It's a Cats Life

Current Rabies A Must!

Ok, so I feel like I'm beating a dead horse here. Not that I've ever beaten a dead horse before...

I would LOVE to groom your pet. Honestly! But I require proof that your pet is current on his Rabies vaccination. That's something I personally require, but it's also something the state of Maryland requires you do for any pet over 4 months of age. AND, the Humane Society, that licenses me to run a grooming salon also requires it.

Rabies is serious business.

So when I tell you to please bring a current copy of your pets Rabies vaccination, I don't mean if you feel like it, or remember, or take your other pets certificate, or bring me an out of date copy. I truly mean bring me proof that your pet is current on his Rabies.

* It doesn't count if you assure me your pet is current on "all his shots". Do I need to explain why?

* The collar tag isn't acceptable. Collar tags don't have your name, your pets name, the date it was given, the date it expires...anything useful.

Please. I need a piece of paper from your vet. A receipt with "reminders", the actual certificate, a proof of vaccinate report...yes, your vet will know exactly what to provide for you if you call them and ask.

If your pet was vaccinated at a clinic, or all you have is the tag, you may call the Health Department, who will mail you a copy of proof of vaccination. It usually takes 2 weeks and they REALLY don't like doing it. Clip Clip Hooray will NOT, for any reason, call the Health Department to obtain this information. No way, no how.

At this time we're not able to accept faxes, since Clip Clip Hooray is fax machineless.

Sometimes I can call your vet and get the information I need. HOWEVER, if your pet isn't current, and you didn't realize he was, I still can't groom him. And your vet has to be open and able to speak with me at the time of drop off. I can't hold your pet while you go to work.

Please note, if you bring your pet in for grooming and are not able to provide proof the pet is current on their Rabies vaccinate I will have to turn your pet away. I'm sorry, but I told you to provide the information prior to the appointment and I will not break my rules for you. I will certainly not risk my licensing or a fine for you. I always will not risk my life or your pets life. Because that's what it comes down to.

Please, please, please! Find the information before your appointment. Bring it with you on grooming day. Be current! (OMG, don't try and pass off expired Rabies on me. That really annoys me. I know todays date and I can read.)

PS. If you've never had to provide current Rabies vacination information to a groomer before in Carroll County, your groomer has been acting recklessly and illegally. I don't know the law for other areas, but here, that's what it is. If you think I'm made of hooey, check with the Humane Society.

Hot Dog!

It is HOT out there! And just like you, your dog (and cat!) is hot. Even more so, they have a fur coat! While there's tons of things we can do grooming wise to help keep pets cooler, that's for another day.

Today, I want to tell you about some simple things to keep you and your pet happy while you're out and about.

First off, summer is the best time to take your dog places! Parks, hiking, the beach, the lake....etc. Before you leave, I bet you lather on some sunblock, pack some water, maybe a snack and grab a hat. But....what about your best friend????

Yup, dogs can get sunburn too! Thin coated dogs or dogs that are clipped short can easily get sunburned. It's pretty easy to tell, the skin will look angry and red and your pet make itch and whimper. It hurts, too. Pet sunblock to the rescue! If you're going to be out walking around, or if your dog likes to spend time outside, besides keeping to the shady areas, put some pet sunblock on. Here at Clip Clip Hooray, we sell a spray made just for dogs! Easy to use, just spray on the skin. Reapply as needed. Done. You can also ask your vet or pet shop about what sunblocks are available in your area that Are Safe For Pets! Safe for pets means that your pet can lick it off and not get sick. Cause...most of them probably will give it a taste or two.

Ok, both you and your dog are sunscreened, you grab your bottled water and....wait, nothing for Fido?! Your dog is probably going to get thristier than you are. Many places you might go might supply water fountains for you, put nothing for dogs. Allowing your pup to drink water from rivers, streams, puddles, etc is just begging for trouble. Who knows what's in that water? Your dog could get Really Sick. Sooo...what to do, try and teach him to drink from your Aquafina and not backwash? Good luck on that. CCH has two great products that make it easy for you to keep your pet hydrated.

Pet Tops. Pet Tops are little screw on tops that fit on those 20 oz bottles. Screw it on, turn the bottle straight up and down and your pet can lick his thrist away. It's adjustable, so big dogs can get quenched and little dogs don't have to get drenched! Small enough to fit in your pocket, you can carry it with you so you don't have to remember to bring a bottle. Clip Clip Hooray sells them with the adapter, so they'll fit those new eco friendly bottles too.

Handi Drink. The bottle part snaps flat against the drinking tray when not in use. To use just pull apart, insert the rubber valve into the top of the tray and squeeze. Water flows into the tray so your pet can drink. Pour out the excess and snap back together when he's done. These don't leak! It can clip onto a belt or purse, you can tie it around your waist or wrist, or just carry in your bag. I have one and I LOVE it! The ones I sell here are 17 oz in pink, blue or green.

Both water despensers are inexpensive, but invaluable! Providing clean, fresh, cool water for your pet will keep him healthy AND allow him to have a great time.

So, what else might you need for a jaunt in the park or a hike in the mountains? Poop bags. Be kind and help KEEP parks allowing dogs, Pick Up Your Poo! There's all kinds of poop bags. Some you just shove in your pockets, some in a clip on case. Those bags newspapers come in. Poop bags are cheap and plentiful. Keep some in your car, in your purse, or on your dogs leash.

Gear. They make all kinds of things for dogs, googles, hats, eye shields and light weight clothes. If your dog likes to stick his head out the window, googles or doggie glasses could very well save his eyes! A hat or a light shirt can protect your dog from the sun, or from brambles and thorns out on the trail. Like swimming? A pet life perserver will help your dog stay afloat in the water. Anyone used to being out on the water knows the dangers there, but what about your own backyard? If you have a pool, a pet life perserver can help him enjoy being out there, safely.

Ok, you've got your water, your dogs water, sunblock on you both, hats, cover ups, poop bags...alright! Now you're ready to go!

Have a great time!