By Steve Vassallo
HottyToddy.com contributor
Crossroads Animal Hospital has installed a new state-of-the-art day care facility. HottyToddy.com’s Steve Vassallo questioned Dr. McQueen recently to learn more about the latest offering for Oxford’s furry friends.
Vassallo: Dr. McQueen, please tell our readers why you opened this haven for our area dogs.
Dr. McQueen: We have always had Doggie Daycare at Crossroads. However, we believed that we could be offering our pups a better experience. So we made the recent decision to upgrade the facility. This included installing new artificial turf, specifically designed with dog comfort and hygiene in mind… and improved environmental enrichment.
Vassallo: What are the hours and the cost to participate?
Dr. McQueen: A full day of Daycare runs from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., but the dogs are all taken indoors to play from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. to avoid any heat-related issues. A full day of play is $20, and a half day is $15. Boarding dogs get a discounted daily rate of Doggie Daycare as well!
Vassallo: Are there any special rules and regulations?
Dr. McQueen: We are very careful about our Daycare participants. We want them to have as much fun as possible, so we do only allow dogs with good temperaments. They also, of course, need to be fully up to date on all core vaccines and not be showing any signs of illness.
Vassallo: Is this a year round offering or is the Daycare strictly seasonal?
Dr. McQueen: Daycare is offered all year long. Additionally, we plan on expanding daycare next year to offer special ‘Game Day’ options for pups during the Ole Miss football season, which will allow owners and pets to both enjoy the Game Day experience.
Vassallo: Please describe all of the amenities associated with the Daycare.
Dr. McQueen: The entire facility is surfaced with Forever Lawn, which is an extremely comfortable artificial turf product with exceptional drainage. This allows pets to play in comfort for longer. It also maximizes the cleanliness of daycare and prevents the build up of contaminants and offensive smells. The facility also contains shade structures, doggie pools and fans to keep pets cool during hot days. Additionally we have provided play structures (ramps, tunnels etc) and dog friendly toys.
Finally, there is constant supervision of Daycare by a Crossroads staff member, to prevent any accidents or overexuberant play between dogs.
Vassallo: About how many dogs do you believe will take advantage of the Daycare in the first few months?
Dr. McQueen: Before the renovations, we would have about 20-30 dogs per day. Now that we have the ability to have more yards and separate dogs by sizes, we anticipate there will be more than that in the upcoming months.
Vassallo: What else would you like to add that we have not addressed?
Dr. McQueen: Anyone who is considering enrolling their pets in Doggie Daycare is welcome to drop by Crossroads Animal Hospital to see and experience the new facility in person. We’d be delighted to have you and will happily answer any questions you might have
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