Pets and Their People Blog

Regardless of whether your pet is at a pet resort or receiving care at home, several significant factors should be taken into account when selecting a pet care facility or an in-home caregiver.

Before delving into specific areas, I will define what I consider a professional pet care provider. Individuals pursuing a career in pet care should fully engage in professional education that covers:

• Understanding how pets learn – Professional pet care providers must be skilled in using positive reinforcement, force-free techniques to handle pets.
• Pet tools, equipment, toys, and supplies – The what, why, and when of selecting pet care products.
• Pet behavior and social communication – How to understand and communicate effectively with pets and their people.
• Anatomy and physiology – Species-specific knowledge and understanding.
• Health and handling – How to practice safe handling, plus monitoring and observing pet health.
• Pet first aid and emergencies – How to act competently in the face of an emergency.
• Enrichment – A skilled pet care professional can guide you on your pet’s enrichment requirements, both cognitive and physical.
• Industry best practices – Knowledge of the best pet care protocols and procedures, supported by skills and competency.

Pet care providers need to create a secure environment that prioritizes both safety and comfort while also offering physical and mental stimulation. Key core areas of pet care are environmental safety, mental stimulation, and physical activity.

Environmental Safety

Safety means lots of different things. Not all pets are the same. They react differently when separated from their families, away from home, and in the presence of other animals. Therefore, a safe environment must take into consideration the following:

• External and internal play areas are safe and secure.
• Fencing and containment systems are physical (visible) and intact with no sharp objects or hazards.
• Temperature control is regulated according to seasonality.
• Odor is controlled without the need for harsh chemicals. 
• Correct management of objects and household items.
• Diligent cleanliness to prevent cross-contamination of disease and parasites.
• Safe choice, use, and handling of equipment.
• Kind and compassionate handling of pets by staff members.
• Home safety and security.

Mental Stimulation

It’s essential to meet your pet’s enrichment needs every day. At a minimum, your pet care professional should offer services that include the following:

• Quiet relaxation with an interactive toy.
• Quiet one-on-one time with a pet care technician.
• Soft background music or visual stimulation via a pet-appropriate TV channel.
• Snuffle mats, KONGs, and interactive food puzzles.

Physical Exercise

Like us, our pets require daily physical exercise. Your service provider must cater to your pet’s unique needs. Here are some service options that should be accessible to you:

• Leashed walks
• Off-leash playtime
• Scenting walks
• Individual play sessions
• Frisbee, ball throwing, or other interactive playtime outside

Remember, pets require daily individual interaction with humans and ample mental stimulation, including quiet cuddle time and/or outdoor play with a Frisbee or ball.

Keeping pets’ lives enjoyable is an essential part of pet care!

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About the Author

Niki Tudge – M.B.A, PCBC-A, CABC, CDBC, Six Sigma Black Belt, HCITB TS1, TS2 & TS3 Certified People Trainer, Certified Facilitator and Business Project Manager

As the founder and President of The Pet Professional Guild , DogNostics Education  and The DogSmith, Niki has substantial leadership experience in the pet industry. Niki has published numerous articles on dog training and dog behavior and her pet dog training businesses have been featured in many publications including The New York Times. Niki’s professional credentials include; AABP-Professional Dog Trainer, AABP-Professional Dog Behavior Consultant, PCBC-A and PCT-A through the Pet Professional Accrediting Board and she has earned diplomas in Animal Behavior Technology and Canine Behavior Science & Technology through the Companion Animal Science Institute. Along with Niki’s business degree and MBA from Oxford Brookes University she is also a certified Six Sigma Black Belt, a HCITB TS1, TS2 & TS3 certified people trainer and a certified Facilitator and Business Project Manager.

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Become a Certified Pet Care Professional!

Your Certified Pet Care Professional Program – Offered by DogNostics

Presented by Niki Tudge, Louise Stapleton-Frappell, Paula Garber, and Rebekah King

Investing in your business and education is a wise decision.

This affordable program will help boost your knowledge and training skills, enabling you to expand your service offerings, strengthen client loyalty, and generate more income. More importantly, it will help ensure the safety and comfort of all your four-legged charges.

Certified Pet Care Professionals will find seeking employment at top-notch facilities more attainable. Register for this on-demand, online program and get full lifetime access!

DogNostics Education is a Pet Professional Guild Corporate Partner.