Prepare Your Dog for the Warmer Season

It's starting to get warmer out and your dogs will start to lose their winter coat soon. It is essential to properly prepare them for this warmer weather. Thanks to the folks at the examiner.com we can provide you with tips for preparing your friends for the new season. Read full article here or preview below.

"Tips on grooming and preparing your dog for the warmer season"

BY: Susan Lee

Wherever you live across the country, you are anticipating the beauty of spring and the onset of warmer weather. Along with those changes comes the increase of insects and parasites which can be a real annoyance when it comes to your dogs. For their health and protection, you will want to take the necessary steps to prevent any parasitic infestation that could affect your dog. The friendly staff at your local Rockford area Petsmart or Petco as listed below (or one closest to your home) can help you with all your grooming and parasitic needs to help your dog through the warmer season.

And although bathing and grooming your pet is a year-round responsibility, you and the dogs will be spending more time outdoors when weather permits. In early spring, it is advisable that you bring your dog in for a heartworm test, which is a blood test, in order to begin a heartworm preventative program. Chewable heartworm tablets are administered once monthly although you can opt for the six-month Pro-Hart vaccination if your dog is less than eight years old.

Some more advanced heartworm medications also work to prevent fleas and ticks; otherwise, liquid flea and tick preventatives are available in tube form which is applied at the neck area between the shoulder blades on your dog. Your veterinarian can best advise you on the most effective flea, tick and heartworm preventative medications.

Read full article here.

Franchisee Spotlight: Bill Ippolito

Bill Ippolito is a New Jersey native with a background in medicine. Having been a physician 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 physician 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 physician assistant for the past 10 years and decided to do something I was truly passionate about.  The career change is an exciting adventure.

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.