pet boarding and daycare jan/feb 2015

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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

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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

mailto:[email protected]




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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

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CONTENTS

INDUSTRY NEWS

Profile of Success: Bark-A-BoutPet Activity Center and Resort 30

ANIMAL HEALTHANIMAL BEHAVIOR

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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


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.

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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.



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.

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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


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.


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

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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.

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BUSINESS

deductions?By Marie Poliseno

missing out on

allowable taxare you


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


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.


@barkleighinc


http://www.dog-pro-cpa.com


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[email protected]

(717) 691-3388

BARKLEIGH PRODUCTIONS

970 W. Trindle Road

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

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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


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.



Sending nice messages on birthdays to customers for them or their pets can be a great

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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


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


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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

http://www.onlinedoggy.com

http://www.OutstandingPetCare


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where pets are unLeash’d and Luv’d

Bark-A-BoutPet Activity Center & Resort

PROFILE OF SUCCESS

By Kathy Hosler


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.


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


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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.



http://www.barkabout.net


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.


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


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.

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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?

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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


@barkleighinc


http://www.KennelDesignUSA.com


SanitationPractices

By Chris Quinlan

40


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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.”

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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

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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.

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ZOONOSIS

100.4

100.4

HUMAN-ANIMAL BONDand the

By Bernadine Cruz, DVM


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.

http://www.AVMA.org


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.


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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:


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

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CHAIN LINK PANELS

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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

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in t

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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

to [email protected]

PROVERBIAL WISDOM

It is a badge of honor to accept valid criticism.

Proverbs 25:12Living Bible

read pet boarding & daycare online!

PetBoardingandDaycare.com

http://www.BaRKleiGHSTORe.COm


pet boarding and daycare jan/feb 2015

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