Pet Care
 During later life, a pet provides us with companionship and unconditional love. Owning a pet has also been shown to improve physical well-being. Pet benefits have been noted through changes in body chemistry including increased levels of endorphins. According to Erika Friedmann, a biologist at the University of Maryland, pet interactions cause endorphins (the body's natural painkillers) to rise, while levels of cortisol, a stress and arousal hormone, drop.[i]
Many independent and assisted living residences throughout Canada have taken this information to heart. For years, organizations have been bringing vaccinated, groomed, and behavior-tested animals into hospitals, hospices, and assisted living homes to give seniors a chance to pet and play with them. The residents get to have some therapeutic physical contact and a fun activity to break up their day.
Kennels
Owning a pet does offer many benefits, but there are certain inconveniences. Leaving town for a vacation or an unplanned event may be difficult if you don’t have access to a good kennel. Owners say they have a special bond with their pets and consider them a member of their family who deserves to be treated as such. Therefore, certain considerations need to be addressed when placing the beloved family pet in a kennel.
The “Kennel of the Future" survey, received feedback from a total of 1,250 dog and cat owners who shared their ideas about the perfect boarding kennel.[ii] The survey found that:
50% would like a video monitoring service that would allow them to "look in" on their pets via the internet while they are away;
37% would like a radio or television in their pets' room or suite; and
42% would like special bedding.
Supervised play is a feature that may be available at certain kennels. Play groups among dogs have seen to improve dogs’ natural energies, instincts and behaviors. Kennels that are well maintained, offer comfortable amenities and have trained staff are qualities that are beneficial for pets.
Pet Hospitals
 When your pet is sick choosing the right hospital can be difficult. One way to make certain your pet is in good hands it to use the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) online listing.[iii] AAHA accredits animal hospitals throughout Canada and the United States and makes certain that their hospitals adhere to the highest quality standards available. There are many pet hospitals to choose from, but choosing the right one will offer you peace of mind and help ensure the best care for your pet.
Pet Insurance
There are very few people that are able to budget for the common illnesses and medical problems associated with their pet's type or breed. Accidents or mishaps, such as fights with other pets and swallowing foreign objects, can be even more costly. Pet insurance is one way of preparing for the costs of these unexpected occurrences, so you can go on with your life as quickly and easily as possible. Pet insurance can help with unexpected medical bills and you will be able to provide the best possible care for your pet when the unexpected happens.
Pet owners living in European countries, such as the United Kindom and Sweden, insure their pets as often as they insure their home or car.[iv] Responsible pet ownership doesn’t mean just loving your pet, but also being able to provide the right lifestyle, exercise and activity levels, nutrition and health care for your pet. Pet insurance offers an affordable way to keep you pet healthy. Decisions regarding treatment are no longer complicated by financial restrictions. Treatments that may otherwise be financially unattainable can be provided without a second thought. With pet insurance your main concern can be the health of your pet, not the cost of care.
Pet Supplies & Food – Retail
There are so many retail choices for pet owners that sometimes the process of caring for your beloved pet can be daunting. Choosing food, equipment, and apparel are important choices that need to be carefully bought. The following provides a list of pet supplies that are necessary for pet ownership:
From the list of pet items above it is obvious that there are many details that need to be addressed to be an excellent pet owner. Finding a reputable pet supplier is crucial as it can impact your pet’s health and your wallet.
Pet Training
Training your pet is one of the best things to do to improve their quality of life. Most people don’t have the knowledge or the training to understand their pets’ physical and emotional needs. The lack of training and education among pet owners is a major reason for pets being sent to shelters or the pound. Going to a licensed obedience school is a simple solution to train your pet.[vi]
Just imagine:
- No more chewing or scratching on your property
- No more biting, whining, or nipping
- No more soiling on your furniture or floors
- Train your pet to obey your commands
In a few weeks you will no longer have to deal with unruly pet behavior. With simple pet training you will no longer be constantly scolding your pet; rather you will be able to enjoy your pet’s company. And your pet will be happier because it will be less confused and will know what is expected.
Pet Washing & Grooming
Routine grooming and cleaning is as important for our pets as it is for us: it improves their appearance, helps to prevent diseases, and contributes to their overall well-being. Taking the time to care your for your pet is essential for them to live a better, longer life. There are many retailers available to wash or groom your pet within Canada.
The following is a listing of all the vendors offering pet washing and grooming: http://www.canadasguidetodogs.com/grooming.htm#groomers. There are also many suppliers that provide the shampoos, brushes and nail cutters necessary to properly wash and groom your pet at home. Whatever your preference, ensure that you choose quality products to take care of your pet.
Veterinarians
The role of veterinarians are essential to maintaining the livelihood of all animals. Veterinarians are quite skilled at treating illness and disability in animals because they receive extensive training in veterinary medical practice and are awarded with doctoral degrees. Like physicians, veterinarians sometimes are in the position to make serious ethical decisions about their patients' care. For example, within the veterinarian profession there is ongoing debate over the ethics of performing declawing of cats and docking or cropping tails and ears, as well as "debarking" dogs. Veterinarians typically offer pet owners the option of taking their pets to a clinical setting and sometimes they may specialize in in medical disciplines such as surgery, dermatology or internal medicine.
Animal Shelters
All animals deserve love and kindness, but sometimes pet owners are unable to care for them and they end up in an animal shelter. Many shelters receive ongoing funding from private donations, corporate sponsors and government funding. This allows the animals to live in a healthy, protective environment until they get adopted. But, in some shelters there are limits to the numbers of animals they can handle and death by euthanasia may be imminent. Fortunately, there are many diligent animal lovers out there and many shelters are available to house unwanted animals. Adoption has become the preferred way to find that special member of your family because the advantages make it a win-win situation for all concerned.[vii] Pet ownership is a wonderful experience and choosing adoption is the compassionate choice.
Pet Cemeteries & Crematoriums
Pet cemeteries have existed for centuries. According to the International Association of Pet Cemeteries & Crematories[viii], the oldest known PetCemetery was uncovered in Green County, IL by archaeologist, Dr. Stewart Schrever, who states that pets were interred there around 6500 BC.
It is the responsibility of pet owners to decide how their pet should be buried. Sometimes municipal laws will not allow a pet to be buried at home. Pets left at clinics or hospitals may be sent to local land fills or incinerated, but there are more pleasant options for pet owners including communal or private burial at local pet cemeteries.
Some pet cemeteries operate in conjunction with other pet related business such as grooming salons, boarding kennels and Veterinarian Hospitals. Certain cemeteries for humans will allow pet burials. Some Pet Cemeteries operate on a full time basis, specifically dedicated to the burial or cremation of pets.
If you decide to use a pet cemetery make certain that they are deeded to assure pet owners that their pet’s remains will not be disturbed by land development. Also, discuss with the cemetery owners how the grounds and roadways will be maintained. They should also maintain a Care Fund, similar to the funds at human cemeteries. Whatever your preference may be, the final decision belongs to you, the pet owner.
[i] Fischman, Josh. 2005. “The Pet Prescription.” News & World Report, Vol. 139, Issue 22.
[ii] Charlton, Dan. 2002. “Kennel of the Future.” http://www.bestfriendspetcare.com/bf_feature_10.cfm
[iii] American Animals Hospital Association. 2006. http://www.aahanet.org/
[iv] Pet care Insurance. 2007. http://www.petcareinsurance.com/
[v] Pooch Canada Pet. 2007. http://pooch.ca/
[vi] San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers. 2006. www.sfspca.org/academy
[vii] Adopt an Animal – Canada. 2006. “History.” http://www.adoptananimal.ca
[viii] Drown, Stephen. 2007. “Interesting Facts.” International Association of Pet Cemeteries & Crematories.
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