Have you listened to the pundits and financial gurus who are giving out advice to people who have lost their jobs? Some of it is OK – but some of it is leaving me scratching my head in wonder. Many are telling people to go into the pet care industry because it is recession-proof. People love their pets, and they will always find a way to spend money on them, or so the logic goes.
The only problem with that advice is that it assumes everyone who has lost a job is equally qualified to care for your pets as the experts who have trained for years to understand animal behavior, health and socialization needs. It appears that only veterinary care is exempt from this financial advice. At least they understand that it takes years of training and education to become proficient in the medical branch of animal husbandry. But what about the rest? Just this week I met a laid-off airline attendant who decided to make money by calling herself a pet nanny. Nice title, but what are her qualifications? I don’t think “I owned a pet once,” is sufficient!
Let’s compare day care for children and day care for dogs. The people who run child care centers must be licensed by the state and demonstrate a level of proficiency in child care before they can open their doors. There are training classes and continuing education requirements, and the facilities must be inspected. No such requirements exist for pet day care. Hang out a shingle and print some business cards, and you are in business. You do not have to demonstrate any level of proficiency or knowlege about the different breeds or canine pack behavior. You do not have to show that you know any training or socialization techniques. You do not have to know when canine behavior is dangerous or simply play. Nobody will inspect your facility and there are no guidelines or minimum requirements. You just have to open your doors and market your services.
How about grooming and hair salons? To be a cosmetologist you have to attend school, and apprentice in a licensed salon. You have to practice on models, and learn the basics of hygienic practices. The best stylists continue to attend training classes on everything from new styles to hair dying products, and the salons are regularly inspected. To be a groomer, all you have to do is buy a clipper, and say you know how to trim dogs. You are not required to be licensed, and facilities are not inspected. You do not have to demonstrate any level of proficiency or knowlege.
OK – I am all for a free market system, and I do not begrudge anybody the right to earn a living in a legal manner. But I also value my pets enough to want the people who care for them to know something about pet care, canine and feline health and socialization practices. I do not want my terriers put into a group of dogs to “play.” Terriers don’t play, they kill each other. I don’t want my border collie expelled from a group just because she gets a little excited and starts nipping at the hocks of other dogs. I want my pet care provider to understand this is normal border collie behavior (not aggression), and it can be channeled if you know some basic training techniques. I don’t want my malamute introduced to a group with small dogs in it – he might think they are chew toys. And my scared golden just needs some confidence-building and time to adapt. I want Cesar Millan, not a retired airline attendant!
In short, I want my pet care provider to understand canine and feline behaviors and health issues. I want them to know enough about canine and feline stress and health issues to know if something is seriously wrong, if a vet visit is necessary, or if a home remedy will be fine. I want to be comfortable leaving my pets with experts.
You will hear a lot about people who love dogs, and want to take care of yours. It is a buyer-beware world when it comes to pet care. They will try to persuade you with promises of care, “just like at home!” Don’t be fooled. Just because they tell you Rover sleeps in bed with them every night, does not make it true. Trust a facility and staff that promises safe, secure and healthy care – even if it does not look like home.
Cedar Creek Pet Resort is a locally owned business run by people who have combined experience of more than 100 years in pet care. We promise your pet will be safe, secure and healthy when she stays here. We offer more than marketing – we offer the best care at affordable prices. Come talk to us! We know you will be happy.
Cedar Cree Pet Resort 