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February 25 2019

What Are The Qualifications To Be a Veterinary Assistant?

melissa Health become a veterinary assistant, veterinary assistant career, veterinary care

If you’re like many people who love animals, you’ve considered a career working with pets. The job of veterinary assistant can be particularly appealing if you want hands-on contact with animals but don’t want to spend extended time in school becoming a veterinarian or registered veterinary technician.

Although the job of veterinary assistant requires less schooling than most other veterinary jobs, other qualifications are mandatory if you want to succeed in this career.

Here are the most important qualifications you’ll need to become a veterinary assistant:

Love of animals. The majority of your time will be spent handling dogs, cats and sometimes exotic pets, like birds and reptiles. This means you need to love being around animals. If you don’t, it’s unlikely you’ll enjoy this career choice.
People skills. Even though you will be spending most of your time taking care of animals, you will also be dealing with people. This includes other hospital staff as well as pet owners. You need to be able to work closely with people, and effectively communicate with pet owners, who are sometimes distressed.
Strong stomach. Being a veterinary assistant means dealing with blood, vomit, feces and urine, which all come with the territory of caring for sick animals. You may also be expected to help out in surgeries, where you’ll be seeing the inside of animals on the operating table. You need to be able to tolerate these aspects of the job.
Compassion. Veterinary assistants often have to deal with animals that are frightened and owners who are upset. Having a compassionate nature is vital in these situations. Both pets and their owners will sense whether you genuinely care about their wellbeing, and will respond in kind. Compassion will also help you maintain your patience with an uncooperative animal and a difficult owner, and help you not take it personally if a scared animal bites or scratches you.
Emotional resilience. The irony of being a veterinary assistant is that you must care about pets and their owners while at the same time be able to handle seeing them suffer. Veterinary assistants have to deal with animals that are sick, in pain and dying. Being around grieving owners also comes with the job, and can be challenging for caring veterinary staff to be around. The tradeoff is that for every animal that is lost, even more are saved. Remembering this helps veterinary assistants remain emotionally resilient.
Attention to detail. Veterinary assistants are expected to take direction from veterinarians and registered veterinary technicians when it comes to the care of sick or injured animals. Understanding these directions and precisely following through on them is crucial to the wellbeing of the animals in your care.
Ability to handle pressure. Veterinary hospitals can be hectic places, especially when sick or injured animals come in on an emergency basis. The pressure to provide immediate assistance that means the difference between life and death for a pet can be difficult for some people. Being able to cope with this kind of stress is crucial for this job.
Ability to multitask. Veterinary assistants are often required to care for several pets at one time. This means keeping each animal’s needs straight in your mind even though you have more than one patient to manage at a time. You may find yourself splitting your time between several exam rooms and multiple hospital cages on any given day.
Physical strength. The job of a veterinary assistant can be quite physical. You will be bending, crouching and lifting on a daily basis. You will also be restraining animals, which can take significant strength in the case of larger pets. It’s important to have a strong back, healthy knees and good upper body strength for you to do your job successfully.

portrait of a sad dog labrador in an iron cage

February 19 2019

Pet Theft Awareness – How to Protect Your Pet

melissa Lifestyle, Safety cat safety, dog safety, pet theft

It’s hard to believe that someone would steal a person’s pet, but sadly, there are over two million cases reported per year – with fewer than 10% returned home. Even worse, it’s estimated that pet theft has risen by 31 percent since 2007.

Today, we’re looking at why pets are most often stolen, how you can protect your pet and how you can reduce the possibility of a dog- or cat-napping.

Why Pets Are Stolen

There are actually quite a few reasons why someone may steal a pet. According to PetFBI, these are the most common:

Pet Flipping: Popular breeds of dogs can be “resold” online or in the paper.
Reward: Some animals are stolen in hopes the owner will offer a reward, which the thief then claim.
Puppy Mills: Animals that have not been spayed or neutered may be turned over to backyard breeds or puppy mills.
Dog Fighting Rings: Small dogs and cats have been stolen to be used as “bait” for dog-fight training. Large breed dogs are often used as dog fighting candidates.
Neighbors: If dogs or cats have been known as “nuisances” (specifically excess barking or free-roaming cats), neighbors have been known to take animals and dump them in other locales.
Relatives: Sadly, many pet thefts come from family members who are upset with you or who feel that you somehow don’t deserve the animal in question. Occasionally, pets are stolen after a bitter divorce or family dispute.
Bunchers & Class B Dealers: Bunchers were ‘random source’ dog and cat dealers, licensed “Class B” by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Up until the law prohibited this action in 2016, bunchers would collect as many companion animals as possible and sell them to research facilities for experimentation. The law now prohibits the sale of “randomly collected” animals to labs, but bunchers tend to operate in covert ways and in most cases, cross at least one state line to sell a pet.
Good Intentions: Not all dog-nappings or cat-nappings are nefarious in nature. A good-hearted person may believe they are helping your pet if they feel an animal is neglected in some way. This is just one more reason to never leave your dogs tied up in your yard, keep them as an outdoor-only pet, or have a pet that shows signs of neglect.

While most of these animals were found in “free to a good home” ads on Craigslist, bunchers were also known for taking animals of yards, or finding animals who had escaped a yard. If a stolen animal is identified in a dealer’s possession, report it to USDA officials in your state and follow up to ensure the dealer’s records have been inspected. Visit the Animal Welfare Institute for current legislation, as well as watch lists of known bunchers and dealers.

How to Prevent Your Pets from Being Stolen

There is no surefire way to prevent your pet from being stolen, but there are certainly things you can do to mitigate the risk.

First and foremost, make sure that all of your pets are microchipped and that their records are updated. Your veterinarian’s staff can help you with this; the procedure takes seconds and is basically like an injection between the shoulder blades. Your pets should always wear a collar and proper identification tags. It’s a good idea to get to know your neighborhood. Learn about the other animals in your area and foster relationships with neighbors so they know your pets are safe. Get involved with neighborhood watches, and be sure to bring in your neighborhood pet sitters and dog walkers – they often know the area better than others.

Cats should be kept indoors and only allowed outside into a fully enclosed kennel or outdoor enclosure.

Microchip and register your pets
Make sure your pets are always wearing a collar and identification
Spay and neuter your pets
Don’t leave outdoors unattended for extended periods
Don’t tie up dogs outside of restaurant or store
Never leave pets in cars
Keep dog doors locked when you’re not at home
Have updated photos of your pets with a focus on special markings
Keep cats indoors
Keep your gates locked with a padlock that features a combination or key. This limits the number of people with access to your yard.
Consider a GPS activity tracker for your pet. You can set up “virtual fences” and the tracker will alert you when your pet has strayed from an area willingly or unwillingly.
Install cameras. Indoor and outdoor camera networks are ideal for making sure your pets are safe.

What to Do if Your Pet is Stolen

There’s no scarier feeling than coming home to a dog or cat missing from your home. The most important thing you can do is to act quickly. Every minute matters when you’re looking for a pet, whether they’ve escaped from a yard or been dog-napped.

If you believe your pet has been stolen, immediately file a police report. This provides a record that is documented and can be used for further action. However, don’t expect the police to assign a detective. In nearly all cases, the detective work will be up to you and your family.
Whether you believe your pet was stolen or not, be sure to canvas the area on foot every day.
Create a “Lost Pet” flyer and place throughout your neighborhood (PawBoost offers a free template). This helps others watch for your pets in cars, on the street and at neighbors.
Post “lost pet” updates to social media groups, such as Lost Pets of “Your area” or NextDoor. Avoid mentioning that a reward is offered.
Post a Lost Pet Report through your microchip company. This helps alert veterinarians and people in your area that a pet is missing.
Check the “daily intakes” on your local animal control. Often these animals are moved to other facilities, so be diligent in checking records daily.
Avoid posting that a reward is being offered and be weary of meeting people to do identify your dog or cat. Choose a safe, neutral area to meet so that you’re not giving a would-be criminal access to your home or family.

The best way of protecting your pet is to be aware that it’s a possibility. Knowledge is power, and if you take the necessary precautions to protect your pet, you are less likely to become a victim of pet theft.

vet looks dog and kitten teeth, a magnifying glass

February 6 2019

The Importance of Dental Cleanings – National Dental Month 2019

melissa Cats, Dogs, Health, Lifestyle, Training canine dental care, cat dental care, pet dental health month

Good oral hygiene is directly tied directly to a pet’s overall health and longevity. February is advertised at Pet Dental Month. It’s a great opportunity to take advantage of deep discounts offered by veterinarians on dental cleanings and check-ups as well as a wide variety of products that promote a healthy mouth so that pets can have a great dental routine year-round.

Dr. Jan Bellows, a Diplomat of the American Veterinary Dental College, and a prominent canine orthodontist, believes good dental hygiene can increase a dog’s life span by as much as a third.

“When a client asks me how long their puppy will live, I usually respond 15-17 years if you brush their teeth daily … 11-13 years if you don’t,” he said.

The relationship between good dental hygienic and longevity is a straight forward one. Bacteria that builds up in the mouth doesn’t stay there but is ingested when a pet eats and works its way through the dog’s system. In severe cases of periodontal disease, the bacteria can also enter the blood stream. Consequently, bacteria that started out in the mouth can result in heart disease, kidney and liver failure and has also been directly linked to diabetes.

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80%of dogs show symptoms of oral disease by the age of three. Similarly, 70% of all cats over the age of three years suffer from periodontal disease. Not only is periodontal disease very painful but as with people, it’s completely preventable.

The first sign of trouble is usually stinky breath. Other signs include decreased appetite,

approaching the food and then backing away if their teeth hurt, dropping food and obvious discomfort when chewing, pawing the mouth and not letting you touch their jawline.

The Common Dental Issues:

Gingivitis is described as inflammation of the gum line as a result of a build-up of tartar and plaque and the accompanying bacteria.
Periodontal Disease develops when the infection resulting from a tartar and plaque building spreads between the teeth and gums resulting in bone loss and, ultimately, in teeth having to be distracted. Pets can also suffer from swollen gums and mouth tumors.
FORLs — Feline Odontoclastic Resorption Lesions. In humans, tooth decay causes the tooth to disintegrate from the outside inwards so that the cavity is visible to the dentist. However, the exact opposite happens in cats. FORLS cause the tooth to decay from the inside outwards. Consequently, the damage isn’t visible until it’s very advanced and irreversible, which means the tooth has to be extracted. FORLS are said to be even more painful than human toothache because the decay attacks the nerve. It’s also known as tooth resorption and happens in dogs too!

Brushing Teeth

In order to successfully brush a pet’s teeth, they must be comfortable allowing you to put your fingers in their mouth. Go slow and let them build up acceptance slowly. Obviously, you are starting with a puppy or kitten, it will be much easier. There is a large of variety of specially designed dog and cat tooth brushes and flavored tooth pastes.

Cats are not as accepting as dogs. Another tip from Dr. Bellows suggests taking a cotton swab dipped in tuna juice and rubbing it along your cat’s teeth. The mere friction of the cotton swab on the teeth is enough to actively reduce a plaque buildup. Because cats like the taste, you stand a good chance of working your way around the mouth. If not, what you don’t achieve in one day can be done the next!

Treats and Toys

There is also a good selection of treats that also offer an abrasive action to help keep teeth clean of tartar and plaque and a huge variety of toys that exercise the muscles of the jaw and also help to keep teeth clean such as tug toys made from a cotton-styled “floss” infused with mint to help maintain fresh breath too.

Building dental care into your pet’s routine is a great way of enhancing that human-animal bond too. There is nothing like fresh smelling doggie licks and cat kisses.

January 29 2019

National Seeing Eye Dog Day – January 29, 2019

melissa Dogs, Lifestyle, Media, Training dog training, service dogs, working animals

January 29^th marks National Seeing Eye Dog Day. It is also the 90th anniversary of The Seeing Eye organization, the first guide dog school founded in the United States and the oldest existing in the world.

Seeing Eye® dogs or, guide dogs as they are also called, are more than companion animals for someone who is visually impaired or legally blind. They are truly transformational assistants enhancing the independence, dignity and the self-confidence of the person they are paired with for life.

Raising dogs for this life-altering work is both time consuming and very expensive. Organizations such as The Seeing Eye® and Guide Dogs of America breed their own puppies and then work with volunteer puppy raisers to raise these dogs until they are old enough to undergo the special training needed for them to take care of a visually impaired person. They also pair and train a blind person how to handle and care for a guide dog.

Being a puppy raiser can be very rewarding experience as the dog becomes a beloved family member while they are being raised and socialized by their foster family.

Guide dog training organizations have regional puppy raising coordinators throughout the country who oversee volunteer puppy raisers and their initial training.

While having some knowledge of dog obedience training is useful, it is not a prerequisite to be successfully selected to help raise a guide dog puppy. Nevertheless, from the get go, a puppy must be taught to have impeccable manners around the home and taught not to jump on furniture, dig up the yard and be crate-trained.

“A potential puppy raiser is first invited to attend puppy club meetings in their region,” explained Michelle Barlak, public relations specialist for The Seeing Eye, Inc. “Each family must attend the meetings, puppy sit for other raisers, and help at the club’s planned socialization outings with the current puppies in the club. Once they feel they have learned the ropes, they can apply for their first puppy. Most of our puppy raisers are referred to us through word of mouth as our current raisers are our best advertisers!” She added.

Guide Dogs of America allow their puppy raisers the privilege of naming their puppy. The organization assigns a letter of the alphabet for every litter of puppies and the puppy raiser can choose a name based on the litter letter. Zack Gittlen, GDA’s Outreach Coordinator, comments “Raising a puppy for us (GDA) is an extremely unique volunteer opportunity. You are essentially volunteering your time 24/7 for a year and a half. Because of that, our raisers quite obviously get attached to the puppy/dog. Turn in day can be heart-breaking, but we always reinforce that the dog has a more important job to go on to fulfill. It is when they see the final product, their puppy in harness with the graduate, that they understand the magnitude of what they did. They donated precious time of their lives, to change someone else’s for the better.”

Because training a guide dog and ultimately the person they will guide can cost as much as $50,000, some guide dog training organizations invite members of the public or organizations to name a puppy in return for a minimum donation of $5,000. The donor dog-namer/s also receives updates about the puppy’s progress throughout its training and, ultimately, a graduation photograph. It’ wonderful gestures that will help change someone’s life for the better.

Wide angle view of veterinary team in operating room

January 22 2019

Pros & Cons of a Vet Assistant Career in 2025

melissa Health, Lifestyle veterinary assistant career, veterinary hospital jobs

If you love animals but aren’t planning on going to veterinary school, becoming a vet assistant is a great way to make a real impact on pets’ lives. Veterinary assistants play a vital role in animal healthcare, supporting veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and laboratory animal caretakers in everything from daily tasks to critical care.

What Does a Veterinary Assistant Do?

Vet assistants are essential members of any veterinary clinic or hospital team. They may help during surgeries, provide comfort to sick animals, and assist in collecting lab samples. Licensed veterinary technicians typically perform more advanced duties such as taking X-rays and administering medications, while assistants focus on supportive tasks.

A vet assistant might bathe, feed, or restrain animals, clean surgical rooms, and sterilize equipment. In some practices, vet assistants collect urine or stool samples—particularly if they’ve been trained through a veterinary assistant program or have earned a veterinary assistant certification.

When you visit your local veterinary clinic, it’s usually the vet assistant who first welcomes you and your pet, weighs your animal, takes vital signs, and records health concerns for the veterinarian. They also work behind the scenes with veterinary technicians and laboratory animal caretakers to ensure hospitalized animals are safe, comfortable, and receiving proper care.

Experience & Skills Needed for Veterinary Assisting

Working in veterinary assisting means you’ll need compassion, patience, attention to detail, and the ability to follow instructions from veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians. Most employers require a high school diploma, although enrolling in a vet assistant program, like Animal Behavior College, can boost job prospects and prepare you for a career in veterinary medicine.

Some vet assistants pursue a career ladder, eventually becoming a licensed veterinary technician, senior veterinary technician, or a credentialed veterinary technologist. Others explore similar jobs such as an emergency veterinary assistant.

2024–2025 Veterinary Assistant Statistics

1. Average Salary

As of early 2025, the average salary for a veterinary assistant in the U.S. is around $33,979, or $16 per hour. Your income will depend heavily on experience and location.

2. Salary Variations by State

Salaries vary by state. In California, vet assistants earn approximately $37,479 annually, while Florida sees averages closer to $32,280.

3. Employment Growth

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook and other labor statistics, demand for vet assistants continues to grow, driven by rising pet ownership and expansion of services like mobile and emergency care. Additional positions, including overnight emergency veterinary assistant roles, are also increasing in specialized practices.

4. Experience-Based Salary Progression

Your salary will increase with experience:

Entry-Level (0–1 year): ~$29,000+
Mid-Level (2–4 years): ~$32,621
Senior-Level (5–8 years): ~$33,797
Expert-Level (8+ years): ~$36,085 with some states paying over $48,000 or more!

Pros of Becoming a Veterinary Assistant

Here are some benefits of choosing a veterinary assistant career:

Daily interaction with animals—including dogs, cats, and exotic pets.
Hands-on experience in medical procedures and animal care.
Opportunities for continuing education and career growth.
Flexibility with full-time and part-time scheduling.
The chance to support veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and other professionals.
Being a valued part of the animal healthcare team.
Making a real difference in animals’ lives.
It’s an exciting environment, you’re always learning and your day is unpredictable (in a great way)!

Cons of Being a Veterinary Assistant

As rewarding as the career can be, there are also challenges:

Salaries are lower than those of veterinary technicians, vet techs, and veterinarians.
You’ll encounter distressing situations, such as very ill or injured animals.
The work can be physically and emotionally demanding.
Exposure to unpleasant odors and messes is common.
Advancement may require further education or a transition into roles like AVA -Approved Veterinary Assistant, licensed veterinary technician, or senior veterinary technician.

Should You Become a Veterinary Assistant?

If you have a passion for animals, patience, and a willingness to work under supervision, a vet assistant career could be the perfect entry into the animal healthcare field. Whether you aim to stay in support roles or eventually transition into veterinary technician or veterinary technologist careers, there are plenty of paths to grow in the industry.

Learn more about how a veterinary assistant program can prepare you for a fulfilling job that truly makes a difference in every patient’s life.

Portrait of a cute young small dog sitting on bed. Wearing steth

January 8 2019

To Vaccinate or Not: That is (NOT) the Question

melissa Dogs, Health, Lifestyle, Safety, Training dog health tips, dog vaccinations

We live in a world of information. Some of that information is science-based, some of it is opinion-based. Never have we had so much choice in our lives and the lives of our pets.

Recently, the arrival of the “anti-vax” movement has caused some pet owners to begin questioning the value (and potential danger) of vaccines. Manufacturers and veterinarians have come under pressure to restructure the vaccination requirements and prove that vaccines are safe for pets.

One of the hotly contested questions is whether or not we should vaccinate our new puppy, and if yes – which shots are necessary and which are overkill? Which vaccines may cause dangerous (and sometimes fatal) reactions in my pet?

These are loaded questions and there are multiple sides to the argument. that you may wish to discuss with your veterinary staff. Some studies show that vaccinations can result in everything from encephalitis to cancer. There are studies that support those claims and vaccine protocol is already undergoing changes. Others claim that the dangers of vaccinations outweigh the benefits.

Let’s start with the matter of legality.

Rabies Vaccination Required by Law

While rabies is a disease that is 100% preventable, we still have more 59,000 people die from canine rabies each year around the world.

If you have a dog in the United states, you are required by law to have that dog vaccinated for rabies, and you are required to have the ongoing boosters every 1-3 years. The frequency of rabies vaccination varies from state to state. All states (with the exception of Arizona), require that the rabies vaccination be administered by, or under the supervision of, a licensed veterinarian.

The frequency of vaccination is most often dictated by the NASPHV Rabies Compendium, with the exception of a few states which have their own guidelines. The NASPHV Rabies Compendium document lists:

the approved manufacturers of rabies vaccines
which animals it can be safely used on
the dose
the age of primary vaccination
the booster vaccination date

We have nearly eradicated the rabies virus from our society. What used to be a huge problem, resulting in thousands of fatalities each year, is now only seen in wildlife. The rabies vaccine is the reason for this huge decline.

Herd Immunity

There is a theory of “Herd immunity” that anti-vaxxers call “BS”. Herd Immunity is the idea that if 99% of animals (or people) are vaccinated, it helps protect the 1% or so that are not vaccinated. This is not only valid, it’s proven.

For example, Distemper (CDV) is a disease that most vets haven’t seen in over 10 years. Distemper is a deadly disease with mortality rates as high as 50% of adult dogs and 80% of puppies. With ongoing vaccination protocols, most vets haven’t seen this disease in nearly 10 years.

When the recent “anti-vax” movement began taking over the pet industry, herd immunity protected those who weren’t vaccinated. But as more and more animals began an unprotected life, distemper began making a comeback. Cases are increasing each year that dogs are not receiving their core vaccines. Not only is this resurgence happening in our domestic animals, but there are increases seen in wildlife.

Which shots should I absolutely get? How do I know?

You are putting your pets at risk for death. These diseases are, for the most part, completely preventable. The core vaccines (which include Distemper, Adenovirus-2, Parvovirus-2, Rabies) should always be given.

Non-core vaccines (Parainfluenza, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Leptospira interrogans, Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae, Borrelia burgdorfen, Giardia, Coronavirus)

Your dogs should always have their first set of shots and boosters in their first year, along with their rabies vaccines as required by law. The rabies booster is mandated for life. However, the non-core vaccinations may be reliant on other factors. These are some things you should consider:

Your lifestyle: If you frequently travel with your pets, visit dog parks, or compete in sports or dog shows, you should be sure to follow strict vaccination protocols for that region.
Your Location: Some states have diseases that are endemic, while others are not. For example, Leptospirosis is a disease that resides in water. Arizona has usually been resistant to this disease, due to its lack of water. However, it recently had a large outbreak that required us all to update our pets’ vaccines.
Pests: Lyme disease is endemic to certain regions, while other regions have less chance of exposure.
Legality: Legal requirements also dictate the frequency and availability of specific diseases (e.g., rabies). Some states require annual vaccinations, while others allow for 2-3 year boosters.

Titer Testing is a way of measuring your dog’s immunity through a blood analysis. You can do titer testing for “optional” vaccines and then vaccinate on a case by case basis. The drawback is that titer testing is expensive.

There are many ways you can protect your pets, but when it comes to vaccinations, it’s important to stick with the basics. At the very least, make sure your pets have their core vaccines. Discuss further options with your veterinarian.

Core Vaccinations:

Distemper (CDV)
Adenovirus-2 (CAV-2)
Parvovirus-2 (CPV-2)
Rabies

Non-core Vaccinations

Parainfluenza
Bordetella bronchiseptica
Leptospira interrogans
Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae
Borrelia burgdorfen
Giardia
Coronavirus

Current Vaccine Guidelines:


5 weeks	Parvovirus: For puppies at high risk. Check with your veterinarian.
6 & 9 weeks	Combination vaccine* without leptospirosis. Coronavirus: where coronavirus is a concern.
12 weeks	Rabies: Given by your local veterinarian (age at vaccination may vary according to local law).
12 & 15 weeks**	Combination vaccine* Leptospirosis: include leptospirosis in the combination vaccine where leptospirosis is a concern, or if traveling to an area where it occurs. Coronavirus: where coronavirus is a concern. Lyme: where Lyme disease is a concern or if traveling to an area where it occurs.
Adult	Combination vaccine* Leptospirosis: include leptospirosis in the combination vaccine where leptospirosis is a concern, or if traveling to an area where it occurs. Coronavirus: where coronavirus is a concern. Lyme: where Lyme disease is a concern or if traveling to an area where it occurs. Rabies: Given by your local veterinarian (time interval between vaccinations may vary according to local law).

Recommendations vary depending on the age, breed, and health status of the dog, the potential of the dog to be exposed to the disease, the type of vaccine, whether the dog is used for breeding, and the geographical area where the dog lives or may visit.

*A combination vaccine, often called a 5-way vaccine, usually includes adenovirus cough and hepatitis, canine distemper, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. Some combination vaccines may also include leptospirosis (7-way vaccines) and/or coronavirus. The inclusion of either canine adenovirus-1 or adenovirus-2 in a vaccine will protect against both adenovirus cough and hepatitis; adenovirus-2 is highly preferred.

**Some puppies may need additional vaccinations against parvovirus after 15 weeks of age. Consult with your local veterinarian.

Bordetella and parainfluenza: For complete canine cough protection, we recommend Intra-Trac III ADT. For dogs that are shown, in field trials, or are boarded, we recommend vaccination every six to twelve months with Intra-Trac III ADT.

December 28 2018

Finding a Boarding Facility or Pet Sitter

melissa Cats, Dogs, Health, Lifestyle, Training am i a good dog owner, cat travel, what to do with dog while on vacation

That first time you travel without your pet can be a traumatic experience for both you and them. That’s why it’s so important to develop a relationship with a boarding facility or pet sitter. Today, we’re looking at how to find the best option for your pet.

Pet Sitters are those who come to your home one or more times per day (or perhaps even stay overnight in your home up to 18 hours at a time) to watch your pets. This is an excellent option for those with cats, nervous dogs, senior pets, or pets with medical conditions.

Boarding facilities are places you take your pet, where they reside in a kennel until your return. Their fees generally include playtime each day, regular feeding, and more. They can generally administer most veterinarian-approved medication, but may not always be able to accommodate specific diets.

No matter which option you choose, there are general guidelines that you should follow to find the best sitter or boarding facility for your pets.

Ask for Referrals

Your friends and family are often a great source for finding a reliable pet sitter or boarding facility. Ask who they have used in the past and whether they would recommend them.

Licensing/Bonding

Verify that any caretaker is licensed and bonded. Every pet sitter should be bonded for damage or theft, and each boarding facility should be licensed as a kennel. Both sitters and boarding facilities should be fully insured.

Check Credentials and References

Always check credentials and references provided by the kennel. You can easily search out complaints by typing in “name of kennel + complaint” into Google (e.g., Crazy8Kennel + complaint”)

Check reviews

Any reputable pet sitter will have reviews on Yelp, Facebook, the BBB website, their own website, and any number of other locations. Read them all and make sure there are no problems with the sitter or boarding facility.

Initial Meet and Greets

Once you have decided on a few possibilities for boarding, be sure to tour the facility. The same holds true for finding a pet sitter. All pet sitters include an initial meet and greet, which gives them an opportunity to meet your pets, pick up keys, and learn your routines. These generally last about an hour and always take place prior to your leaving town. Be very wary of any pet sitters who don’t provide this service, particularly if you found them online.

Each pet is different and you may discover that some of your pets do better with a sitter while others enjoy a boarding facility.

Cameras

Be sure the boarding facility you choose has cameras installed. In this day and age, there is almost no reason for them not to have them. Facilities should allow you access to a network where you can log in and check on your pets throughout the day, if you choose.

You can also add security cameras to your own home to make sure your pets are doing well with the pet sitter you select. Most pet sitter contracts require that, particularly if they will be living at your home. Even if their contract does not require you to notify them, be fair to the sitter and let them know that they are installed.

Another option is to choose a GPS tracker for your pets in case they escape or are otherwise lost. These are excellent to have while pet sitters or dog walkers are at your home. Most not only track your dog, but provide health information.

Keep in mind that not all boarding facilities allow you to leave them on the dog, particularly during playtime, as they can be a hazard.

General Rules of Leaving Pets

Never leave pets in care of friends or family.
Make sure facility and/or pet sitter is licensed and bonded.
Choose one according to your dog’s personality.
Never leave cats alone.
If they don’t require vaccination records from you, they won’t require them for others either. This can put your pets at risk for disease.

PetsWeekly offers a helpful list of questions you should ask prior to selecting a boarding facility. We’ve received permission to share them here.

Pay attention to the following while you tour the facility:

Does the facility look clean and well-maintained?
Does the facility smell clean?
What is the temperature in the kennels?
Is there adequate ventilation indoors?
How does the staff treat and interact with the animals there?
Does the facility ask for vaccination records?
Is there a requirement for pets to have Bordetella (Kennel Cough) vaccine?
Do you see any evidence of fleas or ticks or other parasites?
Do the dogs and cats seem happy?
Are outdoor runs protected from the elements?
Are the indoor kennels large enough?

Things to ask the facility manager:

Do they have an emergency plan in place in case of natural disaster, fire or power failure?
Is at least one human on location 24/7?
Are cats and dogs housed separately?
What type of training does staff have?
Is a veterinarian on call and what is his/her name?

Once you establish a relationship with a boarding facility or pet sitter you like, maintain the relationship. It can be difficult to find reliable pet sitters and boarding for your pets that are trustworthy and reliable, so keep them close to you!

December 21 2018

Getting Ready for Your First Puppy

melissa Dogs, Lifestyle, Training finding a puppy, how to train a puppy

Times have changed since I brought home my very first puppy. I still remember how excited I was holding the squiggly bundle of fur in my arms as he looked up at me in total adoration.

I wasn’t prepared for a puppy. I was young, I barely had the money for my own place, but I knew we would do just fine. Life would have been a lot easier if I knew then what I know now!

Here are some things I would tell my younger self to prepare for that first puppy.

Getting Approval

You might be surprised how many people run out to bring a new dog into their home only to learn that dogs are not allowed either by HOA laws, rental agreements and even homeowner insurance policies. Whether you rent or own, be sure you have approval for pets. Also check for breed bans and/or breed restrictions – they are far more common than you think. You can often add a rider to your policy for a minimum charge, but at the minimum you should have all your records in place.

Puppy Proof Your Home

Before you bring home a new puppy, it’s important to puppy proof your home. Is it absolutely necessary? That’s negotiable. But I will tell you that if you plan properly, you will save yourself a lot of money in veterinarian bills and save your puppy a lot of stress. Puppies are curious and they explore in much the same way a human toddler explores – by putting their mouth on everything. This can include electrical cords, remote controls, walls, hands, shoes, your bed and anything that is within reach. You may also need to consider adding gates or a doggy door for easy indoor/outdoor access. Remember that any outdoor access should lead into a safe, enclosed area to prevent predators from grabbing your small dog.

Puppy Proof Your Yard

Don’t bring home your new dog without making sure your yard is dog proofed. Walk your fence line and find any potential escape areas. Check your gardens for any potential hazardous or poisonous plants that may harm your puppy. If you have a pool, make sure there is a way for your dog to climb out safely – you may even consider teaching your puppy how to swim and where to get out of the pool. If you have a backyard with a gate, make sure you padlock the gate and remind pool cleaners or landscapers that you have a new dog on the prowl!

Establish Ground Rules

If you have children or other pets in the home, it’s important to establish your ground rules. Puppies need a lot of sleep during the day. Puppies may also nip harder than they intend to, potentially angering or hurting others, so it is important to supervise your puppy when it interacts with young children and other pets.

Have the Basic Supplies Ready

Starting out is fairly easy. You’ll need to have some basics including:

- Food
- Water
- Bowls
- Leash
- Collar
- Harness
- ID tags

Other useful items to add to your new puppy checklist include:

- House-Training Pads
- Crates
- Play Pen
- Beds
- Brush or Comb
- Chew Toys
- Stuffed Toys
- Treats

Veterinarians Are Required—Budget Accordingly

Choose a veterinarian that you like and trust. You’ll have a long relationship with your vet, and it’s important that you and your dog like them. You’re not locked in forever, but it’s good to have someone you can call on the weekend who will get back to you. It is also a good idea to know your vet’s hours and have a back up 24-hour office in mind in case of any emergencies.

Your puppy will need vaccination and check ups, along with physicals and dentals. They will need heartworm medication that requires checkups and routine flea and tick (and possibly worm) medication. You’ll need to clip their nails, groom them and make sure they are progressing properly. If you don’t want to get insurance, you need to plan on a savings account. Responsible pet care is not an inexpensive prospect!

Start Training Immediately

Trust me on this. You’ll save yourself a lot of time and aggravation if you focus on training early. Not only does it help you bond with your dog, it helps your dog become a confident, contributing member of your home.

Enroll your puppy in puppy training and socialization classes. Enlist the help of a full-time trainer for private lessons if you feel that your puppy needs some special attention away from other dogs.

Your family does chores; your dogs want to do the same. Food is an excellent reward, but figure out what your puppy’s total calories should be and make the rewards a part of their diet. It’s better for your dog’s digestive system to eat small meals throughout the day and this will also help them avoid getting bored with their food.

Find a Reliable, Licensed, Bonded Pet Sitter

Again, this is an important part of having a dog. You won’t be able to have your dog with you all the time, and things can happen that may impact your care. Having a reliable pet sitter on call who knows your pets is an invaluable resource.

December 12 2018

Cat and Kitten Holiday Gift Guide 2018

melissa Cats, Fun cat gifts, cat holiday gift guide

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, cats are sometimes forgotten when it’s time to open gifts. But there’s no reason to leave your cat out of the fun. Pet product manufacturers offer plenty of items that can make great gifts for your cat this year. Here are a few:

Tiki Cat Tummy Topper—Is your cat a fussy eater? Is it a chore to get him to finish his dinner? Then the Tiki Cat Tummy Topper could be a great gift for your kitty this year. This meal enhancer contains a pumpkin-wheatgrass formula with no added sugars fillers. It not only encourages your cat to eat, but also provides vitamins and minerals, along with fiber for digestive health. www.tikipets.com

Holiday Flicker Fun Birds—If you have a cat that loves to play—and what cat doesn’t—imagine her playing with an assortment of holiday-colored cloth toy birds this year. The Holiday Flicker Fun Bird Assortment, by Ethical Pet, feature enticing feathers attached to the birds that goad your kitty into crazy play. Each toy bird contains catnip, and lights up when it’s tapped. Each package contains three birds. www.ethicalpet.com

Basepaws DNA kit—Does your Domestic Shorthair have a complex because she doesn’t know the breeds in her background? With the Basepaws DNA kit for cats, you can discover your cat’s breed and ancestry markers. The results will help you understand the physical traits in your cat’s genes, along with the specific breeds and wildcats in her background. The at-home kit is easy to use. Just mail in a sample of your cat’s hair, or for hairless cats, a swab from inside the cheek. The results take 2 to 4 months. www.basepaws.com

Lotus Cat Tower—If your cat is tired of the same old boring cat tree, consider getting her a Lotus Cat Tower by the Refined Feline. The Zen-like design of this wooden cat tree features a sleek, organic design blending symmetry, functionality and minimalism into a beautiful flowering tower. The design is meant to accent homes with either modern or eclectic style. The tower is made from plywood with an oak veneer. Brown Berber carpet and sisal are attached to encourage scratching, and the carpet can be replaced when worn. Hide-a-way cubby holes include soft cushions with washable faux suede covers. The towers are available in Mahogany, Espresso and Smoke colors. www.therefinedfeline.com

Catit Flower Fountain—Have you ever noticed that cats love to drink running water? Maybe it’s a throwback to their wild ancestors, who drank from running streams. Whatever the reason behind this love for moving water, providing your cat with a fountain where she can drink will encourage her to take in more H2O and contribute to her overall happiness. The Catit Flower Fountain offers fresh water on top where your cat can drink, and allows three water flow settings. The fountain holds three liters of water, and has a triple action filter and small energy-efficient pump. https://usa.catit.com/shop/flower-fountain/

K&H Self-Warming Cat Beds – These self-warming beds and mats are washable, durable and feature an internal thermal layer that helps your cat maintain their own body heat. They come in several colors and a variety of styles, including Kitty Sack, Lounge Sleeper, Nuzzle Next, Kitty Bed Hooded, Bolster Bed and Pet Pad.

MixMax Cat Puzzles – from Nina Ottossen, are individual puzzle-shaped games that can be fit together to become one big activity board. Each game comes in four difficulty levels and features myriad grooves and holes to hide treats in. You can give your cat one puzzle at a time or mix and match them into different configurations and difficulty levels to keep your cat perpetually entertained.

Catit Senses 2.0 – designed to stimulate cats with sound, touch and sight. Senses offers three different track-ball circuits to choose from, Play, Wave and Super, and each features large openings that enable cats to reach inside and get involved. The circuits can be used alone or combined to create myriad playtime shapes. The circuits can also incorporate a variety of add-on components to create a complete cat amusement center. Choose from the Grass Planter, Digger (for treats and small toys), Food Tree, Oval Scratcher, Scratcher (this one is vertical) and Wellness Center. You can also add motion activated balls that light up as they roll on the circuit track.

Beco Pet Cat Bowl – The Beco Bowl for cats features a low rim that keeps your cat’s sensitive whiskers from brushing up against the sides, making dinner time that much enjoyable. Made from bamboo resin, the inexpensive bowls are durable and eco-friendly, and come in five colors: pink, green, blue, tan and natural.

Doc and Phoebe Indoor Hunting Feeder – is officially a feeding system; however, it can double as a smart toy based on the amount of activity it requires. The system consists of five mice that can be filled a cat’s daily food allowance and then hidden in different parts of the home. The mice’s purpose is to get your cat hunting for her meals. The mice are designed to roll and move, just like live ones do. The system, created by veterinarian Liz Bales, is endorsed by America’s Veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and certified as a Fear Free Happy Home enrichment product. These are the kind of mice you want in your house. https://docandphoebe.com/collections/indoor-hunting-feeders/products/new-single-indoor-hunting-feeder-1