Ever wonder if your dog has the care it needs? Do you worry when leaving it for extended periods of time? From day care to dog walking, this guide will help your pooch get pampered.
Dog runs
If you have the time to exercise with your pet, a dog run is a good environment for socializing and supervised play. There are four public dog runs in Hoboken and one in Jersey City. (See sidebar.) According to Jared, who rescued Lex from a shelter, runs can be great places to share dog care information such as boarding or finding a dog walker.
Lex, a mixed breed, plays in the dog run between Fourth and Fifth streets in Hoboken near the Stevens Institute. There are regulars at the park who know each other’s dogs, but might not have names for the owners. Although Jared thinks Lex is a little spoiled with his four walks, a day he is glad he rescued Lex. “I love dogs,” said Jared.
Doggie day care
If you spend a lot of time at work or away from home, day care might be the answer for your pet. Graceland Doggie Day Care at 716 Clinton St. in Hoboken and Boca’s Play & Stay Dog Center at 98 Forrest St. in Jersey City offer day care, overnight boarding, and other services. Both centers offer pick up and drop off taxi service and are open weekends and most holidays. In addition to babysitting, your baby can have grooming and bathing services. There are also indoor dog runs that are suited to animals of similar size and temperament. Customers are welcome to bring specialty food, or food will be provided. Your dog must be up to date on its shots. For information on rates, services, and on-line forms please visit: www.graceland-ddc.com or www.bocasplaynstay.com or call: (201) 798-6300 for Graceland or (201) 536-8888 for Boca’s.
For those with feline friends, Boca’s has expanded their services to include cat boarding!
There is also a doggie adventure camp located in Vermont that will pick up your pet in Hoboken or Jersey City. For more information please visit: www.campdeeogee@aol.com.
Supplies
Are you looking for specialty items or do you just want to buy the necessary things? Cornerstone Pets at 105 Ninth St. in Hoboken, Beowolf Provisions for Pets on 106 Fifth St. in Hoboken, and Fetch It at 228 Seventh St. in Jersey City offer food, hygiene items, and more! All offer dog and cat food, collars, leashes, bedding, and grooming items. They also offer treats, toys, and health items for your pet. The stores are open seven days a week with varied hours. Cornerstone Pets also has an adoption or fostering program through the Liberty Humane Society, whose goal is to provide homes for abandoned or homeless dogs or cats. For more information, please call: (201) 653-4644 for Cornerstone Pets; or (201) 659-2880 for Fetch It; or (201) 659-7387 for Beowolf. Or visit: www.libertyhumane.org to find out how you can help an animal in need
. Grooming
The Animal Pantry on 320 Washington St. in Hoboken offers basic grooming services. The salon is open seven days a week and also has basic needs items including: dog and cat food; collars, leashes, toys and clothes. If you know your dog needs a bath and can’t manage to do it yourself, leave it to the professionals. Michelle, Hoboken resident, is a groomer at The Animal Pantry. She explained what happens in a professional setting. According to her, most dogs take two to three hours for the procedure.
The dog is given a bath, the nails are cut, the ears are cleaned, and the hair is shaved by the rectum. If the customer requests the hair to be cut on the body, they will do that for an extra fee. Most of the time the owner just picks up or drops off the dog, unless they are known to be aggressive or nervous (the dogs, that is).
As an avid animal lover, Michelle has learned how to read dogs. She said that most dogs do not like their legs touched during grooming. The worst part of her job is when she gets an excited dog who thrashes and gets her wet. “I’m a dog person,” said Michelle. “I like dogs better than most people.” For more information or to make an appointment please call: (201) 533-4454.
Claws and Paws on 508 Fifth St. in Hoboken has grooming for dogs. Please call (201) 386-1881 for more information.
Health care
For a healthy pet, make sure to take yours in for regular check-ups and shots. If your pet plays outside on a regular basis, you should check him or her for fleas and ticks. Ask your vet if your pet should wear a flea collar because they can be annoying to wear for some.
Anytime you go into the woods with a pet you should be sure to check his or her coat for tics. If your animal has suffered serious trauma like a broken bone or a puncture wound to the paws, try to keep him as comfortable as possible until you can get him to a vet.
Besides numerous animal hospitals in Hoboken and Jersey City, there are the Rutherford Animal Hospital at 755 Rutherford Ave. in Rutherford (201 933-4111) or A & R Veterinary Hospital at 365 Broad St. in Ridgefield (201 945-6770) providing health care services for dogs and cats.
Dog Runs
Hoboken: Corner of Fourth and Willow
Hoboken: Corner of Fourth and Hudson
Hoboken: Corner of Eleventh and Hudson
Hoboken: Shipyard Park
Jersey City: Sergeant Anthony Park on Palisade Avenue
Useful Dog Links:
Friends of Animals: www.friendsofanimals.org
Hudson County Animal League: www.hcalnj.org
Directory of Dog Websites: www.i-love-dogs.org
American Kennel Club: www.akc.org