News>Feature - Take a break, let your pet take one too
Photos
Oberweis, Germany -- Camille Henry, 52nd Force Support Squadron Pet Spa assistant manager, spends time with Bender, Scottish fold cat, during playtime June 28 in the cat playroom at the pet spa here. Animal caretakers play with cats twice a day. More play times can be added-on to the pet’s stay for additional fees. The pet spa has 31 dog and five cat indoor kennels, and they can also house exotic animals for base members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Natasha Stannard/ Released)
Oberweis, Germany -- Camille Henry, 52nd Force Support Squadron Pet Spa assistant manager, clips a leash onto Buster, Beagle, to take him for a walk June 28 at the pet spa here. Animal caretakers take dogs for walks twice a day. More walks can be added-on for additional fees. The pet spa has 31 dog and five cat indoor kennels, and they can also house exotic animals for base members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Natasha Stannard/ Released)
Oberweis, Germany -- Camille Henry, 52nd Force Support Squadron Pet Spa assistant manager, takes Buster, Beagle, for a walk June 28 at the pet spa here. Animal caretakers take dogs for walks twice a day. More walks can be added-on for additional fees. The pet spa has 31 dog and five cat indoor kennels, and they can also house exotic animals for base members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Natasha Stannard/ Released)
Oberweis, Germany – Danielle Diemer, 52nd Force Support Squadron Pet Spa volunteer, takes Sadie for a walk June 28 at the pet spa here. Animal caretakers take dogs for walks twice a day. More walks can be added-on for additional fees. The pet spa has 31 dog and five cat indoor kennels, and they can also house exotic animals for base members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Natasha Stannard/ Released)
Oberweis, Germany – Danielle Diemer, 52nd Force Support Squadron Pet Spa volunteer, fills cat-food bowls June 28 at the pet spa here. Animal caretakers fill dog and cat food bowls twice a day. Extra feedings can be added-on for additional fees. The pet spa has 31 dog and five cat indoor kennels, and they can also house exotic animals for base members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Natasha Stannard/ Released)
Oberweis, Germany – Summer Benedetti, 52nd Force Support Squadron Pet Spa manager, brushes Shadow, Collie, June 28 at the pet spa here. The pet spa has 31 dog and five cat indoor kennels, and they can also house exotic animals for base members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Natasha Stannard/ Released)
by Senior Airman Natasha Stannard
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
7/2/2012 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The 52nd Force Support Squadron Pet Spa, located in Oberweis, offers many services for base members' four-legged and --sometimes no-legged -- family members.
The pet spa is a full-service boarding facility run by animal caretakers who ensure dogs, cats and exotic animals are taken care of in accordance with veterinary standards.
"I hope our customers feel satisfied that their animal had a good experience," said Camille Henry, Pet Spa assistant manager. "That they didn't just go on vacation; their animal went on vacation, too - that's how I like to feel when I drop my pet off."
Pet owners must ensure their animals have required shots and vaccinations to stay at the spa. Dogs must have rabies, bordatella, and distemper vaccinations; cats must have rabies, feline leukemia and feline distemper vaccinations.
Summer Benedetti, pet spa manager, advises people make reservations as soon as they can, because booking fills up quickly.
"Our first priority and concern is the animals themselves," Henry said. "We have two shifts set up to ensure animals are fed, have water, and are walked and medicated. On top of that, we're offering more and more services. In July, we're getting a groomer and we also offer additional services such as extra walks and play times."
The facility boasts 31 dog and five cat indoor kennels. If there are two dogs or cats in a family, the pets can stay in the same kennel. The spa also has play rooms for both dogs and cats, and a fenced-in area outside for the dogs to run and play.
"A lot of families put a lot of focus and time into their animal; as a result, this is definitely a service we should be providing," Henry said. "Just like the child development center, people entrust us to take care of their pets as though they're our own pets. They don't just want us to feed water and walk; it's more than that. They want us to give their dog, cat or exotic animal love and attention."
The pet spa also houses most exotic pets. Owners may need to supply the exotic animal's food and any medications or additional accessories needed to care for the pet.
People can even see how their pets are doing and find information like directions and road construction near the spa via the pet spa's Facebook page.
"We update our Facebook page with road construction coming to and from the pet spa," Henry said. "We also take pictures of the animals. If you're going on vacation and want to know how your dog or cat is doing, you can go on Facebook and see pictures of them."
People can also sign their pets' up for add-on services for additional fees when they schedule their pets stay or when they drop them off. Extra services include:
· Food and exercise add-ons such as extra walks, play time, extra feedings and special food.
· Transportation pick-ups and drop-offs to and from Bitburg Annex, Spangdahlem Air Base, Ramstein Air Base and Frankfurt International Airport. Owners must call two weeks in advance for this service. Other locations are also available for pick up and drop off but may include additional fees.
· Grooming services
· Self bath
· Doggy day care
Doggy day care is similar to a traditional boarding stay. The only difference is that pets are picked up by their owners the same day they are dropped off. People can book doggy day care up to a month in advance and receive reduced rates when they book by month.
"Doggy day care is a really good service for people working 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.," Henry said. "This is a great option for anyone who has a pet and doesn't want to leave them at home or in a kennel all day long."
In addition to taking care of animals, the spa also sells specialty food, toys, accessories, beds and travel items.
The pet spa is currently hiring and accepting volunteers. To volunteer, call 06565-61-9362. To apply for a position, visit http://nafjobs.org/.
The pet spa is open 7 a.m. - 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7- 8 a.m. and 4 - 5 p.m. weekends, U.S. holidays and goal days.
