Cat Boarding: Top Features to Look For Are All the Norm at Hubbard Pet Resort

There's a great article over at catster.com that we encourage all cat owners to read, because it warns of "10 Red Flags to Heed When Inspecting a Cat Boarding Facility."

It's a great list, because cat owners deserve peace of mind when leaving their furry felines in the care of others. Here at Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa, we practice what they preach in all 10 categories.

For example, the article points out that a cat boarding facility should not have smelly spaces and should provide proper ventilation to the boarding area. At HPR we clean daily and do so with natural, non-toxic cleaning products. We also ventilate the cat boarding and play areas to provide an environment conducive to optimum health and well-being.

The Catio at Hubbard Pet Resort

The article also warns against facilities that do little more than stuff cats in cages during their stay. We provide individual, 3' x 6' cat condos for every cat, and every cat who stays with us gets plenty of daily recreation time in our Catio, a large, multi-level, multi activity center play area. They love it!

And, as for a separate boarding area, our cat condo and catio area is separated from the dog boarding area and is sound-proofed, so our feline guests never hear our dogs, helping them remain relaxed and content. With a separate ventilation and temperature control system, the cats are cozier and cannot smell the dogs.

Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa is dedicated to the comfort of each of our guests and their owners. We would love to be your cat's home away from home. Please call us at (330) 534-1200 for a tour or with any questions you may have.

For premier cat boarding in Youngstown and the surrounding region, along with

dog boarding and pet grooming services, visit Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa or call (330) 534-1200.

Features of a Great Dog Boarding Facility, Part 2

For dog owners looking for the finest dog boarding in Youngstown and the surrounding area, we recently posted several points from the Humane Society of the United States* about the characteristics every outstanding facility should have. We want to continue with those points in this article.

• Is your dog provided with bedding or a resting area off the concrete floor? Dogs enjoy comfortable bedding, and we encourage our friends to bring their dog's bedding from home so their pet feels relaxed and at ease while in our care. We also have freshly laundered blankets and bedding that we provide to keep your dog warm and cozy.

• How often are pets fed? How about this: It's your call. We encourage you to provide your pet's standard diet to avoid digestive upset, and we will feed them according to your instructions. And if you provide their favorite treats, we'll feed them those after potty times, play times or at other intervals throughout the day.

• Are other services available, such as grooming, training and bathing? At HPR we're known for being the home of the premier services for dog grooming in Youngstown and the entire Mahoning Valley-Shenango Valley region. That includes bathing and an entire list of dog grooming services available on our website. We can also refer you to a number of qualified trainers should you need their services.

At Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa, we treat your dog like our own and promise you peace-of-mind care. Think of us as your dog's "home away from home." Call us at (330) 534-1200 if we can be of service to you.

The entire list of recommendations from the Humane Society of the United States is included on their website.

Features of a Great Dog Boarding Facility, Part I

Dog owners looking for the best dog boarding in Youngstown and the surrounding area know that nothing is "too good" for their four-legged loved one!

At Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa, we're committed to making our facility your dog's "home away from home" by offering peace-of-mind care and personal attention.

The Humane Society of the United States has offered a list* of things to look for when choosing a boarding facility for your pet. We share their view and are happy to pass some of the key points along here on our blog:

• Does the facility look and smell clean? This is so important! We clean regularly, and do so only with pet-friendly, biodegradable products. Your pet's health and wellness are of utmost importance to us.

• Is a comfortable temperature maintained? Domestic pets are accustomed to domestic conditions, and their health an be affected if they're exposed to a drastic change. The interior of Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa is kept at a comfortable 68 to 70 degrees year-round.

• Are pets required to be current on their vaccinations, including the vaccine for canine kennel cough (Bordetella)? When multiple pets are brought together under one roof, it's essential that their vaccinations are up-to-date. We require that dogs are current on rabies, distemper and bordetella, and that they have had a negative stool sample within the previous nine months. (We also require that cats in our care be up-to-date on rabies and distemper).

• Is there an adequate exercise area? We have a large outdoor area for our guests. Potty trips begin between 7 and 7:30 a.m. and continue every three hours throughout the day, concluding between 9:30 and 10 p.m. In addition, we allow for two playtime trips daily. Combine that with the fact that every dog enjoys a spacious 4' x 8' suite, and you can be assured your pet has plenty of space and opportunity to move and get plenty of activity and exercise.

Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa is committed to being the premier facility for dog boarding and cat boarding in Youngstown, Hermitage, Sharon and the entire Mahoning Valley-Shenango Valley area. We'll share more of the Humane Society's recommendations in a future blog. If we can be of service to you and your pet, please stop by or call us at (330) 534-1200.

(Click here to read Part 2 of our two-part article.)

The entire list of recommendations from the Humane Society of the United States is included on their website.

Now's the Time to Book Your Pet's Stay for Your Getaway

Holidays, vacations, weekend getaways, family reunions and other special events -- it's a peak time for travel.

If you'll be getting away, now is the time to make your dog boarding or cat boarding plans at Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa. Our open dates fill up fast -- especially weekends -- so it's best to make your reservations early.

Remember, too, that there are six holidays during the year when our lobby and registration desk are not open for check-ins or check-outs: New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Pets get the same great care, but we aren't open for reservations and pickups when we're closed for holidays.

The word is spreading throughout the Mahoning Valley and Shenango Valley regions -- Youngstown, Boardman, Canfield, Hubbard, Warren, Hermitage, Sharon and surrounding communities -- about the attention to detail and unmatched service your pet will receive at Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa. For your pet boarding needs, just give us a call: (330) 534-1200. We look forward to serving you and your pet!

For premier dog boarding in Youngstown and the surrounding region, along with

cat boarding and pet grooming services, visit Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa or call (330) 534-1200.

Premier Dog Grooming and Cat Grooming in Youngstown, Hermitage and the Mahoning Valley

Dog Grooming | Youngstown, Ohio | Cat Grooming

When you think of the best place to board your pet, we're glad you think of Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa.

We want to be your number one choice for the finest pet grooming services, too! Our professional staff is dedicated to providing the best grooming for your dog or cat -- and we'll do it a prices that are more than reasonable.

Full groom prices begin at just $45 for your small dog; full grooms include shampoo, condition, full dry, brush, nails and ears. A more affordable option, starting at just $25, includes a bath, brush, blow dry and nail clip.

We have an entire list of a la carte services, as well. And remember, when you book your groom with us, your pet will enjoy one of our suites (space permitting) while they wait for you to pick them up later that day!

For a complete list of our grooming fees, visit our website: Hubbard Pet Resort - Grooming.

Come see what a difference a professional grooming does for your pet! Call us at 330-534-1200 for more information.

Caring for Older Pets: Senior Pet Care Makes a Difference in Helping Them Live Happier, Longer Lives

Just like people, our pets are living longer lives—thanks to things like improved diets and veterinary care. That makes senior pet care an important issue for us all.

But just what constitutes “old” for our pets? According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are many variables, including size, but they offer the following charts as a basic guideline for how to determine your pet’s age in “human” years:

Dog years	Human years (*dog size lbs)
7	Small – Medium: 44-47 yrs
	Large – Very large: 50-56 yrs
10	Small – Medium: 56-60 yrs
	Large – Very large: 66-78 yrs
15	Small – Medium: 76-83 yrs
	Large – Very large: 93-115 yrs
20	Small – Medium: 96-105 yrs
	Large: 120 yrs
*Small: 0-20 lbs; Medium: 21-50 lbs; Large: 51-90 lbs; Very large: >90 lbs

Cat years	Human years
7	45 yrs
10	58 yrs
15	75 yrs
20	98 yrs

As pets reach their senior years, they may encounter a variety of health challenges, including things like arthritis, senility, heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other medical conditions. Without question, all the major senses start to dull, and things slow down overall, just as they do for people.

Proper care should definitely include a visit to your veterinarian to determine how your pet is doing and what, if anything, you should be aware of. Physically, your pet’s ability to fight infection and disease may decrease, and their cognitive function may diminish, which can cause confusion, a change in sleeping habits, or even a loss of house training. Patience, compassion and even a little retraining will help.

Old age doesn’t mean your pet can’t enjoy a quality life. Your love and attention makes all the difference. Regular activity, switching to a higher quality and more age-appropriate pet food, and regular veterinary care are a few things you can do to ensure that they’re happy and healthy.

So consult with your veterinarian and plan ahead so that your pet—and you—can enjoy their golden years!

Dental Care for Dogs and Cats: Keep Those Pearly Whites White!

Dental care for dogs and cats is important as our pets live longer and healthier lives

Ever heard the saying, “Pets are people, too”?

All of us who are pet lovers have probably said it at one time or another. And, just like people, things have changed for pets over the years—particularly when it comes to their health care.

Like people, pets are frequently living longer lives, thanks to improved diets and access to veterinary care. As they do, they may be more susceptible to various dental conditions and problems over time.

And, just as with people, dental disease in animals can lead to additional health concerns, including heart problems and various bacterial infections. That's why dental care for dogs and cats is so important.

Plaque and tartar can build up on our pets’ teeth. Untreated, it can cause bacterial infections and inflammation. In serious situations, it can lead to periodontal disease, which requires regular attention and treatment by a veterinarian.

So, what can you do to ensure your pet’s dental health?

For one thing, it helps to include dry food in their diet. The crunchy texture can prevent plaque from building up on their teeth. The same is true of various biscuits, treats, rubber chew toys and other items that encourage chewing, which in turn helps keep teeth clean.

Believe it or not, you can develop the habit of brushing your pet’s teeth, and they can become as used to it as we are. There are toothbrushes and toothpastes made especially for pets, so use them.

Or, in lieu of brushing your dog’s teeth, which can be a challenging activity for both you and the dog, many vets and pet retailers offer sprays, foams and gels which can be sprayed or spread in the mouth with your fingers. These dental hygiene products work in many ways, they can freshen the breath, help reduce tartar and offer antiseptic properties to help prevent gingivitis.

At Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa, our specialty is pet boarding and grooming, so we’re not here to provide medical advice. But watching out for your pet’s oral health is common sense, and something you can easily do. If you have more detailed questions or concerns, talk with your veterinarian.

Dental care for dogs and cats is and important part of keeping them happy and healthy. Here’s to your pet’s good dental health!