However, now that people are headed back to offices outside of their homes, Wags and Whiskers is seeing an increased need for pet daycare.
The Butlers are lifelong dog owners. They have boarded their dogs many times and have noticed when their pets were stressed and not their usual selves after the experience. In 2012, they learned Wags and Whiskers Pet Resort was on the market. They acquired it later that year.
During the pandemic, record numbers of pets were adopted for companionship. Dog ownership in Flagstaff increased by 17.2%, or 4,200 dogs, from 2018 to 2020, based on national dog ownership data supplied by American Veterinary Medical Association and U.S. Census data. However, now that people are headed back to offices outside of their homes, Wags and Whiskers is seeing an increased need for pet daycare.
Aubree, a reservation rescue dog, is a frequent Day Kamper. She is young and has a lot of energy. Her new mom, Sandra Tann, can’t bring Aubree to work. Tann researched dog day camps and based on reviews, recommendations and the location, she started taking Aubree to Wags and Whiskers. “Aubree jumps out of the car with excitement when we drive up,” said Tann. “She comes home exhausted from playing with other campers. It is a relief to know she is safe, happy and getting the stimulation and play time she needs.”
Before a cat or dog arrives, proof of vaccinations from a veterinary office are required. “We have to be sure the vaccines are handled and administered according to veterinary standards to ensure all of our friends are safe,” Karen said. Food handling rules are followed to “ensure cross contamination doesn’t occur, causing a pet to become ill.”
There are four separate areas for Day Kampers, dogs who stay for five hours or less. Dogs are placed in different areas based on their behavior, size and age. Each area has indoor/outdoor access and is attended by at least one person at all times, says Karen.
Kennels, or dens, for dogs and cats have solid walls, not wire fencing, to minimize barking, tiffs and spread of disease. Single, two-dog and luxury dens are available with separate individual outdoor areas. Each cat wanders the main cat room individually, where they can play on cat trees, towers and scratching posts. The Zoom Room allows pet parents to visit pets via an online meeting. Grooming services are provided and Wags and Whiskers groomers work to keep pets relaxed.
Information about each pet is stored and accessed via the computer system. Specific information, such as behavior, food allergies and other health concerns, is recorded and appears on daily visitor boards or den doors. Walkie-talkies allow staff members to communicate about where each pet is located and what is going on in different areas of the facility. FBN
By Margret Dunfee, FBN
Wags and Whiskers is located at 1802 W. Kristy Lane, Suite 200, in Flagstaff. For more information, visit https://www.wagsandwhiskerspetresort.com
