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Message |
    
Yossarian
Citizen
Username: Yossarian
Post Number: 140
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Monday, December 15, 2003 - 9:47 am: | 
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Can anyone recommend a kennel or vet where we can board our dog and cat during vacation? We've been using a place down in Monmouth County, but would like to find something a little closer to home. |
Ukealalio
Citizen
Username: Ukealalio
Post Number: 256
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Monday, December 15, 2003 - 10:18 am: |
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Preferred Pet Care in West Orange. The animals get their own room, they have both indoor and outdoor play areas and the people who run it and work there, truly love and play with the animals. It's not much more then a regular kennel and is worth every penny. We used to dread leaving our dog anywhere but she used to be really happy when we picked her up from PPC. |
Yossarian
Citizen
Username: Yossarian
Post Number: 141
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Monday, December 15, 2003 - 10:20 am: |
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Uke --
Thanks for the info. Sounds exacltly like the kind of place we're looking for. Now I just hope they're not all booked up over the holidays. |
Yossarian
Citizen
Username: Yossarian
Post Number: 142
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Monday, December 15, 2003 - 12:43 pm: |
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Well, Preferred Pet Care is booked (and really expensive at $45 a night). Anybody else have a recommendation? |
bobk
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 4065
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, December 15, 2003 - 12:53 pm: |
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God, last month my wife and I stayed at a Comfort Inn for ten bucks more than that and that was for two!!! |
thegoodsgt
Citizen
Username: Thegoodsgt
Post Number: 329
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Monday, December 15, 2003 - 1:05 pm: |
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I once had an in-home person cancel out on me at the last minute, so I'd be careful about that.
We used Hal Wheeler over in Cedar Grove and highly recommend them. They've installed fish tanks to amuse the cats boarded there.
http://www.halwheelers.com/Home.htm |
Yossarian
Citizen
Username: Yossarian
Post Number: 143
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Monday, December 15, 2003 - 1:26 pm: |
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goodsgt --
Thanks for the recommendation. I called hal wheelers, and while they have room, they won't take our dog because she's 10. They won't take any dogs over 9 years old because the environment can be "too stressful" for them.
The search continues ... |
ReallyTrying
Citizen
Username: Reallytrying
Post Number: 193
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, December 15, 2003 - 2:26 pm: |
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Whatever you do, do not use Preppy Pup. Our dog came home from there with torn foot pads and -- get this -- missing part of a canine tooth. The owner tried to dissuade me from taking the dog to the vet, saying she could fix up the dog and I wouldn't have a vet bill to pay. Hah!
So now we board her at the vet's, at South Orange Animal Hospital on Valley St. |
Yossarian
Citizen
Username: Yossarian
Post Number: 145
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Monday, December 15, 2003 - 2:26 pm: |
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Well, we've called 10 vets in the area and the only place that has room is South Orange Animal Hospital. Has anyone used them, either for regular vet stuff or boarding? |
ReallyTrying
Citizen
Username: Reallytrying
Post Number: 194
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, December 15, 2003 - 2:33 pm: |
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Yos, looks like we posted at the same time. I think the two vets at SO AH are terrific, and the dog came home just fine from her first boarding experience there. |
Wendyn
Citizen
Username: Wendyn
Post Number: 82
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Monday, December 15, 2003 - 2:34 pm: |
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A couple of other places (not as close) to try:
Best Friends Pet Resort on rt 22 in North Plainfield
Morris Animal Inn of rt 202 in Morristown/Harding
Only used BFPR once and they took good care of my dog. Unfortunately he hated being so isolated (he didn't eat and that NEVER happens as he is a pug) so my now 2 pugs have an in home pet sitter who lives in our house when we are away. She is booked though. |
Yossarian
Citizen
Username: Yossarian
Post Number: 147
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Monday, December 15, 2003 - 2:42 pm: |
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Thanks Really T and Wendyn. Good to hear encouraging things about SOAH. We'll also give BFPR a call. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 1882
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, December 15, 2003 - 2:54 pm: |
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Can't say enough about SOAH. They are our regular vet & we boarded our elderly cat there when she need daily medication & we couldn't get a cat sitter to come to the house to do it (she was very "maladaptive" in her attitude towards medication).
SOAH cages them, which is probably not optimal for a dog, but they love them, talk to them and care for them. Especially if you ask Donna (the receptionist) to give some extra pets and affection. |
Yossarian
Citizen
Username: Yossarian
Post Number: 148
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Monday, December 15, 2003 - 3:04 pm: |
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green --
Thanks for the input. It's a little scary leaving our dog at a new place, so positive comments like yours really help. |
Yossarian
Citizen
Username: Yossarian
Post Number: 149
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Monday, December 15, 2003 - 3:30 pm: |
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Just want to say thanks to everyone who helped out with this thread. We've decided to use Best Friends Pet Resort, and it really came down to the size of the cage. SOAH uses a 2' x 4' cage, which is really pretty tight for a 60 lb dog for a week and a half. BFPR has 14' runs. At least we won't feel as guilty knowing she has some room to move around and a nice fluffy bed to curl up in. |
bets
Citizen
Username: Bets
Post Number: 433
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Monday, December 15, 2003 - 4:38 pm: |
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That was my problem with SOAH. Put my dog there once, and when I went to pick him up, he was so traumatized that he wouldn't let the tech near him to bring out to me. THey led me to where he was, and I was horrified by the dark, dank, cramped cages they use. It also was quite apparent that they didn't talk, love, or care for him.
I love Dr. Levine, and he is still my vet for the cat I have currently, but I'll never leave another animal boarded there. |
Yossarian
Citizen
Username: Yossarian
Post Number: 150
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Monday, December 15, 2003 - 4:49 pm: |
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bets --
When I asked them the size of the cage, I also asked if the dogs get a chance to get outside, or run and stretch their legs in any way. I was told, "no, not really."
When it comes to a multi-night stay, a bigger cage is really a must. |
us2innj
Citizen
Username: Us2innj
Post Number: 940
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, December 15, 2003 - 5:26 pm: |
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Here is a suggestion. Contact Lisa, the owner of Puppy Love on Springfield Avenue. Her number is 973 761 0330.
She lives out in Annadale, (about 40 miles away) where she runs a kennel. We have used her a few times in the past, before finding someone who takes care of our dog at our home.
She might be able to have you drop your pet off at her shop, and transport it to and from the kennel. We visited the kennel before using it about 4 years ago. It is very clean and well maintained, by her husband, I believe.
Think about this scenario, and contact her to see if she will still offer this type of service.
We have been fortunate to use a local high schooler who comes to the house at least 4 times a day to play with and tend to our dog.
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Wendyn
Citizen
Username: Wendyn
Post Number: 83
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 16, 2003 - 8:41 am: |
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Couple of things about Best Friends:
- you can pay for "play times" where someone comes and gives one on one attention to your dog
- The kennels are all indoor (dog has to pee/poop on the paved portion, then there is a carpeted portion for sleeping) and there is no outdoor activity unless the dog refuses to potty inside
- You can bring beds, toys, from home etc for the dog to play with which may make him/her more comfortable
- There is no one in the facility at night (some places have a person who is there overnight)
I think now with 2 dogs I would consider using them again because they keep each other company. But we lucked out and found someone who stays at our house. Of course we have to book her WAY in advance especially for the holidays so we would definitely look at BF again if we needed to.
Good luck! |
Soda
Citizen
Username: Soda
Post Number: 1135
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 16, 2003 - 10:36 am: |
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For the record, Hal Wheeler's WILL board dogs older than 9, provided that you sign a release. They boarded our pooch for up to a week at a time, right up to the age of 14. Candidly, he didn't tolerate the stressful (i.e., noisy) environment as well after hitting 12, but we were always confident that he'd be well cared for.
--Soda |
Ukealalio
Citizen
Username: Ukealalio
Post Number: 258
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 16, 2003 - 11:04 am: |
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I realize Preferred Pet Care is more expensive (sorry they didn't have room but it's because they are so good) but after leaving our dog in a kennel that caged her 90% of the time and noticing how traumatized she was, I vowed, no more cage boarding. |
sunny
Citizen
Username: Sunny
Post Number: 22
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 17, 2003 - 12:38 pm: |
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I use Barbara 201-437-9027. She watches pets in her home. She truly loves animals and gives them a lot of attention and walks. She is the best. My dog loves it there. |
sunny
Citizen
Username: Sunny
Post Number: 23
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 17, 2003 - 12:41 pm: |
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I use Barbara 201-437-9027. She watches pets in her home. She truly loves animals and gives them a lot of attention and walks. She is the best. My dog loves it there. |
canismajor
Citizen
Username: Canismajor
Post Number: 241
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, December 18, 2003 - 12:42 am: |
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I used Best Friends last summer and had a fairly positive experience. I was looking for a place with decent sized cages and minimal handling (my dog is unpredictable around strangers and I was worried about him biting). One word of warning-the runs you see on their website are the big runs they use for "playtime" ($5 per 1/2 hr session)- they are not the ones that the dog stays in. I learned this because I had to drag my dog back into the kennel area as he would not budge for the BF staff. The cages are about 3 feet high and 7 feet long, stacked in 2 long rows with 2 tiers (looks not unlike a prison cell block). I felt a little deceived about the size of the cage, but they were still substantially larger than the cages used by animal hospital boarding facilities. The place was also clean as a whistle, not an easy feat considering there were over 50 dogs in residence at the time. It was fairly noisy, so if your dog is high strung it may not be the ideal place. Overall I was happy with the care my dog received. They were friendly and receptive when I called to check on my dog, and when I picked him up I got a report card detailing his behavior and eating habits. |
Seagull
Citizen
Username: Seagull
Post Number: 32
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, December 18, 2003 - 3:06 pm: |
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One more option is Madison Veterinary Hospital. They have the web cameras so that you can check in on your puppy. They also allow for you to buy connecting units for cats, so that if you have multiple cats, they can stay together, and play videos of fish & birds for them.
I like that it is attached to our vet, just incase he ever got sick while we were away.
Here's the website, just click on "Boarding"
http://www.madisonvethosp.com/ |
joso
Citizen
Username: Joso
Post Number: 147
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, December 18, 2003 - 4:03 pm: |
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This is the best place to board your dog. A lovely woman and her family who will take your dog into their home. I highly recommend this over a kennel.
Comfy In..."my home"
http://www.geocities.com/ljg361
Comfy In..."my home" |
mtierney
Citizen
Username: Mtierney
Post Number: 454
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, December 18, 2003 - 5:25 pm: |
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OK, this discussion slams the lid on the question whether or not to get a dog! I'm just going to learn to live with my two independent cats who do not mind being left home alone. As long as arrangements are made to keep the water and cat foot bowls filled, they are quite content.
I pondered this on another thread since I really wanted a dog to make me exercise. Thanks to all for the info on the stress of boarding dogs! |
flugermongers
Citizen
Username: Flugermongers
Post Number: 60
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, December 22, 2003 - 9:45 pm: |
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Valley Veterinary Hospital, (973) 763-3445, 2172 Millburn Ave, Maplewood, NJ 07040
They're also where the Jersey Animal Coalition holds the adoption days. |
cats
Citizen
Username: Cats
Post Number: 6
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 7, 2004 - 5:52 pm: |
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Hi there. Why does everyone only focus on the dogs? Cats are much better off at home. (I'm sure dogs are too) Depending on the length of your absence, cats will be OK for a couple of days alone. I am a Cat Sitter and I live in Maplewood. I am a member of Pet Sitters International, insured and bonded. I have many local references if you would be interested in using my service. (I come to your home-my cats wouldn't want any company!!) Unfortunately, I just don't have the time required to do the "dog walking thing". I have a listing on the Help/Employment Wanted section of MOL. Although cats might be "independent", they still crave attention and welcome the company. |
Yossarian
Citizen
Username: Yossarian
Post Number: 158
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, January 8, 2004 - 8:37 am: |
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Just to close the loop on this, we ended up taking our dog and cat to Best Friends. It worked out great. Thanks to all for the input.
Also, Best Friends did a great job grooming our dog (60 lb Golden). Gave her a great cut and clipped her nails shorter and better than any groomer has ever done in the past. |
Othello&Elvis
Citizen
Username: Pseudoah2
Post Number: 86
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, January 8, 2004 - 12:53 pm: |
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Just for your info..BFPR has a consumer complaint against them filed on 7/02/03 for the death of a dog... |
flugermongers
Citizen
Username: Flugermongers
Post Number: 110
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, January 8, 2004 - 4:42 pm: |
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Oh my.. any other info, Othello&Elvis?
We've taken our dogs to Valley Veterinary Hospital, (973) 763-3445, 2172 Millburn Ave, Maplewood, NJ 07040 since the early 90s. One of my dogs thought it was summer camp. |
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