/ pet health

Petopia on Channel Newsasia – Primetime News

Published January 2, 2013 in Hotel & Daycare, In The News, Service, Testimonials, Video, What's New |
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SINGAPORE: Pet hotels are becoming a hit with owners who want to ensure that their furry friends are in good hands while they are away.

Some hotels said demand went up by about 30 per cent last year, compared with 2011 while occupancy rates are almost always full during the year-end holidays.

From massages to soothe aching joints to customised spa sessions that come with a clay pack wrap of nutrients and minerals, the pets are enjoying a break of their own at pet-wellness centres, such as pet hotel, Petopia, while their owners are away.

Petopia’s marketing director Richard Wee said: “They find this place more like a playroom. We have one case of a customer’s dog that after they left the hotel and came back for grooming one day, the dog ran all the way back to the playroom to just look for his friends to spend time with during the hotel stay.”

Petopia can take in up to 50 animals and rooms are usually booked a few months in advance.

Pet owners fork out between S$75 and S$158 for a night’s stay.

“We are looking at three different crowds. The year-end holiday goers, they clear their annual leave. We have families who bring the children overseas during school holidays and a large number of expatriates who return home for the year-end season,” said Mr Wee.

Safety and security are the top concerns of owners, along with separation pangs.

Mr Wee said: “We have customers who choose not to go away for many years because they are afraid of not having someone to look after their pets well.”

To allay such concerns, the hotel installed webcams in the building for owners to track their pets’ movements.

Er Yanshan, a pet owner, said: “It’s better than just leaving your pet at home with no one to look after it, so it’s a good idea.”

What’s more alarming is when owners abandon their pets.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said more than 100 animals were given up at the centre in December 2012 by owners who wanted to go away.

That is twice the number, compared with the other months of the same year.

Mr Lee Yao Huang, who is animal care officer at SPCA, said: “Some of them might decide to give it to SPCA, or they just abandoned it at their HDB area or grass patch near their place.

“We actually give them some help by advising them to put it on our re-homing notice on our SPCA website or they can put up brochures and notices on the vet’s clinics or supermarkets on their notice boards.”

And for those who don’t want to fork out too much at the pet hotel, another way is to get friends or relatives to play pet-sitter.

- CNA/fa


Safe, Fun & Healthy Holidays for Feline Companions

Published December 21, 2012 in What's New |
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Here are great tips about having a healthy and safe cat-friendly holiday!

Tip 1
Remember that ribbons and tinsel are tempting toys for a curious feline. But if your cat swallows these objects, they can cause serious problems if they get “stuck” in the intestinal tract or wrapped around your cat’s tongue. Keep these types of decorations out of the reach of your cat.

Tip 2
If you put up a Christmas tree for the holidays, your cat may be tempted to taste the water at its base. Unfortunately, that same water may be stagnant or filled with fertilizers, preservatives, or other chemicals which are unsafe for your cat.

Tip 3
Many of the holiday plants that are popular this time of year are dangerous for our cats. Though poinsettias are generally over-rated in terms of their potential for toxicity, they can still cause mild intestinal upset for your cat. More importantly, holly can be very toxic, as can some types of mistletoe. In addition, lilies can be deadly for your cat and are often found in holiday flower arrangements. Do not leave these plants where your cat can chew on them.

Tip 4
Be careful about sharing your favorite holiday treats with your cat. Chocolate and many other types of foods can be dangerous.

Tip 5
Scented candles and potpourri are popular holiday decorations as well. Though they make our homes smell wonderful, they may be dangerous for curious cats. Even worse, an open flame can easily become a fire hazard if knocked over by your cat.

Tip 6
Many of the decorations we enjoy during the holidays are electric, and the cords can become a target for a playful cat. Biting into an electrical cord can pose an electrocution threat for your cat. Be cautious of dangling cords and place them where your cat cannot access them.

Tip 7
Be sure to spend a little extra time with your feline friend during the holidays. A little extra attention from you may help ease some of the tension of the holidays for your cat.

Tip 8
Make certain your cat has a place to retreat when company arrives if he feels the need. Your cat’s safe place should have a litter box, a food and water station, and a soft comfortable place to rest. It should be a private area where guests are not allowed.

Paying attention to small details can make a big difference in keeping your cat safe and healthy during the holidays, and will help both you and your cat weather the holiday season and start the new year on a happy note.