Safe, Easy, Stress Free for your Dog & Cat

You’ve been waiting for your vacation for a long time. Your tickets are purchased, hotel is booked, and packing list is made. There’s one last errand to run, and that’s getting your pet to Morris Animal Inn. Unfortunately, timing doesn’t work quite right with your schedule.

There was consideration to lodge your pet at places close to your home or destination. You’ve even heard about airport lodging facilities. The only problem is, you don’t know much about them, and you really want your pet to be in a place that you know and love.

You don’t have to worry anymore. We have solved your transportation problem with our private dog and cat chauffeur service to and from Morris Animal Inn. 

This service is safe, easy and stress free, giving you peace of mind, and you will get a report when your dog reaches the Inn.

If you would like to take advantage of this for your upcoming trip, fill our our easy form. 

New Year, New You...For your Pet Too!

The countdown to the new year has begun, and its the perfect time to get motivated for 2016! This year, try including your pet in your New Year's Resolutions. Get inspired to try new things and accomplish your goals with your best friend by your side!

Get Healthy

 

This is a resolution we've heard time and time again. If you've been unsuccessful in making healthy changes in years past, consider having your dog join in on your journey to get healthy in 2016. As your dog improves their overall health, you'll feel motivated to meet your own goals. A perfect way to get your pup started is by signing them up for our Canine Cleanse in January 2016. The event includes canine cardio sessions, doggie detox drinks, and daily spa treatments! 

Try Something New

The new year is also a great chance to try something brand new. For you, it could be learning to kayak, playing softball with friends or taking an art class. For your pet, Morris Animal Inn has tons of new activities for them to try out in 2016. Test out the waters with a Splish Splash Session in our indoor pool or become an artist with our Pi-Cat-So iPad game! 

Get a New Look

Encourage yourself to take risks in the new year. Get an edgy hair cut or freshen up your wardrobe. Include your pet in this transformation at Morris Animal Inn's grooming salon. Try out a new hair style or simply treat them to a blueberry facial! 

Learn a New Skill

Whether its learning a language or taking up photography, challenge yourself to learn a new skill in 2016. Your pup can sharpen their skills right along with you by focusing on basic obedience training with the trainers at Morris Animal Inn. 

Visit the Doctor

Your overall health, as well as your pet's, is definitely a resolution that should be on your list. The start of a new year is a perfect reminder to contact your local veterinarian and schedule an annual check up. 

We wish you a year of happiness, health and fun for both you and your beloved pets!

Why Morris Animal Inn Guests Love the Holidays

Are you having as much fun as your pet is having at Morris Animal Inn this Christmas? Here's what our guests will be up to during the holiday...

Getting fit and having fun on our canine cardio treadmill. 

Video: Watch Weller go for his morning speed walk!

Being silly and playing games with friends. 

Video: Watch Tess jump for joy!

Letting out their creative kitty side. 

Video: Watch Steamboat Willie create a piece of art
with our Pi-Cat-So game!

Getting a spa experience at our grooming salon to return home clean, happy and healthy.

Video: Watch some pampered pets get the royal treatment!

We hope your holiday is filled with fun and family! 
As for your furry family members, they will be enjoying all of the love and luxury that Morris Animal Inn has to offer this Christmas! 

The Perfect Present for Your Pet

After you've checked all of your family and friends off your gift list, don't forget to treat your furry family member this holiday. Here's 7 reasons why Morris Animal Inn is the perfect present for your pet!

1. Every doggie deserves a spa day.
Give your dog a spa day at Morris Animal Inn this holiday. They can enjoy a blueberry facial, brush out with scented shampoo, and a brand new hairdo for the new year!


2. Pups can sharpen their skills with a training session.
Our trainers use positive reward-based training, which is proven to produce happy dogs who are willing to work and learn new behaviors. 


3. Doggie daycare is a chance to see old friends and make new ones. 
Morris Animal Inn offers both private and group daycare. Your dog can come in for the day to get one on one love and attention from our staff, or enjoy some fun and games with dogs of similar size and play style. We cater your dog's daycare activities to what they like best!


5. Pool parties at Morris Animal Inn are year-round.
Treat your pup to a Splish Splash Session in our indoor pool. Play poolside or go for a dip. Each session also includes a post-swim blow dry, so your pooch stays comfy and warm after their pool party.


6. A Canine Cardio session is a great way to start 2016 off right.
Customize a workout for your furry family member with a Canine Cardio session. Going for a jog on our treadmill is a great way to get your pup feeling fit and refreshed. Ask about our Canine Cleanse, a week long health and wellness getaway in January 2016! 


7. Show your kitty some love! 
Give your kitty the gift of luxury this holiday. Our feline guests can hang out in their luxury suite and watch TV, climb and scratch in our kitty play room, or play and pounce during a curious kitty chaser game. 

A Morris Animal Inn Gift Card is the perfect holiday gift for all of the dogs and cats on your list! Call 973-539-0377 to find out more. 

Get Inspired: The Perfect Name for Your Pet

Bringing home a pet is an exciting time for the whole family. After making the decision to add a new furry family member, your next big decision is choosing their name. Picking a name that fits your pet can be very difficult, because there are so many possibilities. Here's some unique names to inspire you to select the perfect name for your kitty or pup!

Historical names

"Fidelity" is a great name that refers to one of Theodore Roosevelt's horses. It also relates to loyalty and faithfulness.

"Cleopatra" is the name of a famous Egyptian Pharaoh, and means "glory of the father." This is a great name for a a regal and beloved female pet. 

Names with a hidden meaning

"Kendi" means "loved one."

"Sonny" translates to "our son." 

Classic names

"Dixie" is defined as "from the south of the United States." This is a great name for a four-legged southern belle!

"Fido" is a classic name that means "faithful" or "loyal." Abraham Lincoln had a retriever mix named Fido, so your dog would be in good company with this name!

Names for a pair of pets

If you adopted siblings or best friends, consider the following names:

"Bonnie and Clyde" were the names of a criminal duo and could be a perfect description of two trouble making dogs. 

"Romeo and Juliet" were characters in a Shakespearean love tragedy and could be the perfect name for a male and female pair of pets. 

Names based on personality

Consider waiting until your dog or cat gets settled in their new home, and let them name themselves! Once you get to know your new best friend, you can choose their name based on their personality traits. 

"Barkley" is perfect for a dog that loves to bark.

"Happy" is a distinct name for a pup that is always in a good mood!

Quirky names

Based on a list by Pet Insurance, some of the wackiest names of 2015 include:

Baron Von Furry Pants

Artoo Dogtoo

Abigail Carmichael Spartacus

Smiley Cyrus

Nutmeg Spice O'Paris

Although naming your new dog can feel like an overwhelming task, try and have fun with the process. Whether you settle on a classic name or a quirky one, your pet has found their forever home, and that is really all that matters!

Source: caninejournal.com, petinsurance.com, thefuntimesguide.com 

The Best Dog for Your Lifestyle

Getting a dog is a life long commitment,so it's important to do as much research as possible before bringing a new addition into your family. Consider the following factors to help you make the best decision when opening your heart and home to a dog.

The amount of space you have

Take into consideration how much space your new dog will need. If you have an apartment, adopting a small dog like a Chihuahua may be the right choice. However, if you live in a large home with a fenced-in yard, a bigger dog like a Golden Retriever could be a great fit! 

The amount of time you have

If you work long hours, or have limited time to spend with your new pet, avoid getting a dog that requires a lot of activity. If you enjoy going on hikes or jogging with your pup, a high energy dog would be perfect for your lifestyle. 

The dog's grooming needs

A dog's coat and grooming needs should be a relevant factor when choosing the right dog for you. All dogs should be groomed regularly. However, some breeds require more intensive or specific grooming. For example, a long haired breed, like a Shih Tzu, would need consistent brushing. Other breeds require less maintenance. Whether it be a simple bath for your Lab or a detailed haircut for your Poodle, visit Morris Animal Inn's grooming salon to keep your pet's coat healthy and clean!

The dog's temperament

Are you looking for a dog who is friendly with strangers, or a protective dog that is loyal only to his owners? Do you require a dog that is good around kids, or do you have a cat or another dog that your new pup needs to get along with? Answer these questions to make sure you are choosing a dog with personality traits and temperament that fit your lifestyle.

The dog's age

Although it might be tempting to become overwhelmed by a puppy's cuteness, you should consider the level of commitment that goes into raising a puppy before getting one. Puppies have a lot of energy and need consistent interaction. Raising a puppy also means house training and obedience training, which require plenty of patience and time. Consider adopting an adult dog if you do not have the lifestyle that is necessary for raising a puppy. Adult dogs are often house trained and can be much calmer than a puppy. 

The wonderful thing about dogs is that they come in all shapes, sizes and personalities. So, take the time to do research before finding your new best friend to ensure a happy future for you and your pet!

Take this quiz to find out which dog breed is best for you. 

Source: HumaneSociety.org, akc.org, Banfield.com

Puzzles for Pups: Benefits of Interactive Toys for your Pet

Interactive toys are a great way for your pet to stay busy and have fun, while also improving their mental and physical skills. Consider this modern method of playtime to avoid having your dog be bored or mischievous. There are many benefits to interactive toys, and introducing them into your dog's routine can give you a happier and smarter pet!

 Mental Stimulation

Mental stimulation is just as important for your dog as physical stimulation. Encourage your dog to self-entertain with interactive toys in order to provide a simple and fun way to get mental exercise.  

Problem-Solving Skills

Dogs are intelligent creatures and have some thinking skills that are similar to human thinking skills. They are able to learn facial expressions, hand gestures and can learn by imitation. Give your pooch a chance to sharpen his skills with a puzzle toy that requires problem-solving skills. This can improve your dog's confidence and decrease their anxiety. 

Weight Management

As with physical exercise, mental exercise is necessary to keep your pet active and happy. Fun purpose-driven toys are a great way to improve your dog's fitness. If you have a high-energy dog, interactive toys will tire them out. Remember, a tired dog is a good dog! Support a healthy and active lifestyle for your pet by giving them challenging and fulfilling ways to play. 

Don't Forget the Kitties

Cats can absolutely benefit from interactive play as well. These toys can help keep your cat active and prevent obesity. Activities like Morris Animal Inn's Crazy Cat Electronic Tablet Game provide exercise and excitement for cats. It allows them to explore and stalk, which are natural cat instincts. Provide opportunities for your cat to stay curious with interactive toys, so that their playtime can be fun and educational. 

Source: PetAge.com, EmbracePetInsurance.com, DogingtonPost.com

Why Your Cat Needs to Knead

Kneading is a very common behavior for cats. It may just be soft pawing or even a repetitive clawing. Regardless of when or where, if a cat feels the need to knead, they will. Why do cats love this activity so much? 

It's comforting

Kneading represents a period of comfort and safety. During the nursing process, kittens will knead their mom's belly to increase milk flow. Kneading then becomes an instinctive behavior that they carry with them past kittenhood. Its a moment of happiness and contentment. Much like certain food or activities remind you of childhood, kneading brings your cat back to a comforting time.

Your cat is marking their territory. 

Kneading is also a way for a cat to create a safe space. Cats have scent glands on the pads of their feet, and these produce a unique scent. A cat releases this scent to claim territory and define what is theirs. They may also claw to leave signature scratches on something they want to mark as theirs. So, next time your cat is kneading on your lap, consider it a compliment! 

If you don't like your cat's kneading behavior...

Consider redirecting your cat to an area besides your lap. You can simply reward your cat for kneading in a certain area - maybe a blanket or pillow. It is important to remember that kneading is a normal and comforting activity for your cat, so you shouldn't discourage the behavior. 

Now you know why your cat needs to knead. Next time you witness this behavior, you can understand a little better why your cat enjoys it so much! 

Source: aaha.org, cats.lovetoknow.com, catster.com

How to Include Your Dog in the Holidays

With the holiday season just around the corner, keep your pet in mind when planning festivities. The holidays are a time to be grateful for family and friends, and your four legged loved one should be no exception! There are lots of opportunities to include your pet when making holiday plans. Here are some ways you can make sure your pet enjoys this special time of year as much as you do.

Go for a long walk

A great way to show your dog some extra love during the holiday season is by taking him outside for some fresh air. Let your dog run around and release some energy in a fenced in area, or take him on a long walk with plenty of breaks for sniffing.


Give them a special treat or meal

It may be tempting to feed your dog some scraps from your big holiday meal, but this could be dangerous for them. Typical foods served at a holiday meal may include raisins, chocolate, bones, onion, and garlic. Ingesting these foods could cause an upset stomach and vomiting for your dog. Instead, consider making something special just for your pup. A special hand-made meal or tasty treat will get a warm reception from any dog. 

 Donate to a local charity

There is no better way to celebrate the holiday season than by giving to others. Make a donation in your pet's name to your local animal shelter or rescue or donate food, blankets, toys or leashes to pets in need.

Set aside a quiet space

Make sure there is a place in your home where your dog can go to get away from all of the noise and excitement of the holiday. Your house will most likely be busier, louder and more stressful for your dog. Give your dog some time to sneak away to his warm and cozy bed to remind him of the comforts of his normal routine.

Keep your dog safe from holiday hazards

Although the holidays are a wonderful time for you and your family, there are aspects of the season that can be dangerous for your pet. Make sure to supervise your dog around any decorations and/or Christmas trees. If a curious pup gets a hold of a shiny ornament, it can be a recipe for disaster! Its also helpful to have an emergency vet's number on hand in case of any accidents.

Get a holiday pet portrait

Make your pet feel extra pampered and loved this holiday season by including them in the special moments you capture. Getting a professional photo taken of your pet will be something you will cherish for years to come. 

Have a picture taken of your pup in a winter wonderland scene at Morris Animal Inn's Holiday Pet Photo Shoot on November 15th from 10am-3pm. Call 973-539-0377 for more details!

Source: embracepetinsurance.com, animalfriends.co.uk, nwkare.org, 

5 Reasons Why Dogs Chase Their Tails

Dogs are playful creatures by nature, and most of us have watched a pup run around in circles chasing his tail. What may just seem like an amusing quirk could actually be a behavior that is worth looking into. Here are a few explanations for why your cute canine is chasing his tail.

Boredom

It is not uncommon to see a puppy spend minutes spinning in circles to try and catch its own tail. This entertaining habit is normal for puppies, who are naturally very playful. Tail chasing usually happens when a puppy is bored, which can be often for an energetic puppy! As the puppies get older, this usually fades away. 

Breed

Some dogs have a genetic predisposition to tail chasing and other compulsive behaviors. For breeds like German Shepherds, Bull Terriers, and Dobermans, tail chasing is not so much a silly game as it is a hereditary tendency.

 Fleas or Worms

If an older dog is consistently chasing his or her tail, its a good idea to go for a check up at your veterinarian. Tail chasing is not always all fun and games. It could actually be a sign that they have fleas or worms. So check with your local vet to make sure your dog is healthy. 

Attention Seeking

Dogs crave attention from humans, and they may do something as silly as chasing their tail to get it. Getting your dog active attention from humans is important. Simple things like a good belly rub or a Frisbee toss will make your dog happy and less likely to come up with his own ways to be entertained. 

Excessive Energy

If you have a high energy dog, they will need plenty of physical activity. Without it, they may resort to exerting energy by tail chasing. To avoid this behavior, consider increasing your dog's daily activity level. 

Is your dog chasing its tail? Bring them to Morris Animal Inn! We have plenty of activities to keep them active and entertained, including pampered pet sessions for dogs seeking some extra TLC, canine cardio sessions for high energy dogs, and more! To find out more about the activities we offer, visit www.MorrisAnimalInn.com or call 973-539-0377. 

Source: wonderopolis.org, petful.com, vetwest.com, dognotebook.com