Pads and Pets also monitors houses for vacationers

By Scott Bellile

A new business, Pads and Pets, offers to look after people’s pets or homes while they are away.

Julia and Jeremy Martinson own several cats, a gerbil, chinchilla and leopard gecko. They understand the struggle of when a pet owner has to take extended time away from home.

“Jeremy’s a veterinary technician assistant at [Heritage Animal Hospital in Hortonville] … so he’s around animals and would occasionally get [a] request for somebody to come watch an animal here or there,” Julia Martinson said.

The two opened Pads and Pets in New London in July.

Pads and Pets conducts home visits to tend to clients’ pets. It does not offer boarding services.

Julia Martinson said boarding services are great for the right pet, but some animals experience anxiety in unfamiliar settings or around other animals and therefore should not to leave home while their owners are gone. That is where Pads and Pets steps in.

The Martinsons have volunteerism experience rehabilitating animals including horses, bald eagles, hawks and foxes, so Julia Martinson is willing to tend to any domestic pet as as long as its owner shows her how to care for it.

“I haven’t found an animal that I’m going to say no to,” she said.

Prices are based on each individual pet’s needs. Services might include feeding, cleaning cages or tanks and taking the pet out for exercise.

For non-pet owners, the business also offers house-sitting services including mail and package pick-up, changing lights and window shades, temperature management, checking dehumidifiers and sump pumps, watering plants, gardening and refilling bird feeders.

To learn more about Pads and Pets, call 608-469-1340, email [email protected] or visit the business’s website.