Pet spa provides daytime care for pets

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Staci Miller
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  The only Department of Defense kennel in U.S. Air Forces in Europe is located right here in the Eifel. The Pet Spa is located in Oberweis and offers a convenient program for busy Sabers and their pets.

Doggy Day Care is comparable to a traditional children's day care. Busy dog owners can make an appointment to drop their dog off at the Pet Spa to be cared for during the work day.

Tracie Mobley, 52nd Force Support Squadron, is the owner of a four-month-old Pug, Bella. She started using the program about a month ago.

"My husband and I work, and our kids have after-school programs," Mrs. Mobley said. (Because of Doggy Day Care) my puppy is not home all alone every day. Bella loves going to the program."

It's typical for dogs to feel uncomfortable in new environments, said Katie Hasty, Pet Spa representative. When emergencies come up, owners can sometimes be forced to unexpectedly kennel their pets. Doggy Day Care introduces the dog to kenneling in a stress free manner and gives them the opportunity to socialize with other dogs and acclimate to the kenneling atmosphere.

The Pet Spa averages about 10 dogs per day. Volunteers are always needed to walk and play with the dogs, especially during the summer and holidays.

The program is available 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Owners can make an appointment to drop their dog off anytime during the day. Dogs have to be picked up by 6 p.m. or owners can opt to participate in "Yappy Hour" at 6:30 p.m. Yappy Hour is an hour-long play group, also held at the Pet Spa.

Yappy Hour isn't the only additional service owners can tack on to the Doggy Day Care program.

"We offer a lot more services than what people see," Mrs. Hasty said. "If you're (moving), your pet may need numerous veterinarian appointments. Just give us your veterinarian's information, and we'll transport your pet."

On Fridays, the Pet Spa also offers in-house grooming. This service can be used in combination with Doggy Day Care. Unlike other grooming services, this gives owners more flexibility to choose when to pick up their pet.

Doggy Day Care is available by appointment only. Owners should provide feeding instructions, allergy information and be sure their dog has the proper vaccinations, to include rabies, bordatella and distemper.

"Pets that don't have the correct vaccines won't get turned away. We can work with the owner and make a vet appointment," Mrs. Hasty said.

The Pet Spa is dedicated to being there for your pets.

"We are always here: rain, sleet, Road Condition black, holidays and family days," Mrs. Hasty said. "I feel like we are comparable to a child care center. (The dogs) are just like children to us."