Pet hotels and Pet Rosorts are two totally different things.  The ammenities and activities of a hotel are far less than that of a resort.  Dogs and cats miss their family while they are away.  They need multiple avenues of stimulation.  That is why we located ourselves slightly outside of the city with access to an envirmonment designed to entertain while you are away.  Boat rides, bike rides, hikes, and much more help entertain you pet while you are away. 

Provided by: I-Love-Dogs.com

Your home is your castle, sanctuary and safe place to retreat. You can offer your dog this same comfort by selecting the proper crate and demonstrating to your pet that it is his private space. Crate training is important, as there are a variety of situations in which kenneling your pet may become socially, medically, or even legally necessary. Consider it as part of his overall training.

Even if your pet lives primarily indoors, don’t underestimate the usefulness of a crate. Your pet will travel safer in the car if he is confined. In the event of an accident, the kennel will provide some measure of protection and keep a scared dog from running away in an anxious moment. A kennel may also be medically necessary. At times, your veterinarian may recommend confinement so your pet’s activity can be reduced or so that some condition may be monitored. Lastly, there may be social situations in which crating is necessary. You may have a friend or guest who is timid about dogs or a pet that is aggressive to strangers. A dog that can stay quietly in a kennel can make the situation easier.

Define Your Goals

When used properly, with well-defined objectives, a crate is an invaluable tool. Crates and kennels vary in size and function. Select the proper one for your pet’s needs. Set your objectives. Before shopping for a crate, consider a few factors. What is the kennel to be used for? If your dog will be kenneled in your home while you’re gone, buy the largest crate your budget and space will allow. Your dog should be able to stand, lie down, or sit in any position in the crate without restriction. The crate should be roomy enough to accommodate a water bowl or have a water bottle attachment. If the surface your dog will lay on is wire, put a pillow or blanket in a corner for comfort. If your dog will need a kennel only for an occasional short trip, a plastic travel kennel is adequate.

Consider the size of your pet and think ahead. Buy a crate that will accommodate your dog at an adult size. If you buy a kennel that the right size for your puppy, it may only be useful in 6 months.

NEVER use the crate as punishment. Your dog should regard his crate as his haven. If you use the crate to isolate or punish your pet, he will come to associate his crate with unpleasant circumstances and feelings. Acclimate puppies early by offering food or treats in the crate, or by throwing favourite toys into the back of the crate for them to retrieve. Make the crate an everyday object, not something he sees only twice a year.

Types of Crates/Kennels

Wire Frame Crates

Wire frame crates are made from heavy gauge wire or stainless steel on all six sides. This increases ventilation and visibility for your pet. Many types of crate can be collapsed and folded up for storage or transport. The bottom of the crate can be solid or raised. Raised floors keep your dog elevated over a solid pan that will catch any food, water, or waste that would otherwise accumulate in your dog’s living space.

This type of crate is especially useful for house training and protecting young puppies or dogs that may become destructive when left alone. These crates are designed with two access doors, one on the front and another hinged panel that comprises the top. This access to the top of the kennel is especially useful when containing a litter of puppies. You can open the top and pick up one puppy without the rest charging out the door. When selecting a crate of this type, consider the size of the wire, be sure your dogs paws won’t fall through the bottom grid. Check for any sharp edges. Check the front door to see if it is spring loaded, these doors can snap shut on a paw or tail.

Solid Frame Crate

These kennels are constructed from plastic, fiberglass or Plexiglas and are most commonly used for your dog’s travel needs. They are sturdy and have solid bottoms. Usually only the sides are slotted for ventilation. Most of these crates have separate tops and bottoms that are assembled and secured with nuts and screws. The front of the kennel frame supports a wire door. They are easy to take apart for cleaning and storage. This type of kennel is a good choice for transporting your pet to the veterinarian and is the standard for air travel. This type of crate also provides a greater degree of protection for your pet if something should fall on the kennel or if there is any impact. Since this kennel has fewer ventilation slats, the interior of the kennel is darker and may be a more desirable environment for quieting an anxious pet.

Soft-sided Kennels

A variation to the solid plastic kennel is the soft side kennel. These pet taxis are reminiscent of gym bags; all the sides are made from breathable fabric material and are ventilated with nylon netting. These types of carriers should be restricted to use with small dogs of 10 pounds or less. They are comfortable but their disadvantage is that they offer no protection against impact and can be penetrated by sharp objects. They also get wet and can take a long time to dry. These carriers should be used for short local trips only.

Exercise Pens

Exercise pens are a variation of the wire frame crate. An exercise pen is like a folded fence. It has no top or bottom but joins end to end to form a confined space. Exercise pens are best for dogs that already have an understanding of confinement. They are not sturdy enough to hold up against a dog that will climb, dig or charge at it. They are an excellent choice for keeping puppies in a small area in the house or yard. These types of pens are common at dog shows and fun matches for their ease of portability and set up.

Still have reservations about crating your pet? You shouldn’t. Crate trained dogs are often happier when they are in a small enclosed space, and if you don’t provide one they will often seek one out anyway, perhaps nesting under a table. Confining your dog to one room may not be adequate protection for your property. Never underestimate the damage a teething puppy can do while your back’s turned. If your pet is crated, you can leave the house with peace of mind that your pet and your home are both secure. Remove collars and tags before leaving your pet in the kennel. If your dog is a model citizen and has outgrown the need for a kennel, your local animal shelter or humane organization will gladly accept the donation. But many well-behaved grown-up dogs still appreciate the shelter a crate provides even if the door is never closed, so don’t short-change them.

Dog adoption saves lives. Adopt a dog and you’ll have a friend for life! Please consider a rescue pet before you buy a dog from a breeder or pet store. Contact us, or contact another local humane society, animal shelter or SPCA.

RAFAEL was the first dog to be listed on this site. We are

proud that he has been adopted by a loving family. SDDP

dedicates this page to Rafael and his family.

We hope that the dogs listed on this site for adoption will

find the same happy ending.

Thank you to all who adopt these great loving dogs!

The Inland Valley Humane Society has

numerous

dogs, cats, rabbits, and other pets awaiting

adoption.

Amy Carson - Adoption Coordinator - 909 623-9777 x. 611

Open 10am - 5:30pm Mon/Tue/Thur/Fri/Sat and 10am - 7pm on Wednesday.
Closed Sunday and most major holidays.

TO SEE AN INCOMPLETE LIST OF IVHS

ADOPTABLE PETS VISIT:

www.petfinder.org

Dog Bathing Tips

As the myth goes, it is not healthy to bathe a dog frequently. A part of it is true and other part is not. While swimming in natural water is a good exercise for a dog and can be permitted according to its tastes and climate, using soaps or shampoos on dogs regularly can be hazardous. Especially human shampoos can cause an imbalance of sweat on dog’s skin and may make its skin dry and itchy, though, mild human shampoos can be used once a month. However, dog-specific shampoos are much better and are recommended to be used only once every several weeks. The medicated shampoos meant to cure particular skin-disorders are different and the frequency of their use depends on the condition of the dog.

It is best to bathe the dog only when its coat becomes greasy or you are about to have a company. Dog odor is also a sign that your dog needs a bath. Mud tends to dry up and fall off the dog’s coat by itself as it rubs it on. To bathe the dog, lay a blanket or the floor and keep two towels, dog shampoo, dog conditioner and a washcloth ready by the bathtub. Keep the dog’s brush, comb and trash bag on the blanket. Special super-absorbent towels are quite helpful in drying the dog quickly. If the dog’s coat is matted, brush him first to untangle the knots and then bathe him. The dogs that get too scared in the tub and keep jumping around, you might try to give him the shower with the hand-held showerheads. Being able to stand on firm ground, will keep him feeling safe.

Inside the tub, you can put a non-slippery rubber bath mat to keep your pooch from slipping. Large dogs can be bathed in the garden using a hose and a bucket, especially when the weather is hot. Don’t dump water on dog’s face and use a washcloth instead, for the ears of the dog shouldn’t get too wet inside and he generally gets too scared when doused over the head and may get aggressive. A good dog shampoo is the best choice but a baby shampoo or a mild herbal shampoo can also be used occasionally. Conditioner helps to prevent tangles, in the dogs with long hair. Good shampooing, rinsing and condition of the dog’s skin and coat keep lice and fleas away from dogs. Deodorants can be used to keep off the body odor and keep your dog smelling fresh and healthy.

There are shampoos that claim to be gentle yet effective, perform antibacterial action, have pearlescent whiteners for that shiny sparkling whiteness in the coat and gentle aloe Vera and tea tree oil to keep the skin healthy. Dogs with black and dark colored coats can use special shampoos with them that enhance their natural shine. After lathering and cleaning the dog, rinsing is very important for any shampoo residue may cause skin irritation. Shampoos mild for eyes are recommended. Dogs often give a good shake, soaking you and the room. You can dry your pet using one end of a first towel over his head and drying him with the other end. The second towel is used to pick him up. After drying, lay your dog on the blanket and keep him there until he dries completely.

Introduction
Every day people face the question of what to do with their pets when travel, illness, or family emergencies disrupt normal care.  Some pet owners attempt to solve this problem by taking their pets with them, only to discover that hotel restrictions, travel-induced pet illness, and runaway pets can turn their trip into a disaster.   Other pet owners turn over the care of their animals to well-meaning but untrained neighbors, or friends.  Again, the results are often unsatisfactory.   Pets entrusted to such part-time custodians frequently escape or become seriously ill because of lack of reliable, frequent, and knowledgeable supervision.

Fortunately, the majority of pet owners who find themselves in need of substitute pet care utilize the services of professional boarding kennels.  Annually, more than 30,000,000 pet owners recognize that full-time, knowledgeable and experienced boarding kennel operators provide the most dependable, secure and safe pet care available.

Because competent, ethical boarding kennels are an important part of your pet care program, and because the selection of a boarding kennel can be a confusing and disconcerting process for pet owners, the American Boarding Kennels Association (ABKA) has assembled this data to assist you in evaluating, selecting, and working with your local boarding kennel.  Our goals are twofold:
1.  To give your pet a happy and safe boarding experience, and
2.  To enable you to enjoy your time away from home content that your pet is receiving the best care possible.

What is a Boarding Kennel?
Throughout the United States and Canada, there are approximately 9,000 boarding kennels offering their services to more than 30,000,000 pet owners annually.  Boarding kennels are businesses designed and operated specifically to care for pets, as distinguished from breeding kennels, which are devoted to producing puppies; training kennels, which take in dogs for hunting, protection, and other types of specialized training; and veterinary hospitals, which are designed to care for sick and injured animals.  Most boarding kennels provide a variety of pet services such as boarding, grooming, training classes, pet supply sales, and pet shipping.  Although the vast majority of boarded pets are dogs and cats, many kennels also offer boarding for horses, birds, reptiles and exotic pets.

What is the American Boarding Kennels Association?
A characteristic common to all boarding kennel operators is a deep love and respect for animals.  This is their basic motivation for establishing their kennel.  In 1977, however, a dedicated group of kennel operators recognized that the love of animals, by itself, was not enough to guarantee the development of professional standards of pet care within the industry.  What was also needed were educational opportunities for kennel operators, to enable them to stay abreast of developments in pet care, and some method of establishing and promoting a high level of ethical conduct within the industry.   To achieve these goals, these concerned kennel operators founded the American Boarding Kennels Association, the ABKA.
Today the ABKA has a membership of almost 1,600 kennels throughout the U.S. and Canada; by means of its publications, conventions, seminars, regional meetings, ethics program, certification program for kennel operators, accreditation program for kennels, and industry committees, the Association helps member kennels to develop and maintain the highest professional and business standards.  This in turn enables ABKA members to offer you, the pet owner, the most knowledgeable, ethical pet care available anywhere.

Successful Boarding
The goals of ABKA member kennels are happy, healthy pets, and satisfied pet owners.   This requires a cooperative effort from kennel owner and pet owner.  In the following pages, the ABKA, in response to numerous requests from pet owners, lists the features you should look for in selecting your kennel, and suggests what you can do to ensure that your pet receives the best care possible. Let’s start at the beginning.

Finding Your Local Kennels
There are several ways of locating the kennels that are convenient to you:
1. Yellow Pages: Yellow page advertising is the primary method of kennel advertising.  Remember though, the size of the ad is no indication of the facility’s quality.
2. Recommendations of friends: Satisfied customers are the best recommendation that a kennel can receive.  Ask your friends and neighbors about their experiences.  Check with your veterinarian or ask the kennel in question for references.
3. Better Business Bureau: If your community has a better Business Bureau, a phone inquiry about your local kennels is appropriate.  Ask about a specific kennel’s reputation and if any complaints have been lodged against them.

General appearance of the kennel proper: Following regular daily clean-up procedures, the kennel should look (and smell) neat and clean. Kennel operators are proud of their kennels and like to show them off, but some of them do not permit visitors in areas where animals are housed.  There are two key reasons for establishing a “No Visitors” policy.  First, some dogs react unpredictably to strangers.  (They become excessively fearful or aggressive.) As a result, the presence of strangers in the kennel can cause such dogs to injure themselves or develop intestinal problems.  Second, visitors do not follow the same stringent disinfecting procedures used by kennel personnel, and can transport contagious agents (bacteria, viruses) into the kennel.  However, kennels with a “No Visitors” policy should provide you some type of viewing window, so that you can see where your pet will be staying.
In visiting your local kennels, you will observe that there are several types of kennel designs currently in use.  Some kennels have indoor/outdoor runs; some have totally enclosed facilities; and some house pets inside, but utilize outside exercise areas.   Each of these designs has its own advantages, and you should ask the kennel operator to explain the advantages of the system in use at that kennel.

Security: When you are on a trip, your pet may decide to try to “find” you.  Because of this tendency, and because very few homes are designed with pet security in mind, pets can escape from inexperienced individuals who might be asked to watch your pet.   Boarding kennels, on the other hand, are designed to prevent this kind of accident.   During your kennel visit, look for sturdy, well-maintained fencing, gates and dividers between runs.  If your dog is a climber, digger or some other type of   “escape artist” tell the kennel operator so that extra precautions can be taken (wire covered runs, locks on gates, etc.).  Cats always require covered facilities.

Safety: Kennels areas where your pet will stay should be free of sharp objects, harmful chemicals and objects your pet might swallow.  Primary enclosures (sleeping quarters) should provide solid dividers between your pet and the other boarders, both for reasons of safety and so that your pet will be able to relax and sleep without feeling challenged by his or her neighbors.  Exercise areas should include barriers between runs high enough to prevent male dogs from urinating into adjacent runs.  Surfaces should offer good traction even when wet.  Firefighting equipment should be readily available.

Supervision: Proper supervision is the key to good boarding.  Pets should be checked frequently during the day by someone who is trained to recognize the signs of illness and distress.   Experience and practical knowledge are required to detect or interpret such symptoms as lethargy (”I thought he was just sleeping”), severe intestinal disorders (friends or acquaintances rarely check the backyard for bloody stool), urinary problems (it is almost impossible to detect blood in urine when pets urinate on grass), loss of appetite, coughing, sneezing, or discharges from the eyes or nose.  Yet, all of these signs can be significant.  Competent kennel personnel are trained to recognize and evaluate such signs and to seek veterinary assistance when needed.   Therefore, you should try to evaluate the competence of the kennel personnel.
One good indication that the hotel operator is keeping abreast of the latest developments in pet care is his or her ABKA membership.  Check for a current ABKA membership plaque on the office wall.  If your kennel operator has been awarded the CKO (Certified Kennel Operator) designation by ABKA, it means that his or her competence and ethical fitness have been acknowledged publicly by the Association.  If the CKO plaque has been awarded, it will be displayed proudly along with the kennel’s ABKA membership certificate.  Accredited kennels will display a certificate which attests to the fact that the kennel has been inspected and accredited by ABKA, and has met over 200 standards of excellence.

Sanitation: The Hotel should be free of dirt, fecal accumulation, odors and parasite infestation (flies, fleas, ticks).  There should be a strict schedule of disinfecting with effective chemicals.
Note: Since 1978, there have been worldwide outbreaks of an intestinal disease called canine parvovirus.   This disease is spread when dogs come into contact with a contaminated surface (clothing, shoes, grass, carpeting, etc.).  New vaccines are now available to combat this disease, but until the dog population develops immunity to the disease, it will remain a potential problem. Several professional disinfectants, including bleach at a 1:30 solution are effective against parvo virus. Therefore, if there have been any reports of parvovirus disease in your area, your kennel should be using one of these products for routine disinfecting, in addition to requiring the immunizations.

Health care: Inquire about the following:
1. Water: Individual containers filled with clean drinking water should be available to each animal.
2. Food: Feeding procedures vary from kennel to kennel.  Some kennels supply preferred brands of feed, which they serve to all boarders.  However, they usually allow you to bring your pet’s favorite food, if you wish.  Other kennels maintain a stock of the most popular brands, and feed whatever you request.  Still others require that you bring your pet’s food when you check in.  Determine the kennel’s policy, and if there are any additional charges for special feeding arrangements.
3. Veterinary services: Ask about the procedure for obtaining veterinary service, if required. Some kennels retain a veterinarian on the premises.  Others prefer to use your pet’s veterinarian so that there will be a continuity of care.   Remember that it is customary (and responsible) for you to be financially responsible for any veterinary care required for your pet while it is being boarded.
4. Immunization requirements: Dogs should be immunized against rabies, distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvovirus (DHLPP), and bordetella.   Cats should be vaccinated against rabies, panleukopenia or distemper, feline rhinotracheitis, calici virus, and pneumonitis (FVRCPP).
5. Medication policies and procedures: If your pet is taking medication, advise the kennel operator of the nature of the problem and the type and frequency of medication.  Many kennels will not accept animals requiring excessive medication (more than three times per day, or nighttime medication, for example) or animals requiring potentially dangerous medication (diabetes shots, for example).  Remember, it is essential that heartworm preventative medication be continued during boarding, if your dog is presently taking such medication.  Inquire whether the kennel provides such medication, or if you should bring a supply.  Ask if there is an additional charge for medicating.
6. Parasite control: If you live in an area in which fleas and /or ticks are a problem, your kennel should utilize procedures for controlling these parasites (pre-entry examinations for boarders, sprays, dips, etc.).

Provision for animal comfort:
1. Temperature control: The kennel should be able to maintain temperatures within healthful, comfortable limits for your pets.  If you have an older pet, or a pet that requires warmer or cooler accommodations than are normally provided, determine if special arrangements can be made.
2. Protection from the elements: Exercise areas should provide shelter from wind, rain, snow and direct sunlight.
3. Ventilation: Good ventilation (no drafts) helps minimize the spread of airborne bacteria and viruses.
4. Light: Lighting should be at comfortable levels during the day.
5. Bedding: Find out what arrangements are made for pet bedding.   Some kennels provide resting platforms, bedding or newspaper.  Others require that you bring bedding from home.  Check if there are any restrictions on owner-provided bedding (wicker beds and feather pillows, for example, may not be accepted).
6. Sleeping Quarters: As you know from observing your pet, most of his or her time is spent resting or sleeping.  Your kennel should provide a place for this purpose (a primary enclosure).  It should be clean and dry, and roomy enough for your pet to stand up comfortably, turn around easily, and stretch out.
7. Exercise Area: All animals require exercise, but the requirements for dogs and cats are different.

You have 2 options when you go on vacation. The first is to find a good pet hotel and the second is to get a pet sitter. There are advantages and disadvantages of both. A pet hotel is convenient but it is very important to find a facility with experience and facilities that you trust.

Make sure you provide clear instruction on what food your puppy should be fed, be sure to bring toys and any bedding that might make your puppy less homesick. A good pet hotel will offer all sorts of activities that will certainly keep your friend occupied and happy while you are away. Also, make sure your puppy is current on all vaccinations.

Be sure to interview a pet sitter thoroughly before entrusting them with your pets safety and your home.

Having your kitten properly vaccinated is one of the most important ways to keep him or her happy and healthy. Vaccines protect against many serious and even fatal diseases.

The following vaccines are imperative to your feline companion’s health:

• Distemper/Upper Respiratory: This 4 in 1 vaccine protects against several very serious diseases.
• Rabies: This disease is fatal for all mammals, including humans.
• Feline Leukemia: This disease can easily be fatal to your feline companion.
• Feline Infectious Peritonitis: Another fatal disease.

Young kittens usually need several sets of vaccination boosters (just like children) to provide them with as much protection as possible. Adult cats that are properly vaccinated should be boostered yearly for most vaccines. Vaccination schedules vary depending on age, overall health, state regulations, vaccination type, and risk of exposure.

That really depends on how old the kitten is and what state of health he or she is in. Consider a veterinary examination to help determine the kitten’s age, exact care needs, or if any health problems exist. If the kitten can eat and drink well on its own, he or she may need only routine kitten care (safe environment, kitten food, water, toys, bed, litter box, veterinary care, etc.). If the kitten is too small to eat and drink well unassisted, or does not have the eyes open yet, you will have to act as a replacement mother. Extremely young kittens need to be fed kitten milk replacer according to the manufacturers’ directions, as often as every 2-4 hours, depending on age. They may require a safe heat source, such as a heating pad and an enclosed nest area (like a box). If a heating pad is used, be sure to follow all the manufacturers’ safety instructions and only heat about 1/2 of the nest area on a low setting. The kittens can regulate their body temperature better if allowed to move between warmer and cooler (room temperature) spots in the nest. Extremely young kittens cannot pass stool and urine by themselves. They need gentle rubbing in the genital areas (with moist warm cotton balls or a very soft moist cloth) to help them pass bodily wastes. This should be done every time the kittens are fed. Any stool or urine MUST be gently, but completely, cleaned off the skin to avoid potentially severe skin rashes and even blistering from body wastes. Numerous books and other resources exist to help you. Give us a call we will be happy to help you (909)599-0844