WW
W.P
ETBO
ARD
ING
AND
DAY
CAR
E.C
OM
VOL 5 • ED 1 JAN/FEB 2015
SANITATIONPRACTICES
SEPARATIONANXIETY
PROFILE:BARK-A-BOUTPET ACTIVITYCENTER AND RESORT
ARE YOU MISSING OUT ON ALLOWABLE TAX
DEDUCTIONS?
PHO
TO ©
KAR
EN K
ISH
PH
OTO
GR
APH
Y 20
14
ExperienceK9Grass at the
Pet Boarding &Daycare Expo
November 10-13Hershey, PA
Your best friend deservesthe world’s best pet surface.New and improved K9Grass.
Call 866.992.7876 or visit K9Grass.com to step into the future of pet facility surfacing.
The world’s best dog surface just got better.
by
k9-ad-bestfriend_Layout 1 8/14/14 11:19 AM Page 1
PET BOARDING & DAYCARE4
STAFF PUBLISHER Barkleigh Productions, Inc.
PRESIDENTTodd Shelly
EXECUTIVE EDITORGwen Shelly
MANAGING EDITORRebecca Shipman
ART DIRECTORLucas Colton
GRAPHIC DESIGNERLaura Pennington
WEB DESIGNERSLance WilliamsLuke Dumberth
CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICERAdam Lohr
DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETINGJames Severs
CONTACT General: (717) 691-3388
Editorial: [email protected] (ext. 225)
Advertising: [email protected] (ext. 224)
Copyright January 2015. Pet Boarding & Daycare is published bimonthly by Barkleigh Productions, Inc, 970 West Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg PA 17055. Postmaster: Send change of address to Pet Boarding & Daycare c/o Barkleigh Productions, Inc., 970 West Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg PA 17055. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. Editorial offices: 970 West Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg PA 17055. (717) 691–3388 FAX (717) 691–3381 Email: [email protected]
FROM THE EDITOR
Eat, Sleep, Work, Learn….Repeat
Most of you eat, sleep and breathe the pet
boarding industry. And you’re lucky if you run
into another one of your “kind,” outside your
facility once or twice a year. But what if there
were over 600 of you, in the same place, at the
same time? Throw in some industry experts
with tons of advice to share and great products and services at
your fingertips that you’ve only read about on the internet or
seen in our magazine. If you attended the 2014 Pet Boarding &
Daycare Expo, in Hershey, PA, the second week of November,
this is the very situation that you found yourself in.
With nearly 700 attendees, 28 seminars and almost 50 trade show
vendors, the 2014 Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo was the biggest
to date, and we have all of you to thank! We know you work hard
and for some of you this was probably your vacation for the year.
We’re glad you chose to spend it with us.
We had attendees from across the country –even from different
countries– and everyone was there because they love what
they do and were eager to learn more. Remodeling, building a
new facility, marketing strategies, staff management, vaccine
protocols, and off-leash play are just some of the topics our
attendees enthusiastically soaked up. There’s never enough time
in the shorter seminars for all the questions to be answered, so
our round table luncheons were a great place to network and talk
with your peers on subjects of your choice.
If you missed out on this great opportunity, our west coast
Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo is coming up in May. If California
is a little too far for you to travel, then there’s always next year!
As always, we welcome your suggestions; whether they be for
article ideas or seminars you would like to see at future shows,
your feedback is what keeps us current and we hope to make 2015
our most successful year yet!
Rebecca ShipmanManaging Editor
©2015 G&G Distribution Inc. All rights reserved. Pricing, shipping terms and manufacturer specs subject to change.Prices good through February 28, 2015 - While Supplies Last
WWW.RYANSPET.COM 1-800-525-7387
“Rely on Ryan’s”™
INCLUDES SHAMPOOS!
On Orders $99.00 or MoreMust Use Coupon Code Some Exclusions Apply
Expires 02/28/15SHIP99
Need Equipment? Ship it for Free!
When You Purchase $2000 or more of Paw Brothers® Professional and
Value Groom® Equipment. *Within the contiguous United States Only. While
Supplies LastMust Use Coupon Code - Some Exclusions Apply
Expires 02/28/15
EQFS
Send Your Guests Home with Fresh
Breath
February is National
Pet Dental Health Month
PET BOARDING & DAYCARE6
8 Is the Barking Dog Driving You Crazy?
14 Separation Anxiety
24 Customer Loyalty and Your Facility
26 Seven Traits of Highly Successful Pet Care Facility Owners
36 Kennel Heating Systems
41 Sanitation Practices
50 Zoonosis and the Human-Animal Bond
54 Product News
55 Classified Ads
BUSINESS
FACILITY DESIGN
CONTENTS
INDUSTRY NEWS
Profile of Success: Bark-A-BoutPet Activity Center and Resort 30
ANIMAL HEALTHANIMAL BEHAVIOR
Allowable Tax Deductions 20
Handling Medications 44
7PET BOARDING & DAYCARE
But, not if you do...
...prevent cross kennel contamination!
...have the one-of-a-kind protection of
Damned if you don’t...
© 2012 Silvis Seal is trademark of Mason Company, Leesburg, OH
www.StopOutbreaksNow.com
(800) 543-5567
The patent-pendingSilvis Sealprevents liquids
from penetrating adjacent
enclosures.
TM
When there is an outbreak of diseases such as parvo, kennel cough
and the canine distemper virus, dogs may have to be euthanized and facilities shut down.
The exclusive Silvis Seal™ barrier on Mason Company’s Sani-Kennel prevents dangerous
cross-contamination issues. Our unique system functions like a dam to create the
ultimate watertight, reliable and long-term seal that stops fluid
and contaminants from migrating between kennel enclosures.
No other barrier is more effective!
Don’t put your facility at risk.Visit www.StopOutbreaksNow.com today to learnmore about this highly effective kennel solution.
PET BOARDING & DAYCARE8
S ome of the most common dog
behavioral questions I receive
from owners of pet care facilities
deal with barking dogs. How do
you prevent barking? What do you do
to soundproof the pet care center? How
do you keep neighbors happy if they
complain about barking? How much
barking is normal?
Here are a few tips to help you and
your staff begin to find solutions to this
potential pet care center problem.
First of all, understand that barking
happens for a wide range of reasons.
Some dogs may bark while they play.
Others will bark out of excitement
when customers come by for a tour.
Still, others will fearfully bark at any
new environmental stimulus they see,
whether it’s a person, another animal,
or an inanimate object. Some dogs
relieve stress by barking. Others will
bark because they are bored. All types
of barking tend to have the same result
for the humans - we get frustrated
and annoyed if it goes on too long.
Excessive barking, regardless of the
reason, may irritate the other dogs as
well as the staff and detracts from a
fun, pleasant pet care environment.
Understanding the reason for the
barking is critical to helping the dog.
Teach your staff to listen to the
various tones of each dog. Barking,
growling and whining can all occur in
a wide range of pitches for each dog.
Generally speaking, the more stress
the dog is experiencing, the higher the
pitch and the faster the vocalization will
become. Those who have been in the
pet care industry for any length of time
know that you learn to identify a single
dog’s bark from an entire group of dogs.
You will also learn to identify sounds
that mean a dog is playing and those
that mean a dog is injured, scared or
angry. In order to figure out why a dog
is barking, it will help to identify the
various tones of barking.
Secondly, based on the reason for
the barking, begin to implement some
management options. Keep in mind
that there is no one-size-fits-all when it
comes to managing barking. What will
work for one dog, may not work for
another. You will need to experiment to
see what works best for each individual
dog. Here are a few methods to get you
started.
Redirect the DogOne of the most common bark-
stopping strategies is to distract and
redirect the barking. This works especially well if the dog is frustrated or
First of all, understand that barking happens for a wide range of reasons. Some dogs may bark
while they play. Others will bark out of excitement when customers come by for a tour.
driving you crazy?barking dogis the
By Robin Bennett, CPDT-KA
ANIMAL BEHAVIOR
PET BOARDING & DAYCARE10
bored. Provide an alternative behavior for the barking dog. If the dog is separated from other dogs, you might try a stuffed Kong toy or an interactive game. If the dog is with a playgroup, you might want to try redirecting the dog to another playmate. The goal here is to give the dog something else to do.
Change the EnvironmentSometimes a change in the
environment will help a barking dog.
Have you provided quiet downtime for
the dogs so they aren’t over stimulated?
Like children in need of a nap, some
dogs will bark when they get overly
tired. Make sure they are given an
appropriate space and time to relax
when they are in your center. For other
dogs, they don’t get enough stimulation.
Long hours without human interaction
can cause barking from boredom. Be
sure that your staff is spending some
quality time with each dog in your care.
Also provide environmental enrichment
activities for the dogs so they can use
their brains even if they can’t get out
for physical exercise (stuffed Kong toys,
hiding treats in their enclosure, putting
a fun interactive toy with the dog, etc).
Location of the Dog’s Lodging SpaceThis is another variation on
changing the environment. Sometimes
dogs just need a new place to hang out.
Some dogs don’t do well in the high
traffic areas of your pet care center.
Moving those dogs to calmer areas can
help. In addition, some dogs prefer
a small enclosure, while others need
a larger space. Some prefer an open
crate and others prefer a closed crate.
Sometimes covering the door will help.
Try experimenting with the lodging
areas where a barking dog is placed to
see if the location or layout makes a
difference in the dog’s behavior.
Use a Head CollarA head collar, such as the Gentle
Leader®, can help calm down an excited dog. For dogs who bark because
they are over stimulated, you might try
this option. Be sure to fit the head collar
properly and supervise the dog while he
If the dog is with a playgroup, you might want to try redirecting the dog to another playmate. The goal here is to give the dog
something else to do.
save the date: pet boarding & daycare wEST
May 4-7, 2015 (Burbank, CA)
is wearing it. This is not a good option
to use if the dog is alone, but it is often
used successfully during an off-leash
playgroup.
Leash WalkingSometimes a dog just needs some
time walking with someone. This might
be a quick outing with a staff member
outside the facility, but it works equally
well with dogs who are barking during
off-leash play. Walking a dog through
the playroom with a staff member can
often calm the dog down so he stops
barking.
Homeopathic RemediesEssential oils and Bach Flower
essences can have a calming effect on
many dogs. For dogs who are stressed
or overstimulated, you might try Bach
Rescue Remedy in their water bowl,
or Lavender essential oil placed on
a towel or bedding. Other options
would be a diffuser with dog-appeasing
pheromones, such as Comfort Zone®.
Obviously, these products should be
used with the owner’s permission.
The methods mentioned above are
my most often recommended solutions
to barking dogs. There are some more
punitive methods, which often come
up in discussion. I have found that a
well trained staff rarely needs these
methods. As with the homeopathic
remedies mentioned above, be sure that
your clients are aware of any of these
measures you might use on their dog.
Spraying with WaterFor some dogs, a stream of water
sprayed in their face serves as a
deterrent to inappropriate behavior
such as barking. As with any direct
punishment applied to a dog, it must be
applied immediately (within 1-3 seconds
of the undesirable behavior occurring)
and should be effective within four to
five tries on a dog. If a dog is sprayed
with water more than five times and
the inappropriate behavior continues
in that episode, then the water is not
effective and should stop. I would
use water as a last resort. However,
usually I find that if water works, it’s a
dog that is also easily redirected. Water
often ends up being a crutch your staff
will use to avoid learning how to do
good management and leadership with
the dogs in your care.
Citronella CollarA citronella collar is a small
mechanical device worn around a dog’s
neck. If a dog barks, the citronella
collar emits a puff of citronella spray
in the dog’s face. For many dogs, this
is a strong deterrent against barking.
However, there are some drawbacks in a
pet care facility. Dogs that are strongly
engaged in the barking behavior due to
fear or anxiety will usually not respond
to the citronella. They will continue
barking despite the spray in their face. Do
not use the citronella collar for these dogs
because it is not effective. In addition,
in a pet care center where there could
be multiple dogs barking, the collar will
sometimes go off if a dog near the one
wearing the collar barks. This is unfair to
the dog with the citronella collar on.
Shock CollarThis works on the same principle as
a citronella collar except rather than the
bark resulting in a puff of citronella,
the collar emits an electrical shock
to the dog. The idea is that the shock
will punish the dog for barking so that
the barking will cease. As with the
citronella collar, this method will often
not work for the dog who is barking
out of fear and anxiety. Additionally,
you have to be sure that the punishment
does not cause other fear related
behaviors. Although suppression of
the barking is possible, you are doing
nothing to modify the dog’s emotional
state. In other words, you are making
the dog quietly fearful which isn’t really
the main goal in keeping the dogs
emotionally healthy.
MuzzlesIf a dog needs a muzzle because
he is barking, he probably has other
issues that need to be addressed by
a qualified trainer. Muzzles used to
prevent barking may restrict panting
For dogs who are stressed or overstimulated, you might try Bach Rescue Remedy in their water bowl, or Lavender essential oil placed
on a towel or bedding.
11PET BOARDING & DAYCARE
PET BOARDING & DAYCARE12
and can cause a dog to overheat.
Muzzles used to prevent aggression
toward people or dogs, if not used with
proper training techniques, can cause
frustration in a dog and can cause his
aggressive behavior to become worse. In
addition, most clients bringing their dog
to daycare will be noticeably alarmed
if they see a daycare dog wearing a
muzzle.
Sometimes nothing works and the
dog must be evaluated for continued
attendance at the center. Dogs that are
barking due to excessive stress may
need an environment other than a pet
care center. Your job, as a responsible
facility owner, should be to address
the emotional health of the dog and be
the dog’s advocate even if that means
recommending a service other than one
you might provide. n
Robin Bennett is author and consultant for pet care facilities on the subjects of dog daycare, training, and off-leash play. The tools she teaches facility staff and dog owners stem from Robin’s 20 years of involvement in the pet care industry. Her book, All About Dog Daycare, is the number one reference on owning a daycare, and her book, Off-Leash Dog Play, co-authored by Susan Briggs, is the key reference on supervising dogs in playgroups. Together with Susan Briggs, Robin has created an interactive staff training program called Knowing Dogs: a two-part training resource designed for pet care center management to
train any staff member working in a pet care facility on safe dog interactions and group play. You can find more about Robin and these resources at www.robinkbennett.com. As “The Dog Gurus,” Robin and Susan’s mission is to improve safety in the dog daycare industry.
Check out their membership site at www.TheDogGurus.com.
Muzzles used to prevent aggression toward people or dogs, if not used with proper training techniques, can cause frustration in a dog and can cause his aggressive behavior to become worse.
Follow us on Twitter!
@barkleighinc
Special Insurance Packages for:Boarding KennelsVeterinariansPet GroomersAnimal Shelters/RescuesKennel Clubs
www.kennelpak.com1-800-237-7015
Kennel Insurance
Easy Online Application!
W19
90
13PET BOARDING & DAYCARE
You were meant to stand out, we can help with that.
MeantToStandOut.com
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
PBD-2014-fullpage.pdf 1 7/15/2014 2:38:38 PM
PET BOARDING & DAYCARE14
T he term “separation anxiety”
is often misunderstood. True
clinical separation anxiety is
not common. Consult your
veterinarian to get a correct diagnosis.
What is It?Separation anxiety in dogs is
the fear or dislike of isolation,
which often results in undesirable
behavior. Separation anxiety is one of
the most common causes of canine
behavioral problems.
If your dog follows you around
room to room, becomes anxious even
if a closed door separates you, dislikes
spending time alone outdoors, and acts
depressed or anxious when you are
getting ready to leave the house then
your dog may have minor separation
anxiety.
If, however, you are having
destruction of property (especially
around doors or windows), howling
and barking, urination and defecation,
then it is probably severe separation
anxiety. Prescribed drugs are sometimes
used as a temporary measure along
with the behavior modification
program. Severe cases require a
behavior modification program and
desensitization to being alone. This
usually takes a very long time.
When left alone, most dogs find a
familiar spot and go to sleep. However,
a dog suffering from separation
anxiety will become extremely
anxious. Separation anxiety occurs
when a dog becomes distressed over
the absence of other pack members -
human or canine. Not understanding
where you or your family has gone
or if you will ever return. Your dog’s
way of expressing anxiety over your
absence may include chewing, barking,
salivating, urinating, defecating,
vomiting, self-mutilation or escape
behavior such as chewing through walls,
scratching through doors, busting out
of cages or digging under fences (if
left outdoors). In some cases, the dog
simply gets sick, perhaps due to some
form of depression.
Often it is the exits and entrances
to the home that the dog targets for
destruction. The destruction is not an
attempt to seek revenge on the owner
for leaving, but is actually a panic
response. It can be compared to humans
suffering from panic attacks. So even if
the physical signs are not obvious, the
psychological stress can be severe. To
help your dog overcome this normal
response, we need to progress gradually
and slowly to minimize the stress. Your
goal is to help your dog accept separation
without stressing in the first place and to
remain calm during prolonged separation.
Separation anxiety in dogs is the fear or dislike of isolation, which often results in undesirable behavior. Separation anxiety is one of the most common causes of canine behavioral problems.
anxietySeparation
By Laura Pakis
15PET BOARDING & DAYCARE
What Can Cause It?Dogs need to be properly conditioned
to being left alone. Separation anxiety
can sometimes happen when:
• The dog has never or rarely been left alone
• After going away to a boarding kennel or shelter
• After a change in the family’s routine such as a new work schedule, moving to a new home, a new person living in the home, or a person leaving the home
• After a long interval such as a vacation with you and your dog constantly together
Giving a dog too much or the wrong
type of attention can lead to such stress
related behaviors. In some cases, the
constant attention and petting a dog
receives when its owners are home make
the stress worse when they are absent.
Examples include:
• Petting the dog too much for merely existing
• Allowing the dog to sleep in bed before behavior issues are resolved
• Petting and playing with the dog when they demand it
• Petting to calm the dog down when he is scared, stressed, angry, etc.
• Excitable greeting of the dog upon awakening or arriving home
These actions can make the dog too
dependent and create neediness. This
neediness cannot be fulfilled when the
dog is alone. If the dog is experiencing
stress when left alone, he will do things
that he should not do. It is important to
keep a balance so that the dog does not
feel as alone when you are gone.
Ways to Treat ItTreatment for separation anxiety
varies from dog to dog. Here are some
things you can do to assist in the
modification of this behavior or the
prevention of it.
Crate Your DogCrating your dog during your times
of absence has two positive results.
First, a dog who is confined to a
carrier or crate cannot do damage to
your home. Secondly, when properly
introduced, a crate will act as a safe,
comfortable den where the dog can
relax. Limiting his movement also acts
as an anxiety reducer for most dogs.
A dog who has to be physically
manhandled into the crate has not
yielded to you the authority to place
him there. You’ve merely shoveled
him in there with no “buy in” from
the dog. I always teach the dog to load
himself on command, and in so doing,
the dog learns to confer upon you (the
authority) to determine what space
his body shall occupy. That is called
submitting to the leader and teaching
the dog to do it voluntarily has huge
payoffs.
For dogs who self-injure, the best
success for crate training is to train
them to go in and out of the crate
without any physical prompts. It seems
too simple but it works well for this
type of dog. To begin, lure and prompt
to get your dog to go in and out. When
the dog appears calm about doing that
then up the ante and let the dog see you
put rewards inside the crate and close
the door. The dog should recognize
the treat inside the crate and the dog
on the outside. When the dog is really
“fussing” to get in open the door and let
the dog in. Repeat and alternate dog in
crate with food in crate (dog and food
separated by crate door) until the dog is
able to remain in a calm state.
Stage two is closing the door for a
second then letting the dog out. Third
stage is getting the dog to lay down in
the crate with the door closed. Then
treat in the crate. Final stage is going
out of sight. The process is usually
one that can be accomplished in a day
(about four 20 minute sessions). This
technique works very well, especially on
the really frantic dogs.
For the dogs that won’t give it up,
cover the crate (I prefer the plastic
crate for this) so the dog cannot see
out. Some dogs prefer to be in a room
next to a window and some do not.
Some dogs feel safer in a plastic walled
crate and some prefer a wire crate. Find
out what works best for your dog.
A dog who has to be physically manhandled into the crate has not yielded to you the authority to place him there. You’ve merely shoveled him in
there with no “buy in” from the dog.
PET BOARDING & DAYCARE16
Turn On a Radio or TelevisionTurn on a radio or television in a
room you are often in (the bedroom is
usually a good choice) and close the
door. The dog will hear the human
voices from your room and may not
feel so alone. Stick to an easy listening
station so as not to excite the dog or
use the animal planet channel. Some
clients tape record their own voices
and play the recording in place of the
radio or television program. Dogs know
the sound of your voice all too well.
And remember, since the dog is most
anxious just after you leave, a one-hour
recording will probably suffice. It will
buffer outside noises and make the
house seem less empty. Also leave a
light on if it will be getting dark.
Prepare a “Bye-Bye” Chew ToyGet a “kong” and fill it with goodies
such as dried liver pet treats, beef jerky,
peanut butter, cheese or other things
your dog really likes. Keep it hidden
and take it out when you leave each
day. Place it near your dog just before
you close the door. When you arrive
home put the kong away. The kong
only comes out when you leave. You
are attempting to distract your dog with
something that he will find interesting
enough to concentrate on other than
you leaving. Hopefully, your dog will
appreciate the kong so much that he
will look forward to it coming out in
place of getting upset with your leaving.
Change Your Exit PatternWith most dogs, the hardest time
for them is immediately after you
leave. Their anxious (and sometimes
destructive) behavior occurs within
the first hour after they are left alone.
It will be your job to reshape your
dog’s behavior through reinforcement
training. Maintain a calm presence
around the dog the last 30 minutes
before you leave the house so as not
to excite the dog and possibly induce
stress. Leave the dog out of the crate,
put your coat on, and walk to the door
and leave. Come back in immediately.
Greet the dog calmly. Tell the dog to
sit. When the dog sits, reinforce this
behavior with praise or a treat the dog
enjoys. Wait a few minutes and then
repeat the exercise, this time remaining
outside a few seconds longer. Continue
practicing leaving and returning over
the next few weeks. Always remember
when returning to greet your dog calmly
and command the dog to sit before
offering a treat.
Also, do your pre-departure activities
without actually leaving. For instance,
pick up your keys and watch television,
put your coat on and wash the dishes,
or wear your work clothes while you
read a book. Do anything but leave
the house and do this randomly and
continue whenever you can. Do only
one exercise at a time and keep it brief.
Your dog should begin to learn that
coats or keys mean nothing at all. The
important thing to remember is to not
do these exercises within an hour of
you actually leaving.
Catch the Dog in the Act Set up situations where the dog
thinks you are gone but you are hiding
in the house. Do your normal “leaving
home” routine. If you need to go as far
as having someone drive your car out
of the driveway then do so. When the
dog acts out, run in the room, correct
the dog, and return to your hiding spot.
Once the dog has settled down and is
behaving then “return home”. Either
wait until the person with your car
returns or open your front door and do
your normal “return home” routine and
praise the dog.
When It Is Time To Leave — Just Leave
Do not say “good bye” to the dog
with hugs and kisses. In fact, ignore
the dog for five minutes before you go.
Paying too much attention will make
the dog feel more insecure when the
attention is abruptly withdrawn.
Learning to Spend Time AloneYou can help the dog learn to be
comfortable away from you. This
process will help teach the dog that it
is ok to be left alone! It must be done
slowly, paying careful attention to
the dog’s behavior. The dog must not
display anxiety at any time throughout
With most dogs, the hardest time for them is immediately after you leave. Their anxious
(and sometimes destructive) behavior occurs within the first hour after they are left alone
17
PBD&BURBANK, CA
PET BOARDING & DAYCARE EXPO
EXPOWEST
A NEW SHOW FOR PET PROS ON THE WEST COAST!
MAY 4–7, 2015
LOS ANGELES MARRIOTT BURBANK AIRPORT
BURBANK, CALIFORNIA
WWW.PETBOARDINGEXPO.COM
PET BOARDING & DAYCARE18
the progression. This exercise can be
performed during times when you are
relaxed and sitting down for a period
of time such as watching television or
reading a book. Perform these exercises
during commercials or in between
chapters. It is important to NEVER
TELL THE DOG TO STAY! You
want the dog to decide to stay on his
own. Practice standing up, and walking
out of the room. When your dog starts
to follow, go back to your chair and try
again. Do this until the dog no longer
wants to follow and is comfortable with
remaining in the room by himself.
Diet and ExerciseDiet, walks, and the home
environment also play a role in
preventing stress in the dog. Below
are some suggestions for easing the
dog’s stress. It is imperative that a dog
receives positive, quality attention.
• Dogs are social creatures and need play time. It is important that you as the owner set the beginning and end time for the game. The dog should not demand the game be played. Have a specific fetch toy and take it out only when it is time to play. If a dog is good for six fetches then stop at four. Gradually add a repetition on each day until the dog will do two dozen back and forth. Put the toy away when the game is over. This will ensure that the dog stays motivated and does not lose or destroy the toy.
• Have chew toys for the dog when not playing. Do not play fetch with dog’s chew toys as that will reinforce the dog demanding play at the wrong times.
• Controlling when and what to play with will put you in the role of leader as well as prevent dominance issues.
• Feed the dog twice per day. This
will satisfy the dog as well as prevent possible mood swings due to possible low blood sugar.
• Calmly walk the dog twice a day for 20 minutes. On the walks you can also include some basic obedience training such as sits and downs. This also encourages the dog to keep his focus on you.
A dog that is lacking exercise is
more likely to have stress and tension.
Tiring a dog out with a long walk, a
good run, or play goes a long way in
reducing stress.
Obedience TrainingObedience helps to structure the
dog’s life. Practice a minimum of 15
minutes a day strictly on obedience
and enforce any command you give the
dog so the dog’s world remains black
and white. This way the dog will know
his boundaries. Practice long down-
stays and sit-stays so the dog learns
to control himself while you leave the
room. Whether the dog has minor or
severe separation anxiety, one of the
most effective tools in your toolbox is
the PLACE command. This command
teaches dogs self-control which an
anxious dog needs to learn.
And Finally…Be a strong leader. When a dog has a
strong leader, it has a calming effect on
dogs. The dog feels safe and taken care
of. In the absence of a strong leader,
the dog feels obligated to assume that
position in the social hierarchy of the
family pack. Since a leader must control
all that goes on, the dog’s inability to
control your leaving causes the dog
stress and anxiety. Obedience training
is the best, organized method of
establishing yourself as a strong leader.
It is important to remember that
the dog is not bad or trying to make
life miserable - although it sometimes
may feel that way! The dog is the
victim of a disorder that can be treated.
Prognosis for recovery is excellent if
you are willing to spend time working
with the dog. Don’t give up. Patience
and consistency will either correct or
improve the situation. n
Laura Pakis is an experienced certified professional trainer and owner/founder of Acme Canine. Laura is certified in Pet First Aid by the American Red Cross and PetSaver, is AKC Canine Good Citizen and Community Canine Evaluator, and AKC PuppySTAR evaluator. She is certified in breed selection, puppy development, assistance dog training, basic and advanced obedience, Police K-9 and protection training, tracking, E-touch training and Pack to Basics.
She has been nominated for the Woman of the Year in the Pet Industry Award, Better Business Bureau’s Integrity Award and Worthington Chamber’s Small Business Person of the Year Award. Recently her business was singled out from among several thousand businesses to be nominated as one of three finalists for the 2014 Pet Age boarding facility of the year; ref lecting the skills, talents and professional reputation Laura has and continues to build in her growing business.
Be a strong leader. When a dog has a strong leader, it has a calming effect on dogs. The dog feels safe and taken care of. In the absence of a strong leader, the dog feels obligated to
assume that position in the social hierarchy of the family pack.
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!
facebook.com/PetBoardingDaycare
21PET BOARDING & DAYCARE
O ften times, self-employed dog
professionals find themselves
in a situation where they owe
taxes at the end of the year and
may not have been aware of things
they could or should have done during
the year to manage their tax bill,
including being knowledgeable about
tax deductions that are appropriate for
their business.
First and foremost, planning is key.
Don’t just get handed a tax bill at the
end of the year. Learn advantageous
ways to manage it. Make sure you are
tracking your income and expenses
accurately, and don’t be afraid to ask
questions.
For example, too often clients fail
to engage in a dialogue with their tax
preparer. A good CPA who understands
your industry will take initiative, but it
never hurts to ask about tax strategies
that could lower your tax bill, including
allowable deductions you may be
leaving on the table.
Where to StartThe first step is setting up a separate
business bank account from your
personal one. Once you’ve committed
to a discipline of depositing all of your
income and paying business expenses
from your business account, you’ve
gone a long way towards helping
yourself to understand your financial
picture and the taxes you’ll owe.
The second step is learning to
properly categorize your revenue
and expenses to determine their tax
deductibility. There are various ways
to get help with this step, including
engaging a CPA knowledgeable about
your industry, attending tax related
webinars or doing some research on
your own.
Next, engage in a dialogue with
a tax professional to answer some
essential questions, such as:
• Are there any tax advantages
to purchasing certain assets for
my business, like a car or an SUV?
Does one type of vehicle have a tax
advantage over another?
• I am planning some major
equipment purchases this year,
including a new computer and some
agility equipment. How will this affect
my tax bill?
• Are there any tax strategies I
should be employing to lower my bill?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You
know your business better than anyone,
so if something is on your mind, speak
up! Your tax preparation should not
just consist of handing over some files
or receipts to an accountant once a
year. Having a consistent dialogue
with your CPA throughout the year
helps lay out a plan for managing your
taxes and provides an opportunity to
do something about them proactively.
This will often save you money and
unpleasant surprises, like owing more
than you’ve budgeted for.
Often-Overlooked Tax DeductionsI see too many clients paying more
taxes than necessary simply because
they didn’t know they could take certain
kinds of deductions. Here are some of
the most commonly missed ones:
The Home Office DeductionDid you know that a portion of your
home used exclusively for your business
is tax deductible? Your home office
space is the most obvious candidate.
And if you provide boarding or daycare
Don’t just get handed a tax bill at the end of the year. Learn advantageous ways to manage it. Make sure you are tracking your income and expenses accurately, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
PET BOARDING & DAYCARE is ONLINE! PetBoardingandDaycare.com
PET BOARDING & DAYCARE22
in your home, the space you use for
crating the dogs in your care could be
considered when calculating the square
footage of your home used for business
as well. Or perhaps you build agility
equipment in your garage and have a
workbench dedicated just for that use.
Another example is space allocated to
store equipment or goods for resale.
Business Use Of Your VehicleMany people believe the mileage
deduction is always the most beneficial
way to deduct the business use of their
vehicle, but this isn’t always true. Often
times, especially with new vehicles, the
depreciation deduction far outweighs the
mileage calculation. It’s worth asking
your accountant which strategy is best for
you given your vehicle, how it’s used, and
how much it’s costing you.
Working DogsYour working or demo dog may
be considered a tool of your business.
As such, the cost of acquiring the dog
itself, including the purchase price or
stud fees, may be deductible. The cost
of maintaining your dog, such as his
food and veterinary expenses, could
also be considered tax deductions.
Facts and circumstances determine
the appropriateness of taking all or a
portion of the costs associated with
your working dog and should carefully
be considered when planning and
preparing your taxes.
Meals While Away From HomeHow much do you spend on meals
and incidentals while sleeping away
from home? Conferences are an obvious
situation, but there others. For example,
I am often surprised when in-home
pet sitters do not provide any evidence
of meal expenses while they are at a
client’s home. They’re often surprised to
learn that even if they don’t go out to a
restaurant, the cost of the food they bring
to an overnight location is tax deductible.
Equipment PurchasesThe IRS will allow businesses,
provided they have net income, to
deduct the entire cost of purchasing an
asset in the year of purchase. This is a
huge tax benefit, as you can write off
100% of the purchase in the first year,
as opposed to having to depreciate it
over its useful life.
ConclusionThe rules around this, and all
deductions, change often — another
reason to keep that dialogue going with
your accountant. Knowing about tax
law changes can help you make good
decisions. For example, about when,
what and how to purchase something.
(New or used car? This year or next?
How much to spend on it? Should I
own it or should the business?) Or about
how the use of your space. Or which
expenses to keep track of.
In short, maintaining an active
relationship with a CPA and keeping
up on tax laws can keep more money
in your pocket at tax time. Who doesn’t
like that? n
Marie Poliseno is the Managing Partner of Dollars & Scents Accounting Services. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) as well as a professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) and honors graduate of the SFSPCA Academy for Dog Trainers (CC). To work with Marie on your financial and tax matters, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.dog-pro-cpa.com to learn more about her services.
Your working or demo dog may be considered a tool of your business. As such, the cost of
acquiring the dog itself, including the purchase price or stud fees, may be deductible.
Follow us on Twitter!
@barkleighinc
23PET BOARDING & DAYCARE
“
GR
OW
ING
YO
UR
OW
N D
OG
GIE
DA
YC
AR
E
WH
EE
LE
R D
EL
TO
RR
OG
RO
WIN
G Y
OU
R O
WN
DO
GG
IE D
AY
CA
RE
W
HE
EL
ER
DE
L T
OR
RO
(717) 691-3388
BARKLEIGH PRODUCTIONS
970 W. Trindle Road
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
NEW FROM BARKLEIGH
PRODUCTIONS!
There’s nothing to stop you from running a successful doggie daycare center.
Wheeler del Torro, author
A VALUABLE RESOURCE FOR ANY PET DAYCARE OWNER!
190-PAGE PLAN FOR SUCCESSIncluding 50 pages of sample forms, business plans, and checklists!
$19.95
PET BOARDING & DAYCARE24
It is undeniable that customers are
the lifeblood of business. Without
them you wouldn’t be able to meet
your goals and establish your brand.
While the pet industry is growing
rapidly, households are still cutting
back and adjusting in other areas. The
person whose pet typically stayed at a
facility twice a year while the family
vacationed, may now only be staying
once a year. That may not sound like a
major problem, but if a similar situation
happens with more than one client, then
you potentially approach losing 50% of
your revenue. Situations like this are what
make customer loyalty and retention
more important now than ever before.
A customer loyalty strategy at its core
is designed to leave no doubt in clients’
minds that they want to take their pets
to your facility and make them never
question that decision. Below are three
things to consider when creating your
own loyalty program.
Reward Your CustomersWith service brands, this is a great
opportunity to offer something that is
new to your business or that is an easy
addition to the service you already
provide. For example, if you just started
offering grooming at your facility, you
could offer a free basic grooming for
customers that book a five-day stay.
Another easy offer that is often popular
is giving a free day of day care, if your
facility provides this.
It is extremely important that your
rewards have your customer’s best
interests at heart. The core of your
loyalty program or offer should be
focused on your customer, not how you
can benefit. Remember, the loyalty you
garner from the program should deliver
greater long-term success for your
business. Keeping this in mind will help
you design your operations to support
the loyalty strategy.
When offering discounts and
rewards it is usually a best practice
to offer a free service rather than a
discount, but make sure that you budget
accordingly.
Touch PointsWhen working to retain customers,
it is always important to make sure that
they are aware of your services, offers
and promotions. We highly recommend
using some sort of newsletter that you
can email to your customers. This will
help build a sense of community around
your business. Regular touch points will
help to reinforce your message. Clarity
and consistency are keys to success
when offering new promotions.
Sending nice messages on birthdays
and your FaciLityBy Jason & Steven Parker
Customer
A customer loyalty strategy at its core is designed to leave no doubt in clients’ minds that they
want to take their pets to your facility and make them never question that decision.
Loyalty
25PET BOARDING & DAYCARE
to customers for them or their pets
can be a great way to show that you
care and that you’re thinking of them
beyond their stay with you. While
executing these minor touch points, you
may have room to offer an additional
benefit.
Data Collection and RetentionThis is the most important part of
loyalty from a business standpoint, and,
unfortunately, it is often overlooked.
When you have new customers come
to your facility you will want to make
sure that you collect their information.
This is fairly standard from a safety
standpoint, but make a point to mention
to them that you have a newsletter and
other community involvement aspects
that you would like to share with them.
Each person that stays with you is
someone who trusts you with a loved
one, often for a long period of time.
Earning that trust is not easy and
takes time, but it is the ultimate point
of emphasis for customer retention.
Showing them how important they and
their pet are to you and your staff is the
best way to make them feel comfortable
with your business. n
K-9 RESORTS DAYCARE & LUXURY HOTEL was founded in 2005 by brothers Steven and Jason Parker in Fanwood, N.J. When in their early teens, their parents denied them a dog of their own, so the entrepreneurial pair opened a professional pet-sitting business to prove they were not
only willing, but ready to care for a dog. That business not only became a highly profitable enterprise that they sold for a six-figure sum in 2006, that revenue became the expansion fuel for their burgeoning K-9 Resorts business. The business, which is the only facility in New Jersey to have been rated Number 1 by multiple major publications, is a luxury pet care franchise with locations throughout the East Coast of the U.S. K-9 Resorts was ranked Number 1 in its category by the Courier News and by New Jersey Monthly Magazine. To learn more about K-9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel and potential franchise opportunities, visit the company’s website www.k9resorts.com.
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!
facebook.com/PetBoardingDaycare
Sending nice messages on birthdays to customers for them or their pets can be a great
way to show that you care and that you’re thinking of them beyond their stay with you.
KENNEL SALES SLIPSMake more money without raising your prices!
With space for all the little extras you haven’t been charging for!
Salesperson or groomer
TALLY COMMISSIONS EASILY!
Number of days, weeks, or months of boarding
Next grooming appointment
And much more!
Pack of 100 – $18Pack of 500 – $74
Pack of 1000 – $107
Barkleigh Productions, Inc.barkleigh.com • barkleighstore.com • (717) 691-3388
Available in Packs of 100, 500, or 1000!
PET BOARDING & DAYCARE26
SEVEN TRAITSof highly Successful
pet care FaciLity owners
L et’s start by defining success. I
define success in this pet care
industry as providing outstanding
pet care AND experiencing an
outstanding financial return. Caring for
and being around pets is wonderful, but
that isn’t enough. For the demands of
this business (emotionally, physically and
financially), you CAN and SHOULD
be highly financially successful. Here are
seven specific strategies pet care facility
owners and managers should embrace to
increase their success.
1) Project a Positive and Professional Image
Top owners recognize that they are
their company’s brand. They realize that
how they act and even think is directly
related to how successful their company
will be. Therefore, they are generally and genuinely positive around clients, employees, and prospects, as well as vendors and their support team.
Working in the pet industry means
‘getting dirty.’ However, successful owners
appreciate their image still counts.
Many of my very successful clients
proudly wear their uniform polo shirts
in public, while out shopping or dining.
Why? To promote their business as much
as possible. Doing so however will project
either a positive or a negative image.
When you’re pleasant and upbeat,
you’ll attract positive attention. When
you’re not appealing, negative attention
will follow.
Studies show that it takes just a
glance, just seconds for someone to
form a first impression. The first critical
moments of seeing a potential client
could actually make or break a future
business relationship.
As basic as this seems, your smile
communicates that you are open
to conversation, approachable and
hopefully even likable. Not smiling
pushes people away.
Positive TalkEveryone has challenging, even bad
days. But dwelling on it, of course, isn’t
useful for anyone. Discussing your bad
day or harping on negativity in front
of employees is damaging to the work
environment. Great business owners
demonstrate to staff members that (as
their leader) he or she is able to rise
above personal feelings regarding a
challenging customer or situation, and
still present a positive, enthusiastic
presence.
Negativity is a virus that spreads
rapidly from one person to another.
Individuals can bring the virus to
work or catch it from others in the
organization. The negativity virus can
spread quickly in a matter of days or
weeks, and once transmitted, is very
Top owners recognize that they are their company’s brand. They realize that how they act and even think is directly related to how
successful their company will be.
By Laura Laaman
27PET BOARDING & DAYCARE
difficult to cure.
Studies have revealed that up to
37% of a first impression is based upon
the speaker’s tone of voice. On the
telephone, that number rises to 80% or
higher. With the majority of a pet care
facility’s revenue being generated over
the phone, it is critical that the people
who handle your phone calls are doing
so in a positive manner.
The effects of negativity are
devastating to any organization and
can lead to increased turnover, lateness,
absenteeism, customer complaints,
errors, accidents, and illness -- all
resulting in deep bottom-line costs.
Action Step: Challenge yourself to give out 10 sincere compliments today. This includes complimenting your staff, vendors and clients. You’ll quickly see how quickly these interactions become even more positive.
Positive Thoughts“While a positive attitude alone
won’t guarantee your success, the
absence of one will almost certainly
contribute to your failure.” – Joe Tye, Motivational Speaker and Values Coach
According to a Stanford Research
Institute study, success is 88% attitude.
When people think and say what they
really want, the mind automatically
shifts and pulls them in that direction.
Successful business owners are realistic
in knowing that they will experience
challenges, and lean on educational
and inspirational materials, as well
as seminars, to help them bring a
knowledgeable, positive attitude to the
workplace.
Action Step: Sign up for an industry seminar or webinar given by a proven expert in your industry.
2) Good Processes in PlaceGreat owners know they need
to devote time and energy to ensure
that the human points of contact
are as exceptional as the actual care
provided to the pets. Three important
and influential areas include check-
in, check-out and the initial phone
call. The phone is the way that new,
concerned prospective pet parents will
reach out to your business. Sure some
inquiries will come through online
forms but, just like with human parents,
concerned pet parents want to speak
with the potential care takers of their
furry child.
Action Step: Challenge yourself to have effective phone, check-in and check-out procedures.
3) Strong MarketingTen to twenty years ago you could
build a pet care facility and be confident
that it would be filled over the holidays.
With the explosion of increased
competition and the ease of finding
facilities via the internet, it’s imperative
that pet care companies use strong
marketing tools. Digital marketing
(website, Pay-Per Click, Effective Offers,
Outbound Phone Calls, PR Campaigns,
etc.) is important but so are referrals
from veterinarians and clients.
Action Step: Have a comprehensive marketing review done of the key, proven marketing areas to move your business forward.
4) Good ImplementersGreat business owners and
executives take an idea and ensure it’s
implemented well. So when they decide
that their check-in or phone processes
need to improve, they commit and
ensure it’s done. They realize ideas don’t
move businesses forward, actions do.
Action Steps: What three areas/strategies are you going to commit to implementing? By when?
5) Quality ControlsHaving systems for key areas is
important. Great owners know they
need to ensure implementation. “Trust,
but verify,” is a key strategy to success.
Successful human hotels have consistent
check-in procedures, care of their guests
and check-out. This consistency doesn’t
happen by chance, they train, and then
verify. They have internal or external
shopping services to verify that the
level of service delivered is what their
customers can come to expect.
Most new phone systems allow you to
listen to actual prospective and existing
With the explosion of increased competition and the ease of finding facilities via the internet,
it’s imperative that pet care companies use strong marketing tools.
3strong
marketing
PET BOARDING & DAYCARE28
Put me on a web cam, and I’ll do wonders for your business.
Online Doggy is the #1 provider of webcam systems to the pet care industry.
Web Cam Solutions for Pet Care Providerswww.onlinedoggy.com • 866-929-0919
client calls. Our clients know that these
calls are key to a company’s financial
success. Ensuring that the employee
converts inquiries into bookings and
upsells important activities to increase the
pet’s enjoyment of their time away from
home form a key part of your sales and
marketing strategy. Before you record
calls, check with your business attorney
to verify what steps you need to take to
ensure legal recordings.
Customer feedback is a good way
to find what’s working and what’s not.
Just like top human hotels, sending out
an automated survey is an easy, cost-
effective way to let your clients know you
value them and genuinely appreciate any
improvement suggestions they have.
Action Step: Ensure your calls are being recorded legally within your state and listen to 5-10 calls per week.
6) Continued LearningRather than ‘hope’ employees will
do as pet owners want, successful
owners have detailed practices for
management and staff. Diseases
evolve and to deliver exceptional
care, our operating practices need to
stay ahead of the diseases. Having
a comprehensive training program
that covers all the key areas that your
employees will encounter will not only
save owners and managers time, it will
inspire your employees to a higher level
of performance.
Action Step: Invest in training for you and your team.
7) GoalsTop business owners in this industry
and beyond are goal setters. They know
that the human mind is like a missile.
Give it a target, apply the appropriate
energy and the chances are very
high they will hit it. Goals should be
realistic, yet challenging, quantified
and highly visible. Setting goals is often
foreign to small business owners. We
help each of our clients set -- and more
importantly -- hit their goals.
Action Step: Set monthly revenue, activity and labor goals for your business this month and every month for the next year.
Successful business owners don’t
rest on their laurels. They continuously
look for sound, proven ways to move
their business forward. Costs are always
increasing (labor, taxes, real estate...).
Therefore it’s important to ensure you
keep your business moving in proven
yet progressive ways. n
Laura Laaman is president of Outstanding Pet Care. OPC helps some of the most successful pet care facilities thrive in highly competitive markets and GUARANTEES THEIR CLIENT’S SUCCESS! If you would like to receive a complementary phone evaluation, contact the OPC team at www.OutstandingPetCare.com or call 1-888-735-5667.
6continued
learning
read pet boarding & daycare online!
PetBoardingandDaycare.com
29PET BOARDING & DAYCARE
AaroncoFull Page Ad
EARN MOREGROOM CATS
In the new 3rd Edition of the industry’s first instructional text on cat grooming, Sam Kohl shows you how to safely and humanely groom cats, improving not only their appearance, but their health and well-being too.
DiscDiscover how to manage your shop so your new cat clients will safely coexist with your canine clients. Sam’s tips on how to effectively market your new cat grooming services will help to grow your business larger than you ever imagined. www.aaroncopet.com
PET BOARDING & DAYCARE30
where pets are unLeash’d and Luv’d
Bark-A-BoutPet Activity Center & Resort
PROFILE OF SUCCESS
By Kathy Hosler
31PET BOARDING & DAYCARE
W hen I set out to create the
Bark-A-Bout Pet Activity
Center and Resort,” says
owner and founder, Michelle
Nikiforuk “I wanted it to be a place
where pets can be mentally and
physically stimulated while enjoying a
five star luxury resort. And, I wanted it
to be where every dog can be unleash’d
and luv’d throughout their stay.”
Anyone who visits the magnificent
Bark-A-Bout Pet resort, located near
Detroit in Shelby Township, Michigan,
can tell you that Michelle has succeeded
in her goal – and then some. Bark-A-
Bout is a two story 30,000 sq. ft. facility
that contains indoor and outdoor play
spaces, Michigan’s only indoor aquatic
fitness and wellness center, hotel rooms
for their overnight pet guests, the Café
& Viewing Lounge, grooming salon,
veterinarian office, and more.
“I want every pet that comes
into our facility to have a positive
experience,” says Michelle. “And, I
want their owners to feel secure in
leaving their dog – and know that it is
in a clean, safe environment and is well
taken care of.”
At Bark-A-Bout they average 120
dogs in their daycare each day and they
can accommodate 240 overnight guests.
With that many dogs, it is imperative
that they all get along. Each dog that
wants to stay or play at Bark-A-Bout
has to go through a meet-n-greet day
and be approved to participate in
doggie playgroups.
“After filling out paperwork, we have
the owner go upstairs to our viewing
lounge where they can observe how
their dog reacts to the other dogs,”
explains Ms. Nikiforuk. “We assess the
dog by itself for about five minutes,
then introduce dogs to them. When
they pass all this, they are playgroup
certified, and they can play in our open
play environment. We have found that
once the dogs come for daycare and get
used to everything, they feel very little
stress when they come in to board.”
The overnight guests are not housed
in traditional chain link and block runs
– they stay in doggie ‘hotel’ rooms.
All of the rooms have glass fronts and
doors to create a very open feeling. The
higher-end rooms, like their penthouse
suite, have tiled walls, televisions,
chandeliers, and even fireplaces.
Bark-A-Bout has a unique approach
that allows daycare and boarding pets
to socialize with each other as well as
enables them to share many activities
with their owners. Throughout the day
the dogs are out of their hotel rooms
Bark-A-Bout is a two story 30,000 sq. ft. facility that contains indoor and outdoor play spaces, Michigan’s only indoor aquatic fitness and wellness center, hotel
rooms for their overnight pet guests, the Café & Viewing Lounge, grooming salon, veterinarian office, and more.
PET BOARDING & DAYCARE32
as much as possible. They are in their
designated playgroups based on their
meet-n-greet status when they were
playgroup certified.
“As the dogs interact with each other,
our highly trained staff members do fun
activities with them for at least fifteen
minutes every hour.” says Michelle. “We
do things like follow the leader, Frisbee
throws, and playing with balls.”
“We also take special needs and
geriatric dogs,” says Michelle. “We
have a special play room designated for
these dogs. It’s a quieter environment
with comfortable couches, televisions,
calming music, and aromatherapy.
There is also a potty grass area with a
whole underground filtration system.
They have lots of freedom and no stress.”
On the first floor, there is 10,000
sq. ft. of indoor play space and 12,000
sq. ft. of outdoor play space. Password
protected webcams throughout the
facility enable owners to see what their
pets are doing. The first floor also
houses their award winning grooming
department, boutique and the two
cattery areas.
On the second level of the facility are
the onsite veterinarian and Bark-A-Bout’s
Café and Viewing Lounge. Owners can
relax and enjoy a cup of coffee in the
lounge which overlooks the first floor
play space. It has Wi-Fi and owners
have even been known to hold business
meetings while watching their pets play
or swim.
Swim? Absolutely! Bark-A-Bout
has a complete aquatic wellness center.
They are the first facility in Michigan
to have a 12’ x 25’ indoor heated pet
pool. They offer hydrotherapy as well
as fitness and fun swims for both the
hotel and daycare guests. And, they
have Doggie & Me swim classes where
the dogs and their owners go in the
pool together.
Activities that owners and pets
can enjoy together are really popular
at Bark-A-Bout. One of the most
requested services is the Birthday
Pawdy. An owner can rent the facility
for a certain time and bring in all of
their friends and their dog’s friends. All
the party food for the people and the
pets can be completely catered by
Bark-A-Bout. The people can get
together in the Café Lounge while they
watch their dogs play. The dogs can
have many party themed activities –
they can socialize in playgroups, go
swimming, get facials, or even have
their nails done. Then they all come in
with the owners for the gift opening.
Every dog gets party favors (a bag
of treats) and wears a party hat. The
dogs and owners play games and enjoy
the cake cutting – it’s a big, big thing!
Furkid fun!
Bark-A-Bout has just launched their
new outdoor dog park. The park is
completely fenced in for safety so the
dogs can be off leash inside and it is
open to the public. The huge outdoor
area features K-9 grass, bone shaped
outdoor pool, and fire hydrants that
spray water out of their sides.
“As the dogs interact with each other, our highly trained staff members do fun activities with them for
at least fifteen minutes every hour.”-Michelle Nikiforuk, Owner
33PET BOARDING & DAYCARE
Kage Kard HolderSturdy aluminum card holder that keeps pet information where you need it!
PRACTICALLY INDESTRUCTIBLE!
3” x 5”Holds Run Kard
5” x 8”Holds Kenn-L-Kard
Attaches easily to cages and crates
Has holes for optional wall mounting
Sturdy and doesn’t rattle!
All-purpose hanger keeps leashes from getting misplaced or going home on the wrong dog
Barkleigh Productions, Inc.barkleigh.com • barkleighstore.com
(717) 691-3388
PET BOARDING & DAYCARE34
Winters in Michigan can be really
brutal – for man and beast. Bark-A-Bout
offers a service called Walk That Dog.
It’s an indoor walking area for pets and
their owners in a heated environment
(like mall walking for people).
Bark-A-Bout also offers onsite
group obedience classes and personal
training programs. “We train with
positive reinforcement,” says Michelle.
“We offer everything from Puppy
Kindergarten, to Therapy Prep, to the
AKC Canine Good Citizen Class. We
are linked with the Animal Behavior
College and we are one of their
mentoring locations.”
Another unique feature that
Bark-A-Bout has is their outdoor
Dock Diving Pool. It is the only pool
sanctioned to hold dock diving events
in the state of Michigan. The Bark-A-
Bout Air Dog Club is a sanctioned club
of Ultimate Air Dogs. Ultimate Air
Dogs was started by former Detroit
Tigers Pitcher, Milt Wilcox. You
have probably seen these ultimate air
competitions in the nationally televised
Purina Incredible Dog Challenge.
These canine athletes launch
themselves off of the end of the dock
and leap far out into the water. For a
long time, Bark-A-Bout held the state
record with a distance of 26’2.”
It takes a dedicated and well-trained
staff to make a facility as large as
Bark-A-Bout run smoothly. Their staff
of thirty gets continued education
every month. Professional speakers
and trainers are brought in to give the
seminars. There are classes in CPR
and first aid, and seminars are held
on behavior and subjects such as heat
exhaustion, and other seasonal issues.
The Bark-A-Bout website;
www.barkabout.net, offers a wealth of
information to potential and existing
clients. It tells about all of the programs
and services that they offer. The photo
gallery allows visitors to take a virtual
tour of most of their facility. Facebook
and Twitter keep everyone up to date
on all the happenings and events at
Bark-A-Bout.
Bark-A-Bout has won numerous
awards for the best boarding, daycare,
and grooming facility in the area.
They have also appeared on local
television and they have been featured
on Animal Planet. “Animal Planet did
a segment on our Powerloo dog waste
system,” said Michelle. “We save about
30,000 pounds of dog waste per year
from going into landfills by using our
Powerloo system.”
What’s next for this fabulous
innovative facility? “We will be opening
more locations,” says Ms. Nikiforuk.
“And, we will be franchising.”
With Bark-A-Bout’s expanding
future, soon pets from all over will be
enjoying the luxury and fun of being
unleash’d and luv’d!
It takes a dedicated and well-trained staff to make a facility as large as Bark-A-Bout run smoothly. Their staff of thirty gets continued
education every month.
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!
facebook.com/PetBoardingDaycare
35PET BOARDING & DAYCARE
Bark-A-Bout has won numerous awards for the best boarding, daycare, and grooming facility in the area. They have also appeared on local
television and they have been featured on Animal Planet.
PET BOARDING & DAYCARE36
I t’s getting colder outside. Last night we put another blanket on the bed. Soon, snow will be falling. Perhaps it’s just an ‘occupational hazard,’
but, as each season begins to change, I think about my mechanical system. I fully understand its importance in our lives. However, it is comforting for me to know that if our furnace should fail, most any competent mechanical contractor would be able to size and install a new heating system. Because we have two separate heating sources in our home (electric and wood fired), we would likely be okay for a week or so, aside from a little inconvenience, and the cost of a new furnace.
When it’s time to buy new heating
equipment for your kennel, designing
such a system is not so straightforward.
The air quality of a kennel is very
different than that of a home or office
building. An animal shelter is most
often full, if not overflowing. That, along with all the open water bowls and all the cleaning that is taking place within the kennel, water is constantly
being evaporated into the air. This moisture will remain in the building until it is exhausted to the outdoors. If this wet air goes unchecked, the warm and wet environment becomes a perfect medium for the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria making for an unhealthy building, or, what I call, a sick building. It’s the mechanical equipment that will eliminate this water from the building, providing the kennel with a healthy indoor air quality.
In addition to the kennel itself, there are some other areas in the building that have additional requirements for maintaining air quality. Surgical suites or treatment rooms should be provided with PPV, (Positive Pressure Ventilation). This will maintain clean,
filtered air in those areas. Doing so, will help to minimize postoperative infections. As a door to the positive pressure room is opened, this slightly higher (positive) air pressure inside the room rushes out of the doorway, pushing away any airborne contaminants, thereby preventing their entry.
Quarantine rooms work just the opposite way. They are designed with a NPV, (Negative Pressure Ventilation), to prevent the spread of disease throughout the facility. Air in these spaces is constantly being drawn into the quarantine room. Doing so prevents airborne contaminants in the quarantine room from getting out the door and into other areas of the building. The air in a quarantine ward will never be
When it’s time to buy new heating equipment for your kennel, designing such a system is not so
straightforward. The air quality of a kennel is very different than that of a home or office building.
By Craig McAllester Photographs by Kennel Design USA
Systemsheating
FACILITY DESIGN
Kennel
37PET BOARDING & DAYCARE
reused in the building, but is exhausted to the outside. The cattery is similar to the quarantine room, in that, the air is exhausted to the outside.
All these concerns are addressed by a properly designed forced air, mechanical system. Now you can begin to see that this is not a simple heating system. When you need a new furnace, be sure to consider all the demands that will be placed on it over the course of a year.
Here are some considerations, and your facility may have additional requirements:
• Heating the building in the winter.
• Cooling the building in the summer.
• The mechanical system must include a ventilation system to circulate air within the building, and will filter the air removing dust and allergens.
• The ventilation system will exhaust stale air outside and will bring in fresh air.
• Quarantine areas will have NPV to exhaust contaminants outside.
• Surgical areas will have PPV to prevent contaminants from entering clean areas.
• It will remove moisture that has evaporated into the air.
From this list, we can begin to see how the sum of these parts makes up the whole, and how everything must work together. A properly designed forced air HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system will handle all of these tasks. The heating fuel source may be gas, electric, or other.
For new construction, with a highly insulated and airtight building, ask your mechanical engineer about adding an ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator) to the ventilation system. An ERV will recover the energy (the warm air in the winter and the cool air in the summer) in the air before it is exhausted. Then it will use that energy to pre-warm (winter) or pre-cool (summer) the air coming into the building. This pre-conditioning saves money on heating and cooling costs.
There are a lot of different types of heating systems, and each has its own advantages. It is important to understand that the best heating system for a home is not necessarily the best for use within a kennel.
A good example of this is radiant
A properly designed forced air HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
system will handle all of these tasks. The heating fuel source may be gas, electric, or other.
Barkleigh Productions, Inc.barkleigh.com
barkleighstore.com(717) 691-3388
HAPPY CAMPER CARDGreat for boarding kennel
and daycare operators!
C1967
Grade each pet in your care from an A+ to an F.
Time-saving checklist will let your clients know that their pets ate well, had fleas, or should see a vet... and much more!
Great promotional tool!
PET BOARDING & DAYCARE38
floor heating. If I were building a new home today, for my family, radiant floor heating would be my first choice for a heating solution. I’m sure that is why, several times a year, a new client asks me to use radiant floor heating in the design of their new kennel—it is known as the highest quality home heating product available today. We all want the best for our families and for our animals too. Aside from the lack of ventilation in the winter months, radiant heat flooring turns the entire floor of the building into a radiator, so it becomes the warmest part of the building. Perfect for us people-types, but who wants their dog lying on a radiator? Consider too, that some systems are better than others for animals.
If you were to use a separate heating system, all winter long, you would likely not be able to filter the air, or exhaust the stale air and moisture to the outside. During the winter the heat would be turned on, but the other parts (ventilation and air conditioning) would likely be turned off waiting for warmer weather.
By no means am I saying that all types of radiant heat are bad. I have often used small, localized area radiant heat sources in conjunction with HVAC heating systems. Doing so will allow the owner to keep the ambient temperature of the entire kennel ward low, and then provide a little extra, supplemental heat in the kennel stalls as the need arises. For example, if my Shih Tzu, Gordon,
Aside from the lack of ventilation in the winter months, radiant heat flooring turns the entire floor of the building into a radiator, so it becomes the
warmest part of the building. Perfect for us people-types, but who wants their dog lying on a radiator?
39PET BOARDING & DAYCAREREADER SERVICE CARD #1447
READER SERVICE CARD #
was being boarded in the same ward as an Alaskan Husky sled dog team on a cold night, Gordon may need a little extra heat! Spot heating like this also helps to save on heating costs if your occupancy is not at full capacity.
Most any heating source will work just fine, if measures are made to clear the air of evaporated water. The number of air changes per hour will depend on the use and your local codes. So, if you get that musty, wet, and sometimes overpowering, knock-you-over smell the second you walk through the doors of your kennel, you should consult with a mechanical engineer, pronto. That smell, or lack there of, is the first impression your would-be customer will have as they walk through your doors; make it a good one! Consulting with an engineer who is familiar with the workings of a kennel or animal shelter will go a long way in keeping your facility healthy for both the staff and its four pawed tenants. n
Contributions from Jamie Tiglas, P.E., LEED, AP, Mechanical Engineer.
Craig L. McAllester, President, Craig L. McAllester, Inc, Kennel Design USA, has been designing veterinary hospitals, boarding kennels, animal shelters and police, military, and U.S. Department of HomeLand Security/Border Patrol working dog kennels here in the United States of America, and in countries around the world, since 2003. Craig may be contacted at 877-234-2301. [email protected] www.KennelDesignUSA.com
Follow us on Twitter!
@barkleighinc
41PET BOARDING & DAYCARE
C hoosing the right product to use for cleaning, disinfecting and deodorizing the surfaces in my pet boarding and day care
business is far easier than getting the staff to use it correctly. Remember sanitation is more about a repetitive process than a particular product. In part one we looked at the criteria that should be used to choose the best product. Now we are going to share ideas on how to get staff to properly use the product you’ve chosen, and get the results you’re looking for; a clean, healthy, and odor free boarding and daycare business.
First of all, as owners/managers we are always looking to get our desired results in the most efficient way possible. With the understanding that proper sanitation is a process that must be performed daily, we need to simplify everything about it. If you simplify your sanitation, your staff is more likely to get it done properly every day.
Metered DispensingTake the mixing and measuring of
sanitation product out of staff hands by using metered dispensing. The benefits will be three fold. The staff will save time, no longer having to figure out proper mixing of product concentrate and water. In my experience, the glug-glug method is used more often than not if metered dispensing is not in place. The second benefit is huge for whoever pays the bills. Metered dispensing controls product consumption and eliminates waste. Many times consumption is cut in half. The third benefit would be that metered dispensing does it right, all the time. When done right, all the time, you eliminate potential problems that may come from an improperly mixed sanitation product being used throughout your pet boarding and daycare business. Examples of problems that may occur if improper mixing is going on would be sticky floors, slippery surfaces, difficulty rinsing surfaces, hazing or stripping of floor coatings, skin irritation on our guests that come in contact with surfaces not
rinsed, potential surface destruction, product waste, and staff time wasted. These are all problems we want to avoid.
Have a Written PlanIn our experience, it’s always better
to write down the “what’s, when’s, and how’s” of sanitation, than to tell staff over and over again. What needs to be cleaned, when we need to clean and how we clean. Come up with a
SOP (standard operating procedure) that’s simple, efficient, effective, and enforceable. Here are some of the benefits to having a written plan for sanitation. As the owner/manager you know it’s more likely to be done right most of the time, thus producing the desired results most of the time. Happy staff, because there is no question as to how it’s going to be done and everyone is on the same page.
Keep your pack on the right trackToo doggone
busy? PetExec to the rescue
Cloud Based Fast & Secure
PetExec rescues you from hours of tedious work
DEMO Today!
DaycareBoarding
GroomingTraining
Scheduled ServicesRetail
So much more
See What Everyone is Barking About!Cloud-based | Fast | SecureUnlimited simultaneous usersCustomers can access own custom portalFlexible settings & preferencesAutomatic email reminders, confirmations, birthday & new customer greetingsSupport & upgrades always includedGolden Paw CoachingIntegrated credit card processingNo long-term contracts
Rather Bark? 1(888) 738-3935www.PetExec.net Facebook/petexec
Pet Daycare Pet Boarding & Related Services System
petexec_ad_ver3.indd 1 12/9/14 2:49 PM
42
When a written plan does not exist, questions and debate arise among staff based on individual experiences. The “I know better” syndrome may occur, and you end up with potential problems among staff debating as to how it should be done. Reduced time spent training new staff members on the “what’s, when’s, and how’s” of sanitation would be another benefit. You can’t just assume your new people are going to know what to do, when to do it, and how to do it.
TrainingTraining is necessary, and can be very
time consuming. But, with a written plan in place new staff training should go a lot quicker and again, keep everyone on the same page. Videotaping your SOP’s
for sanitation is another great way to save time on training while showing the “what’s, when’s, and how’s” of sanitation in a way that is better retained and easily reviewed when needed. I recommend the staff review your SOP’s for sanitation every 90 days. This is the approximate length of time it’s been shown that staff will start to cut corners or deviate from existing SOP’s. Regular training, whether it’s a new hire or existing staff member, will be beneficial for both the employee and your business.
Understanding the Importance of Sanitation
What staff does at home is their own business, but what happens in our boarding and daycare is our business. Our emphasis on being clean must be a
top priority, and the entire staff needs to understand the importance of proper sanitation. Do not assume all the staff members have the same level of concern in this very important aspect of the business. Why is sanitation so important to my boarding and daycare business? The reason is that dirt, germs and all sorts of contaminates are continuously being brought into our businesses every day. We must also continuously make an effort to remove or reduce the amount of contaminates for the health and well-being of our guests. Just as important, is the health of our business. How your business looks and smells are two of the top criteria pet owners use when choosing a daycare or boarding facility. So make cleaning a top priority at your daycare or boarding establishment, and you’ll be at the head of the pack when it comes to the competition. n
Chris Quinlan grew up in a family business that has specialized in hospital hygiene, sanitation, laundry, and f loor care since 1958. While earning a Bachelor of Science degree from California Polytechnic University, Chris also received extensive training in the areas of chemistry, microbiology, hospital infection control principles and practices, institutional hygiene, environmental sanitation, odor control, f loor care, and OSHA compliance. Shortly after entering the family business, Chris started the animal care division of the company in 1989. Today Chris is president of Health Technology Professional Products, a leading brand in the pet care industry, and owns the Riverwalk Pet Resort with his wife Gia. Chris has been a speaker on sanitation for the Pet Services Association national meeting, as well as speaking on hospital hygiene and sanitation at several veterinary schools and associations.
Our emphasis on being clean must be a top priority, and the entire staff needs to understand the importance of proper sanitation. Do not assume
all the staff members have the same level of concern in this very important aspect of the business.
LimitlessPOTENTIAL!
Prim
e Locat
ion - Growing Industry
Establish in 1974 as a pet aftercare facility on Route 3 in Plymouth, MA.
2 crematoriums added in 1997 with a permit & reserved spot for a third. Prime
visibility on major highway in region.
Single Family Home3 Bedroom • 1.5 Bath • Newer Roof • Vinyl Siding •
Natural Gas Furnace • Replacement Windows
Office Building Next to HomeCrematorium Next to Office
Land in front of buildings permitted for construction of a kennel, daycare &
grooming facility. Or room for approx 6000 more grave-sites. Other lot of land includes existing grave-site w/ room for approx 1000
more sites. Plans for pet memorial wall in the works for added income.
Miraglia Realty - Paul G. MiragliaPlymouth, MA • 617-794-6000
Seaside Town
for sale
PET BOARDING & DAYCARE44
I n today’s society, our pets are
enjoying longer life spans largely
because of advancements in
veterinary medicine. Because our
pets live longer, a larger percentage of
the pets we care for will come into our
facility with some kind of medication to
be administered during their stay.
Having education and systems
in place to handle and administer
medications properly is not only
important for the health and
wellness of the pet, but also for the
owner’s/manager’s peace of mind.
Knowing medications and all of their
administering needs is essential. Quality
pet care providers should understand
how to appropriately monitor and track
medications used in your facility.
Staff ConsiderationsYou would think that giving a drop
of oral medication or a pill to a dog or
cat would be easy. Actually, in many
cases, it’s a time when your staff is at
the highest risk of injury. It’s essential
that you consider who is administering
medication and if they are properly
trained to do so.
Most pets tolerate being given
medications quite well, but others will
not. Some things to consider:
• Who on my staff will be permitted
to administer medications?
• How will I know they are
qualified and trained to perform this
function safely?
• How will I hold them accountable?
• How will I know if the medication
is secure and I am not at risk of
medications going missing?
TimingHaving systems set up to assure that
there is consistency and accountability
for the timing of administering
medicines is essential to assure
accountability. In addition, leaving this
schedule up to the staff ’s discretion can
be a recipe for disaster if medicating is
time sensitive.
It’s best to have a designated time
once a day when medications will be
administered. This is usually done
first thing in the morning, and then
as indicated during the day by the
veterinarian’s instructions. Medications
may be given once a day (every 24
hours), twice a day (every 12 hours),
three times a day (every 8 hours), or
more often.
For example, administering the
medication three times in 10 hours is
not the same thing as providing it three
times in a 24-hour period – or every
8 hours. When given incorrectly, the
pet is receiving an overdose for part
Having education and systems in place to handle and administer medications properly is not only important for the health and wellness of the pet, but also for the
owner’s/manager’s peace of mind.
ANIMAL HEALTH
MEDICATIONSin a pet care FaciLity
HANDLING
By Outstanding Pet Care University
?
45PET BOARDING & DAYCARE
UPPY LAYGROUND
The World’s FIRST Playground Equipment built especially for DOGS!
P P
Kennels, Trainers, Dog Daycares, Humane Shelters as well as Dog Parks all agree, our “Modular Playground System” is Top Dog and after 14 years on the ground in more than 2,500 facilities it has proven quality!
Let your play areas reflect your level of professionalism for years to come!
If you are tired of repairing and replacing your current beds, this is the solution for you! Constructed using the same materials and one-piece molding process as our “Modular Playground System,” this bed stands up to your TOUGHEST dogs. We Guarantee it!
Introducing the newest addition to our line up
INDESTRUCTIBLE BONE BED
PUPPYPLAYGROUND.COM • 888-828-3416
SYSTEMPLAYGROUNDMODULAR
FULL 5 YEAR REPLACEMENT WARRANTY
PET BOARDING & DAYCARE46
of the day and no medication for the
remainder of the 24-hour period.
Of course, the exact schedule will
depend on the hours the pet care facility
is open. For example, if an antibiotic
is to be given three times daily, it
should be given every 8 hours (e.g.,
6 AM, 2 PM, 10 PM). If the pet care
facility is open from 7 AM to 7 PM,
the schedule needs to be modified (e.g.,
7 AM, 1 PM, 7 PM). Be sure the pet
owner understands that the medication
schedule will need to be altered.
Some medications, particularly
insulin, anti-seizure, and heart failure
medications, should be given as near
to the scheduled time as possible
to minimize the chances of disease
symptoms worsening.
AdministeringMedications for pets can come
in many different forms. Each one
may require a different method of
administration. It is important to
stock the appropriate palatable food or
treats and equipment so your staff can
safely and accurately administer any
medications.
Oral medications such as pills,
capsules and liquids are best given
by opening the pet’s mouth and
dropping the pills, liquid or capsules
in the back of the throat or tongue.
This ensures the medication is given
and the pet has ingested it. Another
option may be to hide the medication
in a highly palatable food, cheese, or
Pill Pockets™. When administering
medication this way, it is very important
that the staff member ensures the pet
consumes the medicine. The medication
should not be simply put on top of
the pet’s regular food and left in the
enclosure. You must be able to confirm
and document that the medication has
been administered and swallowed by
the pet; the owner is entrusting you to
do so.
If liquids must be given in food,
either because of a pet’s temperament
or by instruction, offer the medication
in a small amount of highly palatable
food prior to feeding the full meal. Staff
should confirm that the food has been
completely eaten prior to feeding the
pet’s meal.
Please note: When pilling a cat,
some veterinarians recommend
following the pill with water dropped
into the cat’s mouth with a syringe.
Because a cat’s esophagus does not
have the swallowing mechanism called
“peristalsis,” a pill can become stuck on
the sides of the tube causing esophageal
ulcers. The water will ensure the pill
moves quickly into the cat’s stomach.
If your facility will administer
medications that require injections you
should confirm that you have enough
syringes for the pet’s stay. Syringes for
injections should only be used once.
You will also want to have the proper
receptacle available to correctly dispose
of used syringes. Proper medical waste
(“sharps”) receptacles are available
through medical supply houses,
pharmacies, or veterinary hospitals.
Your veterinarian may also be willing
to dispose of any used needles and
syringes for a small fee.
Keeping RecordsThe pet’s medication record should
indicate the type of medication to be
administered, when it should be given,
and the proper dosage. Some forms
may also inform you as to the nature
of the pet’s condition and what, if any,
symptoms or abnormalities you should
be looking for.
Record the amount of medication
given and the time it is administered.
Many facilities also have the person
recording the medication initial the
chart or document to indicate that they
were the one dispensing the medication.
Some pet owners will count pills
prior to leaving them with you, and will
If liquids must be given in food, either because of a pet’s temperament or by instruction, offer the medication in a small amount of highly palatable
food prior to feeding the full meal.
PET BOARDING & DAYCARE is ONLINE! PetBoardingandDaycare.com
47PET BOARDING & DAYCARE
(219)-370-6674PRIMECOAT.COM/PETBOARDING
Your facility says almost as much about your business as the care you show for your customers
and their pets. Your �oors are a �rst and lasting impression of your business. Choosing the right
�oor for your daycare or grooming facility is a complicated decision. Choosing a partner to help
with that choice is easy. Call on Prime Coat to work with you to create a seamless polymer �oor
system that truly gives you everything you want from your �oor.
Beautiful, Cleanable & Durable Floors
Seal Coat
Broadcast
Grout Coat
Rubber Mat
Adhesive
Substrate
“For the fourteen years I have been involved in the boarding industry, I have been looking for a high-quality and durable �ooring system. Your company provided us with that �ooring system, and an added bene�t of excellent customer service!”
Julie Getz, Owner - Pet Pals, Inc.
“I wanted to let you know how pleased we are with the �oor-ing in our new veterinary clinic. It de�nitely has the ‘wow’ factor I was looking for. We get numerous comments every day, from clients, the construction crew, and other people in the veterinary �eld. They are all amazed by the look of the �ooring. We appreciate your on-time and e�cient applica-tion of the product and look forward to years of wear with our beautiful �oor. Thanks for everything!”
Dr. Lynn Day, Owner - Sugar Grove Animal Hospital
Ask about our Soft Paw™ �oors
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
PB&D_12.30.14.pdf 1 12/30/2014 9:32:37 AM
48
be very upset if they think any dosages
were missed. By recording the date, time,
and medication given, a clear record is
established. This is especially important
when a pet has multiple medications that
may be given on different time schedules.
It also eliminates the possibility of
missing doses, or of overdosing a pet by
giving a second dose because the first one
wasn’t recorded.
Most pills and capsules should be
placed in a dry environment. They
easily absorb moisture, even when in
prescription bottles. This means the
enclosure door is not the ideal place to
store medicine, although it is convenient.
In addition, by accessing medications
at the enclosure door you risk staff
dropping pills or bottles and potentially
losing medication, or allowing a dog to
inadvertently have access to something
they shouldn’t have. Consider a shelf in
the facility kitchen or other area more
suitable for medications as storage.
Some medications will need to be
refrigerated, especially insulin and oral
antibiotic liquids. Other medications
that have the potential for human drug
abuse or theft may need to be kept
in a locked area (for example; in the
manager’s office).
All medications should be labeled
with the drug name and milligram
strength. Owners will sometimes place
pills into a secondary container without
appropriate labeling. Label the bottle
with as much information as possible,
such as the drug and strength, owner’s
name, pet’s name, and the veterinary
facility prescribing the medication. This
way anyone handling the medication
knows exactly which pet it is for, what
the medication is, and what disease
or condition the medication is being
administered for.
Monitoring MedicationsAnother step is to monitor any pet
receiving medication. If the medication
is short-term for a specific problem
(e.g., antibiotic for skin infection or pain
medication for muscle strain), the facility
staff may want to record whether or not
the symptoms are resolving and if the
pet seems better.
In rare instances, some pets may have
an adverse reaction to a medication,
such as hives or difficulty breathing. This
is most common when the prescription
is being started during a lodging stay and
if the owner or facility took the pet to
the veterinarian immediately prior to, or
during, their stay. If you are concerned
regarding an adverse reaction to a
medication (allergic reaction, vomiting,
diarrhea, etc.), contact the pet’s
veterinarian as soon as possible.
For pets on a variety of medications
for chronic conditions, such as heart
disease, liver disease, epilepsy or cancer,
a record of the pet’s health and attitude
should be maintained. Note any signs
of a worsening condition (e.g., seizures
for an epileptic, coughing for a dog with
heart disease, or excessive urination
for a diabetic). This information may
be extremely helpful if the pet requires
veterinary attention.
Keeping detailed records
demonstrates the professionalism and
attention to detail of the pet care facility.
Not only is it the best thing for the pet
placed in the facility’s care, but good
records build a trusting relationship with
the pet parent. Be sure to record any
calls to the veterinary office and any
advice received. Remember, “If it’s not
written down, it didn’t happen.”
Dog Kennel FloorsSolving Your Concrete Kennel Floor Problems
www.DogKennelFloors.comYour One-Stop Resource for Kennel Floors
[email protected] • (417) 733-4950 – Ask for Grant
Planning • Problem Solving • Installation • ProductsGet Help to Do It Yourself
EVERYTHING EXPERT HELP FOR EVERYTHING TO DO WITH KENNEL FLOORS
C2002
Some medications will need to be refrigerated, especially insulin and oral antibiotic liquids. Other medications that have the potential for human drug abuse or theft may
need to be kept in a locked area (for example; in the manager’s office).
49PET BOARDING & DAYCARE
Controlled DrugsSometimes the pet care facility will
have lodging pets that are on controlled
drugs. The DEA (Drug Enforcement
Agency) has designated drugs that
have the potential for human abuse and
addiction as “controlled.” Controlled
drugs that might be encountered in the
pet care facility include pain medications
(codeine, hydrocodone, and morphine),
cough medications (hydrocodone),
seizure medications (phenobarbital), and
antianxiety medications (alprazolam,
diazepam). These medications should
ideally be kept in a locked safe to
which only the facility owner, manager,
and supervisors have access. Other
medications which are controlled in
some states include tramadol and
phenylpropanolamine.
Properly administering medication
is an important part of quality pet care.
Pet parents are entrusting you with
their pet and, in many cases, their furry
companion has special needs that include
maintaining a schedule for administering
medications. Paying extra attention to
properly administering and monitoring
medications will set the level of care your
pet care facility offers ahead of that of
other pet care options. n
Outstanding Pet Care University,www.opcuniversity.com, is dedicatedto protecting and growing the Pet CareIndustry through World-Class Pet CareTraining and Education. OPCU’scurriculum:
• Delivers necessary pet care trainingin the convenience of your facility.
• Saves training, time and energy of owners and managers.
• Provides convenient, technically advanced format for immediate access.
• Offers immediate on-line testing to give you assurance that the material was understood.
• Reduces potential injuries to your staff and guests.
• Can increase health and happinessof the pets in your care.
• Protects you, your staff, and your bottom line.
Keeping detailed records demonstrates the professionalism and attention to detail of the pet
care facility. Not only is it the best thing for the pet placed in the facility’s care, but good records build
a trusting relationship with the pet parent.
Enhancing Animal Health, Labor Productivity, and Business Cost Savings
1. Feed/Water 2. Compost/Recycle 3. Fresh Bowl for Fresh Food/Water
• A perfectly clean bowl for every meal. No need to wash the steel frame during a pet’s stay, but may need a periodic wipe down.
• No pets share the same bowl; helps prevent spread of diseases.• Saves time, water, electricity and money.
Kleanbowl™ Clean, Convenient and Compostable Bowl
How does the Kinn Kleanbowl work?
8 oz. 16 oz.24 oz.
©2014 Kinn, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Multiple patents pending.
Order Today! 949.599.5083/[email protected]
51PET BOARDING & DAYCARE
Z oonotic (pronounced “zoe-
oh-NOT-ick”) conditions are
ones that can be passed from
animals to people as well as the
other way around. With Ebola disease
recently dominating news coverage, the
public is becoming keenly aware of the
possible perils associated with the inter-
relationship of animals and people and
the sometimes deadly intersection of
the two.
In 1976, on the banks of the Ebola
River, in the Democratic Republic of
Congo, the first known outbreak of a
disease that had an 88% fatality rate
in humans was reported. Since that
time the numbers of epidemics have
been sporadic and thankfully were
restricted to discreet locales in Africa.
The current plague affecting parts of
West Africa, Spain and United States
has raised many questions regarding
how this disease is disseminated, how
our pets may be affected and what other
emerging and known illnesses may be
putting the human-animal bond at risk.
In October of last year, in an overly
cautious move, authorities in Spain
elected to euthanize Excalibur, the
dog owned by an Ebola positive health
worker. She contracted the disease after
treating an infected patient who traveled
to Spain from West Africa for care.
There is no evidence that dogs or cats
can contract or spread this Filoviridae
virus. Dogs and cats living in the West
African nations where Ebola epidemic is
running rampant have not been sickened
by the virus. Present scientific knowledge
shows that Ebola is not spread
through water, air or cooked food. It
is disseminated via contact with bush
meat in Africa (wild animals used for
food), objects contaminated with bodily
fluids from a person demonstrating
sign of Ebola illness such as vomiting,
diarrhea and their blood (bedding,
clothing and medical equipment). The
chance of people or pets in the United
States contracting the disease is unlikely.
There are no routine diagnostic Ebola
tests available for pets. To learn more
about Ebola, go to www.AVMA.org and
the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention.
Mom was right…wash your hands
when you finish playing with the dog
(or cat or bird, turtle, snake or any other
critters for that matter). Even your dear
house pet can be the source of illness
for you and your family. Diseases such
as Bartonellosis (cat scratch fever),
Campylobacter, Cryptosporidiosis, E.
coli, Leptospirois, Plague (Yersinia
pestis), Rabies, Salmonellosis (not just
from raw chicken), Toxoplasmosis,
Toxocariasis (round worms) and
Tularemia can be spread from pets to
people. Before you think ‘no more pets
for me!’ remember that people can also
sicken pets (and it isn’t just from the
cloying sweet baby talk). This is known
as ‘reverse zoonosis’. During the 2009
influenza (H1N1) outbreak, several
cats, dogs and ferrets became ill after
snuggling with their sick owners.
At times we can be too close for
comfort and health with our pets.
Allowing a pet to ‘French kiss’ you
should be avoided. Do you know
where that mouth has been??? Licking
of paws and bums can transport
invisible amounts of feces. Contacting
open sores, getting into eyes or noses
can allow bacteria, viruses or fungi
(ringworm) to invade your body. Not
everyone who is exposed to zoonotic
organisms will become ill. People or
pets that are immune compromised, ill
with diseases like cancer, diabetes, the
very young or old and pregnant women
are at greater risk.
Pets provide fabulous benefits
to us physically and mentally. They
can entice us to put on our walking
shoes and get some exercise when we
Mom was right…wash your hands when you finish playing with the dog (or cat or bird, turtle, snake or any other critters for that matter). Even your dear house pet can be the source of illness for you and your family.
PET BOARDING & DAYCARE52
otherwise would have sat on our rump
doing nothing. They bring down our
blood pressure from merely petting
them and they provide unconditional
love. Enjoy your pet. Keep everyone
healthy by washing your hands after
handling them, their food or their
bedding. If you feed raw food, take
extra precautions handling the food
and their stool. Instruct children how
to humanely and lovingly care for pets
and how to wash their hands frequently
(wash with soap and running water for
as long as it takes to sing the Happy
Birthday song). Take your pet to the
veterinarian for annual examinations.
Keep them vaccinated and free of
internal and external parasites. n
Instruct children how to humanely and lovingly care for pets and how to wash their hands frequently (wash with soap and running water for as long as it takes to
sing the Happy Birthday song).
www.campbellpet.com • (800) 228-6364
Make a namefor yourself!Join thousands of Pet Care Professionals who are using Campbell Pet Company’s Personalized leashes to increase referrals, add clients and generate more income! These ultra-sturdy nylon leashes measure 9/16" x 4' and are available in 15 colors. Order online or by phone.
Follow us on Twitter!
@barkleighinc
53PET BOARDING & DAYCARE
sample health report card____________________________________’s Report Card
Last Name ______________________________________
Examined By_______________________ Date: ________
VACCINATION PROGRAM
___ ALL OK
___ DUE q Distemper/Parvo q Lyme q Bordetella q Rabies q Rattlesnake q Flu q Distemper q Leukemia
COAT & SKINq No problems found q Excessive shedding/hair lossq Dull/dry q Itchyq Matted q Parasitesq Abnormal Lump q Other: ________________
EYESq No problems found q Cloudy lens: L ___ R ___q Discharge q Other: ________________q Inflamedq Eyelid Problem:_________________________________
EARSq No problems found q Abnormal lump: L ___ R ___q Inflamed q Excessive wax/hairq Itchy q Other: ________________
NOSE & THROATq No problems found q Nasal discharge
MOUTH, TEETH, GUMSq No problems found q Broken teethq Inflamed lips q Loose teethq Ulcers q Bleeding gumsq Abnormal lumps q Tartar buildupq Other: _____________________________
LEGS & PAWSq No problems found q Joint/nail problemq Lameness/pain q Other: ________________
ABDOMENq No problems found q Abnormal lumpq Tense/painful q Distendedq Other: ______________________________
LUNGSq No problems found q Breathing difficultyq Breathing too rapidly q Congestionq Coughing q Other: ________________
DIGESTIVE SYSTEMq No problems found q Abnormal feces (BM)q Excessive gas q Diarrheaq Vomiting q Other: ________________q Eating disorder
URINARY/REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEMq No problems found q Abnormal urinationsq Breast lump(s) q Genital dischargeq Anal gland problem q Abnormal testiclesq Other: ________________
WEIGHT: _____ lbsq Normal range q Too thinq Too heavy q Recommended weight: _______
INTESTINAL PARASITES/WORMSq None seen q Seen during exam q Suspected
PRODUCTS RECOMMENDED:
COMMENTS:
PET BOARDING & DAYCARE54
Tropiclean Fresh Breath Puppy and Advanced Whitening
TropiClean says their new puppy line features products specifically formulated for this stage of your dogs’ life including ingredients that help “sooth minor gum irritation and address plaque and tartar before it starts”. The Advanced Whitening with 3DMicroGuard™ works on the toughest cases,
often found with senior pets. The products are set to hit shelves in late December and early January.
TropiClean has been innovating natural products in the pet industry for over 20 years. For information on TropiClean and the natural products they offer visit www.TropiClean.com or find them on Facebook and Twitter.
Canine CalmEarth Heart’s Canine Calm
natural aromatherapy remedy is a staple for boarders who work with dogs that become stressed while away from home. Formulated with pure essential oils used for relaxation, made in the USA and packaged in BPA free bottles, Canine Calm is a safe and healthy way to help dogs.
Make your work easier with Canine Calm. Create a calming environment by diffusing Canine
Calm essential oil blend in reception and boarding areas. Use the mist on kennel bedding, or massage a little on the dog’s ears and chest area. Canine Calm mist comes in both 2-ounce spray and 16-ounce refill.
For more information on Canine Calm and other Earth Heart products, visit www.earthheartinc.com, email [email protected] or call 847-551-1806.
PRODUCT NEWS
CUSTOM KENNELS
METALINKKENNELS.COM (512) [email protected]
Now pet care professionals who have always ranked safety and durability as their top concerns can have kennels that are attractive, as well.
STANDARD AND CUSTOMIZED SIZES • ON-SITE CONSULTATION HOT-DIPPED GALVANIZED • POWDER COATED COLOR
CHAIN LINK PANELS
55PET BOARDING & DAYCAREREADER SERVICE CARD #10579
SkunkAway® Odor RemoverSkunkAway® with active
Chlorine Dioxide Technology for removing skunk odors.This two part solution (mix contents of Part A with contents of Part B) generates a Chlorine Dioxide Solution capable of knocking out the toughest of odors (Skunk Spray) in a safe and easy-to-use spray bottle application that can be applied directly to your pet.
Chlorine Dioxide actually breaks down the offensive odor molecules of skunk spray, thereby eliminating the odor more effectively than anything else on the market today. Why simply mask skunk odors when you can now break down skunk odors and completely eliminate them all together?
SkunkAway® is not only a highly effective deodorizer, it’s also an exceptional antimicrobial product with effectiveness at reducing ringworm infections, healing hot spots and assisting with skin abrasions and infections(superficial pyoderma) The solution (once activated by combining the two parts) remains effective for about a month if stored in a cool dry place away from the sunlight.
Canine CPR dvd
Canine CPR Course approved
by the Illinois State Board of
Education
ORdeR Online: www.BaRKleiGHSTORe.COm
Barkleigh Productions, inc. (717) 691-3388
C1712
Knowing how to respond quickly in an emergency and, if necessary, administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), can save the life of a pet in your care.
#1340 CPR - dvd $27.95
Instruction includes: Definition of cardiopulmonary arrest •Assessment of the dog •Preparing the dog for CPR •Demonstration of breathing and •compression techniques CPR techniques for one or two people •Benefits of learning canine CPR•
Veterinarian, Melanie Mokos, D.V.M., discusses practical issues of canine CPR and provides a thorough, step-by-step
demonstration of the techniques.
© C
opyr
ight
200
1 m
ade
in t
he
usa
CLASSIFIED
CALL (717) 691-3388 EXT. 210 TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED
Rates: 25 words or less – $50Each additional word – $2 eachClassified ads must be prepaid.
Call for issue deadlines.Agency discounts do not apply.
BIZ FOR SALE-Residence with 3 bedroom 2 bath for sale that includes 2 Boarding Kennel buildings, Grooming Shop, and pet
shop. Licensed for 100 dogs and 25 cats. Location is on a main highway that leads to 3 major expressways in
Southern Michigan. Call between 7-9 p.m.
(810) 695-5678
GROOMER WANTED-Our client, an upscale animal
boarding establishment in Orange County, CA is looking
for an extraordinary animal groomer. The ideal candidate
will have prior experience grooming animals:
• Bathe, brush and dry animals; • Clean ears, clip nails, and
perform other needed services;• Groom animals to pet
owner satisfaction;• Provide excellent service to
pets and pet owners;• Maintain salon appearance
standards; and• Be able to work flexible
hours (including weekends and holidays).
This client offers a first-class work environment and a
competitive compensation and benefits package, so we’re
only looking for the best. If you want to continue your career in the animal care industry
and have the flexibility to work weekends, please email your
resume and salary history/requirements.
Please submit your resume and salary history/requirements
PROVERBIAL WISDOM
It is a badge of honor to accept valid criticism.
Proverbs 25:12Living Bible
read pet boarding & daycare online!
PetBoardingandDaycare.com