CertaPet®

Holiday Plans with Pets

Lily Velez — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 21:20:03 +0000

Thanksgiving and Christmas are busy times of year, with many Americans either traveling to be with loved ones for the holidays or hosting those loved ones right in their own homes.

So where do pets fall into the picture when it comes to the holidays? Will Americans be taking Fido along with them on their travels? And for those playing host this year, are there any concerns about the family dog’s social skills around guests?

The Special Reports Team at CertaPet.com surveyed 1,000 U.S. dog owners to learn more about their Thanksgiving/Christmas travel and hosting plans as it pertains to their pets, and how they deal with any holiday hiccups that may arise.

Holiday Travel Plans

Thanksgiving and Christmas tend to be the busiest travel times of the year, and recent reports suggest the 2023 holiday season in particular will be the busiest travel season ever.

But it’s not just people hitting the roads for the holidays.

In our survey of 1,000 U.S. dog owners, among those planning to travel for the holidays, a staggering 79% plan to bring their dog along with them.

When asked why, 83% responded that they view their dog as a part of the family and therefore wish to include them.

Other common reasons for bringing their canine companion along included concerns about the quality of care the dog would receive at a boarding facility or with a sitter (33%), the dog having separation anxiety and the owner not wishing to leave them on their own (29%), and the dog being a service animal or emotional support animal whose presence is needed at all times (21%).

Men are more likely than women to bring their dog along on their holiday travels (55% vs. 45%), while those aged 35-44 had the highest percentage of Americans planning to embark on their holiday getaways with their dog right beside them (32%). Those aged 25-34 followed closely behind (31%).

As for those planning to leave their pup behind this holiday season, it doesn’t seem to be without difficulty.

Among these respondents, 59% admit they worry about whether or not their dog will feel anxious while they’re gone, while another 49% express concerns about their dog missing them.

Other worries include whether their dog will be fed enough (28%), whether their dog will receive enough outdoor/walking time (26%), and whether their dog’s caretaker will have all the supplies they need to provide their animal companion with adequate care (24%).

For those who may need to leave their dog with a sitter or at a boarding facility for the holidays, experts suggest the following tips to help make the right selection:

Research and Recommendations: Start by researching local facilities or sitters. Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or your vet. Online reviews can also provide valuable insights.
Visit in Person: If you’re considering a boarding facility, visit in person to check the cleanliness, safety, and overall environment. Look for spacious, clean kennels, secure fencing, and adequate play areas.
Meet the Caretakers: Whether choosing a facility or an individual sitter, meet the caretakers. Observe how they interact with your dog and other animals. A good caretaker should be attentive, knowledgeable about dog behavior, and show genuine affection for animals.
Check Credentials: Verify if the facility or sitter has the necessary licenses and certifications. Ask about their experience with dogs, especially if your dog has special needs or behavioral issues.
Ask About Routine and Services: Inquire about the daily routine, including walk schedules, playtime, feeding, and sleeping arrangements. Ensure they can accommodate your dog’s specific needs, like medication or a special diet.
Emergency Protocols: Ask about their procedures in case of an emergency. Ensure they have a plan for veterinary care if needed and that they can be easily contacted.
Trial Run: If possible, do a trial run by leaving your dog for a short stay or having the sitter care for them for a day. This can help you gauge how well your dog adjusts and how the caretaker manages your pet. Then, pay attention to your dog’s behavior before and after the stay. Signs of stress or discomfort might indicate that the facility or sitter isn’t a good fit. Trust your instincts. If something feels off about a facility or sitter, it’s better to keep looking. Your dog’s well-being should be the top priority.
Clear Communication: Once you identify the right boarding facility/sitter for your dog, ensure clear communication about your expectations and your dog’s needs. Provide detailed instructions regarding feeding, medication, or any behavioral quirks your dog might have.

Holiday Hosting Plans

Not everyone’s embracing the hustle and bustle of travel this holiday season.

Some people will naturally stay home and play host for their loved ones.

Unfortunately, while they may avoid the stress of travel, it seems there are other challenges to face when it comes to holiday guests and their dog.

Among the 1,000 U.S. dog owners surveyed, 38% say their dog exhibits hyperactivity when there are guests in the home (including jumping on guests, running around the house, and/or urine marking), while 35% say their dog barks or howls excessively when guests ring the doorbell.

Additionally, 1 in 7 dog owners say their dog exhibits anxiety (withdrawal, fearful behavior, etc.) during social gatherings in the home.

When it comes to correcting these behaviors and alleviating their dog’s anxiety, the majority of dog owners (46%) turn to a good ol’ fashioned chew toy/bone to keep their dog occupied. Others keep their dog in another room when there are guests in the house (37%), use calming treats (37%), or exercise their dog before a social gathering to get excess energy out before an event (33%).

If you’re planning on hosting a gathering this holiday season, experts provide the following tips to ensure your dog feels comfortable and safe at home:

Provide a Safe Space: Designate a comfortable and quiet area for your dog away from the hustle and bustle. This could be a separate room with their bed, toys, and water. Familiar items like a favorite blanket or a piece of clothing with your scent can provide additional comfort.
Exercise Before the Event: A good way to manage hyperactivity is to ensure your dog gets plenty of exercise before guests arrive. A long walk or play session can help burn off excess energy, making your dog calmer and more inclined to rest.
Interactive Toys and Puzzles: To keep your dog occupied and mentally stimulated, provide interactive toys or puzzle feeders. These can be especially useful for dogs that need constant activity and can prevent them from seeking attention in disruptive ways.
Consider Calming Aids: If your dog tends to be extremely anxious, consider using calming aids like calming treats or anxiety vests. In some cases, consultation with a veterinarian for anti-anxiety medication might be necessary.
Post-Event Downtime: After the event, give your dog some downtime. A quiet evening or a gentle walk can help them settle back into their routine.

*The survey included in this report was administered online via the survey platform Pollfish on November 13, 2023 and included no less than 1,000 respondents.

The post Holiday Plans with Pets appeared first on CertaPet®.

Halloween Safety for Pets

Lily Velez — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 17:00:55 +0000

Halloween can be fun for the whole family, including pets, but it’s important to keep in mind that certain activities and seasonal treats can pose a serious risk to our canine companions.

CertaPet surveyed 500 U.S. dog owners to learn more about their dog’s behavior during Halloween, especially as it pertains to certain seasonal activities that can often result in high stress or health dangers for dogs.

See the results below, and learn how to keep your dog safe this Halloween.

Halloween Candy

Chocolate can be very dangerous to dogs, and Xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in some candies, can be especially deadly.

According to a recent online survey of 500 U.S. dog owners, more than a third of dog owners (35%) have caught their dog trying to eat chocolate around Halloween time.

The experts at CertaPet present the following tips to keep pets safe from Halloween candy:

Elevated Storage: Store all Halloween candy in high cupboards or on high shelves that your dog cannot access, even when standing on their hind legs. Remember, some dogs can be quite adept at climbing, so ensure the storage spot is truly out of reach.
Sealed Containers: If you have candy in bowls for trick-or-treaters, consider using containers with tight-fitting lids when not actively handing out treats. This can prevent your dog from sneaking a snack when you’re not looking.
Educate Children: Make sure children understand the dangers of feeding candy to pets. They might be tempted to share their haul with their furry friend, so it’s essential they know which foods are harmful.
Immediate Clean-Up: After trick-or-treating, ensure that all candy bags are picked up and stored away immediately. Children might accidentally leave bags on the floor or within a dog’s reach, so a quick sweep of the area is a good idea.
Trash Precautions: When disposing of candy wrappers, ensure that the trash can has a secure lid. Dogs might be tempted by the scent and rummage through the garbage, ingesting wrappers in the process.
Monitor Behavior: Even with precautions, there’s always a chance your dog might ingest something they shouldn’t. Keep an eye on them for any signs of distress, such as vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, or seizures. If you suspect they’ve consumed candy, especially chocolate or anything containing xylitol, contact your vet immediately.
Safe Alternatives: If you want your dog to join in the festivities, consider buying or making dog-safe treats. This way, they can have a special snack while everyone else enjoys their candy.

If you find your dog eating chocolate or suspect that they may have eaten chocolate, call your veterinarian or local veterinary ER clinic immediately. Chocolate toxicity can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, tremors, and even internal bleeding.

Halloween Guests

Halloween can also be a stressful time for dogs because of the number of strangers coming to the door throughout the evening.

More than a quarter of dog owners (28%) say their dog barks and/or howls excessively when trick-or-treaters ring the doorbell, and more than 1 in 6 dog owners (17%) say their dog exhibits other signs of anxiety (such as withdrawal, fearful behavior, running away, etc.) in response to the same.

To combat this anxiety, 43% of dog owners use calming treats to keep their dog relaxed, while 44% rely on a chew toy or bone to keep their dog occupied. Nearly 1 in 5 dog owners (19%) also play calming music to help their dog manage anxiety.

CertaPet offers the following tips to help dog owners keep their canine companion comfortable and safe this Halloween:

Safe Space: Create a quiet, comfortable space for your dog away from the front door. This can be a room with their bed, toys, and some soft music or white noise. This will help shield them from the constant doorbell ringing and excited shouts of trick-or-treaters.
Distraction: Provide your dog with a new toy or a treat-dispensing puzzle to keep them occupied. This will not only distract them from the noise but also give them a positive association with the evening’s activities.
Identification: Ensure your dog has a collar with an ID tag and, if possible, a microchip. With the frequent opening and closing of doors, there’s a risk your pet might dart out. Proper identification can help them get back to you faster if they get lost.
Desensitization: If your dog is particularly anxious, consider desensitizing them to the sound of the doorbell or knocking in the weeks leading up to Halloween. Play the sounds at a low volume and reward your dog for staying calm, gradually increasing the volume as they get more comfortable.

Halloween Costumes

Finally, not all dogs enjoy dressing up for festivities. In fact, 1 in 5 dog owners surveyed say they don’t plan on dressing their dog up for Halloween. When asked the reason why, 48% stated their dog doesn’t like wearing costumes.

While dressing up pets can be a delightful part of Halloween, their comfort and safety should always come first. CertaPet offers the below guide on ensuring a dog’s costume is safe, along with alternatives for dogs who aren’t fans of dressing up:

Checking the Safety of a Dog’s Costume:

Fit: Ensure the costume fits well. It shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. A tight costume can restrict movement and cause discomfort, while a loose one can get caught on objects or cause the dog to trip.
Breathing: Check that the costume doesn’t press against the dog’s throat or restrict their airways. They should be able to breathe easily and bark without any hindrance.
Vision and Hearing: Costumes shouldn’t cover the dog’s eyes or ears unless they’re made of a very thin, breathable material. Obstructing these senses can be disorienting and stressful for them.
Easy On and Off: The costume should be easy to put on and take off. If you’re struggling to dress your dog, it’s a sign that the costume might not be a good fit or that your dog is uncomfortable.
Check for Small Parts: Ensure there are no small, easily detachable parts that your dog could chew off and swallow, such as buttons or tassels.
Material: The fabric should be non-irritating to your dog’s skin. Avoid costumes with rough edges or internal tags that might cause itching or discomfort. Additionally, consider whether or not the costume’s material may cause your dog to feel overheated, especially when it comes to dog breeds with already thick coats.

Alternatives to Full Costumes:

Bandanas: A festive bandana can be a simple and comfortable way to dress up your dog without the constraints of a full costume.
Collar Charms: Attach a Halloween-themed charm or pendant to your dog’s collar for a subtle touch of festivity.
Decorative Collars: Swap out their regular collar for one with a Halloween design.
Hats or Headbands: Some dogs might tolerate a light hat or headband. However, always ensure it’s not too tight and doesn’t obstruct their vision or hearing.
Themed Toys: If your dog isn’t keen on wearing anything, you can still get them in the Halloween spirit with themed toys like pumpkin squeakers or ghost plushies.

Remember, the most important thing is your dog’s comfort and well-being. If they show any signs of distress or discomfort, it’s best to skip the costume altogether and opt for a more relaxed way to celebrate.

*The survey included in this report was administered online on October 10, 2023 through the survey platform Pollfish and included no less than 500 respondents.

The post Halloween Safety for Pets appeared first on CertaPet®.

Service Dog Training NYC: A Step By Step Guide to getting your dog trained

Kathryn Anderson — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 03:53:38 +0000

Dogs are a common staple in U.S. households. In fact, as of 2020, there are approximately 90 million dogs in the USA. Most of these dogs are pets and compassion animals with no formal training, but a surprisingly large number also includes service dogs. In fact, there are over 500,000 service dogs living in the USA and assisting their owners.

Most commonly, when we hear service dogs, we think of seeing-eye-dogs for the blind, but there are actually many types of service dogs, such as psychiatric service dogs.

What is a Service Dog?

A service dog is legally defined by the U.S. Department of Justice as “dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.” On a broader spectrum, a service dog is a licensed dog that provides assistance to a person with disabilities. These support dogs can provide assistance to people with mobility issues, emotional support, comfort for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and much more. Out in public, these well behaved pups wear a vest to set them apart from regular pets.

As you can tell, there are many types of service dogs. Let’s go over the ones we will discuss in this article.

A service dog receives extensive training to help individuals with tasks or activities that their disability limits or prevents them from doing on their own. These are often physical tasks. One of the most common types of service dogs is a seeing-eye dog for the blind. These dogs help their owners safely navigate the world, thus they are allowed in public spaces under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). There are also other types of service dogs that receive training for special task forces, such as search and rescue dogs, police dogs, bomb sniffing dogs, and more. Another type is medical alert dogs, who alert owners to their illnesses. This is being used now for COVID even!

A psychiatric service dog is similar to a regular service dog, but is trained to assist with mental disorders such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, etc. Autism service dogs are a common service dog under this category. Psychiatric service dogs can sense anxiety attacks or PTSD episodes and help comfort their owner and alert them to it. Just like other service dogs, PSDs have public access rights and certain travel and housing privileges.

Emotional support animals are companion animals who help alleviate symptoms of mental illness or depression. These animals require no formal training to be recognized as an assistance animal, they are just friendly pets that provide comfort and support to their owner. They do require a doctor’s note from a mental health professional though. They do not have the same federally protected rights as trained service dogs and are not able to accompany their owners in public places or on planes, unless specified. They may be allowed in non-pet housing, but that is all based on the guidelines that the specific establishment has in place.

Therapy dogs (also known as facility dogs) are often found in hospitals or nursing homes. The presence of a therapy dog has been proven to bring reduced stress, reduced anxiety, and better social interactions into patients’ lives. It can even boost health benefits! Therapy dogs usually undergo some basic training order to work in these special settings, but they are not defined as service dogs under the ADA. They do not have the same rights as service dogs and are only allowed in places that state they allow pets.

What is a Psychiatric Service Dog?

Psychiatric service dogs help a person calm their mental issues and navigate the world. Some common conditions these dogs help with include PTSD, anxiety, ADHD, autism, etc. The tasks they help with vary owner from owner, as does service dog work in general, but these are just a few tasks they can do:

Retrieve medicine and water and other items
Provide affection and comfort during a panic attack or depressive episode
Nudge to interrupt harmful behavior such as self harm, scratching, hair pulling, slapping, etc.
Alert owner to heavy breathing, which could lead to an anxiety attack
Offer grounding and stability support so owners don’t fall during attacks or episodes
Summon help when needed

This is just a small list of the tasks these amazing service animals can do. They make life for people with disabilities much easier and provide comfort much like emotional support dogs.

Click the below video to learn more about psychiatric service dogs.

Psychiatric Service Dog Rights

Since PSDs require extensive, quality training, they are recognized as service dogs by the ADA and have certain rights, such as:

Public access rights: the right to be in public places with their owner, even if the business or area doesn’t normally allow dogs. These dogs must be allowed in the workplace, class, on company property, in stores, etc. According to Nolo, in New York, service dogs are allowed in the following list of places:
- all public and private housing accommodations
- all public and private transportation
- all schools and educational institutions
- all buildings to which the public is invited or permitted, including government buildings
- all theaters (including cinemas and live playhouses)
- all places that sell food, and
- all other places of public accommodation, entertainment, business, resort, or convenience to which the public is customarily invited or permitted.
Travel rights: these rights ensure that a service dog can accompany their owner on their travels. It’s important that service dogs be allowed to support their human on flights, in airports, on public transportation, etc. Because of this, they have the right to sit in the cabin on airplanes and not in cargo.

Fair housing: service dogs have a unique right to housing. Despite dog breed restrictions or no pet policies, service dogs must be allowed to live with their owners in their home at no additional fee.

Educational Facility Access: service pups also are allowed to join their human in school and classes. It’s important for their owner to receive an education and service dogs must be allowed to help them should they have any issues while in school.

Service dog rights are always growing and changing and have rules that can differ area to area, including state to state. It’s important to respect these dogs and not hinder their important job. Look for a vest to tell for sure if a pup is a service dog or not. Never bring your pet anywhere and claim they are a service dog. This severely damages the reputation of well trained service dogs and makes life harder for service dog owners.

How Do I Get a Psychiatric Service Dog?

Getting a PSD is not a simple process. They must undergo extensive training to be prepared for life as an assistance animal. A service dog training program is very different from basic obedience classes.

The first step in acquiring a psychiatric service dog is consulting with a mental health professional. Psychiatric service dogs are only given to people who suffer from mental issues that disturb their quality of life. Search for a licensed mental health professional near you and contact them via phone or email for more information or a consultation to see if you could be a good candidate. There are thousands in upstate New York and the greater NY area. Sometimes there is a waiting list to speak to a professional, so reach out soon if you’re struggling.

The next step is finding a dog that works for you. The good news, according to the ADA, there are no limitations to the breed of dog you can use as your psychiatric service dog. Your PSD can therefore either be a dog you already own, a dog you adopt from a shelter or rescue group, or a dog you receive from a service dog organization.

Finally, it comes down to training. If you adopt an already trained dog, continuous training is still important, but if you adopt a shelter dog or purchase a puppy from a breeder, even more training is absolutely vital.

Types of Psychiatric Service Dog Training

To be a service dog, these dogs go through extensive service dog training programs. There isn’t one set path for training, but rather a few routes owners can take to end up with a trained PSD.

Self training: If you do this, you train your service dog yourself. This requires a lot of research and must follow certain guidelines set by the ADA to be met during the training. It’s a slower path as well, and can lead to more errors.
Adopting an already trained PSD from an organization: This method requires a lot of money upfront, as training a service dog is expensive, but connects owners with an already trained dog that is ready to help them navigate the world. Trained service dogs can cost around $30,000 from reputable dog trainers.
Partnering with a professional dog trainer: This is the most popular option because it ensures that your dog exhibits the best behavior when out in public and helps the dog understand all the specific signals for the task its owners will need it to do. It also allows the owner and dog to form a bond during the process. It’s important to work with a reputable trainer or business if you seek out this method.

Adopt a Service Dog in NY

Now you know where to begin with searching for a psychiatric service dog! But it can still be overwhelming. We’re setting out to help owners find their perfect service animal all across the country, so let’s help you narrow it down.

Animal shelters and rescue groups are a great place to find a canine companion who you can then train to become a PSD.. Below are some shelters and organizations in New York where you can find a new best friend.

Animal Haven
Address: 1200 Centre St, New York, NY 10013
Phone number: (212) 274-8511
Email: Click here
Animal Care Centers of NYC (3 locations)Manhattan Animal Care Center
Address: 326 East 110th Street New York, NY 10029Brooklyn Animal Care Center
Address: 2336 Linden Boulevard Brooklyn, NY 11208Staten Island Care Center
Address: 3139 Veterans Road West Staten Island, NY 10309Phone number: 1-212-788-4000
Email: adopt@nycacc.org
The Humane Society of New York
Address: 306 East 59th Street New York, NY 10022
Phone number: 212-752-4842
Email: info.hsny@verizon.net
ASPCA Adoption Center
Click here to view adoptable dogs and contact the shelter about adoption
Best Friends Lifesaving Center
Address: 307 West Broadway New York City, NY 10013
Phone number: 888-855-0353
Email: contactnyc@bestfriends.org
Sean Casey Animal Rescue
Address: 153 East 3rd Street Brooklyn, New York 11218
Phone number: 718-436-5163
Email: adopt@nyanimalrescue.org
Humane Society of Westchester
Address: 70 Portman Rd New Rochelle, NY 10801
Phone number: 914.632.2925
Email: Click here

The New York area has thousands of dogs available for adoption and skilled volunteers will be able to assist you in finding the perfect dog to make a difference in your life. Visit their website and ask about the next step to adopt a dog for your service needs!

Psychiatric Service Dog Training in NYC

Finding a training program that works for you is key. Look for trainers that specialize in service dog training with a one-on-one class available. This will help you work on your skills and ensure all your questions get answered. Service dog training is quite different from basic obedience, so keep that in mind. You’ll do an evaluation with your pet to assess their current level and see if they’ll make a good service dog. Then, the trainer will discuss your goals for your dog and begin mapping out a plan that ends with a trained service dog!

During training, your dog will be introduced to a wide range of new situations to make them more comfortable and have no fear out in the world. Such things could be introducing them to the vest, having them walk on different types of services, loud noises, large crowds, other dogs, etc. You decide what your dog needs to know and a trainer assists you in finding a way to teach that skill. In any quality programs, any issues or problems will be addressed during your course. Remember, you and your dog are a client here, reputable training organizations should make this as simple as possible for you.

Dogs must pass a series of tests in training to become a service dog, so mastering the skills you need is a must. Expose them to new situations and new people as part of their program so they can help serve you and are comfortable in their evaluation. It’s important they pass obviously, but also receive all the skills and training they need to make you a great team. Take them to a business so they’re used to behaving in stores and not causing damages. Get them used to wearing their vest, retrieving your phone, helping you walk around your home, etc. All of this will help in your evaluation and maintaining your way of life past the test.

Look for a quality service animal training program in New York, whether that be in Albany, Buffalo, Rochester or in the city, such as the Bronx, Brooklyn, etc. Find a service dog trainer you trust with experience in assistance animals, specifically dogs in your local area. Contact them once you have found a dog you feel comfortable moving forward with. It’s important to trust your trainer because they are the person who is going to help your dog help you.

Conclusion

It can be hard to find a service dog and a service dog trainer, but we’re here to offer our services and help.

Are you interested in getting a psychiatric service dog?

Here at CertaPet, we can help. CertaPet is an online telehealth platform that improves access to mental health care in the U.S. with a focus on providing services to individuals who are seeking animal assisted interventions as part of their treatment plan.

We are currently coordinating with dog trainers who specialize in the service animal space and who will soon work in tandem with our network of licensed mental health professionals to make the process of getting and training a psychiatric service dog affordable, convenient, and hassle-free. We’ll have more information available soon about our Psychiatric Service Dog Training options. In the meantime, you can take our FREE pre-screening below to see if you qualify for a PSD.

FAQs

What is a service dog?

A service dog is legally defined by the U.S. Department of Justice as “dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.”

What is a psychiatric service dog?

A psychiatric service dog is similar to a regular service dog, but is trained to assist with mental disorders such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, etc.

What do I need to get a psychiatric service dog?

The post Service Dog Training NYC: A Step By Step Guide to getting your dog trained appeared first on CertaPet®.

JetBlue Airlines PSD Policy Guide [Free Guide]

Kathryn Anderson — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 20:22:37 +0000

This comprehensive guide includes everything you need to know about flying with your Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) on JetBlue Airlines.