After being quarantined at home for the last 45 to 60 days, a vast majority of Idahoans are ready to take a much-deserved summer vacation. And if you're planning on taking Fido or Fluffy along with you out of state (or out of the country), you're probably going to need a pet health certificate. 

Life gets crazy for everyone, and every day doesn’t go as planned. Sometimes you are forced to leave your pets alone for extended periods due to no fault of your own, and the consequences can be alarming for your pet’s health and your Armani shoes.

Last March, Intermountain Pet Hospital decided to require canine flu vaccinations for all dogs staying at our Lodge and Day Camp. Over the past few months, some clients and fellow veterinary professionals have asked why we did this. We’d like to address those inquires and concerns here.

Are you making holiday travel plans? 'Tis the season to visit family and friends and make the long trek back home. But your cat wants to sing "I'll (stay) home for Christmas." There are reasons why you don't see many people traveling with cats; frankly, it's stressful and difficult for your feline friend to go on a trip with you, even if you'd love to bring her. That's why it's vital that you find a cat boarding lodge that can keep your pet safe and happy this holiday season.

'Tis the season to travel! The holidays are full of visits to family and friends. While you're planning your vacation, don't forget an important member of your family: your dog. Some pet owners can take their dogs with them on long trips, but for many people, this simply isn't an option. Traveling can be stressful for dogs and cost-prohibitory for some pet owners. There are destinations where Fido can't tag along—whether it's because Grandma's allergic to pet dander or because you'll be hitting the slopes all day. Whatever your reason for leaving your furry friend home, you'll want to be sure he or she is comfortable, safe, and getting plenty of love. Do you have a pet lodge you trust to take care of your pet over the holidays? Don’t wait until the last minute to choose a place for your dog to stay; if you’re not careful, the best places will be booked solid for the final months of the year. Here are some tips to help you choose the right pet lodging facility.

Most pet owners feel that they know their dogs fairly well—they can read their facial cues, understand their barks and sounds, and interpret their body language. But when it comes to submissive behavior, some dog owners miss signs that your dog is acknowledging your dominance.

It's time for that fun summer holiday we all love—it's almost Independence Day! At least, all of us humans like barbecues, warm weather, and fireworks, but for your dog, this could be the worst day of the year.

Dogs are social creatures, and like humans, a lack of socialization can have devastating longterm effects on their behavior. That's why it's no joke to socialize your puppy, especially during crucial times of development. Some research suggests that this crucial socialization period is as early as 3-12 weeks of age, and that the younger a puppy is the better the chance he or she will approach new situations with an adventurous attitude.

We'd all like to be able to take our pets with us when we vacation, but it's not always possible. Boarding at a top-notch facility is the best way to make sure your pet has a fear free experience. You'll also enjoy your time away much more if you know your pet is in good hands.

Your dog is your best friend—and for good reason. She's always there for you and probably wags her tail right off when you get home from work every evening. But do you ever wonder if your friend is lonely while you're gone?