Leaving your pet in someone else’s care can feel overwhelming, but safety is our top priority. With a highly trained team, detailed safety protocols, and a facility designed for pet wellness, you can trust that your pet is in excellent hands.
Our Commitment to Pet Safety
Safety isn’t just a policy but also a part of our culture. Our team undergoes training to recognize and respond to health concerns quickly and effectively, from treating minor issues to identifying when veterinary attention is needed. Pet Services Manager Megan Staub, a Registered Vet Tech (RVT), has assisted in developing specialized training to ensure our staff is prepared for emergencies.
“Our employees are trained to identify and respond to common pet health concerns like wounds, hot spots, heat stroke, ear and eye issues, and bloat. Advanced training for Senior Pet Handlers and Shift Leads includes vitals assessment, CPR, and seizure response, ensuring pets receive immediate and appropriate care.”
Beyond training, we’ve enhanced our facility with air ionizers for better air quality, maintain a fully stocked pet first aid kit, and built collaborative relationships with all area veterinary hospitals to ensure our guests have access to the care they need. This allows us to handle unexpected situations with professionalism and care.
First Aid Tips for Pet Parents
Emergencies can happen anytime, so being prepared is key. Here are a few essential first-aid tips:
- Recognize Signs of a Medical Emergency: Seek veterinary care immediately if your pet is lethargic, panting excessively, vomiting repeatedly, or struggling to breathe.
- Have a Pet First Aid Kit: Being prepared can make all the difference in an emergency. Keep a well-stocked pet first aid kit with essentials like gauze, antiseptic wipes or clean rags, pet-safe bandages, a digital thermometer, and tweezers. Here’s how to handle some everyday situations requiring first aid:
Ear Infections
Scenario: You notice your dog shaking their head excessively and scratching at their ear after a recent bath or swim. Upon closer inspection, the ear appears red and has a foul odor.
What to Do:
- Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away any visible dirt around the ear gently
- Avoid using cotton swabs or inserting anything inside the ear, as this can push debris further in
- If your pet is uncomfortable, apply a cold compress wrapped in a cloth to reduce irritation
- Call your vet and avoid cleaning inside the ear before the appointment as the debris can help the vet with the diagnosis
Allergies & Skin Irritation
Scenario: Your dog comes inside after playing in the grass and suddenly starts scratching and licking their paws and rubbing their face on the carpet. Their skin looks red, and they have watery eyes.
What to Do:
- Use a damp washcloth or pet-safe wipes to clean their paws and fur gently
- Apply a cool compress to the irritated areas to soothe itching
- Monitor for swelling of the face, trouble breathing, rash, or hives, as this could indicate a severe allergic reaction requiring immediate veterinary attention
Hot Spots
Scenario: You notice your pet obsessively licking and chewing at a patch of fur. When you check, you see a raw, oozing red sore on their skin, likely from moisture trapped after a bath or rainy walk.
What to Do:
- Trim the fur around the affected area using blunt-tip scissors to allow airflow and prevent further irritation.
- Gently clean the area with a damp washcloth or pet-safe wipe
- Pat the area dry
- Consider an inflatable collar or cone to prevent further chewing
- Consult your vet if the wound worsens or does not improve within a day or two
Know When to Seek Veterinary Care: While first aid can help your pet, always contact your vet if symptoms persist or worsen.