Webvet Pet Services Feed

Webvet Pet Services Feed http://www.webvet.com/main/showArticles/page/10 This feed contains articles about Pet Services en-us Copyright 2009 Webvet, LLC 2009-11-20T20:20-05:00 advertise@webvet.com advertise@webvet.com Pet Services hourly Woof! Taxi! : A primer on pet transportation services http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2005 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2005">Woof! Taxi! : A primer on pet transportation services</a><br /><p>Pet transportation services make it easier to get around when you don't have a car. When Laura first moved to Brooklyn from Los Angeles six years ago, she had four cats and two dogs. What she didn't have was a car. </p><p>Laura worried about what she might do in an emergency, but happier circumstances prompted her to research pet taxi services in New York City. A friend wanted to adopt one of her dogs, a Wheaton terrier named Elliot. The problem? Her friend lived in Manhattan and didn't have access to transportation either. They wondered how they would move Elliot (along with his bed, crate and toys) from point A to point B.</p><p>"Car services are not crazy about transporting dogs and the subway was a no-go, so I needed to find another way,'' remembers Laura. Eventually, after some online searching, she chose Pet Chauffer. </p><h4>A growing industry</h4><p>Pet transportation services -- a growing segment of the pet industry -- are now available in many cities (New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles and many more) across the country. These companies offer your pooch trips to and from any given location, including the airport, dog trainer, dog groomer, doggie daycare, veterinary office, as well as emergency transport. (Companies such as Manhattan-based Pet Taxi advertise bringing stretchers, ramps, muzzles and cages as well as experienced staff to your doorstep in case of emergency. Prices run $150 and up.) Some pet transportation companies also offer relocation packages. </p><p>Often you'll find other one-stop-shop pet services offered, too, such as dog-walking, grooming, training, or doggie camp, along with the benefits of transport. This is especially useful for working professionals struggling to coordinate their schedule with the sometimes unpredictable needs of their dog. </p><p>On top of peace of mind, there are other benefits to pet transportation services. In fact, your golden retriever might be more comfortable in a pet transport taxi than in the cab you hail on a rainy day. Some pet transport companies equip their insulated vans with stuffed toys and even Astroturf. Not to mention that the driver doesn't bat an eyelid when a customer throws up or whines uncontrollably in the backseat. </p><h4>Pricing</h4><p>The bad news? Well, pricing can be steep. </p><p>A one-way ride uptown (or downtown) thirty blocks in New York City will run at least $30 plus gratuity. If you allow for waiting time, which many services recommend (given the unpredictable nature of veterinary schedules and/or medical emergencies), you'll need to factor in another $40 per hour of waiting time. On the other hand, a trip to local airports seems downright reasonable, running from $76 to $100, when you consider other car services. </p><p>In any case, for many pet owners without reliable transportation, the extra security and convenience offered by pet taxis is often well worth the cost. </p><p>Tips for using pet taxi services:</p><ul><li>Do your homework, and plan carefully: The same traffic jam that made you late for work will delay your pet's trip to the veterinarian. Plan around busy morning and late afternoon rush hours.</li><li>If you are in a rush to get to work after a vet appointment, you might want to pay for the transportation service to wait for you and your dog. </li><li>Consider holiday travel congestion when making plans and travel arrangements. Call way ahead of time!</li><li>Don't forget to take weather conditions into account. </li></ul><br />By Kim Nagy for WebVet By Kim Nagy for WebVet Pet Services Groom with a view: Vet your pet care specialist http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2025 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2025">Groom with a view: Vet your pet care specialist</a><br /><p>Choosing a pet groomer is an important decision. People love their pets. Specifically, they like their pets clean and shiny.</p><p>Perhaps that's why pet grooming is big business -- it's a $30 billion industry that will rise 12 percent annually through 2010.</p><p>But before you whip out your debit card for services like a brush coat or a cologne deodorizing treatment, it's a wise move to vet your pet groomer so you're getting the most bang - and the most beauty - for your pet-cleaning buck.</p><p>The problem? Some pet owners may not be sure where to begin. "Not everyone wants to take their pet to a professional groomer,'' said Nancy Peterson, issues specialist for the Humane Society of the United States. "It all depends on the pet you have and the comfort level.''</p><p>Step one in rolling toward that comfort level is to know exactly what you're getting into when you visit a pet groomer. "Grooming is more than just a hair cut,'' Peterson said. "It may include bathing, combing, brushing, clipping nails, cutting or shaving mats, cleaning ears and controlling external parasites. You need to manage your expectations.''</p><p>So, what to look for in a good pet groomer? Let's try these attributes for starters:</p><h4>Find a pet "whisperer''</h4><p>Your pet groomer should have a natural affinity for working with animals, especially calming them down if they are tempermental or anxious. "That's where a trained professional can help,'' Peterson said. "But keep in mind that groomers aren't miracle workers. It's up to you to stay on top of your pet's grooming needs.''</p><p><em>Key tip: For severe mats, always use a professional groomer. The do-it-yourself approach can yield accidental -- and painful -- cuts.</em></p><h4>Be a selective shopper</h4><p>In the pet grooming business, there's a thin line between good and mediocre. So take it upon yourself to do your own due diligence and properly vet your pet groomer. Ask around and check with your dog-walking or cat-loving friends. Angie Hicks, founder of the consumer watchdog Web site Angies List has a good idea. "Consult your veterinarian,'' she said. "Many animal care specialists have incorporated pet grooming into their practices.'' And if your pet needs a tranquilizer, a vet is your only choice - groomers aren't licensed to give shots to pets.</p><p><em>Key tip: Good questions to ask: "What are your services?'' "What do you charge?'' "Do you offer pick-up and delivery?''</em></p><h4>Drop into the shop</h4><p>As the old Woody Allen line goes, 90 percent of life is just showing up.  Make sure to actually visit the pet care shops you're considering. Key items to check: cleanliness - a shop that smells like the back end of a buffalo herd is a big red flag. The shop should be well lit, and pet cages should be roomy and, once again, clean. Check for any backlog of customers. If the shop is poorly run, or the staff is just overwhelmed, it's going to steal your most valuable currency -- time.</p><p><em>Key tip: Bring your pet in to interact with the environment. It's not 100 percent fool-proof, but if your pet is unhappy with the premises, it's worth knowing before you pay $50 for a grooming session than after.</em></p><h4>Going mobile</h4><p>A growing number of pet groomers make house calls -- a nice wrinkle that allows your pet to stay in his or her natural environment and save you a trip downtown. The downside is cost -- with gas prices around $3 or $4 a gallon, chances are the groomer will tack those extra travel expenses on your bill. Still, you can't beat the convenience. "Mobile groomers come right to your door," Hicks said. "They allow your pet to stay in their familiar surroundings and offer fewer distractions than a grooming shop.''</p><p><em>Key tip: Call a neighbor with a pet and coordinate your mobile grooming appointments. You might be able to negotiate with the groomer for a price break for getting two clients in one trip.</em></p><h4>References and experience</h4><p>Ask your groomer for customers who can vouch for their work. Better yet, visit his or her shop and pull a customer aside and ask about the shop's quality and service. "Make sure to check the groomer's level of experience,'' said Peter Allison, a professional dog trainer. "Does he or she have some kind of qualification? Is he or she affiliated with any grooming associations? If your pet has exotic or unusual needs, for example, a French treatment, ask if the groomer has dealt with it before.''</p><p><em>Key tip: Tap into the <a href="http://www.nationaldoggroomers.com/HO-Organization.html" target="_blank">National Dog Groomer's Association of America</a> to see if a groomer you're considering is certified. </em></p><p>Overall, expect to spend between $40 and $60 for a professional grooming session. You owe it to yourself, your bank account, and especially your pet to make sure you get the right pet groomer. </p><br />By Brian O'Connell for WebVet By Brian O'Connell for WebVet Pet Services Do-it-yourself pet grooming: Five steps to success http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2024 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2024">Do-it-yourself pet grooming: Five steps to success</a><br /><p>Grooming your pet yourself can be a great way to save money and bond with your pet. A professional grooming session can set an owner back up to $50 or $60 per session. Plus, people are busy, and regular trips to the groomer might prove inconvenient. </p><p>Plenty of pet suppliers carry great home grooming kits. It's easier than you think, and the close bonds you forge by cleaning your own pet will only solidify the relationship between the two of you. Plus, as professional pet groomer Frances W. Greenspan attests, you can spot any potential health issues, like a flea invasion, before they grow serious. "Think of it as an insurance policy as you clean your pet,'' she says.</p><p>Is the "do-it-yourself method for you? If so, here's a "how-to'' guide to get you started:</p><h4>Be comfortable - and practice, practice, practice</h4><p>"Handling your pets, the physical demands, and the environment of the job are all important facets that should be explored,'' said Jody Rodgers, the owner of three New Hampshire pet grooming shops. "Most people aren't cut out to be groomers, despite their love for animals, so there is definitely a 'knack' for the job. Some people come naturally to grooming their pets and others don't. It's a process.''</p><p><em>Key tip: Take a grooming class. For a good online course, visit www.learntogroom.com.</em></p><h4>Focus on the nails</h4><p>"The nails should be trimmed on a regular basis,'' Greenspan said. "This applies particularly to dogs more than cats, although their nails can be trimmed as well.'' One short cut to shorter, healthier nails is to walk your dog regularly on cement, which helps wear down the nails naturally. "That's important -- if the nails are not trimmed regularly, the 'quick' or 'vein' grows longer within the dead part of the nail, and when the nails are cut, there is a greater chance of bleeding,'' Greenspan said. </p><p><em>Key tip: Only use sharp nail clippers.</em></p><h4>Ear, apparent</h4><p><a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/2087" target="_blank">Cleaning your pet's ears</a> is good, sound advice, professional groomers say. Plus, it's easy to do. "You can use alcohol on a cotton ball to keep dog's and cat's ears clean,'' Greenspan said. "Don't use a cotton swab or go deep where you can't see because you could hurt the ear drum. The main thing with ear care is to look at the condition of the inside of the ear canal and earflap on a regular basis. If it's dirty, use the alcohol swabbing until clean. There are also special products on the market for ear cleaning.'' </p><p>Also, be on the hunt for "foxtail.'' "If your pet's ear is red, smells or is  oozing, there may be an infection or possibly a fox tail,'' she adds. "Foxtails can be very dangerous as they work their way into the skin and actually into the soft tissues and organs. This can kill your pet. Foxtails can also get stuck in the pads of the feet and between the toes. Sometimes you'll see the pet biting at its feet.''</p><p><em>Key point: Check for foxtails and use a tweezers to remove them.</em></p><h4>Taking a bath</h4><p>A bath may be the most common, and most necessary, of all your pet's grooming practices. According to Dr. Karen "Doc" Halligan, author of the book "What Every Pet Owner Should Know,'' at least once a month is fine for most dogs. "Schedule it so that you bathe them at the same time you are due to put on their flea protectant,'' she says.</p><p>Halligan advises preparing to wash your dog ahead of time. "Put non-slip mats down in the bathtub, and use the shower head instead of the faucet,'' she says. "A hand-held shower head is best. Also, put cotton balls in the dog's ears to absorb water.'' For the right shampoo, just ask a specialist at your local pet store. "Make sure to read the label on pet shampoo beforehand to make sure it's for the correct species and age of pet you're bathing,'' adds Halligan. "And never, ever use human shampoo on your dog. It has a different pH level, and the chemicals are too harsh for pets' sensitive skin.''</p><h4>Brush up</h4><p>Pet grooming experts say that when it comes to the choppers, some owners don't pay attention to their pet's dental needs. And that's a no-no. "<a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=27&med=1" target="_blank">Teeth cleaning</a> is essential for your pet,'' says Halligan. "This is because teeth are one of the most important parts of the body. Pets use their teeth and mouth for chewing, eating, playing with toys, licking and even picking up objects to bring to their owners, so it is inevitable that this part of their body will decay or become dirty over time.'' Halligan advocates brushing a dog's teeth once a week, using a special toothpaste and toothbrush for a good, vigorous cleaning.</p><p><em>Key tip: Use a shorter brush for flexibility. In a pinch, go ahead and wash your hands and use your fingers.</em> </p><p>By grooming your pet on your own, you're forging a stronger, more natural bond together. Follow the tips above and your pet will be shinier, too.</p><br />By Brian O'Connell for WebVet By Brian O'Connell for WebVet Pet Services Military dogs know the meaning of service http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2047 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2047">Military dogs know the meaning of service</a><br /><p>What's it like to serve in the U.S Army Corps of Veterinarians? Picture a "M*A*S*H''-style field tent in a remote or war-torn area. On closer inspection, however, the bleeding patient on the cot is not a typical soldier. It is a military dog, being treated by a veterinarian serving in the <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/2046/med/0" target="_blank">U.S. Army Corps of Veterinarians</a>.</p><p>This little-known branch of the military comprises about 700 vets on active duty and in the military reserve. Military vets care for more than 1,000 dogs serving in 83 countries, according to Colonel Marc E. Mattix, U.S. Army Veterinary Corps, USAR, DVM, MSS, DACVP. These dogs work for the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, Coast Guard and border patrol.</p><p>Military working dogs have served heroically, parachuting out of planes in hostile environments, sniffing out explosives, performing search and rescue missions, and acting as sentries at military installations. </p><h4>What makes a good canine soldier?</h4><p>Military trainers look for certain characteristics in dogs selected for service. "We look for behavior, aptitude, and intelligence. We look to see if the dog wants to please you -- it's all about the reward,'' Mattix says.</p><p>Aggression is not the key factor. "We look for very nice dogs, that on command will chase down people and bite them,'' Mattix says.</p><p>Dogs trained to work alongside the Rangers, an elite infantry and special operations unit, have to deal with some of the most hostile environments. "This is the only area female vets are not allowed,'' says Mattix. It is still not legal for female personnel to fight on the front lines.</p><p>The military staffs their canine corps from private domestic breeders, European sources, and the breeding program at Lackland Air Force Base near San Antonio.</p><p>Domestic breeders, however, are perceived as less able to deliver the quality or quantity of dogs needed. Top-performing dogs are usually the product of European bloodlines: German shepherds, Belgian shepherds, Dutch shepherds, and the Belgian Malinois. The cost for the U.S. military to buy a dog overseas ranges between $3,000 and $4,000.</p><p>In response to heavy demand for four-legged personnel, Army Services Committee member Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Alabama) wrote into the fiscal 2009 defense authorization bill that the U.S. military move toward buying domestically bred dogs, thereby bolstering the Lackland program, and bringing in European bloodlines for breeding in the United States.</p><h4>History: the dogs of war</h4><p>As far back as ancient Greece and Rome, dogs were outfitted with spike collars and trained to attack enemy soldiers. In the Middle Ages, armored dogs protected traveling caravans. In the 20th century, European armies used dogs as sentries, as ambulance dogs, and as decoys to draw fire and reveal enemy positions.</p><p>When Pearl Harbor was attacked in 1941, the only dogs used by the U.S. military were sled dogs assigned to military stations in Alaska. The following year, however, the U.S. military launched the Dogs for Defense program to provide sentry dogs to guard industrial plants and military installations. The program expanded to include roving messenger patrol duty, and additional missions were added, along with advanced training, handlers, and schools.</p><p>Today, working dogs are recognized as important partners in times of war and peace, serving at locations across the world.</p><h4>Ensuring humane retirement </h4><p>Adoptions of retired military dogs are arranged through Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. First priority is given to civilian law enforcement agencies, former handlers, and then to members of the general public.</p><p>No adoption fee is charged, but those selected to adopt must provide transport from Lackland, any other area in the United States or overseas where the dog might be stationed. For more information, click <a href="http://www.lackland.af.mil/units/341stmwd/index.asp" target="_blank">here</a>. </p><p>The U.S. Military Canine Corps hopes to be able to retire 50 percent of the working dogs through its adoption program. Like their human counterparts, military dogs have faithfully served their country and deserve a full and humane retirement. </p><br />By Marilyn Soltis for WebVet By Marilyn Soltis for WebVet Pet Services Serving in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2046 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2046">Serving in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps </a><br /><p>What's involved in serving in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps? Save the lives of dogs in military combat. Work with sea lions in the Navy's marine mammal program. Travel the world investigating illnesses that can be transferred from animals to people (also known as zoonotic diseases). </p><p>These are a few of the possibilities of serving in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps, a little-known Army Medical Department with more than 700 veterinarians stationed across the globe.</p><p>In addition to having the prerequisite veterinary training, additional skills are useful: being able to fire a weapon, evacuate casualties, navigate terrain, and create camouflage. Oh, and there are the usual weight and physical fitness requirements common in military recruitment drives.</p><h4>Core mission of the Corps </h4><p>"Our biggest mission is preventive medicine,'' said Colonel Marc. E. Mattix, U.S. Army Veterinary Corps, USAR, DVM, MSS, DACVP. "As vets, we are experts in zoonotic diseases, and we are dedicated to the control of diseases like avian influenza.''</p><p>The Corps strives to ensure the safety of the food and water supply chain, from farm to retail production, sold to the U.S. Department of Defense. "Our officers regularly inspect bakeries and food plants,'' Mattix said. United States purchases can help less-developed nations develop a larger middle class by purchasing locally grown and produced foods. The Corps is "also engaged in assisting countries like Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan to help improve their agricultural food supplies,'' Mattix said.</p><p>Initial tours for Corps members are spent in the United States and last from 18 to 24 months. Primary responsibilities include taking care of military working dogs and pets of military personnel. Vets may also work with the human-animal bond programs at military hospitals or with the Navy's marine mammal program.</p><p>Overseas deployment, or joining a veterinary field unit abroad, may follow. Some of the adventures that can await Corps members include duty in the air, on land, and at sea: jumping from planes in Special Forces, working at research facilities, being stationed in a submarine, and doing Coast Guard duty.</p><p>Corps officers can apply for advanced training, including doctoral-level coursework in physiology, pharmacology, toxicology, and microbiology. Forty percent of vets in the Corps are involved in research and development.</p><h4>From farriers to studying carriers of disease</h4><p>"George Washington first called for farriers,'' Mattix said. A farrier is a specialist in horse foot care, and General Washington's call to action came about in the 1770s.</p><p>Almost a century later, during the Civil War, each U.S. cavalry regiment had a veterinary surgeon. In the late 19th century, vets were given commissions to inspect meat, poultry, and dairy products for the military. </p><p>More pressure came to bear after the Spanish American War in 1898, when tainted beef led to sickness and mortality among U.S. soldiers. The country demanded more quality assurance in the food supply of its servicemen. </p><p>It wasn't until 1916 that legislation supported the formation of an Army Veterinary Corps. A mere 57 vets served when the United States entered World War I. Within 18 months, the Army Veterinary Corps had grown 40 times as large, to more than 2,300 officers.</p><p>Nine decades after World War I, the Veterinary Corps continues its mission to inspect food supplies, provide animal care, and protect public health. The Corps also conducts research in vaccines, antitoxins, and antidote development.</p><h4>Who can enlist?</h4><p>If in your final year of vet school, or if you already have your license, you may qualify. The preferred age range is 21 to 42 years old; individuals outside this range will need to apply for a waiver.</p><p>According to Mattix, the Veterinary Corps program can help vet students and new graduates cover up to $115,000 in debt by working as a vet in locations throughout the world. </p><p>For information, call (210) 221-8149, (210) 221-6564, or click <a href="http://vetopportunities.amedd.army.mil" target="_blank">here</a>. </p><br />By Marilyn Soltis for WebVet By Marilyn Soltis for WebVet Pet Services The Animal Care and Control of New York http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2049 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2049">The Animal Care and Control of New York</a><br /><p>The Animal Care and Control of New York (AC&C) is responsible for the city's municipal shelter system and aims to reduce the homeless animal population by finding homes for surrendered and stray dogs and cats.</p><p>When a Chihuahua puppy was spotted inside of a crate on the side of a highway (with food, treats and a water bowl) in New York City, a startled jogger called the Animal Care and Control of New York.</p><p>After rescuing the dog (named Mia), the AC&C searched for her owner, even launching a local publicity appeal. Though her owner was never found, Mia received an outpouring of public affection and was soon adopted by another family. What's more, the AC&C got a jump on one of its biggest hurdles -- raising awareness about its services for abandoned animals and pet owners in the New York City region. </p><p>"Mia touched so many hearts. We were inundated with offers to help,'' said Richard Gentles of AC&C. Through Mia, the organization was able to reach many people who either donated to AC&C or adopted other pets. "If we can simply get people who are looking to adopt into our shelters, they will,'' he said. </p><h4>The AC&C mission</h4><p>Caring for approximately 44,000 animals a year, AC&C of New York is the largest pet organization of its kind in the Northeast. In 1995, the organization took over responsibility for New York City's municipal shelter system in the five boroughs, rescuing, caring for and finding loving homes for homeless and abandoned animals all over New York City.</p><p>AC&C houses both surrendered pets and stray animals. Fifteen field officers, along with more than 200 volunteers, cover the five boroughs. </p><p>The underlying mission at AC&C is clear: to reduce the homeless animal population with targeted education programs and meticulous follow up, and to provide care and hopefully arrange for adoption for the many animals who pass through its doors. </p><h4>Program information</h4><h3>Pet Adoption </h3><p>Of course, finding loving homes for pets is the mainstay of AC&C's work. The AC&C updates available <a href="http://www.nycacc.org/adoptionsearch.htm" target="_blank">pet listings</a> online up to five times a day, but all of the shelters require that you come in person to adopt. (Adoption fees for cats are $25 per cat. The fees for dogs depend on the dog's age.) </p><p>Staff and volunteers work hard to make sure they match the right pet with the appropriate owner, considering factors such as a person's age, size of a given household, physical health, and the presence of small children in the family. "We do not adopt out a pet that has any kind of behavioral indications,'' Gentles said. </p><h3>The Big Fix </h3><p>Spaying and neutering remains crucial to reducing homeless animal populations. Nevertheless, there are still many people who worry that the process will harm their pet. </p><p>"Actually, spaying and neutering can decrease aggressive behavior, and it also lowers the risk of some cancers,'' Gentles said. </p><p>To make the surgery affordable, the AC&C now offers (through partnerships with Pet Smart and Petco charities) low and no-cost spaying and neutering to low-income households in its Bronx and Brooklyn facilities through a program called <a href="http://www.nycacc.org/bigfix.htm" target="_blank">The Big Fix</a>.</p><h3>Microchips </h3><p>Microchips are remarkably effective in reuniting lost animals with their owners.  Microchipping (in which a microchip is inserted into the scruff of an animal's neck) is covered by overall adoption fees, adding a crucial layer of protection to dog licensing (which is required by law). </p><h3>Lost and Found </h3><p>The AC&C posts an online <a href="http://www.nycacc.org/lostandfound.htm" target="_blank">database</a> of lost animals for pet owners. </p><h3>Post-adoption counseling</h3><p>Problems with a landlord? Pet allergy nightmares? Don't give up on your pet too soon! <a href="http://www.nycacc.org/safetynet.htm" target="_blank">SafetyNet</a> can help you find solutions, so that you can keep your pet.</p><h4>Volunteer opportunities</h4><p>AC&C is always looking for volunteers who are available for: </p><ul><li>Dog walking </li><li>Cleaning out cages</li><li>Public events </li><li>Special event work</li><li>Answering phones </li><li>Pre- and post-adoption counseling</li></ul><p>For more information on how to volunteer, click <a href="http://www.nycacc.org/getinvolved.htm" target="_blank">here</a>. For a list of events, including the adoption festival, click <a href="http://www.nycacc.org/Event_Calendar.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><br />By Kim Nagy for WebVet By Kim Nagy for WebVet Pet Services Breaking into the green pet field http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1430 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1430">Breaking into the green pet field</a><br /><p>When considering a career in the eco-friendly pet sector, think of the words of Winston Churchill: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”</p><p>Churchill, a lifelong pet lover who often doted on his poodle, Rufus, and kept the dog at his side in some of his darkest moments of World War II, would likely relate to people who wanted to merge their love of pets with their love of giving.</p><p>That’s exactly what Brenda Lang did back in 2006. Lang, owner and operator of Green Dog Inc., a holistic and environmentally conscious pet care service located in the Ukrainian Village neighborhood of Chicago, Ill., says it’s not easy to merge one’s love for golden retrievers and green living – but it’s doable.</p><p>“I’d advise anyone starting out in the green pet care industry to harness your passion for pets with a passion for business,” she said. “Most of my customers appreciate our emphasis on organic products and our non-toxic environment, but the main reason they come here is because we’re geographically desirable and provide good service.”</p><p>Lang also advises on building a background in pet care first before jumping into the fray. “Good training does exist for green pet care careers,” she said. “I started out as a volunteer for the Chicago Animal Care and Control agency, doing things like finding adopters for pets, and feeding and walking and caring for them, as well. I could see how the environment impacted our dogs, especially. They are more prone to allergies and toxins than humans and definitely do better in organic settings. That was a big help when I went and started Green Dog. I could see right away how the whole eco-friendly concept would naturally merge with pet care.”</p><p>Another idea from Lang: Spend some time working with the large pet store chains, many of which, like PetSmart, have ventured into the organic pet food and holistic pet care market. “Experience counts,” she said.</p><br />By Brian O'Connell for WebVet By Brian O'Connell for WebVet Pet Services Vet technicians work to make animals healthy and happy http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1471 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1471">Vet technicians work to make animals healthy and happy</a><br /><p>As vital members of the veterinary health care team, veterinary technicians are trained in animal care and handling, normal and abnormal life processes and everyday laboratory and clinical procedures. </p><p>"Being a pet therapy assistant for a pet rehabilitation clinic is an extremely rewarding career,'' said Jessica Waldman, a certified canine rehabilitation therapist and medical director at the Los Angeles-based California Animal Rehabilitation clinic. "You do need some animal handling experience, with experience as a veterinary technician or assistant especially helpful.''</p><h4>Helping hands</h4><p>Waldman says the job is active and loaded with responsibilities. "Pet technicians are very hands-on,'' she said. "They help vets hold the pets for their muscle girth measurements and joint angle measurements for range of motion, for acupuncture, and for other technology therapy like therapeutic laser, ultrasound, electronic stimulation or even pulsed signal therapy.'' </p><p>Being in good physical shape is a bonus, too. "Pet technicians also walk and run the pets for gait analysis and do lots of pet therapy,'' Waldman said. "They stretch tight muscles, teach owners how to do exercise programs that are appropriate for their pet and their pet's condition, and do lots of active Pilates-type exercises during the pet's therapy appointment.'' </p><p>Computer skills count, as well. Veterinary technicians provide technical support to veterinarians as well as to biomedical researchers and other scientists, depending on their place of employment. They are taught to manage various facets of patient care and numerous laboratory procedures.</p><p>But that doesn't mean a technician is the same as being a veterinarian. "Regardless of their place of occupation, vet techs cannot diagnose, prescribe or perform surgery as those activities all fall outside of their scope of practice,'' said Waldman.</p><p>For all that work, the average salary for a pet technician won't put you in a high tax bracket. The average salary ranges between $25,000 and $30,000, or about $12 to $15 per hour. </p><h4>Vet technician schooling</h4><p>Graduation from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)-accredited veterinary technician program is required in order to become a licensed veterinary technician. There are more than 100 such programs located throughout community colleges, colleges and universities in the United States. </p><p>But you may not have to leave your home to become accredited, as numerous veterinary technician programs are now offered online. These courses are also AVMA-accredited and the programs include a clinical element -- an important part of the overall program. Those earning a degree from home are required to fulfill the clinical portion by obtaining the sponsorship of a licensed veterinarian. </p><p>Taking the steps toward a pet technician career may take some work, but for people who are passionate about pets, it's worth it.</p><p>"If you love working with animals, being a pet technician is a wonderful way to make a living,'' said Waldman. </p><br />By Brian O'Connell for WebVet By Brian O'Connell for WebVet Pet Services Going green on the pet career scene http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1426 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1426">Going green on the pet career scene</a><br /><p>It’s not easy being green, a famous television frog once said.</p><p>Tell that to the growing number of pet lovers who are channeling their inner Al Gore by going to work, or in some cases, starting businesses of their own, in the “green” pet market.</p><p>That’s exactly what happened to Jacob D’Aniello, owner of DoodyCalls, a Charlottesville, Va.-based pet waste removal service. “I used to be a technology consultant but that wasn’t who I was or what I wanted to do,” he said. “I really wanted to work with animals and be outside. And I always had a strong entrepreneurial spirit.”</p><p>One day, D’Aniello and his future wife, Susan, decided to launch a part-time pet waste removal business. Soon, his lime-green truck became a familiar sight to suburban Virginians, and before he knew it, his weekend moonlighting operation became a full-fledged, full-time business. “We knew we were on to something, pretty much right away,” he said. “Forty percent of Americans have dogs, so I figured 40 percent of Americans were doing something they didn’t want to do. And that’s where DoodyCalls came in.” </p><p>For about $15 per week, D’Aniello will drive up to a house, “scoop the poop” as he says, and stick it in a bag. He leaves it in the customer’s garbage – all in an eco-friendly fashion. </p><p>“Being eco-conscious is very important to us,” he said. “We purchase carbon offset for our fleet of trucks, buy recycled paper, avoid bottled water at the office – things like that. But the business itself is truly green – just keeping dog poop out of the water supply makes the earth a cleaner place.”</p><h4>Promoting quality of life</h4><p>For Kylee Lejeune, co-founder of Canine Earth, a Baton Rouge, La.-based organic personal pet care service, running a green pet care business isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity.</p><p>“Being ‘green’ in the pet world simply means doing what you can to promote the quality of life for your pet while keeping the environment in mind as well,” she said. “It can be as simple as feeding your pet organic foods, bathing your pet with organic products, buying pet toys made from recycled materials...it’s a very simple concept that can make a world of a difference.”</p><p>Canine Earth is certainly practicing what Lejeune is preaching. All of Canine Earth organic pet products are hypoallergenic, which makes them even safer to use on pets. The company uses no petro chemicals and its products, Lejeune says, are naturally scented from certified organic essential oils and flavors. “All of our products are produced from eco-friendly manufacturing processes,” she said.</p><h4>Can green translate into <em>green</em>?</h4><p>That doesn’t mean green pet business owners have to sacrifice profits for eco-purity. “Sure, being green in the pet world can be profitable,” Lejeune said. “Products that were once found only in small specialty stores such as health food shops are now becoming very mainstream and popping up in larger stores in all areas of the U.S. Plus, the population is becoming more educated and aware of the little things they can do to make the environment a better place, and the demand for green products for humans and pets as well has increased greatly as a result.”</p><p>Just how realistic is a <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1430" target="_blank" title="career in the green pet sector">career in the green pet sector</a>? “I think it’s very realistic, especially as society shows more interest in green living,” Lejeune said. “The advice I would give to anyone entering the industry is to educate yourself as much as possible on how to make the planet a better place to live, and most importantly, how to make the quality of life for pets as happy and healthy as possible.”</p><p>D’Aniello agrees. “The key to building a business, or getting a career in the green pet care industry, is to not cut corners and always keep your integrity. After that, just keep doing what you love doing. That’s every pet owner’s dream.”</p><br />By Brian O'Connell for WebVet By Brian O'Connell for WebVet Pet Services