PORTLAND'S TOP FAMILY BOARDING FACILITY EXPANDING ACROSS THE U.S.

A growing trend among doggie-day care and boarding facilities, crate-free and other humane care options are springing up faster than you can say, "Go get it, boy!"

Turned off by the idea of their precious puppy being locked in a crate for up to 23 hours a day in noisy, overcrowded kennels, pet owners are looking to invest their time and money on premiere services for their dogs. Individual cuddle time, serene environments, devoted care providers, and spa services are simply what this new breed of pet parent demands from a boarding facility.

Now, thanks to the success of a local company, pet owners across the country rest assured knowing their beloved companion animal is in good hands while they're away. Backed by pet health professionals and the not-for-profit Pet Care Alliance, SafeJourney Pet Sitting is now offering franchise opportunities to qualified individuals in 36 states. Housed in a large renovated Victorian home in the historic Brooklyn neighborhood of Portland, Oregon, SafeJourney is the best in the business when it comes to family boarding and client-centered care.

SafeJourney calls for all franchisees to take part is their mission to bring kindness and compassion to the world of business. Each franchisee is required to abide by the same rules that govern local operations, including paying living wages to employees, treating pets with dignity and gentility at all times, donating time to local animal advocacy programs and reducing their carbon footprint according to specific guidelines. Care providers and SafeJourney franchisees are trained and certified by the Pet Care Alliance, an organization dedicated to standardizing requirements for professionals in the industry and to promoting no-kill alternatives to shelters across the nation.


For more information or to schedule an interview with President Shawn Ryan, please contact Charity Reeves at Charity.SafeJourney@gmail.com or call 503.209.0177 ext. 6. You may also look us up on the web at http://www.safejourneypetsitting.com/

Dogs and the Outdoors: 5 Rules when Camping with your Dog

Hiking, biking and camping in the great outdoors can be a very rewarding experience for dogs and their human companions. Keep these simple rules in mind to ensure a safe and happy trip for both of you.

Know Your Dog

Most pet owners are aware of their dog's disposition toward strangers and unfamiliar environments.

However, new situations can sometimes be overwhelming for even the easiest mannered canine, which is why it's important to stay in touch with the signals your dog is sending. If your dog shows signs of stress or aggression, take her back to the campsite immediately and spend some time helping her relax. Never let your pet off leash if there is any possibility of running off or attacking another animal. It's always a good idea to go over some basic commands before taking the leash off for the first time in a new environment. This sets the tone and helps your pet focus.
Vaccines and Licenses

Due to the likely exposure to wild animals and their droppings, it is essential to have your dog current on shots. Ask your vet or do some research into what diseases and insects might be present in the area you're traveling to.

Licenses are a given at home and away. A temporary tag with the campground name, site number, ranger station phone number and your current contact info can prove invaluable if your dog does run off and can't find their way back.

The Comforts of Home

Doggy's favorite toys, food dishes and bedding can be great comforts in a new environment. Spend an hour or so each day doing some of the same activities you both enjoy back home, and your pet will feel more secure and have an easier time adjusting to new situations.

Courteous Camping

Many campgrounds across the country are now closed to dogs due to the perception that they are loud, dangerous and undisciplined.

Doing your part to give our dogs back their good name as great camping companions is easy and rewarding. Always pick up after your pet, keep her quiet after sundown, don't her to run after other people or dogs and stay clear of restricted areas helps everyone have a more enjoyable experience.

Even the most well intentioned pet owners can overlook basic etiquette when distracted by the experience of nature. Looking after our dogs and cleaning up behind them while on vacation sets a good example for other pet parents and leaves a positive impression with those who do not have pets of their own.

First Aid for Fido

Several types of K-9 emergency kits are available from various retail and online sources. If you don't want to pack an extra kit, you can easily add a few necessary items to your own first aid box. The following items can be found at local pet supply stores and veterinary offices.

• Healing Salve & Rescue Remedy—For soothing abrasions and anxiety.
• Small Scissors & Septic Powder—Useful for cuts, scrapes and briars.
• Vet Wrap & Sam Splints—For stabilizing sprains and fractures.
• Needle Nosed Pliers & Tick Release.
• Aspirin & Benadryl—For painful cuts, bruises and allergic reactions.
• Extra Water & High Calorie Treats—For emergency situations.
• Halt! or Air Horn—Capsaicin based pepper spray causes extreme temporary discomfort if sprayed at an attacking animal. Air Horns are a safer alternative and effectively startle aggressive dogs.
• SafeJourney All Natural Dry Shampoo--for keeping your companion clean during the journey. You can purchase SafeJourney All Natural Dry Shampoo at www.safejourneypetsitting.com or by calling 888-837-4447.

If you remember that everything you love about the outdoors is that much more exciting for your dog, you will be able to anticipate and prepare for unexpected situations. We wish you and your pets happy camping and SafeJourney.

Older and Special Needs Dog Care

Pet parents often concern over how best to care for their dogs while away or traveling.

Dan Lioy, co-creator of SafeJourney Pet Sitting, redeveloped a Victorian home as a crate-free kennel so that he and his staff can provide 24-hour care in a residential setting. SafeJourney quickly learned that older dogs and dogs with special needs have few safe spaces for boarding and socializing in the Portland community. “We often hear from pet parents that their older pet was denied access to doggie daycare because of incontinence, feeding needs, or limited mobility,” said Lioy.

SafeJourney opened the SoJourner House, which is a space just for older dogs and dogs with special needs such as diabetes or anxiety. This space is used to house a small group of appropriate dogs while their parents are away. SafeJourney also holds elder dog play at the SoJourner House. “It is SafeJourney’s hope that this space will help improve the quality of life and health for older and special needs dogs,” said Shawn Ryan, director of SafeJourney.

SafeJourney offers training and support to pet care professionals and other affiliates who want to create similar services, which meet SafeJourney quality assurance standards. SafeJourney support systems include the World's leading dog and pet boarding reservation software and database, which can be purchased or licensed. SafeJourney also has the pet industry's leading web-site design and creation team; and proven affiliate programs for pet sitting, family and home-style boarding, and other pet businesses.

To learn more about SafeJourney services,
visit our website http://www.safejourneypetsitting.com/
Or give us a call at 503.209.0177