TBM July - August

www.totalboarding.co.uk JULY / AUGUST 2019

Contents

T

his month we are looking at how to keep your pets cool in summer, with the temperature rising some great tips on what to do.

Wet food v Dry food for your feline friends, and if feeding a ‘complete’ diet, they’ll both deliver all the nutrients cats need in their daily diet. Do please keep your ideas for future articles, news about your business or feedback coming. We would love to feature your kennel or cattery, so don’t be shy, contact me at editor@totalboarding.co.uk , I am waiting to hear from you.

8

Keeping cool

Contents Editor www.totalboarding.co.uk

Editor

4

News

8

Keeping cool Helpful tips on keeping cool this summer from the PDSA

Hayley Waters – editor@totalboarding.co.uk

James Taylor – james@cimltd.co.uk Lisa Humphrey - lisa@cimltd.co.uk T: 01795 509108

Commercial Director

Credit Facilities Manager

Mike Smith – mike@tgmpublishing.co.uk T: 01795 509110

Natalie Murray – creditcontrol@cimltd.co.uk T: 01795 509103

Design and Production

Chief Executive

Grant Waters – grant@cimltd.co.uk

John Denning – jdenning@cimltd.co.uk

12 Morals, principles and ethics Dean Hart looks at the principles of business ethics

16 Wet or dry?

The PFMA discuss the balance of feeding wet and dry foods to cats

© 2019 TGM Publishing Limited, The Goods Shed, Jubilee Way, Whitstable Road, Faversham, Kent ME13 8GD. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form – electronic, mechanical or physical – without express prior permission and written consent of the publisher. Contributions are invited and when not accepted will be returned only if accompanied by a fully stamped and addressed envelope. Manuscripts should be type written. No responsibility can be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or in the editor’s hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographic or artistic, belongs to TGM Publishing Limited. The publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the Publisher. The Publisher cannot accept liability for any loss arising from the late appearance or non publication of any advertisement.

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Cliverton leads the way

Andrew Ball, of animal-related industries insurance specialist Cliverton, looks at how dog boarders, walkers and sitters can spot the signs of dog diseases they may encounter and the steps they can take to limit the risk.

F

rom Leishmaniasis to Alabama Rot, dog diseases have been making headlines in recent months.

Earlier this year, the first case of leishmaniosis transmission between dogs in the UK was reported.

A Shih Tzu was diagnosed as having the tropical disease, believed to have been passed on from another dog imported from Spain, who had been put down six months previously due to severe leishmaniosis.

A further case of leishmaniosis was also uncovered, in which a dog suspected of contracting the disease via sand-flies unintentionally brought back in their owners’ luggage following a trip to Spain.

Although extremely rare, the cases have prompted experts to urge owners to be extra vigilant and keep an eye out for signs of the potentially fatal disease.

More commonly known – and more widely reported – is Alabama Rot. Sometimes called ‘dog’s black death’, Alabama Rot is an indiscriminate

disease that affects all breeds and is often fatal.

It is hard to identify and very difficult to treat and, if not spotted early, it can lead to sudden kidney failure.

Since the disease was first detected in 2012 in the UK, the number of cases of Alabama Rot in dogs has risen, with 2018 the worst year so far for confirmed cases.

Though there is still a lot of mystery surrounding the disease, it is suspected the disease spreads from muddy and wooded areas.

It important to remember, however, that the disease is rare – with under 200 cases confirmed since the first outbreak.

Here, we look at common signs of dog diseases – particularly contagious diseases – that dog boarders, walkers and sitters may encounter in their work.

Leishmaniasis The parasitic disease is most commonly 4 | Total Boarding Magazine

transmitted by sand-flies – which aren’t present in the UK – so it is very unusual to see cases where the dog has not left the country.

The incubation period can be long, so symptoms may not appear for some months, but they include severe weight loss, lack of energy or enthusiasm, vomiting or diarrhoea, ulcers, and sudden nose bleeds, which can lead to kidney failure.

Business owners can familiarise themselves with endemic areas, so that they are aware of animals returning from or imported from these countries mixing with other dogs.

Alabama Rot The first sign is normally a skin sore or lesion that isn’t caused by a known injury, usually below the elbow or knee, which appears as a distinct swelling, a patch of red skin or is open and ulcerlike.

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Other symptoms include reduced appetite, lethargy, altered drinking and urinating, and vomiting and medical attention is required immediately.

Dog boarders, walkers and sitters are advised to try and keep dogs out of mud, to wash off any mud as soon as possible, monitor where dogs go, and watch out for signs of the illness.

The cause of Alabama Rot is as yet unknown and there is no known way to prevent a dog from contracting the disease but early detection and specialist care gives the dog the best chance of survival.

Canine Parvovirus Young puppies and unvaccinated dogs, including those who have not had their booster injections, are most at risk from becoming victims of parvo.

Symptoms of parvo include foulsmelling diarrhoea with blood in it, vomiting, loss of appetite, rapid weight loss, extreme tiredness, and fever.

Ensure all dogs that come in contact with the business have their vaccinations and their booster injections are up-to-date, checking vaccination cards and confirmation of when next jabs are due.

Parvo is highly contagious so thoroughly cleaning toys, food and water bowls, and other surfaces with a bleach and water solution will help limit 6 | Total Boarding Magazine

risk.

Lungworm Lungworm is an infectious parasite contracted from slugs and snails – either through eating them or licking areas of the slimy trail they leave behind. Foxes may also contribute to the spread of the parasite.

Symptoms include heavy and difficult breathing, coughing, intolerance of exercise, and poor blood clotting, but it is important to note that lungworm can also be asymptomatic.

Businesses can check that the dogs in their care have had regular worming, as a preventative measure, and remove toys and bowls – which may attract such pests – from the garden after use to minimise risk of infection. Also keep an eye on inquisitive dogs when out and about.

Lyme disease Lyme disease is spread by ticks and can be picked up when playing in green space, particularly long grass and overgrown areas. Both dogs and humans can be affected.

Symptoms include joint pain, generalised stiffness, lameness, loss of appetite, reduced energy and fever.

If untreated, it can lead to chronic illness, so prevention is the best route.

Businesses can check with the owner

that the dog has been treated with tick preventative products and the frequency of which these are administered. Dayto-day, dogs can be checked for ticks after walks, particularly after being in areas with tall grass or woodland.

Most pet insurance policies providing vets fees cover will respond to a claim for treatment for one of these diseases – owners should check their own insurance arrangements for confirmation. It is unlikely that a claim could be made against someone caring for a dog which contracted one of these diseases unless there was clear negligence on the part of the carer in which case the carer’s liability policy’s care custody and control extension could provide cover depending on the circumstances.

For information on Cliverton’s services, visit cliverton.co.uk, or contact Andrew on Andrew.Ball@cliverton.co.uk or 01328 857921.

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Keeping your pet safe in summer Summer is finally here, and with it plenty of quality time to enjoy the great outdoors with our four-legged friends. However, our pets can’t tell us if they are too hot or uncomfortable, and can also easily get into scrapes or mishaps.

S

o it’s important that we know how to keep them happy and healthy during the hotter months. PDSA vet, Olivia Anderson-Nathan, outlines her top tips for keeping our animal companions fit and well during summer.

• Never leave pets in hot cars, conservatories or caravans. Not even for a couple of minutes. Even on a mild day the temperatures can rise incredibly quickly causing our pets to overheat.

Within a very short space of time, they can develop heatstroke, which can be fatal.

• Provide lots of clean, fresh water.

Check your pet’s water bowls or bottles at least twice a day and regularly refill with of cool water.

A short hair cut will stop pets from getting too hot

• Exercise your pet at cooler times in the day. Take walks in the mornings or evenings when temperatures are lower,

Check water bowls regularly and refill with cool water

8 | Total Boarding Magazine

and avoid the midday heat. Be extra vigilant of any flat-faced, overweight pets, or very fluffy dogs who may struggle even more to keep themselves cool.

• Ensure your pet has access to shade.

Constant access to cool shaded areas is a must for hot days, and it’s also important to keep hutches and cages out of direct sunlight. Move indoor cages away from windows and make sure your other pets can get out of direct sunlight when they need to.

• Check rabbits for flystrike. This is a serious maggot infestation that can be fatal. During summer months rabbits should be checked underneath (checking their bottoms) at least twice a day for fly eggs and uncleaned poo. Keep their back end clean by wiping gently with a clean damp cloth, removing any faeces and trimming the fur if necessary.

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Apply a preventive product regularly to stop flies laying eggs. Keep hutches nice and clean too, and if you spot any maggots on your rabbit then take them to the vets immediately; this is an emergency.

• Protect your pet with pet-safe sunscreen. These are available from all good pet stores and can be used on areas of thin fur. It is particularly important in white pets, and on areas such as the nose and ear tips.

• Be careful when enjoying BBQs. It’s not uncommon for dogs to swallow corn cobs and then need them surgically removed from their stomach or gut. Kebab skewers are also particularly dangerous. Clean up and keep dangerous items away from your four-legged friend. Also watch out for alcoholic drinks and glass bottles.

• Regular trims. Keeping your pet’s fur neat and trimmed may stop them from getting too hot. This is particularly important for dogs with very hairy feet.

Dogs lose heat through their foot pads so keep hair in between these pads nice and short.

• Take care when travelling. If you’re going on a journey in the car, make sure there is plenty of fresh air and the temperature of the car is cool. Make regular stops and offer your pet water frequently. Never let your dog put their head out of the car window and never leave them in a parked car.

With all of these tips in mind, it’s important to watch out for signs of heat stroke. Excessive panting, dribbling, unusual behavior, disorientation and a bright red tongue or gums can quickly escalate to fatal collapse. If you see any signs of heatstroke, call your vet immediately.

If your pet has simply overheated in the sun, drape them with a cool damp towel and move them into the shade.

Change and wet towels regularly, making sure they aren’t trapping heat, and keep cooling your pet until their breathing has settled. If you believe they are suffering from heatstroke, then they will need to be seen by a vet even if they have appeared to cool down.

10 | Total Boarding Magazine

Plan journeys and make regular stops

Constant access to cool shaded areas is a must for hot days

About the PDSA Is a leading authority on all things concerning pet health and wellbeing: whether its leading the debate on pet obesity, conducting Britain’s biggest annual pet wellbeing survey, raising the status of animals or simply celebrating their contribution to our lives.

Founded in 1917 by animal welfare pioneer, Maria Dickin CBE, the PDSA is the UK’s leading veterinary charity. Operating through a UKwide network of 48 Pet Hospitals, PDSA provides low cost and free veterinary care to the sick and injured pets of people in need and promotes responsible pet ownership Every year, the dedicated teams at 48 Pet Hospitals work tirelessly to provide 2.7 million veterinary

treatments – including 440,000 preventative treatments. This helps over 470,000 much-loved pets and brings peace of mind to 300,000 owners.

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Do business ethics really matter?

Ethics concern an individual’s moral judgements about right and wrong. In business, being ethical means applying principles of honesty and fairness. Dean Hart MCFBA, AABCP explains how ethical behaviour can bring significant benefits to a business.

D

oes this following question ring any bells? Just do ‘it’ anyway, the client won’t know! Is this statement OK? or does it depend on what ‘it’ is? Well yes of course it does you may be thinking. There will be examples that come to mind no doubt. But just who determines what is acceptable and right and what isn’t in business, in life, in relationships? Just a moment, we are delving a bit deep now, so let’s stick to business and business ethics.

Ethics are your moral principles, what you consider good and what isn’t.

This shapes your behaviour and how you conduct yourself in business and in all other areas of your life! Ethics 12 | Total Boarding Magazine

are part of your fundamental truth system, the foundation of your business and in many cases the foundation of success. If you run your own business then it should be you who sets out your Policies and Procedures, these should cover all business aspects such as financial considerations, customer care, animal welfare, health and safety, cleanliness etc. and will most likely, encompass your ethics.

To finalise them, you may seek opinions of others through consultation with staff, clients, friends, colleagues, peers and family, bringing together a range or ethics or you may choose not to! Obviously there needs to be regards to current legislation and laws within

the industry you work within, but ultimately many policies and procedures will be determined by you. If you are a staff member, volunteer or family member helping in business or within charities then you should be following and adhering to these Policies & Procedures too.

So, let’s consider the following, is it OK to charge a client if they are late for their appointment with you or don’t turn up? To close ten minutes early?

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helped you catch it?

These examples may nudge you to explore different moral aspects of your business and related topics may not even make it into your Policies and Procedures, but they should, regardless of any emotional pull.

Does it mean that the client needs to be informed? Let’s assume you have a policy on ‘appointment non-arrivals’, your procedure states that you need to provide a copy of this to each client and they need to sign their understanding and compliance and you have done this. Then it would be perfectly OK to charge them as stated in your P & P if they did not turn up for their appointment. But what if they didn’t turn up because (honestly) a close family member had just died after an extended period of illness, and they completely forgot their appointment – would you still decide to charge them or not? This relates to your personal ethics but can also be heavily influenced by your business financial position.

How would you feel ‘deep down’ if you did charge them, would it bother you or not? Longer term your business will probably gain a healthier reputation if you don’t charge them as you will be demonstrating ‘ethical value’. This has the potential to increase custom and longer-term profit, balanced against reduced shorter-term profit.

Disposing of a light bulb incorrectly 14 | Total Boarding Magazine

can impact the environment, having watched people throw rubbish out from their car windows I know that for some the environment has no meaning to them whatsoever, but has it to you and to your business? How green are you really and do you actively pursue ways that your business can reduce its carbon footprint? Maybe you should start to if you don’t now? Appropriate sterilisation as part of reducing cross contamination is just one element of your health and safety responsibility and welfare within the animal industry, but I know there are several of you that don’t sterilise your equipment between each groom, so is this a financial consideration because of the time or a lack of education or just a lack of care?

I may have provoked angry feelings with my comments, but I consider my working ethics to be strong and I encourage all my students and any others within this industry to adopt the same.

For those of you that know me you will be aware of my high-standards of welfare. Have I lost clients because I stick to my values? Yes, I have. Does this bother me? No, but it does sadden me to think that people will sacrifice the welfare of their animal against cost or lack of compassion, perhaps they are not educated within animal behaviour or very understanding of needs or possess little ethics. This

is not an arrogant viewpoint, and I am fully aware of clients effected by financial pressures and having to make compromises due to cost. I consider part of my job role is to educate and provide understanding, for those prepared to listen.

This is not me saying that people must adopt my way of thinking or that they are wrong, nor is it a lack of awareness of other viewpoints but it is me sticking to my ethics, my values, and not being influenced by others or giving in to the desire of additional profit. I could make more profit if I lowered some of my values, am I likely to, certainly not. ‘They say’ that the root of all evil is money, but isn’t that why we are in business? Yes, most definitely, but making money is not the issue within ethical trading, but how you make money is, and what you do with it.

Raise and widen your views, raise your standards, assess your trading style, your suppliers your client understanding and go forth with updated Policies and Procedures that reflect your ethics and stick to them.

Ethical trading should rule before profit and you may be surprised just how your profit improves.

Dean Hart MCFBA, AABCP is a Clinical Behaviourist and Consultant with Behaviour and Training Referrals. www. cbt-referrals.com.

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What is the best pet food for cats – wet or dry?

While some cat owners swear by wet food, others insist dry is the best, but both sides have benefits and if feeding a ‘complete’ diet, they’ll both deliver all the nutrients cats need in their daily diet. Nicole Paley at the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) discusses the advantages of both and highlights why feeding a mixed diet of wet and dry food could work well.

What are the benefits of a dry diet?

Dry complete diets have some specific plus points: - They are convenient, easy to measure and use, easier to store - Have a longer shelf-life once opened than wet foods.

- Some may also help to remove plaque from the teeth. If you choose a dry food, you can expect your cat to chew it more actively and take longer to eat, to drink more water and to return regularly to the food rather than eating it all at once.

Bear in mind that cats at certain life stages may prefer softer foods, for instance elderly cats or weaning kittens.

Wet food will fit the bill and there are

Dry foods can be left out during the day

also some dry diets which have been specially designed to be soaked.

What are the benefits of wet cat food?

Feeling Catisfied

16 | Total Boarding Magazine

- Some cats simply prefer wet food’s aroma and texture - Wet can still be very convenient with single-serve formats ensuring a fresh, easy-to-serve meal each time.

- Cats will also eat more in one sitting rather than going back and forth, and

will drink less as there is higher water content in wet food than in dry.

- The amount of water intake is particularly important for cats prone to constipation or the formation of urinary crystals/stones or if they have diabetes or kidney disease - therefore feeding a wet food can be especially beneficial for cats with these conditions.

Serve the food at room temperature to ensure the cat can taste and smell it properly. Warming up an opened can

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Young and elderly cats may prefer wet foods

may take up to two hours from being taken out of the fridge - alternatively, you might consider microwaving canned foods for a short time, but ensure a consistent temperature through out and be careful of hot spots.

Mix it up!

When given a choice, many cats seem to prefer a mixture of both wet and dry foods compared to dry or wet only. Wet food is shown to increase enjoyment and add variety to a diet because of the wide selection of textures. On the other hand, dry food satisfies the desire to eat many small meals throughout the day.

Many owners serve a mixture of dry and wet, as some cats prefer wet food in the morning and to have dry food left out during the day. Whilst dog owners tend to feed wet food as a topping, cat owners tend to feed either wet or dry separately. However, there are no hard and fast rules – ultimately it is for each owner to decide what to feed their pet.

Just remember that if feeding a mix of wet and dry petfoods, feed only the total 18 | Total Boarding Magazine

amount of food that your pet needs to minimise any undesirable weight gain.

Plenty of water is a must - Ensure your cat has clean, fresh water to drink at all times, preferably in a large ceramic bowl. Plenty of water is especially important if dry food is fed. If a cat is reluctant to drink, try a bigger bowl - some cats don’t like it when their whiskers touch the sides.

- Metallic bowls can put a cat off drinking too as they see reflections and shadows when they put their head down to drink. Ideally water is not positioned directly next to food as cats prefer some separation between their resources.

- If cats go outdoors, a bowl to collect rainwater may be more popular than the clear, fresh water indoors.

- Remember, milk is not a substitute for water. Cats don’t need milk after weaning and many are intolerant of lactose (milk sugar) that can cause diarrhoea. Even specially formulated low-lactose ‘cat milk’ should be treated

as a food not a drink, with food intake adjusted accordingly.

The PFMA is the leading trade body for the UK pet food industry.

There are over 80 companies within membership which accounts for over 90% of the market. A key aspect of the PFMA work is providing an information resource to the public and pet care professionals on pet food production and pet food nutrition.

PFMA has a range of tools and resources to help you have the latest information on popular feeding topics such as the ingredients used in pet food, understanding pet food labels and the role of additives in diets. PFMA has also developed a series of weight management tools, including the ever popular dog and cat size-o-meters to help owners keep their pets at a healthy size.

All these tools and resources are available to download, link to and share with your customers from www.pfma.org.uk

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We don’t build sheds, or garden furniture, we design and build premium bespoke living accommodation for cats.

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The Power of Nature Groomer, Jitka Krizova shares her views on why nature knows best:

D

espite the fact that synthetic products are used for many problems, both health and cosmetic, yet 70% of the world’s population still relies on the healing power of plants.

It helps, it works and, above all, it does not hurt.

There are over 10,000 higher plants, which are used for their beneficial effects on our and our animal’s health.

Neem oil Every part of the neem plant, from its roots up to its smallest highest leaf, is very beneficial. Neem is an evergreen tree growing up to 20 – 40m. Products made from the Neem tree have been known and used in India for more than 2000 years for their healing and regenerative properties. Extracts (such as powder, oil etc.) from Neem are antibacterial, they support the immune system, actively fight against viruses, are deadly to 14 different types of yeast, and reduce pain and fever.

Neem oil is very effective in treating eczema, spots, acne, dry and cracked skin and yeast infections on nails and toes, and it is, therefore, a very important ingredient in our Paw Butter.

It also acts as a deterrent to fleas and pests.

Jitka Krizova

Coconut oil Beautifully smelling coconut oil is not only delicious and fantastic to use as a cooking ingredient, but it is also very beneficial in skincare, haircare, and even dental care.

Virgin coconut oil is high in lauric acid, which is antibacterial or to be more precise, bactericidal as it kills bacteria. Lauric acid is able to damage lipid cover of some viruses, so we can say it’s anti-viral as well.

Coconut oil, and therefore also our Hand Butter, is very beneficial on sensitive skin, and especially on dry 20 | Total Grooming Magazine

skin on the elbows, very common amongst fellows dog groomers.

I use the Hand Butter instead of the body lotion or cream. Only a small

amount is needed, it absorbs quickly, and doesn’t leave the skin oily but rather soft and silky.

In the grooming salon, we use

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As used and recommended by vets and pet groomers throughout europe

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Choice of delivery systems Tiny mini-chip ideal for short haired dogs, small breeds and cats Email us about training

Choice of scanner

Choice of microchip size

The trovan® microchip-ID recommended worldwide, for its outstanding quality & reliability.

Used by rescues, zoos and professionals

Visit our web site Ask about the UNIVERSAL SCANNER - reads ALL chips used in companion animals www.pet-Detect.com Speak to us about your scanner needs tel: 01962-813554, email:info@pet-detect.co.uk Total Boarding Magazine | 21

coconut oil wrap, which is very beneficial for dogs with dry, irritated and/or flaky skin.

We apply coconut oil in the dog’s hair and skin, and slowly massage it in, covering every part. Then we wrap the dogs in a warm towel and let him rest for about 10-15 minutes. They absolutely love it and most of them fell asleep straight away!

To enhance relaxation sometimes we put a few drops of Comfort Blend on the towel. After this, we bath the dog in warm water in one of our favourite shampoos. Then dry and style as usual.

After the coconut oil wrap the skin is less red, softer and the coat is silky and easy to brush … and the dog smells delicious

Shea Butter I’ve never tried shea butter for cooking but I love the nutty smell of unrefined shea butter and the feel of it on my skin. When you first apply shea butter it feels a bit heavy but then it makes a nice silky film on your skin.

Shea butter is a fat that’s been extracted from the nut of the African shea tree. It is usually yellow in colour when raw, with more processed versions being ivory or white in colour.

22 | Total Grooming Magazine

Due to its cinnamic acid and other natural properties, shea butter is anti-inflammatory. One compound, in particular, lupeol cinnamate, was found to reduce skin inflammation.

This anti-inflammatory agent has a healing effect on conditions like scars and stretch marks, rashes, scrapes, small wounds, eczema, ulcered skin etc. Shea butter aids in the skin’s natural collagen production and contains oleic, stearic, palmitic and linolenic acids that protect and nourish the skin to prevent drying.

Shea butter helps cell regeneration and capillary circulation, and therefore it is very good for aging skin. It is humectant (absorbs moisture from the air) so it is also excellent for dry skin.

(L. Price; Carrier oils for aromatherapy and massage, 2012). With longterm use of our Hand Butter, many people report skin softening and strengthening.

I have mentioned anti-bacterial properties above few times. The biggest difference between natural and synthetic anti–bacterial products is that bacteria can build up a resistance to synthetic products but not to natural ones. “Why?” You ask. The simplest way to explain is that the synthetic product is always the same, each and

every time, forever… So when bacteria come into contact with a synthetic anti-bacterial product for the first time, or the first few times, it gets killed.

However, with a few more contacts the bacteria realise, actually we know how this works, we’re not scared of this one any more, it comes here all the time, acts the same way, nothing new – so we’ll just build our shield and protect ourselves… And become resistant.

On the other hand, natural products, like essential oils, plant oils and butters, flower waters, are slightly different every time. Essential oils are made up of different molecules. These molecules and their exact concentration in a particular oil are influenced by outside factors like sunlight, rain, temperature, altitude, etc. Because these factors are constantly changing, the concentration of molecules changes too. This is the reason why two batches of essential oils can never be exactly the same; very, very similar, but not exactly the same.

And this is why bacteria can’t build up resistance to essential oils… Each time the bacteria come into contact with the “same” essential oil, or natural product, it’s a tiny bit different from the last one.

Do you own or work in Dog Kennels, Boarding Cattery, Dog Day Care or Dog Boarding?

The new Animal Activities Licensing (AAL) regulations came into effect on 1 October 2018. With this brings a number of changes, including the requirement to have clear evidence of knowledge and experience or a minimum of an OFQUAL regulated level 2 qualification in a relevant subject.

T

he new regulations will replace a number of different pieces of animal establishment regulations, namely: Boarding Establishments Act 1963, Pet Animals Act 1951, Riding Establishments Act 1968, Dog Breeding Act 1991, Performing Animals Act 1925.

From that date any businesses in England commercially trading live animals or boarding cats or dogs either during the day or overnight will need a licence issued under the new regulations, although existing licences issued under the Pet Animals Act 1951 or the Boarding Establishments Act 1963 will remain valid until they expire. The new regulations take effect on renewal or if your business is being brought into the scope of licensing for the first time.

Activities such as Commercial Dog Boarding Kennels, Commercial Cat Boarding - Catteries, Commercial Home Boarding, Commercial Dog Daycare, Commercial Dog Breeding are covered by the new legislation. Under the new regulations, staff working for Dog Kennels, Boarding Catteries, Dog Day Care or Dog Boarding must have clear evidence of knowledge and experience or a minimum of an OFQUAL regulated level 2 qualification in a relevant subject.

Or, to meet the newly introduced ‘’Higher Standard’’, a member of staff with a relevant OFQUAL regulated Level 3 qualification must be present

during the working day.

And here’s where Animal Jobs Direct can help. Established in 2005, Animal Jobs Direct offers a comprehensive selection of accredited and affordable animal care qualifications. The team at Animal Jobs Direct are passionate about animal welfare and understand how important it is to raise standards in the animal care sector through education.

We believe that employees can make a huge difference to the animals in their care and to animal welfare if they are empowered with the right skills.

Animal Jobs Direct courses have been designed in consultation with employers to give students the best chance of gaining meaningful employment working with animals.

All Animal Jobs Direct qualifications and courses place a strong emphasis on

ethics and welfare in animal care.

These Ofqual regulated qualifications meet the new Animal Activities Licensing (AAL) requirements: The Level 2 Award in Canine Care and Behaviour and the Level 2 Award in Feline Care and Behaviour meet the AAL Basic standard requirements.

The Level 3 Diploma in Canine Care, Behaviour and the Level 3 Diploma in Feline Care, Behaviour and Welfare meet the AAL Higher Standard requirements.

For further information please contact us on: 0208 6269646 www.animal-job.co.uk Total Boarding Magazine | 23

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Develop your Kennels and Cattery with an Animal Care Apprentice

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ith many animal care organisations being stretched for time and resources, finding a cost-effective way to hire and retain skilled staff is a must. The Level 2 Animal Care and Welfare Assistant Apprenticeship, approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships in August 2018, was created with this in mind. More than a dozen animal care employers were involved in creating the apprenticeship standard, ensuring the content is relevant and applicable in the workplace.

What does the apprenticeship include?

Over the course of approximately 1218 months, the apprentice will cover the essential knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to succeed in an animal care working environment.

In addition, apprentices will undertake one of seven further learning pathways, giving them the chance to tailor their learning to their job role and interests. Covering all areas of animal care employment, the seven pathways are: • Animal Interaction and Handling • Rehoming • Movement and Transport • Breeding • Working Dog Handler • Operational/Reception Duties • Wildlife Rehabilitation

Cost-effective With the National Minimum Wage for apprentices being just £3.901, hiring an apprentice provides a cost-effective way to develop your business. That’s not all – non-levy paying employers 24 | Total Boarding Magazine

(employers with an annual payroll bill of less than £3 million) now only pay 5% of course fees, meaning the Level 2 Animal Care and Welfare Assistant Apprenticeship would only cost you £250.

Benefits to employers Apprentices can bring many benefits to your business, including increasing the amount of qualified staff you have.

Unlike when recruiting skilled labour, training an apprentice allows you to tailor their learning so to develop the skills that are most relevant to your company.

As an employer, if you hire an apprentice who is between 16-18 years of age, you’ll receive a £1,000 government incentive towards the costs of training. What’s more – if you have less than 50 contracted employees, the fees for those aged 16-18 will be fully funded and won’t cost you a thing.

Who can undertake the apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are not just for people new to the job, they’re also a great way to train up existing staff. Anyone

aged 16 and over can undertake an apprenticeship, provided they meet the criteria set by the government2 and training provider.

In addition, undertaking a recognised qualification gives staff something to work towards, helping to keep them motivated and offering them career progression.

About The College of Animal Welfare… Established in 1989 by a leading animal welfare organisation, the College became independently managed in 1996. Today it offers a range of animal care and veterinary related training opportunities including workbased and online qualifications, and the new Level 2 Animal Care and Welfare Assistant Apprenticeship.

Visit www.caw.ac.uk for more information.

ANIMAL

CARE

The College of Animal Welfare

AND WELFARE

ASSISTANT

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£250

TAILOR YOUR LEARNING In addition to the core knowledge, skills and behaviours you will undertake your chosen learning pathway relevant to your job role and interests, enabling you to focus your expertise.

FOR SMALL EMPLOYERS

FEES ARE PAYAB LE

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PLOYERS Grow your busine ss Cost effective Enhanced reputatio n Increased produc tivity

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS There are no formal academic entry requirements. However, you will need to be living and working in England in a suitable animal care environment within a 90 minute radius of our Huntingdon, Potters Bar or Leeds centres, earning at least the National Minimum Wage for Apprentices.

WORK-BASED LEARNING www.caw.ac.uk

You will gain the essential knowledge, skills and behaviours needed of an Animal Care and Welfare Assistant to ensure you maintain safe working practices and take responsibility for yourself, others and the animals in your care.

admin@caw.ac.uk

01480 422060

r J LeiGh LTD mainTenance-free ThermopLasTic KenneLs maDe To orDer All sections are edged with aluminium for strength and the prevention of chewing. The floors have a non- slip surface, which can be quickly hosed down for easy cleaning. Will out last timber kennels many times over and meet all currant boarding kennel regulations.

Tough, durable and very strong with a smooth surface – they are steam cleanable and non-absorbent. High resistance to chemicals means you can hose out kennels to eliminate germs and bacteria.

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The mosT cosT effecTive caTTeries sysTem in The UK UniTs sTarT from ÂŁ450

Ideal for grooming rooms and holding areas.

Each cage comes complete with pull out trays and flat faced floor grills to keep dogs above the trays.

Removable centre divider so the cage can be used as two medium cages or one large cage. Stackable so you can build a bank of cages to suite your needs.

Lemur house and bird rooms built for a zoo. We can make to any size or requirement.

See our website for more details or call us today on 01633 681440 to discuss your requirements.

WWW.rJLeiGhLTD.co.UK Kennel, Cattery, Vet Cages, Operating Tables and Grooming Products etc.

Unit B3 & Unit C Avondale Business Park, Avondale Way, Cwmbran, South Wales, NP44 1XE

Tel 01633 681440

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Showpride PURE Shampoo simpsons-online.co.uk/breeds 1 Litre £ 12 Ref: 4071–144 5 Litres £ 30 Ref: 4071–143