Service Dogs, Therapy Dogs, and Emotional Support – What is the Difference?

Chances are that if you have recently been to a grocery store, airport, or Home Depot you have seen people with their “working” dogs.  So, what are the main differences between a Service Dog, a Therapy Dog, and an Emotional Support Animal?  Emotional Support Animals While people may argue that all pets provide emotional support, the official designation of Emotional Support Animal (EMA) is relatively new.  In 2014 there where approximately 2,400 EMAs in the US and by 2019 the number had increased to 200,000.   As the popularity of ESAs increased so did abuse of the term and laws have...

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Celebrate Spoil Your Dog Day! 

Holidays like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, National Siblings Day, and more are days dedicated to our human family members. In the same way, we want to show our dogs just how much they mean to us! Spoil Your Dog Day is dedicated to appreciating, celebrating, and spoiling our dogs.  Celebrated on the 10th of August, the origins of spoil your dog day are unknown, though social media has surely influenced the popularity of the holiday. Remember that you can choose to spend the day in your own special way, but your focus should be on what your dog enjoys and...

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4 Important Fire Safety Tips for Pets

You’re probably reading this because you love your pets and want to keep them safe. Hopefully you and your pet will never face the dangers of a house fire, but being prepared can help everyone, including pets, to act quickly.  Image credit: Pixabay   Here are some helpful tips on fire safety for pets: Install smoke detectors One of the best things you can do for your family is install a smoke detector.  However, you also need to help your pets learn what to do when they hear this frightening sound. Get pets comfortable and adjusted to the alarm noise. Start on...

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The Benefits Of Having Pets In The Workplace

There has been a significant increase in the number of companies that allow employees to bring their pets to the workplace. Why are employers making this change? The reality is that the benefits of having pets in the workplace far outweigh the negatives. Pets At Work Help Lower Stress Dozens of studies performed over several decades have shown that owning a pet helps to lower cortisol, a stress hormone. Pets also help to lower blood pressure. Lower cortisol and blood pressure also help to reduce depression and anxiety. At the same time, pets help to increase oxytocin, a chemical associated...

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Important Questions Regarding Microchipping Your Pet

One of the most upsetting moments in a pet owner’s life is when they realize that their pet has become lost. While many pets can find their way home, others are truly lost and it can be difficult for those who find them to contact their owner. ID tags on a collar are a great way to provide owner information, but sometimes, these tags fall off and get lost. Microchips are a way to ensure that a pet always has its owner's information in its body. Read on to learn more about microchips, how microchips work, and how each one...

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Fostering A Pet: Everything You Need To Know

Fostering a pet can be a rewarding experience on many levels. Not only does fostering help a pet in need, but it also opens up a space in the shelter for another homeless animal. To make the experience as good as possible for both you and the pet, it’s important to understand the commitment that you are about to make. Here are the steps you need to take to prepare for your foster. Check Your Homeowner’s Insurance Or Rental Policy It’s important to check with your landlord or, if you own, to read your homeowner’s insurance policy before committing to...

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