There are quite a #number of choices when choosing the care for your pet. 

We created this brief comparison to help educate you on the differences to consider when choosing someone to care for your pets. Even if you do not choose Daytime Dogs as your service, we hope that this helps you choose the right professional for your needs.

Service Comparison

•  Trust & Professionalism
•   Sitter Availability
    and Backups
•   Keys & Personal / Pet Info
•   Health & Safety
•   Personal Attention
•   Convenience
    and Pet Stress
•   Special Needs
    and Seniors
•   Puppy Care
•   Experience
    and Training
•   Hiring
•   Insurance Protection
•   Scheduling

• DTD&F is a locally owned and operated company and #1 recommended by Veterinarians in and around Gainesville. You and your pet will always be treated with the utmost of care and respect.
• 24/7 365 days a year; you will always have a primary and a backup handler. Once a client, we can accommodate you in most situations. DTD&F works as a team so if someone is not available there is always a backup; Manager knows client and team
• DTD responsible for keys & pet information / assignment
• All staff is certified in Pet CPR with American Red Cross. We do not mix dogs from other homes on walks; Pets stay in their own home and do not interact with other pets
• Pets receive one-on-one attention from our caring team
• No Stress. We take care of your pet(s) in your home with their own bedding & supplies - no need for transportation; pet is waiting for you upon your return
• Ideal for dogs that would not be a candidate for boarding; we can handle special dietary, exercise, medication, or other individual needs
• We care for puppies and include basic obedience, consistency, and routines. We even have a special puppy package!
• DTD&F has been in business since 2008; Average team member has been with DTD for 5 years. Formal training program & rules that includes shadowing another team member for 3-4 weeks
• In-person personal interview. Each applicant is required to undergo a national criminal background check prior to being considered. Reference checks conducted.
• All team members are covered under General Liability & Bonding insurance maintained by DTD. Provides you with security & piece of mind. A copy our of Insurance certificates are provided to every client at initial orientation.
• Easy online scheduling once you are an established client

• Each sitter works independently so their background is unknown. Level of professionalism will vary.
• Availability varies by the person the client contacts. Client is responsible for finding a replacement if primary sitter not available; Support not familiar with local area or sitters
• Client responsible for keys and making sure pet info gets passed on to backup sitters
• Unknown
• Varies by sitter
• Varies
• Varies
• May not be consistent and not responsible for basic obedience
• This is a hobby for most; majority are experienced. No formal training program
• Online interview / review of profile submitted; no reference check
• Not bonded; it's up to the individual sitter to bond themselves; requires a claim of more than $250 and must be paid by pet owner
• Client contacts sitter through site

• Trusted because you know them and have a relationship. Level of professionalism will vary.
• Limited availability and based on their schedule; most likely not available 365 days because they make get sick, go on vacation, have school, or other obligations, etc Most likely no-one to cover in case of illness, injury, etc and if they do have a backup what are their qualifications
• Client / Friend / Neighbor responsible for keys
• Unknown
• Pets received one-on-one attention
• No Stress. Take care of your pet in your home - maintain routine.
• Could handle but if your friend is not available then it's difficult to trust a backup to meet the same needs
• May not be consistent and not responsible for basic obedience
• Varies
• No background check
• Unlikely to be bonded or insured; individual can sue if injured in the home
• Varies

• Depends on how long the facility has been in operation, etc. Professionalism will varies depending on facility.
• Facility has set hours of operation.
• N/A
• Dogs can pass illnesses to each other due to group interaction; Group dog play can lead to injury
• Several people responsible for all dogs cumulatively; one-on-one attention is billed additionally
• Pet must be picked up / dropped off during open hours; vaccine requirements and some require flea / deworming packages; facility supplies bedding and toys
• Senior dogs may not do as well due to energy levels and other age related issues; Dogs with special dietary, medical needs will probably be kept separate from other dogs or not accepted at all
• Usually a minimum age limit for puppies
• Varies depending on facility and personnel
• Varies depending on facility
• Unknown
• Varies - some offer online reservations

Come check out where we've been in the media.

Our Town Magazine 

Check out the Winter issue of Our Town Magazine with another insider scoop about our Gainesville's Canines and Cocktails For A Cause events. Click here to view the feature.

The Village Journal

Check out the holiday issue of The Village Journal of Haile. In the "Snapshot" section we were featured for our Gainesville's Canines and Cocktails For A Cause. Canines and Cocktails is a monthly event hosted by Daytime Dogs and Friends for pet owners and animal lovers to mix and mingle with their pets while having a cocktail on the patio of Chop Stix Bistro on NW 43rd Street. The event also features a 15 minute Q&A session with a local veterinarian. For more information or to find out about the next event This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The proceeds from each event benefit a local rescue group we are partnered with. Click here to view the feature.

 The Village Journal

We are so very honored and privileged to be to be featured in the newly released spring edition of The Village Journal of Haile entitled “Giving Back to our Best Friends” along with our good friends and partners Haile’s Angels Pet Rescue, Earth Pets Natural Pet Market, Paws on Parole and UF Veterinary Hospital. Click here to read the article.

The Gainesville Magazine

In the June-July issue of the Gainesville Magazine, Chuck talks about his love for Kanapaha Botanical Gardens.

The Village Journal

In the January 2012 issue of The Village Journal, Industry Insider, an article by Chuck Siegel was published about ways to keep your dog healthy and happy. 

"A dog which does not get sufficient exercise runs an increased risk of developing health issues such as heart disease, arthritis and obesity amongst other serious health issues. In fact, lack of activity and proper exercise may lead to aggression and destructiveness in your dog. Canines need to work off excess energy through exercise, the lack thereof often times leads to boredom which then can result in destructive behavior." Click here to read the full article and learn more about daily regular exercise for your dog.

Gainesville Today

Daytime Dogs and Friends was featured in the 2010 October issue of the Gainesville Today magazine. Bernie, the handsome Goldendoodle, shares with you about his dog adventure. Click here to read the article.

We love participating in community events!

Check out our photo gallery for more photos from all these events and more!

GFAA Tioga Winter Art Festival

Thank you to all those that came out to the GFAA Tioga Winter Art Festival. It was wonderful to meet so many new pet owners and great to see so many existing clients and supporters stopping by to say "hello." That meant a lot to us!

In addition, a special thank you to both Deborah Gallagher, Curriculum Specialist for Alachua County Public Schools, and Karen Koegel, Director of this event, for making it possible for Daytime Dogs and Friends to be involved with the Student Art Show again that took place throughout the weekend. We were honored to help sponsor this special program and help present each winning student with a special “Certificate for Outstanding Achievement in Art Production.”

Gainesville's Canines and Cocktails For A Cause

Canines and Cocktails is a monthly event (started in September 2013) hosted by Daytime Dogs and Friends for pet owners and animal lovers to mix and mingle with their pets while having a cocktail on the patio of Chop Stix Bistro on NW 43rd Street. The event also features a 15 minute Q&A session with a local veterinarian. The proceeds from each event benefit a local rescue group we are partnered with. Thank you to The Village Journal for capturing this photo for us at our first event.

We are pleased to be endorsed by local veterinarians, animal rescue groups and pet supply stores in Gainesville and the surrounding communities. 

Veterinarians

Newberry Animal Hospital
"I have known Chuck and his company Daytime Dogs and Friends for a number of years now. It is really awesome to see the owner of a small business care so much about the community and the service he provides. In this world of so much consolidation to create large corporate entities, it is refreshing to see a local business that can be trusted with such an important part of many families, their pets. Keep up the great work Chuck!!!"

 Lance Baltzley, DVM, owner of Newberry Animal Hospital 

Haile Plantation Animal Clinic
"I first met Chuck Siegel, owner of Daytime Dogs and Friends, many years ago when he attended a fundraiser for my non-profit, Haile's Angels Pet Rescue. I am certain that he chose to take care of pets as his life's work because he truly loves what he does.  He has tremendous compassion for animals and also for people. He is dependable without question and takes care of his client's pets as if they were his own. He is dedicated not only to caring for your pet but also to giving back to the community by helping rescue animals find their 'people' family. So give him a call so you can truly enjoy your vacation knowing that your pets are safe and happy!"

 Linda McCollough, DVM, Owner of Haile Plantation Animal Clinic 

Suburban Animal Hospital
"I have known Chuck Siegel for over 13 years and am familiar with his love and passion for pets and animals in general. Ten years ago Chuck founded Daytime Dogs & Friends and began to build the great team of dedicated pet professionals it is today. Chuck's team of compassionate pet sitters are available for pet sitting, private dog walking and overnight care. Members of Chuck’s organization are thoroughly screened by him prior to being considered for his dedicated team. All staff members have extensive training and experience working with a wide variety of domestic animals. They understand the importance of establishing a relationship built on trust with every client and pet. Chuck and his team are all long time local Gainesville residents. They live and work in our community and are well known for their active involvement in helping homeless and unwanted pets to find loving permanent homes throughout Alachua County. I would not hesitate to utilize Daytime Dogs and Friends in my own home should the need arise when we are out of town or working long hours.

Daytime Dogs and Friends and Chuck Siegel have earned my highest recommendation for personal and professional care for your pets. I am proud to recommend my Clients to them.

 Richard J. Sammy, DVM

Jonesville Animal Hospital

The Veterinary Center at Hunter’s Crossing

Animal Rescue Groups

Haile's Angels Pet Rescue
"I highly recommend Daytime Dogs and Friends to any pet owners looking for a highly professional, experienced and trustworthy pet care provider for in-home pet visits, dog walking and overnight stays. They have the most experienced and knowledgeable staff of any service of their kind in the Gainesville area. Daytime Dogs and Friends is a wonderful partner to us at Haile’s Angels by way of their support and participation in our fundraising events throughout the year."

Cassie Wheeler, Haile’s Angels Pet Rescue

Paws on Parole
"People who have pets in their life are extra special. There is a certain love and compassion that a pet owner has for their pets and life. I make it one of my missions in life to surround myself with those types of people. One of those people is Chuck Siegel, Owner/Founder of Gainesville’s own Daytime Dogs and Friends. We met each other at one of my second homes, Earth Pets Natural Pet Market. Guy introduced us many years ago. Since then I have watched his business take shape and grow.  Chuck has a intense passion for what he does. When it comes to the animals, it takes tender loving care every minute of every day. Chuck and his staff pride themselves in this. Just another reason why I love Chuck Siegel. Chuck does not stop there. He loves to help promote and support animal welfare in our community. Paws on Parole is proud to have Chuck's business, Daytime Dog and Friends, as a sponsor for our Prison and Jail program."

Hilary Hynes, Public Education Program Coordinator, Alachua County Animal Services

Alachua County Humane Society

Gainesville Pet Rescue

Second Chance Rescue & Rehoming, Inc

Pet Supply Stores

Earth Pets Natural Pet Market (500 NW 60^th Street, Suite F)

We are proud to have earned the exclusive endorsements of Guy R. Webster and Family, owner of Gainesville’s fantastic Earth Pets Natural Pet Market, Gainesville’s green market for pets.

Earth Pets of Gainesville (4040 NW 10^th Ave)

EarthWise Pet Supply

Nature's Pets Day Spa (Nature's Pets Grooming)

"As the owner and operator of Nature's Pets Day Spa in Gainesville, I wanted to share my enthusiastic endorsement of Daytime Dogs and Friends LLC, a locally owned and operated pet sitting and dog walking company here in Gainesville. I have known the owner, Chuck Siegel, for many years. He is a highly professional and dedicated pet care provider. Chuck and his staff of energetic and dedicated animal handlers provide pet care services including daily in-home visits as well as overnight stays. They also can provide convenient and reliable transportation to our salon for grooming when scheduled with his office in advance. Whether you're stuck at the office all day, away on business or just wanting to spend leisure time, Chuck's professionally trained staff of qualified and background checked pet caregivers will make sure your pets are fed, walked, medicated and cuddled so they're happy when you arrive home."

Lisa Jordan, Owner, Nature's Pets Day Spa

Petsupermarket (NW 13th Street in Gainesville, FL)