When we travel during the holiday season to visit family and friends, sometimes we have to leave a loved one behind -- the family pet.
Every day Holly Lariscy drops off her lab, Emma, to the people at Wag-A-Lot in Decatur for doggie day care. But with the holidays approaching, and when Lariscy has to leave town, Emma is also boarded at the facility.
"Now that she's 13, she likes to play, then she likes her sleep time and then she likes to play and then she likes her sleep time. She kind of gets both," said Lariscy.
Dr. Elizabeth Busch, a veterinarian with Briarcliff Animal Clinic, says pets shouldn't be left alone during the holidays.
"Sometimes you can leave your young cats at home for a day or two and have food out, but I really discourage people from leaving their pets for a long time by themselves at home," advised Busch.
Wag-A-Lot owner Craig Koch says many people feel that their pets are their children.
"And our staff feels the same way, we treat your dog as if it was our own child or our own dog," said Koch. "There are simply not enough boarding facilities in Atlanta to meet the demand or the increased demand over the holidays, so plan ahead."
He says reputable facilities will require your pet be up to date on all vaccinations. If the facility also offers day care, your pet will often have to pass a temperament test. Wag a Lot offers cameras that allow you to check in on your pet on the web. But for additional peace of mind, keep their surroundings familiar.
"If they have their own dog bed, their own chew toy, their own food, they're going to feel a little bit more like it's home," said Koch.
If you have a young pet, make sure the facility offers plenty of exercise. An older pet may need more company or lap time.
"At the end of the day, regardless of where you choose to go, I always say it's got to be four things. It has to be safe, clean, thoughtful and fun," said Koch.
Because boarding can get a little messy, it may be a good idea to also schedule a grooming appointment for your pet at the end of your vacation.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:03 AM EDT2013-05-24 14:03:16 GMT
A new exhibit in Atlanta is providing an encounter that you "otter" see. The new Georgia Aquarium exhibit offers guests a view of the popular animals that has never been seen before.
A new exhibit in Atlanta is providing an encounter that you "otter" see. The new Georgia Aquarium exhibit offers guests a view of the popular animals that has never been seen before.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:43 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:43:19 GMT
There's never any shortage of food in the FOX 5 newsroom, but on Fridays, it's in the parking lot!
There's never any shortage of food in the FOX 5 newsroom, but on Fridays, it's in the parking lot! This week, Sweet Auburn BBQ joined us for Food Truck Friday, and they got the holiday weekend started right with wings.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:11 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:11:19 GMT
Lookin' to put on a fantastic party this Memorial Day weekend? Don't forget to jazz up your patio before you light that grill.
Lookin' to put on a fantastic party this Memorial Day weekend? Don't forget to jazz up your patio before you light that grill. Lucky for you, our friends from Pike Nurseries have a ton of ideas for how you can get your outdoor space ready for the holiday festivities.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:58 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:58:06 GMT
Georgia residents interested in visiting a natural wonder like the Grand Canyon don't have to travel very far.
Georgia residents interested in visiting a natural wonder like the Grand Canyon don't have to travel very far. Located just 150 miles from Atlanta, Providence Canyon may be the perfect summer day trip.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:12 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:12:38 GMT
Lots of college and high school graduates are celebrating their accomplishments as they receive hard-earned diplomas.
Lots of college and high school graduates are celebrating their accomplishments as they receive hard-earned diplomas. So, we're going retro to see what our Good Day crew looked like back in the day (and maybe embarrass them just a little)!
Friday, May 24 2013 7:42 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:42:08 GMT
The Centers for Disease Control says that every 19 minutes, one person in the U.S. dies from a prescription drug overdose.
The Centers for Disease Control says that every 19 minutes, one person in the U.S. dies from a prescription drug overdose. The state of Georgia is trying to do something about the problem, so they've just launched an awareness campaign focused on education and prevention.
Friday, May 24 2013 7:41 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:41:05 GMT
It's Memorial Day weekend, and you know what that means: hamburgers, pools, and yes-- big-time sales.
It's Memorial Day weekend, and you know what that means: hamburgers, pools, and yes-- big-time sales. This weekend marks one of the biggest for sales amongst retailers, and no matter where you shop, there's a good chance they're offering a deal.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:09 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:09:40 GMT
You might have dreamed about getting the chance to decide which of your coworkers should stay on the job, and which ones need to go.
You might have dreamed about getting the chance to decide which of your coworkers should stay on the job, and which ones need to go. Does Someone Have to Go? is a new FOX reality show that lets employees take over for their bosses, and it premieres Thursday night!
