Tag: Angell Animal Medical Center

Preparing for an Animal ER Visit

Would you be ready to take your dog or cat to an emergency animal hospital if you had to do it in the next five minutes? Here are some things you can do to help make that stressful situation a bit calmer for you and your animal.

Angell Animal Medical Center is open 24/7/365 (directions & contact information are in the link).

Be Ready to Go

First, you should know where the nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital is located and have a transportation plan and route in mind to get there. We are car-free city dwellers and, over the years, have taken taxis, rideshare cars, and accepted offers from kind friends to bring our dogs to the ER.

When traveling, we always check for the nearest veterinarian and emergency hospital. It's not a bad idea to develop a habit of noticing any signs for veterinary services when you’re on the road. You just never know when you will need one.

Do your best to slow bleeding, stabilize injured limbs, and prepare to deal with gastric upsets on the way to get help. (Photo courtesy of the American Veterinary Medical Association.)

First Aid

If your furry friend is hurt or sick, you’ll wish you knew some basic first aid and a bit about caring for a sick dog or cat. Do some reading on these topics ahead of time and consider adding a pet first-aid kit and a Pet First-Aid app to your smartphone. Or, take a course in pet first aid.

Do your best to slow bleeding, stabilize injured limbs, and prepare to deal with gastric upsets on the way to get help. We recommend that anyone with pets keep a package of puppy piddle pads on hand. These highly absorbent, disposable pads can save hours of cleanup and help reduce stress. Having had a carsick dog in the past, we have a prepacked “barf kit” that holds a few pads, paper towels, a bottle of water, and plastic bags for trash.

Poppy was on the way to the ER for a sore paw, but we covered the car seat and protected it in case the ride upset her tummy.

Moving a Hurt or Sick Animal

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) suggests calling the clinic before you leave so they can be ready for you. They may also be able to give you suggestions for the best way to care for the cat or dog until you get there.

Your next challenge is moving a hurt animal to a vehicle and keeping everyone safe on the way to the hospital. The AVMA begins its advise on this topic with this warning, “Never assume that even the gentlest pet will not bite or scratch if injured. Pain and fear can make animals unpredictable or even dangerous. Don't attempt to hug an injured pet, and always keep your face away from its mouth. Although this may be your first impulse to comfort your pet, it might only scare the animal more or cause them pain.”

You might want to improvise a muzzle for an injured animal as long as they are not vomiting. You can use gauze, a bandana, or scarf for this purpose. Small dogs and cats can be wrapped in a towel or blanket and carried or placed in a soft carrier. A blanket can be used to make an emergency stretcher for a large dog.

In research done with Angie's List members, 65 percent have experienced a pet emergency. We know that we have made a lot of emergency veterinary visits during our years of having canine companions.

An animal emergency is the time to accept the help of others in your animal community. Especially if you are facing transport alone. Again, this is best arranged ahead of time. You can set up a reciprocal arrangement with a friend to assist one another, if needed, for an ER run.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino, Top photo courtesy of MSPCA.

(Adapted for BostonZest from one of our City Paws newspaper columns.)

November 4, 2018
Preventive Care for Your Dog Can Save Money and Decrease Stress

Are you doing all you can to keep your pets healthy and save money? Preventive care, early diagnosis, and good home health habits are a few ways to save both lives and money.

Dental Care

Daily dental care is one way to save substantial money over the course of your pal’s life. It can also help you avoid treatment for chronic illness that can come about from untreated dental problems. Brushing your cat or dog’s teeth once a day is a help. Twice a day is even better. Make it part of your morning and evening routines.

Poppy’s dental routine began the day she joined our family. She’s already a cooperative partner in her twice daily brushings.

Either your veterinarian or groomer can give you tips for gaining your animal’s cooperation with tooth brushing. There are videos and pages of tips on the internet and most pet care books cover this topic.

Here's one good example, so take 5 minutes to watch this video on how to do it.

An examination of the mouth and a report on its condition should be a routine part of veterinary care. When the time comes to have a professional dental cleaning performed, always ask about the price, shop around for the best value, and the most experienced team.

For example, Angell Animal Medical Center has a dedicated “Dentistry Specialty Service.” Because this team performs more procedures and has the resources of the teaching hospital at hand, they can even treat some high-anesthesia-risk patients. They take referrals from veterinarians or you can make an appointment yourself.

Feed High Quality Food

Just as junk food can have an impact on human health, poor quality food can cause health issues in animals. Over the past few years, we’ve heard horror stories about the pet food industry.

Food is one area where pet guardians need to educate themselves. Read about your options, make your best decision, and feed your dogs and cats the highest quality food possible. If you decide on a homemade diet, either cooked or raw, be sure to have the nutrition checked by a professional and add supplements if needed.

Careful selection also applies to treats and ingestible chews. Obesity is a major health risk for dogs and cats. While you may measure meals and keep track of that caloric intake, you should also add the calories from treats and chews.

Try giving fresh vegetables as treats. Our Poppy loves raw cauliflower. She’ll sit quietly gnawing at a piece and not move until she has cleaned up every tiny bit.

Yes, higher quality food with fewer strange ingredients costs more. But, if you pay more for food now, you may pay less in future veterinary bills.

Exercise for Physical and Mental Health

The other half of the “keeping healthy” equation is exercise. Not only is it good for your dog or cat to have a regular exercise routine, but it’s also good for you. Taking a dog for regular long walks or runs will benefit both of you.

Keeping a dog well socialized means that you are making contact with members of your community on a regular basis. Study after study shows that this is a healthy thing to do and it makes your dog happier.

Some robust playtime with your cat and the laughs you’ll have during that activity will lighten your mood and supply a big dose of healthy endorphins.

All of this does take time and effort, but that is part of the commitment you made when you adopted an animal. And the thought that doing things for and with your pal will save money should be an added incentive.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino

(Adapted for BostonZest from one of our City Paws newspaper columns.)

Related articles

Getting Us Outside: Another Way Dogs Are Good for Us

August 13, 2017
Preventive Care for Your Dog Can Save Money and Decrease Stress

Are you doing all you can to keep your pets healthy and save money? Preventive care, early diagnosis, and good home health habits are a few ways to save both lives and money.

Dental Care

Daily dental care is one way to save substantial money over the course of your pal’s life. It can also help you avoid treatment for chronic illness that can come about from untreated dental problems. Brushing your cat or dog’s teeth once a day is a help. Twice a day is even better. Make it part of your morning and evening routines.

Poppy’s dental routine began the day she joined our family. She’s already a cooperative partner in her twice daily brushings.

Either your veterinarian or groomer can give you tips for gaining your animal’s cooperation with tooth brushing. There are videos and pages of tips on the internet and most pet care books cover this topic.

Here's one good example, so take 5 minutes to watch this video on how to do it.

An examination of the mouth and a report on its condition should be a routine part of veterinary care. When the time comes to have a professional dental cleaning performed, always ask about the price, shop around for the best value, and the most experienced team.

For example, Angell Animal Medical Center has a dedicated “Dentistry Specialty Service.” Because this team performs more procedures and has the resources of the teaching hospital at hand, they can even treat some high-anesthesia-risk patients. They take referrals from veterinarians or you can make an appointment yourself.

Feed High Quality Food

Just as junk food can have an impact on human health, poor quality food can cause health issues in animals. Over the past few years, we’ve heard horror stories about the pet food industry.

Food is one area where pet guardians need to educate themselves. Read about your options, make your best decision, and feed your dogs and cats the highest quality food possible. If you decide on a homemade diet, either cooked or raw, be sure to have the nutrition checked by a professional and add supplements if needed.

Careful selection also applies to treats and ingestible chews. Obesity is a major health risk for dogs and cats. While you may measure meals and keep track of that caloric intake, you should also add the calories from treats and chews.

Try giving fresh vegetables as treats. Our Poppy loves raw cauliflower. She’ll sit quietly gnawing at a piece and not move until she has cleaned up every tiny bit.

Yes, higher quality food with fewer strange ingredients costs more. But, if you pay more for food now, you may pay less in future veterinary bills.

Exercise for Physical and Mental Health

The other half of the “keeping healthy” equation is exercise. Not only is it good for your dog or cat to have a regular exercise routine, but it’s also good for you. Taking a dog for regular long walks or runs will benefit both of you.

Keeping a dog well socialized means that you are making contact with members of your community on a regular basis. Study after study shows that this is a healthy thing to do and it makes your dog happier.

Some robust playtime with your cat and the laughs you’ll have during that activity will lighten your mood and supply a big dose of healthy endorphins.

All of this does take time and effort, but that is part of the commitment you made when you adopted an animal. And the thought that doing things for and with your pal will save money should be an added incentive.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino

(Adapted for BostonZest from one of our City Paws newspaper columns.)

Related articles

Getting Us Outside: Another Way Dogs Are Good for Us

August 13, 2017
A Tale of Tails: Aren’t Animal Tails Awesome?

Animal tails fascinate me. I love the variety of them, the way they are used to communicate, and the sheer beauty of the way they sway and bob when a dog walks down the street or a cat decides that it’s time to play.

My little pal Chip uses his tail to keep his nose warm while curled up on my lap.

If you read the breed standards for a dog or cat, you’ll find very specific information about the characteristics required for a proper tail. Purebred Beagles will always have a white tip on their tails which helps to spot them in high grass. Maine Coon Cats should have lush tails they can use to wrap around themselves for warmth and protection. Labrador Retrievers tails should be otter-like and can serve as a rudder to help steer when they are swimming. Tails are useful things!

Tail Signals

People often misinterpret tail movement. While some wagging may be friendly and welcoming, dogs and cats also use their tails to signal anxiety, aggression, fear, and excitement. The phrase, “tail tucked between his legs” comes from the fact that a fearful dog or cat will curve their tail under their body when they are nervous.

When walking our Westie Poppy, who does not enjoy the great outdoors, we consider a slightly raised tail a victory. Most of the time her tail is down (as in the photo above) or tucked.

Recent Research

Psychology Today reported on recent research about how dog’s deliver very defined messages to one another via their tails.

Stanley Coren, PhD., DSc., FRSC, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia wrote, "Dogs' eyes are much more sensitive to movement than they are to details or colors, so a moving tail is very visible to other dogs. Evolution has made tails even more visible, such as tails with a light or dark tip, a lighter underside or a bushy shape."

In this report, I learned that dogs have a right and left wag. Dr Coren explained, “… when dogs feel generally positive about something or someone, their tails wag more to the right side of their rear ends, and when they have negative feelings, their tail wagging is biased to the left." (This right and left is as viewed from the rear as if you are facing in the direction the dog is viewing.)

Happy Tail Injuries

On a visit to Angell Animal Medical Center, I met a Lab with a bandaged tail. Despite a cone on his neck and a substantial bandage on his tail, he was still wagging at high speed. A tail injured in a bout of enthusiastic wagging is officially called a happy tail injury and sadly can result in permanent damage or amputation.

Dr. Marty Becker writing for VetStreet explains, "This type of injury occurs when a dog with an outgoing personality and a long tail repeatedly thwacks the tail against a hard surface such as a crate or wall. Really happy dogs — think Golden Retrievers or Cavaliers — or dogs with thin, delicate skin, such as Greyhounds, wag so hard and fast that a bleeding ulcer can develop on the tip of the tail."

While there are genetically bobtail breeds like the Australian Shepherd and Manx Cat, most of the dogs we see with very short tails had their tail surgically removed for cosmetic reasons.

When you think about all the ways dogs use their tails, you wonder why anyone would ever allow this to be done to their animal. Fortunately the tide is turning on this practice. With each passing year, we see more dogs strutting a tail in all its natural glory and fewer and fewer dogs with cosmetically stumpy tails.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino

(Adapted for BostonZest from one of our City Paws newspaper columns.)

July 30, 2017
Dutchess Poppy Says, Time to Get Your Dog License for 2017

Duchess Poppy Whitehead here! (Once we're friends, you can call me Poppy.)

Here is something you need to put on the to-do list of your human servants.

GET YOUR 2017 DOG LICENSE

In Boston it's so simple even a human can do it. I nagged a bit when I spotted the envelope from Inspectional Services in the mail pile, sat Penny down at her computer, and I already have an official 2017 dog tag from the city.

License

Because I already had all my information in the system, the city sent a reminder to my staff. But, this year, it arrived early in February instead of late March or April. Good work dog license crew.

My new tag arrived in a week!

Just like you have to make sure your chauffeur has a valid driver's license, you have to be sure one of your human staff members gets you a Boston dog license. (If Boston is your main residence and you are more than six months old.)

You can sit them down at a computer and send them to the Animal Care and Control page for more information. Here is the link for your secretary to get your license done online.

Should you require an updated rabies vaccination before you can apply for a license, there are a few low-cost rabies clinics scheduled. Here's the list. Or you can Download 2017 Boston Rabies Clinics.

Staff Training on Leash Laws

Please don't come running up to me on one of those long, thin, dangerous strings with a pulley. I'm a bit shy and I don't trust those things. You'll make me stamp my little paw down!

Boston's leash law is clearly stated on the city’s site, “When your dog is off your property, it must be on a leash.” City ordinance calls for a leash of 10-feet or less. That makes most retractable leashes technically illegal in Boston. If a person tries to attach one to you, g-r-o-w-l at them.

One more interesting aspect of Boston’s dog rules is that while out with you, your retainers, if asked, must be able to show that they are carrying something to pick up dog waste. This makes city dog walks a prime reason to attach a roll of pick-up bags to your leash.

Even if your people use recycled bags to do the majority of clean ups, the roll will give them a back up supplies if you are stopped after your business is done, but the walk isn’t.

Sir Felix is one of my special knights. He prefers a leather leash or halter when he escorts me around the pond.

Dog Parks

I must admit, I'm not much of a dog park dog. I prefer a nice chat on a park bench or a picnic lunch under a shady tree.

But, for those who like to romp, the legal exceptions to the leash law are: the “official off-leash hours” on the Boston Common, and inside the fences at dog parks like Peter’s Park in the South End, DeFilippo Park in the North End, and Ronan Park in Dorchester.

Emergency Services

The one bit of guidance you must be sure your humans note is that Angell Animal Medical Center Emergency Services are available, as they say, “… every day of the year, 24 hours each day.” My people have their number on all our cell phones in case of an emergency. And it can't hurt to have your chauffeur practice a drive to the location so he or she will know where you are going during a stressful time. You don't want to be giving the driver directions if you have an upset tummy.

Questions?

If you have questions about living in Boston, have your people send them to my people and I'll try to dig out answers. (I do love to dig.) Add your thoughts in the comments below. Tweet them to @BostonZest or send us an email.

Get to know all of the wonderful Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: The Most Noble Duchess Poppy of Whitehead. (Dictated to her humble servants Ed & Penny)
Photography: © 2013-2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Related articles

Elevator Etiquette & Safety: A Sunday Dog Alert

Dogs on Public Transit, Boston: 101

Spread the Word on The Yellow Dog Project & DINOS!

Let Your Sunday Dog Take the Lead

February 12, 2017
Dutchess Poppy Says, Time to Get Your Dog License for 2017

Duchess Poppy Whitehead here! (Once we're friends, you can call me Poppy.)

Here is something you need to put on the to-do list of your human servants.

GET YOUR 2017 DOG LICENSE

In Boston it's so simple even a human can do it. I nagged a bit when I spotted the envelope from Inspectional Services in the mail pile, sat Penny down at her computer, and I already have an official 2017 dog tag from the city.

License

Because I already had all my information in the system, the city sent a reminder to my staff. But, this year, it arrived early in February instead of late March or April. Good work dog license crew.

My new tag arrived in a week!

Just like you have to make sure your chauffeur has a valid driver's license, you have to be sure one of your human staff members gets you a Boston dog license. (If Boston is your main residence and you are more than six months old.)

You can sit them down at a computer and send them to the Animal Care and Control page for more information. Here is the link for your secretary to get your license done online.

Should you require an updated rabies vaccination before you can apply for a license, there are a few low-cost rabies clinics scheduled. Here's the list. Or you can Download 2017 Boston Rabies Clinics.

Staff Training on Leash Laws

Please don't come running up to me on one of those long, thin, dangerous strings with a pulley. I'm a bit shy and I don't trust those things. You'll make me stamp my little paw down!

Boston's leash law is clearly stated on the city’s site, “When your dog is off your property, it must be on a leash.” City ordinance calls for a leash of 10-feet or less. That makes most retractable leashes technically illegal in Boston. If a person tries to attach one to you, g-r-o-w-l at them.

One more interesting aspect of Boston’s dog rules is that while out with you, your retainers, if asked, must be able to show that they are carrying something to pick up dog waste. This makes city dog walks a prime reason to attach a roll of pick-up bags to your leash.

Even if your people use recycled bags to do the majority of clean ups, the roll will give them a back up supplies if you are stopped after your business is done, but the walk isn’t.

Sir Felix is one of my special knights. He prefers a leather leash or halter when he escorts me around the pond.

Dog Parks

I must admit, I'm not much of a dog park dog. I prefer a nice chat on a park bench or a picnic lunch under a shady tree.

But, for those who like to romp, the legal exceptions to the leash law are: the “official off-leash hours” on the Boston Common, and inside the fences at dog parks like Peter’s Park in the South End, DeFilippo Park in the North End, and Ronan Park in Dorchester.

Emergency Services

The one bit of guidance you must be sure your humans note is that Angell Animal Medical Center Emergency Services are available, as they say, “… every day of the year, 24 hours each day.” My people have their number on all our cell phones in case of an emergency. And it can't hurt to have your chauffeur practice a drive to the location so he or she will know where you are going during a stressful time. You don't want to be giving the driver directions if you have an upset tummy.

Questions?

If you have questions about living in Boston, have your people send them to my people and I'll try to dig out answers. (I do love to dig.) Add your thoughts in the comments below. Tweet them to @BostonZest or send us an email.

Get to know all of the wonderful Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: The Most Noble Duchess Poppy of Whitehead. (Dictated to her humble servants Ed & Penny)
Photography: © 2013-2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Related articles

Elevator Etiquette & Safety: A Sunday Dog Alert

Dogs on Public Transit, Boston: 101

Spread the Word on The Yellow Dog Project & DINOS!

Let Your Sunday Dog Take the Lead

February 12, 2017
Is Your Sunday Dog Traveling for the Holidays? Reserve Now! Plus 8 more Tips
Whether your Sunday Dog (or cat) is traveling with you or staying with friends for the holidays, it’s time to make that reservation.

Pet sitter and boarding kennel schedules can fill up fast this time of year, so here are some tips to make sure your pal will have all the comforts of home no matter where the journey leads.

All Set to Go!
- If you’re considering a boarding kennel, insist on seeing exactly where your pet will be kept and inspect the entire facility before choosing one.
- Dog hotels offer rooms with walls and furniture rather than wire pens or kennels and can be quieter, calmer, and more like a home environment.
- Pet sitters will come to your home each day, stay in your home, or keep your pet in their home. If you use a dog walker, start with him or her.
- There are also a few people in every neighborhood who make a little extra income by taking care of pets. If you ask neighbors for recommendations, you may find a gem in your area.
- Some dog breeders provide boarding services for dogs in their line. In the case of small scale breeders, your pet could have the run of their home except at bedtime.
- If you’re planning to fly with a small dog or cat, you’ll want to reserve a place in the cabin. Airlines limit the number of companion animals on each plane.
- Even informal agreements with family, friends, and other pet lovers for care while you travel should be arranged well in advance to ensure a visitor will fit with their holiday plans.
- If you have a dog or cat with serious health issues who needs careful monitoring of a medical condition or is very frail, consider boarding them at a veterinary hospital with 24-hour medical staff on duty. Angell Animal Medical Center in Jamaica Plain offers this type of service.
Pull out your to-do list and move holiday planning to the top. Doing that now will feel like you’ve given a special gift to yourself when the time comes to travel.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: iStockphoto.com

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

Related articles

Save on pet care costs: 10 tips

How to be a GREAT client. Part 1

"Norman" Aces Sunday Dog Audition!

Dogs on Public Transit, Boston: 101

Sunday Dog, "Affy" Has Great Scottish Genes!
October 21, 2012
Is Your Sunday Dog Traveling for the Holidays? Reserve Now! Plus 8 more Tips
Whether your Sunday Dog (or cat) is traveling with you or staying with friends for the holidays, it’s time to make that reservation.

Pet sitter and boarding kennel schedules can fill up fast this time of year, so here are some tips to make sure your pal will have all the comforts of home no matter where the journey leads.

All Set to Go!
- If you’re considering a boarding kennel, insist on seeing exactly where your pet will be kept and inspect the entire facility before choosing one.
- Dog hotels offer rooms with walls and furniture rather than wire pens or kennels and can be quieter, calmer, and more like a home environment.
- Pet sitters will come to your home each day, stay in your home, or keep your pet in their home. If you use a dog walker, start with him or her.
- There are also a few people in every neighborhood who make a little extra income by taking care of pets. If you ask neighbors for recommendations, you may find a gem in your area.
- Some dog breeders provide boarding services for dogs in their line. In the case of small scale breeders, your pet could have the run of their home except at bedtime.
- If you’re planning to fly with a small dog or cat, you’ll want to reserve a place in the cabin. Airlines limit the number of companion animals on each plane.
- Even informal agreements with family, friends, and other pet lovers for care while you travel should be arranged well in advance to ensure a visitor will fit with their holiday plans.
- If you have a dog or cat with serious health issues who needs careful monitoring of a medical condition or is very frail, consider boarding them at a veterinary hospital with 24-hour medical staff on duty. Angell Animal Medical Center in Jamaica Plain offers this type of service.
Pull out your to-do list and move holiday planning to the top. Doing that now will feel like you’ve given a special gift to yourself when the time comes to travel.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: iStockphoto.com

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

Related articles

Save on pet care costs: 10 tips

How to be a GREAT client. Part 1

"Norman" Aces Sunday Dog Audition!

Dogs on Public Transit, Boston: 101

Sunday Dog, "Affy" Has Great Scottish Genes!
October 21, 2012
Is Your Sunday Dog Traveling for the Holidays? Reserve Now! Plus 8 more Tips
Whether your Sunday Dog (or cat) is traveling with you or staying with friends for the holidays, it’s time to make that reservation.

Pet sitter and boarding kennel schedules can fill up fast this time of year, so here are some tips to make sure your pal will have all the comforts of home no matter where the journey leads.

All Set to Go!
- If you’re considering a boarding kennel, insist on seeing exactly where your pet will be kept and inspect the entire facility before choosing one.
- Dog hotels offer rooms with walls and furniture rather than wire pens or kennels and can be quieter, calmer, and more like a home environment.
- Pet sitters will come to your home each day, stay in your home, or keep your pet in their home. If you use a dog walker, start with him or her.
- There are also a few people in every neighborhood who make a little extra income by taking care of pets. If you ask neighbors for recommendations, you may find a gem in your area.
- Some dog breeders provide boarding services for dogs in their line. In the case of small scale breeders, your pet could have the run of their home except at bedtime.
- If you’re planning to fly with a small dog or cat, you’ll want to reserve a place in the cabin. Airlines limit the number of companion animals on each plane.
- Even informal agreements with family, friends, and other pet lovers for care while you travel should be arranged well in advance to ensure a visitor will fit with their holiday plans.
- If you have a dog or cat with serious health issues who needs careful monitoring of a medical condition or is very frail, consider boarding them at a veterinary hospital with 24-hour medical staff on duty. Angell Animal Medical Center in Jamaica Plain offers this type of service.
Pull out your to-do list and move holiday planning to the top. Doing that now will feel like you’ve given a special gift to yourself when the time comes to travel.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: iStockphoto.com

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

Related articles

Save on pet care costs: 10 tips

How to be a GREAT client. Part 1

"Norman" Aces Sunday Dog Audition!

Dogs on Public Transit, Boston: 101

Sunday Dog, "Affy" Has Great Scottish Genes!
October 21, 2012