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How to Find the Best Vet for Your Pet
As with choosing a doctor for a human, while you can’t assess all aspects of a veterinarian’s technical skills and expertise, you can judge many factors central to good medical care for your pet.
Signs that Your Pet Might Need a Vet
Because many health problems are subtle and easily overlooked, you should regularly evaluate your pet’s general health with a nose-to-tail inspection.
Should You Buy Pet Health Insurance?
To assess the true value of pet insurance, we conducted an in-depth cost/benefit analysis of 12 plans. Visit our "Pet Insurance" section for those results.
Ruff Decisions: Animal Housing Options While You’re Away
Instead of boarding at kennels, many travelers take their pets along for the ride, leave them with friends or family, or hire professional sitters. Each of these options comes with pros and cons.
Finding Best in Show Kennels
If you can’t take your furry best friend on vacation with you, you may have to book him or her into a kennel.
Prepping Your Pet for a Kennel Stay
For your pet’s stay to go well, it’s not enough to select a kennel carefully; you also have to prepare your pet properly and then care for it properly after its stay.
How to Find a Good Housecleaning Service
The first step in farming out your chores is to decide whether to hire a company or an individual. Hiring a company has one major advantage: You do not assume the responsibilities associated with the role of an employer, such as filling out paperwork and paying various taxes.
How to Hire an Individual Housecleaner
Many consumers prefer to hire an individual for housecleaning help, rather than a service. But doing your own hiring brings the responsibilities associated with the role of an employer, such as filling out paperwork and paying various taxes.
Guidelines for Managing Household Employees
The National Committee on Household Employment, before it closed its doors, developed a set of standards for employers and their household employees. The guidelines presented here are from its Code of Standards for Household Employment.
How to Spot the Best Carpet Cleaning Services
Even if you turn into "that host" who makes everyone leave their shoes inside the front door, there's no way to avoid it: You'll eventually need to have your carpet and rugs cleaned.
How to Save Money on Carpet Cleaning
Along with high-quality work, pay close attention to what services cost. Some companies push unneeded add-ons. And prices for identical services can vary from company to company by more than 100 percent.
In-Plant Rug Cleaning
Rugs require expert specialized care to come clean. They can be permanently damaged if cleaned using improper methods or with poorly mixed chemicals. Delicate handmade or antique rugs can be ruined if dyes run, fringes tear, and warpage and shrinkage occurs.