JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. - Boarding kennels have become a popular option for pet owners as an alternative to in-home pet sitters.
While having someone come to your home offers the benefit of familiar surroundings, it lacks the quality time your pets are used to receiving.
To make up for this, many kennels provide value-added services, such as socialization with other animals, outdoor dog runs, or "cat condos."
The Pet Brigade on Joint Base Lewis-McChord provides the care your furry family members need while their Soldier or families are on deployment, temporary duty or vacation.
The nightly cost is according to the owner's rank. Included in the basic price will be a space for your animal - for dogs, this is a small gated kennel, which includes a place to sleep and eat. Cats are given a small room with cathouses and a television to help keep them entertained.
The facility not only boards pets, they provide grooming, bathing and day care to keep your pets happy and healthy.
"I love it here," said Jenny Siler, a groomer with the brigade. "The variety of clients that come through this facility gives me a chance to experience new challenges due to the diverse breeds of animals that come in."
"Having a quality staff keeps the facility operating and the clients happy," said Regis Jackson, the brigade's owner.
They make sure the everyday needs of your animals are taken care of with your specific requests.
"I think it is a great service to have on post," said Jennifer McGrath, facility manager. "I didn't know about it when I first moved here because of the location. We attend the newcomers brief every month to inform service members of what we offer."
Knowing that their animal is taken care of allows service members to concentrate on their mission with having one less thing to worry about during stressful months.
"Our facility provides the treatment their pet needs, while making them feel safe and secure staying here," said Roberta Otis, kennel technician. "This is important because a happy animal is a healthy animal."
Having an item that is special to your pet can make their stay more comfortable, but according to McGrath, the only thing required to bring in is your pet's food.
There is a wide variation of services offered for your pets. Special play and cuddle time are available to maintain your pet's active lifestyle. Group walks and play time are also encouraged to allow socialization between the animals.
"They are out all day in the yards playing with toys, water and bubbles," said McGrath. "It's play time all the time here."
Keep in mind your pet will need to be fully vaccinated before they can stay at a kennel. This helps keep both your companion and others in the facility safe.
For more information visit The Pet Brigade's website at http://www.thepetbrigade.com/.
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