Pet Boarding and Daycare March April 2019

VOL 9 • ED 2

MARCH / APRIL 2019

WWW.PETBOARDINGANDDAYCARE.COM

and daycare magazine Profile of Success

PET CARE PLUS

Benefits of Elevated Dog Beds in Your Kennel

INSIDE

EXPO W EST 2019 PROGRAM GUIDE and daycare

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1

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PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

STAFF PUBLISHER Barkleigh Productions, Inc.

and daycare magazine

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Rebecca Shipman ART DIRECTOR Laura Pennington

M A R CH / A P R I L 2 0 1 9

CONTENTS

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jenn Barraclough JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jenny Thomas WEB MASTER Luke Dumberth PRESIDENT Todd Shelly VICE PRESIDENT Gwen Shelly CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER Adam Lohr

28

PET CARE PLUS

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & CLIENT RELATIONS James Severs

and daycare

Copyright March 2019. 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: info@barkleigh.com

AND THE WAYS TO

& GUIDE

20

SOCIAL MEDIA / PR COORDINATOR Evan Gummo General: (717) 691-3388 info@barkleigh.com Editorial: rebecca@barkleigh.com

(717) 691-3388 (ext. 225) Advertising: james@barkleigh.com

(717) 691-3388 (ext. 224)

THE GOOD, THE BAD,

EXPO WEST

PREVIEW

MARKETING COORDINATOR Alyx Robertson

CONTACT

OZONE

2019

ADMIN / MARKETING ASSISTANT Karin Grottola

A+ IN SUCCESS

KEEP YOU &

THE ANIMALS SAFE

Animal Behavior

KEEP YOU & THE Facility

6

10

36

16

22

ANIMALS SAFE

Talk the Talk: The Importance of Understanding Canine Body Language for Staff Safety The Eight Spheres of Enrichment: A Foolproof Approach to Dog Daycare Dilemmas 44

Business Why You Need Online Reviews (and How to Get More of Them) Do You Know How Many Clients You’ve Lost This Year?

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

44

Higher Ground: Benefits of “Good up high, nearby” Elevated Dogbad Beds in Your Kennel

By Annette Uda

That’s how the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) succinct-

Animal Health

ly describes ozone, a gas composed of three oxygen atoms that occurs both in Earth’s upper atmosphere and at ground level.

50

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

How CBD Can Impact Your Business

Industry News 54

New Products

5

ANIMAL BEHAVIOR

PROFE S SIONAL The Importance of Understanding PET BOARDING CERTIFICATION Canine Body Language for

STAFF SAFETY CERTIFIED

by The

6

C E R T I F I C A T I ON

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

Council

L

earning and understanding ca-

Pet care professionals who

nine body language is the foun-

learn and understand canine body

dation of safety in any pet care

language can be proactive rather

career. Dogs communicate at all times

than reactive in providing pet care.

and it is our responsibility as pet care

Dogs can inflict bites much quicker

professionals to learn their language.

than humans can move in response.

Like human communication,

A dog’s emotional state is typically

canine language includes vocalizations,

indicated by their posture and body

body postures and facial expressions.

language signals. Close observation

Observing and learning to recognize

of signals gives early warning of

each type of mannerism is important to

changes in a dog’s emotional state.

effective communication between you

Understanding their language pro-

and the dogs in your care.

vides extra time for humans to stay

Like people, dogs are social animals and their language has developed so they could live together in harmony. Language

Dogs can inflict bites much quicker than humans can move in response.

safe during potentially dangerous dog interactions.

Important basics of how

is the tool dogs use to identify individuals,

dogs view the world are key to

maintain their social group and reduce

understanding their language.

competition. Mainly, dogs communicate with each other to avoid conflicts.

Pet care professionals who understand canine body language are more likely to avoid serious injuries and better enjoy their pet care roles. By observing dog postures and communication signals, you will know when it is safe to approach or when it is appropriate to stop and back away. Dogs recognize and appreciate humans who respond effectively to their communication signals.

Pet care facility owners who invest in staff training in canine body language benefit from the following: • Fewer staff injuries from dog bites • Minimal work time missed due to dog–inflicted injuries • Improved worker’s compensation accident records • Fewer dog–to–dog injuries • Fewer veterinary reimbursements to clients • Happier and healthier dogs in your center • A reputation in the community for good, safe pet care.

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

7

D o g s ar e ve ry se n si ti ve to m o ve m en t in to th e p h ys ic al sp ac e ar o u n d th ei r b o d ie s.

Keep these three points in mind for safe

the dog is likely to be uncomfortable

common breed tendencies, the social en-

interactions with dogs:

and display signs of stress. Likewise,

vironment and situations dogs encounter

when a human or dog moves too close

during their lives impact their behaviors

physically, signs of discomfort will be

and responses to new experiences.

1. Experiences are either familiar or something that is unfamiliar to the dog.

2. Dogs are very sensitive to move-

communicated as stress or warning

Learning and understanding canine

ment into the physical space around

signals. For this reason, it is very im-

body language is an important founda-

their bodies.

portant to let the dog tell us when they

tion of knowledge required to be a pet

are ready to greet us or move with us

care professional. When you “speak dog�

on–leash in the pet care facility.

fluently, you will stay safe during dog

3. Let the dog in your care set the pace for greetings and movements.

Additionally, remember that each When an experience is unfamiliar,

interactions and provide better care.

dog is an individual. Although there are

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PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

OF

THE EIGHT SPHERES

OF

A FO OLPROOF APPROACH TO

by Teena Patel

E

very dog parent could use some guidance when it comes to their dog’s behavior. If a puppy seems anxious, gets aggressive around other dogs or can’t remember to pee on the pad, it can be baffling and stressful. It’s pretty normal for a dog parent to go looking for advice—maybe online, from friends and family or their vet, or in a magazine. Unfortunately, the seeking parent will find a ton of advice that contradicts itself. When that happens, it’s helpful to have an underlying model to fall back on in order to discern whether the advice

10

will really help a dog, or if it’s so far off that it’s not worth bothering with.

The Eight Spheres of Enrichment is model that was developed to figure out the next step to take with any dog in training. What’s intriguing about it is that it can be applied not only to a dog in your care, but also to anyone who needs to be taken care of by others: young children, elderly or disabled adults, and other kinds of animal companions.

The Eight Spheres of Enrichment is a method of experiencing the world as a dog does. The process builds on what we know about dogs’

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

lived experiences from decades of observation and psychological research, and it identifies eight key elements that significantly impact dogs’ wellbeing.

These elements, or spheres, are: a dog’s sensory experiences; his social groups; the relationships he has with the people in his life; the habitats he lives, plays, and sleeps in; the food he eats; the objects he engages with; how he’s been handled physically; and how his behavior has been conditioned.

When people observe and empathize with their dogs through the lens of the eight spheres, they

THE EIGHT SPHERES

• Sensory experiences

• Physical handling

• Human relationships

• Conditioned behavior

• Social groups

• Habitats

• Objects

• Food

find themselves making new choices that empower their dogs to thrive.

For example, let’s say a dog seems fearful in crowds. It can be tempting to assume we already know why and start making changes based on that assumption to help the dog over his fear. But, the Eight Spheres model encourages us

12

OF

to explore from every angle.

If we assume that our dog’s fear stems from his sensory experience— that the noise of a crowd is overwhelming, for instance—we might jump to begin to help him make positive associations with loud noises, using exploratory learning methods that empower

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

him to choose to immerse himself in increasingly louder environments to get a reward. And, if our assumption is correct, that’s ok to do to help the dog overcome his fear in crowds.

But, we might be wrong; there are other reasons a dog might feel afraid in a crowd. Maybe crowds make him feel disconnected from his social group.

Or, maybe he feels insecure overall about the habitats he finds himself in; if he was able to learn that a day would always end in a habitat that was tailor made for his comfort and enjoyment, he’d be better able to cope with a temporary environment that is uncomfortable.

Before making a choice to change some element of a dog’s life, the Eight Spheres model provides a sort of checklist that lets us test our hypotheses. We can take what we think might be the cause of any problem and examine that against other potential causes. We can

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The truth is, most dogs are just

SURVIVING in a world that’s

designed for them.

Our cities, homes and even our parks are

HUMAN– CENTRIC.

also take the time to learn best practices that are relevant to every sphere, so when we see what element is causing (or exacerbating) a problem, we don’t have to reinvent the wheel to fix it.

Different spheres have different experts associated with them; the leading veterinarians commenting on canine nutrition are often different people than the animal–behavior experts who’ve studied physical handling and conditioning in–depth. In this way, the Eight Spheres model prevents an over–reliance on a single expert. Instead, it encourages everyone to follow the questions they have to their most logical conclusions.

The Eight Spheres of Enrichment model isn’t a secret trick nor is it a formula that will crank out a single answer that works for every dog. Instead, it’s a tool that helps a dog caretaker solve problems holistically by letting them see every dog as an individual and experience the world through the dog’s eyes.

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This process is so much more important than many people think. The truth is, most dogs are just surviving in a world that’s not designed for them.

Our cities, homes and even our parks are human–centric. There’s a lack of understanding of how a dog experiences the things they do all the time—like go to the groomer, or eat, or live in a home with six humans and a cat—in ways that are wildly different than how we do.

It’s normal, as a human, to take our human–perception for granted; it’s background noise for us. Yet, if we can learn to empathize with dogs as strangers in our human places, we can empower them to thrive!

Because empathy is the heart of love and every single person in this business is here because we love our dogs, by being intentional in our empathy when it comes to our dogs, we can understand how their diets, habitats, relationships, social groups and objects affect their whole selves—from what they perceive to what they believe to what they do.

This genuine understanding lets us love them better. Moreover, it empowers us to make choices every single day that we know—rather than just hope—make their world better for them.

When people are unable to think intentionally about their dogs’ perception, and when people lack a process to break down an overwhelming problem into segments, things get worse. Well– intentioned dog caretakers can make poor choices by accident, for instance, misdiagnosing a diet problem as a relational problem.

If a dog is acting out because he is hungry due to the fact that his breed needs more calories than is typical, or his food has too much filler, but a caretaker assumes he’s acting out because he’s scared of the yard, the caretaker will find themselves beating their head against a proverbial wall trying to help the dog overcome his “fear.” Without an evidence–based process to examine

all elements of a dog’s experience, the cause of any problem can be impossible to identify.

In the worst cases, a dog gets labeled as “untrainable” because nothing his owners or caretakers do seem to solve the problematic behavior. This resignation can lead to frustration and resentment on the part of the dog’s owners.

Ultimately, that resentment contributes to a troubling statistic—one out of three dogs at animal shelters are neither strays nor rescued from a bad situation; rather, they’ve been voluntarily abandoned by dog owners who can’t handle taking care of them anymore.

This fate is tragic, and it doesn’t have to be that way. Most of the time, taking a step back and seeing a dog as a whole being, with a unique, multi-faceted lived experience, evokes an epiphany. The Eight Spheres model gives people a concrete process to help us take that step, and to help us see our dog better.

As you get to know the dogs in your care, begin to watch them closely. While you do, ask yourself: How is this dog experiencing his/her relationship with me? How is he/she relating to her social group? How is he/she interacting with objects, and why might that be?

Go through every single sphere separately, and explore it in your mind for every dog. Then, do some research.

Try to find the answers to things like, “What elements of a habitat have an effect on mood? How can I unpack what elements are at play here?”

The key is being intentional, rather than making assumptions or just ‘winging it.’ The Eight Spheres of Enrichment model isn’t the only method of understanding a dog’s experience as a whole being, but it’s a good one because it’s straightforward and it gives every person a reliable place to begin.

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

15

BUSINESS

WHY YOU NEED

ONLINE REVIEWS

(AND HOW TO GET MORE OF THEM)

By Jen Philips April

D

id you know that 84% of people believe online reviews as much as they trust friends and family?1 Another study says 90% of people read online reviews and they influence buying behavior.

Think about it, when you go online to buy something, whether it’s an item of clothing, electronics, or to choose a movie, you probably read the reviews.

It’s the same with your customers.

In marketing terms it’s called “social proof.” Social proof is exactly what it sounds like; 3rd party endorsements, if you will. And it works.

The boarding facility with 83 positive reviews is going to seem more trustworthy than the facility with only 3 reviews. Besides providing credibility, online reviews can also boost your SEO to help you be found by even more potential customers.

But you’re worried about negative reviews? Or you’re not sure how to get more reviews? This article will help you better understand how your prospects

16

83

THE BOARDING FACILITY WITH

POSITIVE REVIEWS IS GOING TO SEEM MORE

TRUSTWORTHY

THAN THE FACILITY WITH ONLY 3 REVIEWS

use reviews to make decisions, how they affect your local SEO, and why negative reviews (within reason) can even help you win more customers.

How Dog Boarding Customers Use Online Reviews By the time your prospect Google’s “dog boarding + city”, they’ve already decided they need dog boarding. Or, they may be trying to decide between dog boarding and an independent pet sitter.

Either way, they need pet care.

When your facility pops up in a top spot on Google AND you’ve got plenty of reviews, you’re already seen as a viable

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

choice. Your potential customer clicks through to your website to find out more.

It’s important to realize that people will make a near instant decision BEFORE they click—as in, 2–3 seconds. Your online reputation will affect whether they click.

But What About Negative Reviews?

Yes, they sting. If someone writes a negative review about your business, you can’t help but take it personally. After all, you’ve poured your heart and soul into your business, you love animals and you do your best to make sure everyone has a great experience. However, it’s bound to happen. Everyone’s a critic and everyone

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AFTER ALL, ONE

OR TWO

NEGATIVE REVIEWS

IN A SEA OF

POSITIVE ONES

WON’T NECESSARILY AFFECT SALES has the same access to the online review sites like Yelp, Angie’s List, Facebook, etc.

So, no matter what you do, things happen. The best way to handle it is to respond to the review in a calm and professional manner (after you let your initial reactions subside of course!) Depending on the situation, it may be worth it to reach out offline as well. And then, solicit more positive reviews.

Contrary to what some business owners think, you don’t want to delete the negative review. Why not? There’s a funny thing that happens when a prospect reads a negative review sandwiched in with the good ones. It makes your business seem more believable.

After all, one or two negative reviews in a sea of positive ones—as long as you respond appropriately—won’t necessarily affect sales. In fact, according to another study2, the more reviews your product receives, the more confidence consumers gain in their purchasing decision—even if you have a few bad reviews sprinkled in.

The reason why is a basic principle of human psychology. Most people believe that those involved in a pet business love animals and want to treat them well. Yet, people also know that mistakes happen.

When you respond appropriately, you help that customer feel acknowledged and you show transparency in your business which is important to others.

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much-.html

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How to Get More Reviews When thinking through your online review strategy, you want to make sure you focus on the review sites where your customers are most apt to look. Yelp and Facebook are two major players when it comes to pet businesses. Google My Business and City Search are two more.

You want to have plenty of good reviews on these. But it’s important to realize that each platform has different guidelines for handling reviews. For example, Yelp strictly forbids soliciting reviews while the others don’t care.

Some good guidelines to follow for encouraging reviews include: • Add your review profiles (with links) to your website.

• Create a handout that lists the different review sites where you’re listed.

•Send an “ask for a review” email after people have used your service and include a link to your Facebook/Google listings, for example.

• Ask customers to write you a review when they’re picking up their dog.

• Ask Yelp for a “Find Us on Yelp” sticker and display it on your front door or at the desk.

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

2) https://thenextweb.com/contributors/2018/07/19/backed-by-psychology-reviews-are-big-for-your-business-heres-why/

AQUA AIR

April 29 – May 2

REIGNITE YOUR FOR THE PET CARE

INDUSTRY @

D

o you remember why you chose a career in the pet care industry? Was it just another way to make money? Or because you saw an ad in a newspaper? Or was it because you love pets and wanted a career in working with them every day?

Come join your fellow pet care people at Pet Boarding & Daycare West Expo in Burbank, CA to jump–start your career, gain new knowledge and be reminded why you got involved in this unique and exceptional industry in the first place.

With the top industry speakers, innovative professional pet care educational programs and a large trade show featuring all the latest products and services, this year’s West Coast Expo is one not to miss.

The fun begins Monday night with an inspirational and entertaining Keynote presentation by pet care business expert Jessica Finnegan, titled Finding Your Bravery: Building

20

and daycare

EXPO WEST

the Business you Dreamed of that Sets You Apart from the Rest. Jessica has a passion for “out of the box” methods of business development which has benefited pet advocates in driving their business to the next level.

Immediately following the Keynote presentation will be a fun and relaxing Meet & Greet party, hosted by National Kennel Sales and Live Oak Bank which will feature hors d’oeuvres and free drinks. This is a great opportunity to meet other out–of–towners and share your business ventures.

Seminars will begin Tuesday morning and run through Thursday afternoon.

This year’s speaker line-up features plenty of new faces with fresh ideas and all the latest info you need to run your business to its maximum potential. Be sure to bring your staff, as there are plenty of educational programs to educate every level of pet care employee.

The trade show runs all day Wednesday

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

2019

and Thursday and features dozens of vendors with all of the latest products and services to efficiently run your business. See full–size kennels in person, try out scheduling software and purchase cleaning products!

Be sure to buy tickets or an all-inclusive package to attend the Round Table Luncheons which will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. This is a great chance to discuss seminars you’ve attended or plan to attend, as well as contrast and compare ideas with your peers, while enjoying a delicious meal.

So if you want your business to be ahead of the rest, you won’t want to miss this year’s expo! You’re guaranteed to leave with a rejuvenated outlook on your business as well as an all new appreciation for the wonderful industry of pet care.

For more information and to register for the expo, go to: www.PetBoardingExpoWest.com

YOU HAVE THE WE HAVE THE

&

and daycare

TOOLS

@

EXPO WEST

April 2 9 – Ma y 2 , 2 019

Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport

Burbank, California

www.PetBoardingexpoWEST.com

20%

1000

1100 3DO00 YOU KNOW HOW MANY 70%

CLIENTS 700

YOU’VE LOST

100 00 If you don’t

know how many clients you’ve lost this year,

YOU NEED TO.

THIS YEAR?

By Laura Laaman

T

he pet care industry is healthier than ever. In 2018, American pet parents were estimated to have spent over $72 billion on their pets. Of course, it’s also more competitive than ever, and new and more powerful rivals are doing everything they can to lure your clients away from you.

It may surprise you to learn that even the best–run pet care facilities experience a natural loss of about 30% of their client base every year. Why? Clients move, pass away or change jobs, among other circumstances like pet issues (ages out or passes on and isn’t replaced).

Assuming you’re providing excellent pet care and customer service, you’ll ideally retain 70% of your clients. That is a huge hole to fill each year—and that’s only to maintain. If you want to grow, you need to gain even more clients. To make up the difference, you’ll need to attract enough new clients to cover these lost pet nights.

Calculating Your Own Company’s Client Retention Ratio “Retained clients” are existing, active clients who have used your services by the

22

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

700

110 00

end of a defined period (month, quarter, year, etc.). Generally, you can consider a client “active” if they’ve used any of your services within a year. You can measure your retention ratio by using this formula: (Active Clients at the End of the Year – New Clients Added Throughout the Year) / Active Clients at the Beginning of the Year That is, the number of active clients at the end of the period minus new customers acquired during the period, all divided by the number of active clients you had at the beginning of the period.

Multiply this number by 100 and that's your retention rate or how many clients you kept over that time frame.

For example, let’s say you have 1,100 active clients who used you sometime in 2018. Therefore, as of December 31, 2018 you had 1,100 active clients. 1,100 is the number of active clients at the end of your defined period.

You also check and see that you had 1,000 active clients who used you sometime the previous year (in 2017). So, as of December 31, 2017, you had 1,000 active clients. 1,000 is the number of active

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CALCULATING YOUR CLIENT

RETENTION RATIO LET’S SAY YOU HAVE

1100 ACTIVE CLIENTS AT THE END OF 2018

(

AT THE END OF 2017 YOU HAD

1000 ACTIVE CLIENTS

400

DURING 2018 YOU Y

ADDED 1100 ENDING CLIENTS

MINUS

(

NEW CLIENTS

EQUALS

400

700

NEW CLIENTS

700 ÷1000 = 70% CLIENT RETENTION OR

OF YOUR CLIENTS

LOST

NATURAL DOG PARK PRODUCTS

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PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

clients at the beginning of the period.

You further check and notice that you added 400 new clients throughout 2018 (added sometime between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018).

Subtract your “new clients” from your “ending clients.” In the above example this is 1,100 – 400 = 700 Then divide this number by the beginning active client count (700 / 1,000=0.7x100, or a 70% retention ratio.)

Therefore, your annual retention rate is 70%. This means 70% of the clients who used you in 2017 came back in 2018. Or, said another way, you lost 30% of the clients (300 clients) who used you in 2017 because they didn't use you in 2018. These lost clients need to be replaced just to break even with last year.

Luckily, in the above example, 400 new clients were added and therefore grew the active client base by 10% in 2018.

Assuming the same retention rate in the following year, you'll actually need 330 new clients next year in 2019 to simply maintain the size of your 2018 active client base. If you want to grow in 2019, you'll need to add even more than 330 new clients.

How Do You Bridge the Gap? Strong client acquisition strategies are the key to counteracting this process and profiting in spite of it. This requires mindful tactics on three fronts: • Excellent Phone Strategy

In this digital era, you may feel tempted to take reservations online, but this can be a fatal mistake. The pet care industry is uniquely personal; you’re dealing with the cherished pets of your pet–loving community. Most of your leads will come through the telephone—and you should have a strategy in place to receive them.

You only get one chance to convert a prospect into a new client, and it’s essential your staff handles each call with the utmost care, finesse and success. Succinct, compelling messaging communicates your facility’s superior level of care.

Confidence and etiquette make callers feel comfortable enough to entrust their pets

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to your company. If you don’t have a dedicated, highly–trained phone team, you’re not making the most of your company’s most valuable revenue source.

• Strong Marketing Efforts

Marketing is the magnet that pulls new clients to your phone lines. This means increasing the strength and span of your marketing efforts to attract enough new clients to overcome and surpass the natural deficit.

Successful business owners identify how much it costs to bring in new prospects in the most profitable ways, and this number varies wildly between regions.

Positioning yourself competitively in your market requires coordinated efforts across the marketing spectrum, from robust guerrilla marketing to a powerful digital presence. The marketing tools and opportunities at your disposal have evolved in recent years, and successful companies are adapting to the current climate. Your competitors will if you don’t.

• Appropriate Pricing

“‘I’ve seen firsthand that Laura Laaman and the Outstanding Pet Care team substantially increase her client’s revenues and significantly outperform the industry norm. These increases were essential in helping OPC clients command top dollar when it came time to sell. She guarantees her client’s success in writing; I can’t imagine why anyone would not be an OPC client.”

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Choosing your prices is a delicate, potentially dangerous decision. Pricing too low communicates “poor quality” to your clientele. Pricing too high repels prospects. Appropriate pricing is a small (and moving!) target that most pet care facilities miss. The most successful marketing and telephone strategies mean nothing if your pricing doesn’t work.

Each of these strategies are equally important but won’t give you the best returns unless all three are optimized. Ultimately, the most important part of retaining and attracting clients is providing excellent service, of course—so hopefully you and your team are already on your way.

Laura Laaman is president of Outstanding Pet Care. Outstanding Pet Care guarantees to substantially increase the revenues of its clients with its proven services. If you’re interested in growing your revenues, schedule an individual consultation with Laura Laaman or one of her team members. Call Outstanding Pet Care at 1-888-735-5667 or go to www.OutstandingPetCare.com.

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A+ in Success

E

By Kathy Hosler Photos by Johnny Burbano Photography

arly on I knew that if I worked very hard, lived very lean, and reinvested my money by training people to replace the jobs that I was doing—that one day I would be able to work as I wanted, not as I had to," says Jennifer Stavrianos, CEO and Co-founder of Pet Care Plus. "That day has come for me."

In 1998, Jennifer and her husband, Chris, opened Pet Care Plus in Chicago, Illinois. What began as a dog walking/in–home pet sitting business has grown into a full–service pet care facility that cares for about 150 pets a day.

In 1999, they rented a building and began boarding and grooming in addition to their home–care services. That first location was basic, but successful.

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

"We lived above our facility," says Jennifer. "We always rolled up our sleeves and did everything we could and our business grew."

Then September 11, 2001 happened. People were fearful and cut back on vacations and other non-essential spending which greatly affected their boarding business.

Jennifer, Chris and their staff worked very hard to get the business growing again. "Part of that hard work was to look for and apply for grants," said Chris. "The paperwork can be very arduous, but the results can be very rewarding."

Over the years they have received three separate $100,000 grants to help them improve and expand Pet Care Plus. They added daycare, put in state–of–the–art, all glass suites

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They were approved for an SBA (Small Business Administration) loan, and in 2014,

they built a new facility

just a few blocks from their existing building in the West Loop of Chicago.

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and even installed a swimming pool for the dogs. Their business prospered, but as hard as they worked, they still had their ups and downs.

“We learned from our mistakes," says Jennifer. "In May of 2012 it seemed like we had an issue of one kind or another almost every day. That made us reassess all our procedures to see where we could improve."

They revamped their screening procedures for temperament testing, the grouping of pets and the traffic flow.

Now, they seldom have any behavior problems, and issues have all but disappeared. They also have a non–social program for dogs where traditional daycare isn't the best fit.

In 2013, Chris and Jennifer decided to build a new facility. Finding a bank that was willing to help finance a small business proved difficult as they applied, and were rejected, for several loans. Undaunted, they kept trying until they found the right partner to help them buy their 'forever home'.

They were approved for an SBA (Small Business Administration) loan, and in 2014, they built a new facility just a few blocks from their existing building in

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the West Loop of Chicago.

The new buildings have 100 all glass suites, three indoor and two outdoor daycare playrooms, a heated 15,000 gallon in–ground pool, a grooming salon, retail area and more.

"We hired a construction management company," says Chris. "It was more money, but it was the best money we ever spent. We were updated weekly with a timeline of every task that was being done, and were able to be an active participant in the process. Our CMC had built over 100 veterinary clinics and I believe part of our success is because of them. They were able to take their construction experience and our institutional experience and make a

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Jennifer trained others

to take over the jobs she was doing.

Now she knows that the facility will operate the way she wants it to, even when she is not there.

pet resort that is second to none."

When the dog flu hit so hard in Chicago in 2015, Pet Care Plus was one of the very few facilities that did not have to close their doors. Chris and

Jennifer credit that partly to the design of the facility that makes it easy to clean and care for. They also have five HVAC systems—one in the lobby area, one in the grooming salon and three that cover

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the rest of the facility. (By comparison, other facilities the size of Pet Care Plus only have one HVAC system.)

"It was a very frightening time," says Jennifer. "We had over 100 dogs coming through our doors every day. We had relatively few cases, and we never had to close down due to excessive illnesses."

The new facility that the Stavrianos built contributed greatly to their success, but they also hired a consulting company as they were moving into their new buildings. The consulting company helped them really look at all their policies and procedures, improve the ones that worked and fix the ones that didn't. They then put those policies in place, and produced an employee and a management handbook to ensure accountability.

"I think one of the greatest things about going to the next level of success is that I am finally able to pay it back to my staff—some of whom have been with me nearing ten years," says Jennifer.

"Now they have life, health and long term disability insurance, as well as vision and dental coverage and a matching IRA." As their business grew, their staff increased to 35. Jennifer trained others to take over the jobs she was doing. Now she knows that the facility will operate

the way she wants it to, even when she is not there. This leaves her free to pursue her passions of business expansion, and consulting other small business owners on personal and professional growth.

In addition, they continue to offer dog walking and in-home pet care services.

Their business, in all categories, has been increasing by twenty percent per year for the last five years.

"What sets us apart is our exceptional customer service," says Jennifer. "As much as our business is all about the dogs, it is also all about the pet owner. Like any service business, it is essential to constantly communicate with our customers. We make sure they hear from us in person, via email or phone, and on social media.

Our number one rule is to under promise and over deliver."

Pet Care Plus does this because they have found that the owners like

reassurance and it keeps them from calling repeatedly to check on their pets.

When owners receive an update and a photo, it gives them peace of mind.

"It's our policy to contact the owner immediately if anything happens, such as a dog appearing ill or out of sorts," says Jennifer. "We are really on top of things and feel that communication with the owners is important. We believe in complete transparency. We have an open door policy where clients can see anything and everything.”

"Our website, www.petcp.com, and our social media go hand–in–hand with our customer service,” continues Jennifer.

“Millennials, especially, like to do everything on their phones - from making reservations, to watching their pet on our webcams, to interacting with other pet parents on social media."

Chris and Jennifer recently hired

a full time PR person to help them optimize their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram presence.

Currently their daycare is at full capacity. They are expanding their building upward by adding a second floor and putting in two new daycare rooms. In addition, they are in the process of looking for future sites, and are investigating franchising the Pet Care Plus model.

However, success is never just about money. It's about working hard as a team, having the right partners who believe in you, following your dreams and making life better for others.

Jennifer and Chris Stavrianos are achieving every goal that they set for Pet Care Plus, and they are enriching the lives of their staff, countless pets and the owners who love them. When it comes to success, Pet Care Plus gets an A+ !

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FACILITY

Higherr

GROUND DOG BEDS IN YOUR KENNEL

By Beth Klein

Elevated dog beds have become very popular with many kennel owners in recent years.

There are many benefits to using elevated dog beds, some of which are: cost effective, easy to sanitize and they improve the appearance of your kennel.

36

E

levated beds are also referred to as “cot–style” beds. They have a hard frame, usually either plastic or metal and suspend a fabric so that the dog can lie on the bed and be elevated up off the floor. Sometimes the design is entirely plastic. There are a wide variety of options within this bed type. Since there are plenty of options to choose from, you can decide which qualities are the most important to your facility and your business.

Cleaning and Sanitizing Depending on what brand you choose, some of them will have a solid fabric option that is a non–absorbent material.

Others only have a vinyl weave option which is very breathable and won’t harbor bacteria, while others have a solid material option. Both of these types of beds

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

can be power washed and cleaned daily with normal cleansers and detergents. A third option, but one that isn’t generally ideal for a professional pet care facility, is a canvas fabric. This one is most likely to harbor bacteria and takes the longest to dry after cleaning.

There is also the option of a bed that is totally solid plastic. These are more often used as a training platform but sometimes they double as bedding in a board & train facility. While this option is very easy to clean and sanitize and it will also be very durable, it may not give your customers the impression of providing luxurious comfort to their furry family members while they’re kenneled. They might be a better option for a playroom or daycare rather than for use in overnight runs.

WHAT MAKES AN ELEVATED BED DIFFERENT? Hard Frame

usually either plastic or metal.

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Suspend a Fabric.

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up off the floor.

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Durability There are some brands of elevated dog beds that are chew–proof and offer some kind of guarantee. For some facility owners, this is a major selling point. Everyone knows how rough dogs can be on facility amenities during a stay. Investing in pet bedding that comes with a chew–proof warranty could be extremely appealing.

Look for a brand that offers a metal frame and a solid material as this will be the most durable. Bonus points if there are no access points to the fabric edges since the edges and corners will be the first target of a destructive dog.

Grow Your Business While pillow beds and/or towels might initially seem like a good option, they often start to look old and dirty very quickly. Elevated dog beds are more durable and they will continue to look newer for longer, which could significantly improve the look of your facility and help to acquire new customers.

37

IMPRESSIVE

A quality, clean-looking dog bed can go a long way to

impress a new customer.

Your two–legged customers want to know their four–legged family members will be comfortable, safe and happy while they’re staying in your facility. A quality, clean-looking dog bed can go a long way to impress a new customer. Some elevated bed options come with padded accessories to put on top of the bed to create a very cozy affect. There are even some elevated bed styles that are designed to look like mini human beds for an elegant look for your luxury suites.

Not only do elevated beds stay looking clean and new longer, they are also healthier for dogs’ joints.

Allowing a dog to lie on a surface that is suspended above the ground relieves any pressure points like elbows, shoulders and hips by evenly distributing the dog’s weight. Dogs feel better when they sleep on elevated surfaces which is especially important

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for older dogs.

Another consideration is that a durable dog bed will be safer for anxious guests. Dogs that are stressed out will often be destructive as an outlet for all that nervous energy. Sometimes destructive dogs are just high-energy and are looking for entertainment. Regardless of the reason, ingesting bedding that was torn up is a very serious concern. Using a chew–proof, elevated bed allows those dogs to still have bedding and gives your customer the peace of mind that their dog is safe and comfortable.

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Let’s Talk About Cost There is a huge variety of options when it comes to elevated beds. There are metal frame beds, PVC frame options, hammock types, platform types…the list goes on. Generally, the cost of the bed will directly relate to the quality of materials and construction. Find a brand that offers some kind of wholesale pricing or volume discount option and one that has some kind of guarantee; ideally a chew–proof warranty, but any guarantee is better than none. Most of the brands that offer those two things will be worth

LONG–TERM BENEFITS

Not only will they save you money, but will also give your kennel a more

polished look

which will help to grow your business and gain new customers.

the initial investment and will save you time and money in the long run.

When considering cost, don’t forget to factor in the time and cost of doing laundry, making repairs on cheaper bedding options or the cost of frequently replacing alternative bedding options. Spending a little more upfront on your pet bedding will end up saving you time, money and frustration over the long–term. Not only will they save you money, but will also give your kennel a more polished look which will help to grow your business and gain new customers.

There are some companies that also offer referral programs. If you use and promote their products, you’ll earn commission on sales that you generate for them. This commission is usually available in store credit or could be paid out via check, depending on the company.

In the end, it’s easy to see why so many pet care professionals are migrating to elevated beds in their kennels.

Board & train facilities also get a lot of use out of elevated beds for training

42

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

“place” command. The defined area is excellent for setting the “place” boundaries, and if the “place” area is also a bed, it translates seamlessly to when the dogs go home.

Pet bedding may seem uncomplicated, but actually there are a lot of factors to consider. Hopefully, if you’re in the market for new bedding for your kennel, this has helped to give you some good tips on choosing the type of bedding that’s right for your business.

Beth Klein has been working for Kuranda Dog & Cat Beds since 2009. She began in shipping and production and has held roles in customer service, account management and is now assistant director of web design and marketing. Kuranda Dog & Cat Beds has been making chew-proof, elevated pet beds since 1987. Kuranda offers retail sales on www.Kuranda.com, a donation program for animal welfare organizations on www. shelterbeds.org and has a website dedicated to pet care professionals, www.KurandaPro.com.

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OZONE THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE WAYS TO

KEEP YOU & THE ANIMALS SAFE

By Annette Uda

“Good up high, bad nearby” That’s how the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) succinctly describes ozone, a gas composed of three oxygen atoms that occurs both in Earth’s upper atmosphere and at ground level.

44

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

O

zone can be “good” or “bad” for the environment, your health and the health of the animals in your care, depending on its location in the atmosphere.

“nearby”? Yes, but it’s not bad.

Confused yet? Don’t be. Just stay focused on what will keep you and the animals in your care safe and healthy.

The following is what you need to know.

Good Vs Bad “Good” ozone “up high” is the naturally produced layer that sits six miles above Earth and protects it from ultraviolet rays that cause skin cancer, cataracts, crop damage and disruption of marine ecosystems, among other problems. Decades ago, scientists sounded the alarm that the ozone layer was thinning and a hole was forming in it. The ozone–depleting culprits were identified as man–made chemicals (chlorofluorocarbons), and the world decided to do something about them.

As described by the U.S. Department of State: “The Montreal Protocol, finalized in 1987, is a global agreement to protect the stratospheric ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS).”

In November 2018, the United Nations issued a report that Earth's protective ozone layer could fully heal within 50 years. There is still a long way to go, but scientists were very encouraged by the report. By working together, the world may have saved the ozone layer. Good news for good ozone.

“Bad” ozone “nearby” is found at ground–level.

As described by the EPA, “This ozone is not emitted directly into the air, but is created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the presence of sunlight. Emissions from industrial facilities and electric utilities, motor vehicle exhaust, gasoline vapors and chemical solvents are some of the major sources of NOx and VOC. At ground level, ozone is a harmful pollutant.”

Ironically, some air purifiers actually make the air you breathe more dangerous by emitting ozone. But what about ozone used for water treatment? Isn’t that

“Ozone Alert” Safety Depending on where you live, you may be familiar with “Ozone Alert” or “Ozone Action” days when local

authorities alert the public that the ozone pollution is at a level that may cause health problems. These alerts typically occur during the summer months when strong sunlight, hot weather and humidity can cause dangerous concentrations of ozone.

As described by the EPA, breathing ozone can trigger a variety of health problems including chest pain, coughing,

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On days when air quality is poor, keep your furry clients inside as much as possible, avoiding strenuous outdoor activities. throat irritation and congestion. It can reduce lung function, inflame the linings of the lungs and worsen bronchitis, emphysema and asthma. Healthy people are not immune to the effects of exposure to ozone pollution, and neither are pets. On days when air quality is poor, keep your furry clients inside as much as possible, avoiding strenuous outdoor activities. Also keep windows closed during air quality alerts so that the air inside is safe as well.

While all pets should be kept safely inside, as noted by Dr. Wendy McClelland, DVM, in her article ‘Very High Risk’ Air Quality Affects Pets, Too: “Pets with short noses and flat faces such as Boston

terriers, Pugs, Bulldogs, and ShihTzu’s—and cats such as Himalayan, Persian, and Scottish Fold—are particularly at risk for respiratory issues during high–risk air quality alerts.”

In his article, Pet Care Facility Weather Emergency Preparedness: You’re Ready, Right?, safety expert Ben Day recommends designating a team member responsible for monitoring weather updates to communicate to the rest of the staff. This weather emergency protocol should extend to Ozone Alert days. Air quality forecasts are often provided with local weather forecasts. The EPA suggests you can also check ozone levels and other

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daily air quality information by visiting www.airnow.gov, and in many areas you can receive air quality notifications through www.enviroflash.info.

HVAC Maintenance Be sure to have a year–round schedule of maintenance in place for your HVAC system. For most buildings, HVAC filters should be changed at least every three months, but animal care (just think of all that flying fur) can require greater frequency. Depending on how dirty or plugged the filters get, they should be changed as often as every two weeks, but certainly at least once a month.

Be sure to check your HVAC manual to see what kind of filter you need to buy.

Your HVAC system’s evaporator coils are also an integral part to maintaining safe, clean air as the indoor air blows over them. If your system does not include commercial–grade UV to keep the coils clean, they can become dirty as dust and

dander settle on them along with “biofilm”, a build–up of microorganisms that creates an impenetrable layer over the coils. Not only do dirty coils prevent the HVAC system from working efficiently, demanding increased electricity to function and decreasing air flow, but they can also create breeding grounds for bacteria.

If you don’t have commercial–grade UV as part of your system, cleaning the coils should be part of your regular routine.

Be sure to consult your HVAC manual for more information specific to your system, but be aware of this important caveat: if you wait too long to clean your coils, not only will the biofilm be more difficult to remove, but aggressive cleaning to try to do so can result in damage to coils.

Air Purifier Safety Just by virtue of their name, you would think air “purifiers” are safe, but if they produce ozone – intentionally

or unintentionally—simply put, they are not. Good Housekeeping makes no bones about how seriously they take ozone when it comes to air purifiers.

From their article, Health Hazard: Air Purifiers That Give Off Ozone: “If you don't live in California, which has banned the sale of ozone– generating purifiers (unless the amount of ozone they emit is very, very low), you'll still see these purifiers for sale in stores and on–line. Don't buy them.

We feel so strongly that these products are hazardous to your health that we will not allow them to apply for use of the Good Housekeeping Seal or advertise in Good Housekeeping. If you already own an air purifier, make sure it doesn't produce ozone and if it does, stop using it and cut the cord before you discard it so no one else can use it either.”

On its website, the government of New South Wales in Australia has

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information on ozone generators as part of its Environmental Health content: “What does an ozone generator do?

An ozone generator is a device designed to produce the gas ozone. Ozone is used effectively in water purification, but ozone in air must reach high levels to remove air pollutants.

Health experts warn that it is important to control conditions to ensure that no person or pet becomes exposed to high levels of ozone. Ozone also masks the odor of some pollutants by impairing a person's sense of smell.

Further, ozone is not effective for killing bacteria or mold in materials such as air conditioning duct lining and ceiling tiles.”

If you go on online right now and enter a search for “ozone generator” you’ll receive an abundance of purchase options. If ozone generators are as bad as Good Housekeeping strongly believes, and as apparently ineffective as the New South Wales government

indicates, why are they still so abundantly available—except in California?

If you read the five–star online reviews, people appear to love them for their purported odor–killing ability (or is your sense of smell simply impaired as suggested above?), but encourage you to follow the manufacturers’ warnings and directions for use (you and pets should not be in the room when in use, for example).

But, as noted in the EPA’s 2005 publication, Ozone Generators That Are Sold as Air Purifiers: An Assessment of Effectiveness and Health Consequences, “The results of some controlled studies show that concentrations of ozone considerably higher than (published) standards are possible even when a user follows the manufacturer’s operating instructions.”

Further, and of particular importance to pet care providers, air purifiers that generate ozone deemed within “safe” limits established by government regulations, do not necessarily mean safe for animals.

How do you know if your air purifier produces ozone, even unintentionally? Do your research and ask questions. And be aware that air purifier safety extends to UV systems. If your HVAC system is equipped with UV or you are using upper air or mobile service systems, make sure those UV systems are not producing ozone.

The sad reality is in taking steps to improve air quality and prevent the spread of infectious disease, you may be putting your staff and the animals in your care at risk with a UV system that produces ozone. Again, do your research and ask questions. What kind of UV technology does your manufacturer use? Can they assure you no ozone is produced?

Water Treatment Safety Finally, what about ozone used to treat water? Why is ozone used to purify water safe when it’s ozone that is inarguably “nearby”? The simple answer: science. As noted above, ozone is a gas composed of three oxygen atoms and, when utilized for water purification purposes, it immediately degrades back to oxygen. Water ozonation is a different animal from ozone generators used as air purifiers. Ozone water purification systems are specifically made for treating water but, as always, do your research and ask questions.

Annette Uda is the founder of PetAirapy, the animal care industry’s leading manufacturer of UV surface and air sanitation equipment. Annette has a passion for animal health and educating animal care providers on reliable, non-toxic ways to create clean, healthy environments for your animal clients and your staff that are protected from airborne pathogens, infectious disease, and noxious VOCs. PetAirapy also recently launched FreshAirapy, its natural, non-toxic line of products for targeted, immediate odor control specifically for the animal care industry. To learn more about her company, visit petairapy.com.

Visit our website to see what other people have to say about the Prima Bathing System.

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PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

How do you protect the pets in your care and your staff from airborne disease?

PetAirapy kills more than 99.9% of airborne and surface pathogens, and controls odors 24/7.

Infectious pathogens can live in the air for extended periods of time.

Our proprietary Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI aka UV-C) technology disinfects and sanitizes everywhere germs are found. PetAirapy prevents and destroys dog flu, canine cough, distemper, parvovirus, and more. We are dedicated to air cleaning exclusively for the animal care industry and custom solutions for your particular needs.

Ask For Our Studies EFFECTIVE AND RECOMMENDED FOR:

• Boarding and Daycare Facilities • Veterinary Clinics and Hospitals • Grooming Salons • Mobile Units • Shelters

Upper Air Systems

• University studies and EPA-approved laboratory testing show PetAirapy systems can eliminate 99% of pathogens in the air and at the source.

• Field study from the Arizona Humane Society shows an 87.2% URI reduction in kitten nursery installed with PetAirapy.

Mobile Service Systems

Whole Building Systems

For details on products, studies, and testing – just ask!

1-866-994-2473 PetAirapy.com/pbd

Surface Disinfectant Systems

ANIMAL HEALTH

By Angela Ardolino

W

hen Harley, a 5–year– old Boxer, booked her first stay at my boarding business, she was a bundle of wiggle–butt energy. But, when she went in her kennel and was left alone, she became a bundle of anxiety and stress.

In fact, I thought she was going to die of a heart attack.

Because I knew that CBD could help combat her anxiety, I asked her parents if I could treat her with CBD and they agreed. After using CBD, Harley became

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a calm, happy dog who learned to play with other dogs during daycare. It made everyone’s job easier and kept our boarding facility nice and calm.

When Harley’s parents picked her up, we told them what a difference the CBD had made. When she got home, her parents noticed her calm behavior, and two days later came into my shop to purchase CBD to give her at home to keep her anxiety from returning.

Because CBD is up–and–coming, it is a great addition to your offerings

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

and as a retail item at any boarding or doggy daycare business. Not only can it help create a calm and relaxing environment for dogs and staff, it can also provide your boarding business with additional income through offering CBD to anxious dogs. But, it’s important to understand how CBD works and what it can treat before recommending it to clients.

How Does CBD Work?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid

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Powered by Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide®, Rescue™ is a one-step Disinfectant Cleaner and Deodorizer to protect the ones that matter most – your clients.

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Ailments C BD Can Treat • Joint pain & Inflammation

• Anxiety • Stress

• Seizures

• IBS and other digestive issues

• Allergies

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PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

(or compounds in the plant) found in the cannabis plant. The cannabis plant is separated into two plant types; marijuana and hemp. Hemp has less than .3 percent of THC (the psychoactive component associated with feeling “high”) but has all of the cannabinoids, including CBD that the cannabis plant contains. Unlike marijuana, hemp is legal in all 50 states, Canada and Mexico.

CBD and other cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to help carry messages between cells.

There are two types of receptors in the endocannabinoid system—CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are located in the brain, spinal cord, lungs, muscles, GI tract and vascular system, while CB2 receptors function in the peripheral nervous system, as well as the bones, skin and spleen. Many cannabinoids work with both CB1 and CB2 receptors, meaning that a single compound can have several positive benefits.

CBD works so well in dogs because dogs have more receptors in their endocannabinoid system than people. This means that the positive effects of CBD are felt even stronger in dogs.

What Does CBD Treat?

CBD hemp oil can treat a variety of illnesses and is effective as preventative care.

In fact, hemp seed oil contains the perfect ratio of Omega–3 and Omega–6 fatty acids and has better overall nutrition than fish oil. This makes CBD a fantastic preventative aid to maintain good heart health.

The list of ailments CBD can treat is extensive, and includes (but is not limited to): • Anxiety, including separation anxiety and noise anxiety • Stress • Allergies • Joint pain and inflammation • IBS and other digestive issues • Seizures Boarding and daycare can be scary and stressful for dogs, especially if the dog is not used to being away from their owner.

CBD can help alleviate some of that stress and anxiety and can lead to a more calm,

peaceful boarding experience for both the dogs and the employees.

How Do You Safely Use CBD & What Are Some Common Terms I Should Know?

Most CBD companies use tinctures (oils) or treats to administer CBD. You can mix it into your pet’s food or you can put it in their mouth to swallow. CBD can also be absorbed through the gums and can be administered by lifting the dog’s lip and placing it right onto the gums.

CBD products range in the total number of milligrams of CBD per ounce, and they range in the spectrum of cannabinoids. Full–spectrum means that as many natural cannabinoids are present as possible and none were removed or isolated during extraction. Broad spectrum means that some cannabinoids may have been taken out or enhanced. Whenever possible, full spectrum is best for pets.

Most CBD products on the market

start anywhere from 50 to 150 mg and go all the way up to 1100 mg of CBD per ounce. Typically, the higher the number of milligrams of CBD, the stronger the effect will be. When shopping for CBD oil, make sure to pay attention to the label. If the label says 1700 mg of hemp oil, but does not say the total number of milligrams of CBD oil, that does not mean there are 1700 mg of CBD oil. CBD oil and hemp oil are not the same. They both have healthful, important qualities, but CBD is extracted from the leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, while hemp oil is extracted from the seeds and stalks of the plant.

Are There Any Side Effects?

One of the appealing benefits of CBD oil for pet parents is that CBD is safe and non–toxic, and CBD is a medicine on which it is impossible to overdose. There are no negative, long–term side effects.

If you give your dog too much, what is not absorbed will be excreted through

the waste.

Because of CBD, Harley can enjoy stress–free boarding and is able to relax, and our staff is able to do their jobs better because everyone is calm. Not only are the dogs and the staff happy, but our business is able to grow and thrive with the income from offering CBD to our clients.

Angela Ardolino has been caring for animals since she was 8 years old and has operated a farm rescue, Fire Flake Farm, for over 10 years. She also is the owner of Beautify the Beast, a natural pet salon and spa, and the founder of CBD Dog Health. Angela is an expert in medical cannabis, holding a degree in the therapeutic uses of cannabis from the University of Vermont, and has dedicated her life to providing all-natural relief for pets of all kinds. She has three dogs, and 4-10 at any time that she is fostering or boarding. Visit www.angelaardolino.com and www.cbddoghealth.com to learn more.

Last-a-Lifetime Kennel Designs

with solid components and latches to reduce kennel noise and ensure quiet handling.

877.459.7827 | directanimal.com

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

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NEW PRODUCTS portal openings for visibility and a flat surface for pet resting. Surfaces are 1/4" HDPE plastic available in 10 colors, featuring Pawsitraction texturing to reduce slipping. Rugged 1–1/4” aluminum tubing frame has rounded edges for easy portability.

Great for indoor or outdoor use.

Visit stonemountainpetproducts. com/funiture-index.php

NEW FUNGILITY TUNNELS FROM STONE MOUNTAIN PET PRODUCTS Add some fun to your room with FUNgility Tunnels! Dogs can run over, through and around 6 tunnel combinations. Whether zipping through the Alpine, winding through Wolf Creek Pass or exploring the Stone Mountain Tunnel Maze your dogs will have a blast. Easily rearrange the pieces to make your own playset with the included connectors. No tools required. Each lightweight piece is 22–1/4" tall with

ting contaminated with MRSA and/ or E.Coli bacteria is pretty much nil.

And if that’s not amazing enough— the coating resists bacteria for 25 years, even if scratched or chewed!

They are made from recyclable polypropylene, have a non–slip base, ergonomic design, are stain and odor resistant, and dishwasher safe.

They are available in two sizes and a variety of colors. The HERO bowl is a perfect solution to raw-feeding or for use in situations where there is a risk of cross contamination, such as boarding facilities.

For more information, visit www.dogslovehownd.com

HERO BOWL FROM HOWND The HERO bowl is changing the bowl game with its built–in smart silver ion technology. This technology provides the bowl with 24–hour antimicrobial protection, which means the likelihood of a pooch’s bowl get-

Wisdom & Grace Let love guide your life.

Colossians 3:14 • Living Bible

Keep Your Staff Happy and Your Pets Happier Communicate with Motorola Two-Way Radios •

Let your staff communicate anywhere

•

Improve customer service

•

Super small, yet durable

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See what other boarders say here: TechWholesale.com/pet.html

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MOTOROLA and the Stylized M Logo are registered trademarks of Motorola Trademark Holdings, LLC and are used under license © 2019 Motorola Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.

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PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

HAVE

THE

TACTICS &

@ and daycare

EXPO

November 11–14, 2019

Hershey Lodge & Convention Center Hershey, Pennsylvania

www.PetBoardingexpo.com