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Showing posts with label Petco. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Petco. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

“Can I Bring My Dog?” The Most Dog-Friendly Stores Across America


Dog people are doing more and more to make their pets comfortable, from booking a loving pet sitter to making homemade treats. Bringing their dog along to the store is a natural extension of the dog-centric lifestyle! Shopping with a friend is more fun than shopping alone, period.

However, it can be hard to tell what a store’s dog policy is (and it often varies by location). For example, is Target dog-friendly? Their mascot may be the beautiful bull terrier Bullseye, but they’re a staunch “service dog-only” environment (along with Sears, Staples, and others). Thankfully, dog-friendly stores are increasing in number.

FOR DOG PEOPLE | By James Harleman
“Can I Bring My Dog?” The Most Dog-Friendly Stores Across America
 This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.
Dog people are doing more and more to make their pets comfortable, from booking a loving pet sitter to making homemade treats. Bringing their dog along to the store is a natural extension of the dog-centric lifestyle! Shopping with a friend is more fun than shopping alone, period.

However, it can be hard to tell what a store’s dog policy is (and it often varies by location). For example, is Target dog-friendly? Their mascot may be the beautiful bull terrier Bullseye, but they’re a staunch “service dog-only” environment (along with Sears, Staples, and others). Thankfully, dog-friendly stores are increasing in number.

Note: due to regulation, grocery stores aren’t dog-friendly and food-serving establishments typically don’t allow dogs indoors. If you want to dine out with your dog, look for a location with a patio. Many restaurants welcome dogs in their outdoor spaces. Consider the Starbucks dog policy. Though Starbucks doesn’t allow dogs inside stores, they welcome dogs outside—and even offer them a tasty “puppuccino” if you ask!

Now, let’s talk dog-friendly shopping.

To read more on this story, click here: “Can I Bring My Dog?” The Most Dog-Friendly Stores Across America


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Sunday, July 17, 2016

The Film ‘The Secret Life of Pets’ Has Some Pet Retailers Cashing In


The film ‘The Secret Life of Pets’ (CMCSA) opened with a massive $103 million dollar opening weekend, crushing expectations.

While the film might be a cash cow though for Universal Studios, pet retailers can expect to cash in on the animal themed film.

After the release of films like ‘101 Dalmatians’ and ‘Finding Nemo’ there was a spike in Dalmatian and Clown fish purchases. Animal shelters and adoption agencies interviewed by FOXBusiness.com advised that they don’t expect to see a spike in adoptions or animal purchases based on the various animals in the film, but that that could change over time.

PetSmart collaborated with the film on a special collection of dog toys, beds, and clothes among many other items. 

According to the pet retailer, the best selling product are the Buddy Bungee Toy, Max and Buddy plush toys and the Gidget Ruffle Dress. Max plays the lead role as a Jack Russell Terrier, Buddy is an easy going Dachshund and a friend of Max’s, and Gidget is a Pomeranian with romantic intentions for Max.

Rebecca Frechette, the Senior Vice President of Merchandising at Petco says that the pet merchandising market is strong and fashionable items like travel supplies and collars have been trending well.

She also notes that consumers have a high interest in adopting pets. “People really want to help pets and make them a part of their family” Frechette tells FOXBusiness.com.



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Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Want a Pet? Living on a Budget? Tips on How You Can Do it…Without Burning a Hole in Your Pockets


There are few things cuter than a puppy or kitten, but for those seeking a new pet without giving an arm and a leg might want to consider adopting from a shelter.

Read on for some tips on how to welcome a four-legged friend into your home without burning a hole in your pockets.

Q: How can I save on food, toys and supplies?

Buying pet food in bulk is a good way to save over time, but you'll want to make sure you're buying quality.

"Food isn't an area you want to skimp on," Scott Giacoppo of the Washington Humane Society said. "I wouldn't recommend buying the cheapest food the same way I wouldn't recommend someone to serve Oreos at their Sunday dinner."

Giacoppo said your vet or employees at pet supply stores like Pro Feed, Petco or PetSmart should be able to recommend food and other supplies for your pet.

Also, remember that you don't need to buy everything for your pet all at once. You might be able to start out with just bowls, food, a collar and a few toys, and then learn more about your pet to determine what else he or she needs. Of course, a dog will need a leash, and a cat will need a litter box, but you don't need to spring for top-of-the-line models.

Sign up for deals websites such as Groupon, which often have deals on pet supplies and services -- just make sure you actually need the item; otherwise, you won't be saving money at all.

Also, search pet retailer websites for coupons or special discounts. For instance, Petco.com offers 20 percent off for signing up to receive emails, and free shipping for orders of $49 or more.

Learn how to perform basic pet grooming skills yourself, such as nail clipping, to save on grooming fees. If you're able to, bathe your dog yourself in your bathtub or outside in the yard. If you can't, consider visiting a DIY dog-washing business, where you can use their shampoos and professional-grade tubs for about $20 -- still cheaper than paying for professional grooming.

Q: What are some preventative tactics I can take to avoid mishaps and large vet bills?

One way to cut costs before you ever see the vet is to adopt from a shelter, because "when you adopt, the animals are sterilized, they're up to date on vaccinations and they've been house trained," Giacoppo said.

If you buy a puppy or kitten from a breeder, you'll pay for these costs out of pocket. Sure, they're cute, but they can end up much pricier in the long run than adopting an older dog -- and by adopting from a shelter, you'll actually be saving two lives, not one (here's why).

The Washington Humane Society also provides one year of pet health insurance and low-cost spaying and neutering if your new buddy hasn't been altered already ($130 for dogs, $80 for cats).

Make sure to "pet-proof" your home so that any hazards or harmless substances are kept out of your new pet's reach. And remember that what's safe for humans might not be safe for dogs or cats. (See the Pet Poison Hotline's list here.) 

Q: Which breeds of dogs/cats tend to be cheaper to care for?

Generally, smaller ones. The cost of care for cats and dogs doesn't vary much based on breed (unless you have a breed that requires extensive professional grooming), but smaller animals simply tend to consume less food than larger animals. Same goes for items like toys, treats and beds -- larger ones usually cost more.

However, the best way to reduce costs is to take care of your pet well, both physically and psychologically. Giacoppo says Parvo, for example, is a life-threatening disease that can cost thousands of dollars to treat, but can be avoided for a small price.

"Take a Saturday once a year, wait in line for an hour and pay $10 for a shot that can save your pet's life," he said. The Washington Humane Society offers low-cost vaccinations Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Also, be sure that your pet has a social life and gets plenty of exercise. Leaving pets tied up or left alone leads to psychological problems and boredom, which can cause behavioral problems, damage to your home or property, and ultimately physical problems that need treatment.

Q: Where can I find affordable pet insurance (and is it worth it)?

Pet insurance can be tricky because there are a few different kinds, and it's not necessarily about what injuries or illnesses your pet could endure, as dog owner Sarah Kliff noted in a recent Vox article. Kliff pays $40 to $50 a month for pet insurance and says the real question is actualll "How much are you willing to pay to spend to save your pet’s life?"

For her, it would be a lot. "If I got a very large bill, I would likely pay it," Kliff wrote. "I would pay bills big enough to make it difficult for me to put a down payment on a house."

To sum it up, you might pay a premium for pet insurance that you never use to make a claim. But a few $400 trips to the vet or an unfortunate $3,000 surgery to remove your pet's favorite toy from its stomach could eventually surpass the price you paid for the insurance. Kliff also points out that many people pay renters' insurance and never file a claim, but the peace of mind can be worth it.

The website PolicyGenius advises people on which types of insurance they should buy, advising some pet owners not to invest in insurance at all.

Kliff writes that Jennifer Fitzgerald, the co-founder of the site, said the right consumer for pet insurance has "low ability to pay (to save their pet's life) but high willingness," so it's not for everyone.

Alternative options include pet wellness plans. For instance, PetSmart's Banfield Pet Hospital chain offers a wellness plan with a focus on prevention and early diagnosis, with potentially lower costs than traditional pet care services. Plans include a set number of wellness visits per year, may cover the cost of shots and offer discounts on other forms of care.

Q: If I need to travel, should I take my pet, hire a sitter or board at a kennel?

It depends. The cost of a travel crate can range from $30 to $100, and overnight care can be costly, too. Your best bet: Find friends or family member willing to do watch your pets. Or, get to know a pet-owning neighbor and offer to trade pet care: You'll watch their dog or cat for a weekend if they'll do the same for you another weekend.

If you're thinking of boarding your pet, check business reviews on a site such as Yelp. If you find several well-reviewed spots, call around to get the best rate. And don't be afraid to ask about any special deals: Will they give you a discount if you pick up your pet before a certain time, for example?

If you hire someone to watch your pet at home, beware of an apparent "bargain." Giacoppo said it's best to use a referral.

"You don't wanna hire someone who says they will just come over for five dollars," he said. "You have no idea how they will treat your pet."


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Friday, June 5, 2015

Petco Says 'No Heat' Used in Grooming of Dog That Died at Virginia Store


No heat was used in the grooming process of a Virginia woman's dog that died while in the care of Petco, though a veterinarian who examined the dog said it likely died of heat stroke.

As ABC News reported on Monday, Marks said she dropped off 2-year-old Colby at a Petco in Midlothian, Virginia, early Friday morning and was told he'd be finished around noon. Marks said she started worrying when she didn't hear from the groomers by 1 p.m., so she called and was told to go to a local animal clinic.

Marks said she walked in and saw Colby on the vet's table with "glazed over" eyes. Marks said the Petco assistant manager told her they had given Colby a bath and he was in the drying unit when they found him.

"The groomers involved have been suspended while we complete a thorough investigation," Petco said in statement Monday night. The company also noted that "there was no heat used in the drying process during Colby's groom."

Marks said she doesn't understand how Colby's temperature was 105 degrees if heat was not used, referring to what she said the veterinarian told her after she saw Colby at an animal clinic near the Petco store in Midlothian, Virginia. The vet explained to Marks that Colby’s death was likely due to heat stroke, she said.

"Petco told me last night Colby was stressed to the point that his temperature rose, but I find that hard to believe," Marks, 51, told ABC News today, noting that Colby was in good health and had anxiety only at the groomer's.

The Chesterfield County Animal Services office is conducting the investigation of Colby's death at the store. There are no updates on the ongoing investigation, an official told ABC News, noting that they do not know when the investigation will be complete.

Marks called the situation "pure neglect" of Colby. During her conversation with a Petco representative on Monday night, she said the rep told her the groomers did not follow Petco protocol of checking on animals in the drying units every 10 minutes. But it wasn't clear from the company's statement on Monday night how the drying unit works if it does not use heat.

"It gives me peace of mind that they're looking at disciplinary actions for the groomers because it means they can't do this to any other animal," she said. "Colby was still a puppy and didn't deserve this."

Marks said the Petco representative she spoke to offered to help her find another puppy, but that she "couldn't bear the thought" of owning another dog right now.

A manager at the Midlothian, Virginia, Petco store declined comment when reached by ABC News. Petco's corporate office did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment beyond its statement.

You can read the initial story, here: Dog Dies fromOverheating at Petco Grooming
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Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Dog Dies from Overheating at Petco Grooming


Powhatan County, Virginia - Allison Marks left her 2-year-old golden retriever, Colby, at a Petco store Friday for what she thought would be a routine grooming. When she called to ask about him, though, she was told to go to a nearby animal hospital. There she learned Colby had passed away.

Marks was told by the veterinarian that Colby had likely suffered a heat stroke after being left in a heated cage to dry.

"It sickens me that they could just let something like this happen," she said. "How could he not suffer? He was in a cage for God knows how long."

Marks said the vet explained to her that Colby's temperature was more than 105 degrees one hour after his death.



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Friday, February 13, 2015

Washington, DC - A Juvenile Has Been Arrested for Theft of Two Kittens at Petco Store: Kittens Remain Missing - $500 Reward for Their Return


A person was arrested Thursday night, but the kittens remain missing.

The cat burglar went into the store on Monday, broke the glass at the “cat adoption” area and let the kittens out of the cage. Two tabby kittens were stolen. They are about 12 weeks old and are brother and sister.

A juvenile male was arrested on Thursday and charged with theft. But he has been playing cat and mouse with the police detectives about the location of the kittens.

The kittens were up for adoption by Last Chance Animal Rescue in Waldorf, Md.

The director, Cindy Sharpley, of Last Chance Animal Rescue said that stolen cats are starting to be a real problem. She said this is the third case of kittens up for adoption in stores that are kidnapped in recent weeks.

But there is hope for a purr-fect ending. Cindy said they had a dog stolen in Alexandria, Va., three months ago. The pup was found safe and sound last week.

“Hopefully they are somewhere with a girlfriend or mother or grandmother -- as a present,” Cindy said. “But people do the strangest things with animals. It's very scary.”

Someone knows where these kittens are now.

You can call the police tip line at 202-727-9099. The rescue is offering a $500 reward for their return.








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Monday, February 9, 2015

Washington, DC - $500 Reward for Kittens Stolen From Petco in Columbia Heights


Washington, DC — Police and a rescue group are looking for two kittens after someone stole them from a D.C. Petco.

The two tabby kittens were on display at Petco through Last Chance Animal Rescue when around 10:30 a.m., someone smashed the plexiglass case and took the animals. One kitten was a boy, the other a girl.

Cindy Sharpley with Last Chance Animal Rescue tells WTOP there is a $500 reward.

According to the rescue group, which is based in Waldorf, Maryland, Petco does have security footage.

Anyone with information is asked to call  (301) 274-9409 or the Metropolitan Police Department.

From: Last Chance Animal Rescue

Around 11 a.m. this morning someone smashed the glass at our Columbia Heights PETCO adoption center and stole two 3-month-old brown tabby kittens; a male and a female from their habitat. Any information leading to the safe return of these kitties would be appreciated. We will post more as information as the situation develops. Pm Facebook with any info please.

You can contact Last Chance Animal Rescue here:





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Thursday, April 4, 2013

Do You Need Assistance with Veterinary Bills? Here is a List of Angel Organizations that May be Able to Help Provide Financial Assistance



I am not sure exactly how these organizations work. I personally know how high vet bills can get.

I am sharing hoping that this information will help someone who is in need of financial assistance to help with their vet bills.

Supporting the Human-Animal Bond... here is a list of angel organizations that may be able to help provide financial assistance with veterinary bills in a time of need.


Groups Providing Financial Assistance For Veterinary Bills
  
American Animal Hospital Association 
www.aahahelpingpets.org
"Through the AAHA Helping Pets Fund, veterinary care is possible for sick or injured pets even if they have been abandoned or if their owner is experiencing financial hardship."

Angels 4 Animals
www.angels4animals.org
"Our services range from financial aid to complete treatment to those pets and pet owners in need."

Brown Dog Foundation
Browndogfoundation.org
Provides funding to families who find themselves with a sick pet that would likely respond to treatment, but due to an unforseen circumstance, there is not enough money immediately available to make it happen.

Canine Cancer Awareness
Caninecancerawareness.org
Donations made to Canine Cancer Awareness are used for veterinary care for dogs with cancer whose families are financially unable to provide treatment.

Care Credit
www.carecredit.com
A credit card company for health care, including veterinary care.
"With a comprehensive range of plan options, for treatment or procedure fees from $1 to over $25,000, we offer a plan and a low monthly payment to fit comfortably into almost every budget."

Cats in Crisis
Catsincrisis.org
Is dedicated to helping cats and kittens with special medical needs receive the veterinary treatment they need to live happy, healthy lives. We believe in a Commitment for Life and feel that no special needs cat should be euthanized due to a caretaker's limited financial means.

Extend credit
Extendcredit.com
Offers payment plans to pet owners that can help provide needed emergency treatments for pets.

Fairy Dog Parents
Fairydogparents.org
Fairy DogParents is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that helps prevent dogs from being surrendered to shelters.We provide assistance with food, medical and general wellness needs of qualified dog recipients in Massachusetts. If you are faced with the choice of surrendering your dog because of personal financial circumstances you may qualify for our assistance.

Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance (FVEAP)
www.fveap.org
"Seniors, People with disabilities, People who have lost their job, Good Samaritans who rescue a cat or kitten - any of these folks may need financial assistance to save a beloved companion."

The Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that provides financial assistance to cat and kitten guardians who are unable to afford veterinary services to save their companions when life-threatening illness or injury strikes.

Frankie's Friends
Frankiesfriends.com
We are a non-profit foundation dedicated to finding cures and saving pets with cancer and other serious pet diseases. We fund Grants for emergency and specialty care from our Hope Funds to treat pets with promising outcomes whose families cannot afford the full cost of care. Shared contributions are also made by the treating hospital and treating veterinarian to give the family the most financial help possible.

God's Creatures Ministry
www.all-creatures.org/gcm/help-cf.html
"This fund helps pay for veterinarian bills for those who need help."

Gracie's Mission
Graciesmission.org
Gracie's Mission is to educate pet owners about holistic medical treatments and to provide financial assistance to individuals of limited income that meet the guidelines set forth by the Mission.

Paws 4 A Cure
Paws4acure.org
The mission of Paws 4 A Cure is to provide financial assistance for canine and feline owners who cannot afford veterinary care for their beloved furry family members otherwise.

Shakespeare Animal Fund
Shakespeareanimalfund.org
Shakespeare Animal Fund, a non-profit charity, was founded after the loss of a beloved Cocker Spaniel "Shakespeare". He died after a very costly illness, and in his memory this fund was founded to help others who might face financial problems while trying to save their pet. Let Shakespeare help you!

The Dog & Cat Cancer Fund
Dccfund.org
We work directly with veterinarians to help needy families get treatment for their cats and dogs suffering from cancer.

The Magic Bullet Fund
Themagicbulletfund.org
Every day 8,000 dogs are diagnosed with cancer. We help the families who can't afford treatment costs.

The Mosby Foundation
Themosbyfoundation.org
The Mosby Foundation is organized exclusively for charitable purposes, to assist in the care of critically sick, injured, abused and neglected dogs through financial support and public education.

The Pet Fund
Thepetfund.com
While costs are an inevitable part of the responsibility of owning companion animals, The Pet Fund assists owners in covering medical costs beyond the normal expenses of vaccination, spay & neuter surgeries, food and routine veterinary care. Adopting a companion animal always involves both expense and commitment, and if owners have a resource to help with medical services, their animals can receive necessary care despite the financial burdens involved.

National Animal Organizations that may provide assistance: 

Alley Cat Allies
Alleycat.org
Are you facing tough financial times and struggling to make ends meet for your entire family-including your pets and feral cat colony? Alley Cat Allies has ideas on how to make providing care more affordable, including resources for obtaining food and for helping you cover emergency veterinary costs

American Humane Association
Americanhumane.org
American Humane Association's Second Chance Fund helps offset the cost of treating homeless animal victims of abuse or neglect. Through the Second Chance Fund, American Humane Association is able to financially assist agencies that rescue, care for, and re-home abused or neglected animals.

ASPCA
Aspca.org
The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) announced the establishment of the Cohen Family Veterinary Care Assistance Fund, a new $300,000 program that will fund emergency medical treatment of at-risk dogs and cats in Miami-Dade County, Fla. It will be used to treat dogs and cats that have entered either HSGM or partner agency Miami-Dade Animal Services (MDAS) with emergency medical needs, either as strays or whose owners are no longer able to care for them.

Best Friends Animal Society
Bestfriends.org

Humane Society of the US
Hsus.org
The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association Rural Area Veterinary Services Program (HSVMA-RAVS) is a non-profit veterinary outreach program. We combine community service and education to bring free veterinary services to under-served rural communities, where poverty and geographic isolation make regular veterinary care inaccessible.

Petco Foundation
Petcofoundation.org
We Are Family, Too - short-term and seed funding for animal welfare groups to help pet owners who have lost their homes or are experiencing temporary financial hurdles. We Are Family, Too funds such programs as Pet food banks, Product donations, Referral lists of pet-friendly housing, Short-term foster pet care, andVeterinary services.

Petsmart Charities
Petsmartcharities.org
We provide emergency relief funding and supplies to assist pets in three different types of situations: Large-scale disasters (e.g. hurricanes, fires and other natural catastrophes); Multiple-animal rescue disasters; One-animal victim of abuse or violence. Our Emergency Relief Waggin' program helps the pet victims of natural and manmade disasters. Our six, 53-foot semi-trailers are pre-loaded with donated emergency supplies so we can quickly assist pets and the people working to save them.


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