Best Pet Gifts

Are you still searching for that perfect gift for your pet or the pet lover in your life? Well luckily we've found some morning inspiration for you. We came across a list of fantastic doggy gifts for your furry little friends. So take a peak, and shower those beautiful pups with love, because we all know they deserve it. Click here to view the entire list.

Dog Gift Guide: Top Gifts for Dogs

By Jenna Stregowski

 

1. Dog Tornado by Nina Ottosson

Photo courtesy of PriceGrabber

Innovative and unique, the Nina Ottosson Dog Tornado is an interactive dog toy and game that is both fun and mentally stimulating for any food-motivated dog. Plus, it's durable and easy to clean, meaning you dog can enjoy it for a long time.

2. Star Mark Everlasting Treat Ball

Image courtesy of PriceGrabber

Dogs love treats. Dog love toys. Therefore, dogs are sure to love this treat-toy combination. The Star Mark Everlasting Treat Ball is a versatile gift that will appeal to most dogs. It can be thrown for a game of fetch, be stuffed with treats, or used with Everlasting or Everlocking Treats to stimulate your dog's mind and appetite.

3. A New Dog Bed

Photo Courtesy of PriceGrabber

Want to get a gift your dog will use frequently and love for a long time? Try a new dog bed! With so many types of beds available, you should have no problem finding one that perfectly meets your dog's needs and keep him comfy and cozy

4. Slobber-Wick Squeak Buddy

Image courtesy Planet Dog

If your dog loves plush squeaky toys, Planet Dog's fast-drying, easy-to-clean Slobber-Wick Buddy is a great option. The toy has a double squeaker and a gusset for extra-fun "chewability". Plus, the fast-drying feature means the toy will be a little less "icky" when your dog brings it to you! The Slobber-Wick Buddy comes in three sizes and two different color themes.

Click here to view the full list.

Dress Up Your Pet!

K-9 Resorts is proud to bring you the Dress Up Your Pet Facebook contest. We are asking you to submit all those great photos of your adorable puppies all dressed up. Once the submission period is over you can rally your friends and family to vote for your photo for the chance to win a $150 Visa gift card. The submission with the most votes by January 20th will be announced the winner, it's that easy! So break out those cute little costumes and start snapping pictures!

Submit your entry here!

15 Homemade Holiday Pet Treats!

The Holiday season is upon us! As you prepare to start your shopping and spreading of holiday cheer, don't forget to treat your furry friends. What better way to show your puppy with love then by treating them to some special holiday snacks. We came across this great article by the examiner that shares some wonderful holiday treats you can use to pamper your pup. So keep the holiday cheer flowing and let shower your pup with these tasty delights!

15 Homemade Holiday Pet Treats: ‘Bone-afide’ Christmas Recipes for Fido & Fluffy

By: Jace Shoemaker-Galloway

With the holidays right around the corner, many people are scouring the crowded stores in hopes of finding those last-minute gifts, busy wrapping presents and/or preparing for that big holiday meal. But in the hustle-and0bustle of a busy and hectic holiday season, many folks overlook other valued members of the family – our furry, four-legged friends.

Whether your family consists of a Fluffy or a Fido, it’s important to remember our beloved pets during the holidays too! And you don’t need to spend a fortune either. Why not whip up a batch of homemade pet treats that are safe to eat and guaranteed to be tail-waggin’ “bone-afide” hits? Grab a few of your favorite holiday cookie cutters and you are on your way to being the cat's meow and the top dog in your house!

While the holidays can hold additional hazards and dangers for our furry friends such as tinsel, certain table scraps and poisonous plants, it is important to remember certain ingredients humans consume can cause serious illness or can be deadly to pets!

Recipes for Homemade Holiday Doggy Treats

• Gourmutt Holiday Peanut Butter Treats – This simple recipe sounds dog-gone good! You’ll need molasses, natural peanut butter and oil! There is also another recipe for Christmas Carob Mint Dog Cookies too!

Click here to read the entire article, and see the full list!

After missing for seven years dog and owner are reunited

During my internet browsing this morning I came across this very heart warming story. It's the story of a lost dog and a hopeful owner being reunited after 7 years! Any dog owner can understand just how traumatic losing your dog can be. Imagine the joy and elation you would feel after being reunited with them after 7 years, it's hard to fathom, that's exactly what happened to dog owner Dan Kesler. This is truly a bright story to get you set for the holiday season. Click here to read the entire article.

After missing for seven years dog and owner are reunited

Dan Kesler patiently waited seven years to get the phone call he always hoped for. Four weeks ago he finally got that phone call. His Doberman B.A. had been found and they were going to be reunited.

When B.A. was three years old he ran off in a thunderstorm. “The first night I spent outside waiting for him to come back, because I honestly thought he would come back that night. Within a week I thought he would show up – but then as weeks turned into month and months turned into years…did I think he’d be back – I can’t say yes. But I never gave up hope,” said Kesler.

When B.A. went missing Kesler lived in North Carolina. He currently lives in Tempe, Arizona where he works as the assistant swim coach at ASU. He made sure he never changed his number though. He knew B.A. had a microchip and he was hopeful that one day he’d get the call that he’d be found. “Yeah I never changed my number throughout the years depending on the job or wherever I was at – I never changed the number just in case this happened.”

Click here to read the entire article.

10 Ways to Keep Your Pet Warm this Winter

Winter is right around the corner and as a good dog owner, we're sure you're looking for new ways to make sure you pet is warm this winter. Luckily we came across this great article which discusses exactly that, 10 great way to keep your pet warm this winter. Make sure those little guys are all bundled up and comfy this winter, don't forget cold weather is as hard on them as it is on you! Click here to read the entire article.

10 Ways to Keep Your Pet Warm this Winter

By: PetPlace Staff

Brr! It's cold out there! If you're outside for anytime at all, you probably can't wait to get hometo put on flannel jammies and sip hot chocolate.But what about your dog? What's keeping thecockles of his heart warm?

1. Certain dogs are more affected by the cold thanothers, particularly older pets and/or those withcertain ailments, like arthritis. Here are 10 waysto keep your dog warm this winter.

Buy the right breed for the climate. You can start off by picking abreed made for bitter winters, especially if you live in colder climates and expect to be outside with a dog for a significant amount
of time. Dogs good for cold climates include Alaskan malamutes, Siberian huskies and chow chows. For a completelist, see the story Top Breeds for Cold Climates. Long-haired cats also handle the cold better, though all cats arebetter off indoors.

2. Keep them indoors. This is the surest way to keep your pet warm. Dogs, while they enjoy outings, are oftenhappier indoors as well so they can dote on their owners.

3. Get them jackets and sweaters. If your home is a little chilly, cute jackets and sweaters can keep them warm. Ifthey are going outside with you into the snow (dogs more than cats), it's better to choose something that has awaterproof nylon covering.

Click here to read the entire article.

K-9 Resorts featured on Cesar's Way (blog)

Avoiding Back to School Doggie Blues

Kristina N. Lotz

As September approaches again, that means it’s back to school time for many households. With all the hustle and bustle of getting the kids ready and off for school, it can be easy to forget the dog. While back to school is usually an exciting, fun time for the humans in the home, for your dog it can mean loneliness and boredom.

All summer long, there was most likely someone home with your dog — the older students on break, or little ones with a babysitter. Now that everyone is back to their fall schedules, your dog may feel neglected and can even fall into depression.

Depression and Anxiety
According to veterinarians, dogs can suffer from depression just like us. Watch for symptoms such as listlessness, lack of energy, loss of appetite, hiding or cowering, and not wanting to play.

Other dogs suffer from separation anxiety. Unlike depression, separation anxiety manifests itself in erratic behavior, including excessive barking and whining, frantic clawing at doors, windows, or fences to get out, destructive chewing, and going to the bathroom in the house. Dogs with separation anxiety will be ecstatic when family members get home, whereas a depressed dog may not even get up from his bed.

If your dog displays any of these symptoms, she is probably upset by the recent change in schedules.

This change can be particularly hard on your dog if your child is starting kindergarten and you are going back to work for the first time. At this crucial time, it is important to not disregard your dog’s feelings — he loves you and he will miss you when you are not around.

(Read More)

K-9 Resorts featured in Middletown Patch

K-9 Resorts was recently featured in the Middletown Patch in an article titled, "Doggie Daycare and Resort to Open in Middletown." The article discusses Dan and Lisa Cody's love for animals as well as some features of the facility. Click here for the full article, or begin reading below.

Doggie Daycare and Resort to Open in Middletown
K-9 Resorts Daycare and Luxury Hotel will open at 889 Route 35 in Middletown offering a luxury resort stay for dogs.

A new resort will soon be opening on Route 35 but this one is for the dogs.

K-9 Resorts Daycare and Luxury Hotel will open its doors later this year offering cage-free spaces and a clean environment equipped with flooring systems with Microban built in and an air purification system that includes a specially designed ventilation system to kill airborne bacteria.

The K-9 Resorts franchise will open in Middletown at 889 Route 35 between the 7-11 and the old R&S Strauss, right across from Borough Hall under the ownership of Dan Cody.

(Read More)

Featured Client Testimonial - Brenda Collins

We just wanted to say thank you once again for the wonderful care that you gave our dogs while we were away. As we explained this was our first experience boarding them and we were both very nervous leaving them. When we returned and realized the outstanding care and attention that you had given them, we now know that we don’t have to think twice before bringing them to K-9 Resorts in the future, because we know that they will be well cared for. Thank you a million times over!
Brenda Collins

K-9 Resorts Holds Second Franchising Event

We had a great turnout again on June 27th, 2012 as we held our second Franchising Event for those interested in becoming a K-9 Resorts owner. About 75 groups and individuals attended the event, which included a presentation from co-founders Steven and Jason Parker, break-out tables with lenders, real estate experts, and vendors, as well as the first few signed franchisees in the system. It was a fun an informative event, so check out some photos below, or view the rest on our Facebook page!

K-9 Resorts featured on CNBC.com

K-9 Resorts was featured on CNBC.com in an article titled “10 Unusual Franchise Opportunities,” which ran on Thursday, June 21, 2012. The slideshow features how K-9 was started and the various amenities. Click here for the article or read it below.

10 Unusual Franchise Opportunities

K-9 Resorts
Number of franchises: 3
Fee: $35,000
Year started franchising: 2011
Visit the website

Jason Parker, owner of K-9 Resorts, began his business with his brother Stephen as a dog-walking business back in 1999. By 2005, the siblings had opened their first luxury hotel for dogs in New Jersey. The cage-free environment includes private rooms for dogs with plasma TVs (tuned to Animal Planet), high-end dog food and a window in every room.

“People want the best for their dogs,” said Parker. “They want to go away knowing their pet is safe, healthy and happy. So we offer the Ritz Carlton of dog hotels."

K-9 Resorts launches iPod Touch Facebook Sweepstakes

In a fun an easy way to give back to current and potential Facebook fans, K-9 Resorts has launched a sweepstakes on Facebook for an iPod Touch. The only requirements for entrants are that they must be a fan of K-9 Resorts' page and they must fill out a brief form. Once entered, fans can share their unique referral link. When fans' friends use a referral link, the original fan will win an extra entry in the sweepstakes. For more information and to enter, visit this link: http://bit.ly/K9Sweeps.

Franchisee Profile: Bill Ippolito

Bill Ippolito is a New Jersey native with a background in medicine. Having been a physicians assistant for the past 10 years, Bill has now transitioned into the corporate world, where he has decided to open a K-9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel in Monmouth County, New Jersey. Bill is lifelong dog owner and new a dad.

How did you learn about the brand?
My girlfriend’s (Larisa Citsay- who will be helping me run the business) brother is friends with Jason and Steven Parker, the co-founders of K-9 Resorts. Their entrepreneurial accomplishments at such a young age really inspired me to invest in opening my own K-9 Resorts.

What was appealing to you about joining a franchise system?
I am currently a physicians assistant so the business world is somewhat new to me. I knew as a franchisee owner, I would get great help with the process and have instant support on day one and well into the future.

What makes your business different?
K-9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel is a very well organized and clean facility. Cleanliness is very important for pet owners. K-9 Resorts doesn’t have a distinct pet odor, is incredibly clean and runs efficiently. It is the perfect option for people who need a safe, comfortable place to leave their pets. K-9 Resorts is also a very young franchise, and I am very confident that it will be successful. I thought it would be best to get in early and help them grow.

I have also been a physicians assistant for the past 10 years and decided to do something I was truly passionate about. The career change is an exciting adventure.

What challenges have you overcome to get where you are now?
Well, acquiring the funds was a little bit of a challenge, and I actually had to liquidate some of my retirement assets to help with the money for the down payment on a loan. It would have taken too long if I didn’t use this money to aid in the process. Finding a location took some time and research. I looked at the competitors, the population and the distribution of wealth in the community. Monmouth County seemed like the perfect fit.

What are your expansion or development plans?
Once we open this location, I would love to be able to open a second location in the near future. I am confident in success of this business.

Do you have any other interesting hobbies or passions?
I love dogs. I grew up with a yellow lab and now I have a 5 year old Rottweiler. I am also a new dad! I have a 9 month old son, who consumes a lot of my time. I also enjoy exercising, sports and cars.

K-9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel Signs Third Franchisee in New Jersey

New Jersey native makes bold career change and teams up with K-9 Resorts to pursue his true passion for dogs

K-9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel, the nation’s emerging pet facility franchise, has signed its third franchisee since its franchise launch in early 2011. New Jersey native, Bill Ippolito, will become a first-time business owner as he plans to open the brand’s third location in Monmouth County, New Jersey.

“Bill’s decision to change his career and pursue his true passion for dogs is exactly the type of entrepreneur we want to help launch our franchise system,” said K-9 Resorts’ Co-Founder and CEO Steven Parker. “We are thrilled to now be the go-to luxury pet facility in Monmouth County, and look to be a community leader in the area for many years to come.”

Bill Ippolito has been a physicians assistant for the past 10 years, and while he enjoyed his career in medicine, Bill felt it was time for a change. A lifelong dog owner, Bill has always had a strong connection to the pet care industry. Inspired by the entrepreneurial success of Steve and Jason Parker, the co-founders of K-9 Resorts, Bill decided to invest early in the franchise. Despite the brother’s young age, Bill was impressed by their professionalism, customer service and passion for pet care.

Over the years, Bill had experienced many other pet care facilities that did not make safety, care and customer service priority. When deciding to open a pet care business, K-9 Resorts was the first choice that came to mind because of the high-quality daycare experience each pet receives, and the incredible trust Steven and Jason have built with each customer. Bill saw a high demand for these types of services in the Monmouth County area and approached the Parker brothers about opening a franchise.

“As a lifetime dog owner, I understand the need to have a safe, clean and trustworthy place to leave a pet,” said Bill Ippolito. “I share the same values as Steven and Jason and ultimately have similar visions and goals. I am not only excited about becoming a first-time business owner but also helping build K9 from the ground up. This brand has incredible potential and I can’t wait to be a part of its future.”

“Our goal is to build K-9 Resorts into the nation’s largest pet care franchise company, but do so, staying true to our mission of being No. 1 in quality,” said Jason Parker. “We believe we’ve got our business down to a proven system that works, and can’t wait to teach our secrets to our first franchisees.”

Based in Fanwood, NJ, K-9 Resorts is expanding throughout the region and plans to open six locations this year alone throughout the state. Targeting areas where time-strapped pet owners are looking for a way to keep their pooch occupied during the day, K-9 Resorts has aggressive growth plans in greater New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut region.

Considering a Pet Sitter / Friend

Please choose your pet care carefully! K-9 Resorts offers the professional luxury care that your dog deserves.

K-9 Resorts realizes that there may be alternative options to licensed boarding facilities for pet owners. One of these options may be a neighbor, friend, leaving your dog at a strangers home, or a pet sitter that comes to check on your pet in your home. Please choose very carefully when making such an important decision in your dogs’ life. It may not seem that significant at first, but choosing who cares for your furry family member when you are away is very important for your pets’ well-being. Please consider all of these factors in your decision regarding quality pet care for your dog.

Pet Sitter/Pet Caretaker Situation
Some dog owners choose pet sitters or other alternatives to a boarding facility because of cost. Owners should keep in mind that quality care is sometimes slightly higher priced as it is not easily found and maintained. One of the many reasons for the slight cost difference may be attributed to the fact that a boarding facility has staff monitoring and caring for your dog all day long, as opposed to a pet sitter who only stops in to check on your dog for a few short visits each day. Remember the old saying, “You get what you pay for!” K-9 Resorts offers the highest premium care for your dog in our state-of-the-art facility and with our highly trained, ABKA Certified staff!

When Using a Pet Sitter/Friend:

• Most pets are only checked on a few short times during the day potentially leaving your pet alone for as many as 23 hours a day. Often, there is only a small amount of time spent on exercise, interaction, and observation – all of which are needed even more while pets are away from their owner. K-9 Resorts has trained and loving certified pet care technicians on staff to PROFESSIONALLY care for your pet.
• Pets can experience severe stress, separation anxiety, and boredom when left alone. As a result, stress-related behavior such as destroying the house, yard, and belongings can occur. K-9 Resorts helps alleviate stress by providing hands-on interaction and a variety of activities to keep pets busy and happy throughout the day.
• Pet sitters, friends, or neighbors often mean well, however they usually are not professionally trained in pet care. This lack of professional training unfortunately may result in the following:

1. Backing out of the commitment to care for your dog at the last minute, leaving you without pet care. Due to the fact that this often occurs at the last minute, it is often too late to find a boarding facility that has room for your pet as they are already booked. Pet owners that book reputable and licensed boarding facilities in the first place, are guaranteed their reservation for pet care and can travel at ease!
2. Forgetting to show up to check on your pet.
3. In emergencies, inclement weather, or unforeseen events, a pet sitter may not be able to get to your home.
4. Even if introduced previously, pets may act abnormally or unpredictably while their owner is not home. In an owner’s absence the dog may not welcome the pet sitter into the house as they are protecting their environment or may feel threatened by their presence.
5. Your pet may escape from the pet sitter or your friend and try to look for you. 
6. With someone coming in and out of your home there is always the possibility that they may forget to lock your door, leaving your home and pet susceptible to intruders. 
7. Even if normally not done, when left at home with no long-term human interaction, your pet may become destructive, chewing objects that they could choke on or having accidents that may damage your home.
8. In the event your pet needs medical attention, they may not know how to help or where to take your pet.

K-9 Resorts is the ultimate pet care facility. When you need the best of the best – to guarantee the utmost in your pets comfort and joy – you and your pet will find K-9 Resorts to be second to none. Not only do local veterinarians refer K-9 Resorts to their clients, a number find that our state-of-the-art pet care facility meets their discriminating needs for their own pets. We are very proud many local veterinarians board their own pets here at K-9 Resorts!

Again, please consider all of these factors in your decision regarding quality pet care for your dog. Please call K-9 Resorts today to schedule a private tour of our facility and speak with one of our trained professionals. We are proud of our facility and would love to show you around and explain why K-9 Resorts is the best option for your pet. You will immediately realize that K-9 Resorts is one of the most innovative and well-equipped pet facilities in the nation. Come see, We’re better!

Giving Back to the Community

Giving back to our community is something that K-9 Resorts prides itself on and takes very seriously. At K-9 Resorts, community service isn’t about padding our resume; it is about building a stronger community. If there is something K-9 Resorts can do to help others in the community, we feel it is our obligation to do so. Asking why we incorporate community service into our business is like asking why we incorporate breathing into living.

K-9 Resorts is proud to not only participate in but also host several fundraisers each year that directly benefit our local community. We are honored that both of our company’s founders have each been awarded a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition in recognition of outstanding & invaluable service to the community! Being recognized by the United States Congress is a tremendous honor and is something we are enormously proud of!

K-9 Resorts Hosts First Facebook Photo Contest

Where does your dog like to lounge? That was the question that K-9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel wanted to know about from their Facebook fans in their first Facebook contest earlier this year. Over 20 fans submitted photos of their dog taking it easy in their beds, or even by the fireplace.

Taking the top prize of a $100 K-9 Resorts gift certificate was Facebook fan Lynn Sorf, whose dog Ruby Sue loves sprawling out in her owner's lap.

Currently, K-9 Resorts is looking for fans to vote on finalists in their Most Mischievous Dog Contest, running until the end of March.

K-9 Resorts featured on TheStreet.com

K-9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel was recently featured on TheStreet.com in an article titled "An NFL Panther Runs the Pet Care Field." In a story on the rise in doggy daycares and pet care facilities, K-9 Resorts was included because they are a company in this industry growing and finding success. The piece also gives a brief overview of the business and inception story, and includes a quote from Steven Parker about how they expect to be the best and number one in quality within the industry. Click here to read the full article or read K-9 Resorts' section below.

And NFL Panther Runs the Pet Care Field

By Laurie Kulikowski

K-9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel is also looking to expand its doggy day care business. The company was founded in 2005 by two brothers, Steven and Jason Parker, who had experience in the dog-walking and pet-sitting business in New Jersey but decided to combine those operations and expand in the quickly growing business of luxury dog day care. Last year they started to franchise their operations.

(Read more)

Franchisee Profile: Dan and Lisa Cody

Projected Opening: Summer 2012

Location: TBA, New Jersey

Q: Where do you live?

A: Dan: My wife, Lisa, and I have both lived in Lodi, NJ in Bergen County our whole lives.

Q: What was your career before franchising?

A: Dan: I own a bonding and insurance company.

     Lisa: I am an elementary school teacher.

Q: Why did you decide to open your own business?

A: Dan: We have been thinking about owning another business for a while and we were looking for about a year before we came across K-9. We saw an ad in NJ Monthly and started to look more into the brand.

Q: What was appealing to you about joining a franchise system?

A: Dan: We saw a presentation when we went to a franchise seminar for K-9 and were really impressed with the business and the model that was already in place.

Q: With regard to your previous experience, what skills do you feel helped you in your business?

A: Dan: We both bring different aspects to the business because I have first-hand experience running a business and Lisa has a lot of experience with animals. She loves pets and is very involved in the animal community and volunteers at the Bergen County Animal Shelter.

Q: Why did you choose to enter this industry?

A: Dan: We are both big animal-lovers and enjoy working with them. We have fostered and adopted several pets over the years. We currently have two Wheaten Terriers.

Q: What makes your business different?

A: Dan: What stood out the most to us about K-9 is that the animals and their owners are all treated with so much respect and the facility itself is so inviting.

Q: How does your business connect with the community?

A: Lisa: We will definitely be very involved with animal shelters and organizations because that is extremely important to us.