Let Doggie Daycare or the Kat Nanny make your day easier
The guilt can be overwhelming. You know the look, the sad ears, the lowered eyes, the slinking away. You’re leaving – again – and your cherished pets face a long day alone at home. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could just do something for them?
You can!
Doggie Daycare and kitty and critter care have become the norm for many lucky companion animals. Both in-home care and off-site daycare and boarding facilities are springing up all over to accommodate animals whose families must work long hours or travel. These aren’t your typical “stop in for a minute” visits or concrete run dog pounds – the new standard of daycare rivals anything your human children might enjoy.
Take Best Friends Fur Ever in Joppa. Calling itself a “doggie daycare and overnight resort” facility, Best Friends Fur Ever offers canines of all ages and sizes a pampering experience like no other. “Our goal is to create an environment where, yes, the dog misses its owner but they’re really busy having fun so they enjoy the day,” explains owner Kelly Cullum. Best Friends Fur Ever is one of the few facilities that specializes in geriatric dogs, and visitors quickly see that they get the royal treatment here. The oldsters are allowed to stay up front, with their choice of beds, fleece blankies, and even the staff chairs for a comfy snooze. “We watch them closely and make sure they’re comfortable. It’s important for our older dogs, and their owners,” Kelly says.
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Dogs of all ages and sizes enjoy the facility, and on any given day there may be 60 to 130 dogs having the time of their life. “Every dog that comes here has to do a trial day to make sure things work out,” Kelly adds. Once accepted, dogs are divided by size and temperament, and they have 2.5 acres with two in-ground pools and a hill complete with playsets for their entertainment. There is big dog land and little dog land, and in inclement weather there is a 5,000 square foot gym complete with radiant heat and air conditioning. Pups to seniors romp and play, enjoying critical socializing and gaining solid canine citizen skills from their interactions with the skilled staff.
The pampered pooches are only confined during naptime for safety, or if they choose to be alone for a while. Dogs get playtime, naptime, and snacks – just like any quality daycare offers. And you can watch your pet online, thanks to their in-house webcam. All of this luxury starts at $12.50 for a half day and $28 for a full day, with discount packages available.
Best Friends Fur Ever: photo by Matt Button |
For longer stays, Best Friends Fur Ever offers 24-hour boarding, with on premises staff. “Our daycare mostly ends around 6:30,” says Kelly. “Then we make sure our boarders are comfortable, do final walks and snacks and we usually watch Animal Planet with everyone at night.” The facility has a state-of-the-art security system in place, and the staff is certified in pet first aid for peace of mind.
But as wonderful as daycare can be, some pets just prefer to be home. That’s when a professional pet sitter is your best choice.
One local pet sitter with a specialty in taking care of your cats is Kimberly Bradford, also known as the Kat Nanny. Based out of Abingdon, Kimberly serves all of Harford County with daycare, and house and pet sitting.
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“I give personal attention to every client, and I take time to make sure they’re in good health,” Kimberly explains. “I check their teeth and gums every visit to make sure they’re not dehydrated in any way. I check ears and if the cat will allow, I look into their eyes.”
Rates for visits start at $16, and there is no extra charge for multiple cats. Kimberly will look after other animals in your home, “but only if they live with a cat.”
To find a pet sitter, ask for referrals or look online at Pet Sitters International (www.petsit.com) or the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (www.petsitters.org). To find boarding kennels, visit the American Boarding Kennel Association (www.abka.com/abka/).
Best Friends Fur Ever
1009 Philadelphia Road, Joppa
410-671-PLAY (7529)
www.bestfriendsfurever.com
Kat Nanny, 410-790-9322
www.katnanny.com
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