a species-by-species breakdown of what's actually dangerous to your dog in South Florida, what to do if your dog eats a lizard, and how to keep them safe in Broward County.
Hiring a dog walker is a bigger decision than it looks. Here's what to look for, what questions to ask, and what red flags to avoid when finding someone you can trust with your dog in Broward County.
Pulling, lunging, zigzagging: leash problems are frustrating for everyone. A professional dog walker shares practical tips for building better leash manners in Broward County's neighborhoods.
A tired dog isn't always a happy dog. Learn why sniff walks and mental stimulation are just as important as physical exercise, and how to build them into your dog's routine.
Finding a pet sitter who can handle both your household pets and your horses is rare. Here's what to look for, and why Southwest Ranches families trust Hoof & Paw.
South Florida summers are no joke for pets. From scorching pavement to hurricane season, here's how to keep your animals safe when the heat is on in Broward County.