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Best veterinarians:

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Boston Valley Animal Hospital
Blue Cross Animal Hospital, Williamsville
Ellicott Small Animal Hospital, Buffalo
Cheektowaga Vet. Hosp., Cheektowaga

Best daycare/pet sitters:
A Pawsitive Experience, www.pawsitive.biz , 627-9234

Best boarding/kennels:
NON-Traditional
A Pawsitive Experience, www.pawsitive.biz , 627-9234

Daycares and Kennels to Avoid in Erie County:
Canine Capers. Multiple major incidents. Dog ate rat poison there 2011. No foundation in building, just mats on the floor. Poorly keep fences and grounds. Holes in flooring encourge breeding grounds for contagious diseases. Holes in back yard increase risk of injury. Overgrown grass encourage fleas and pests. Property not maintained or sanitized regularly if at all.

Golden Paws:
Facility just opened and I went to take my dog and they have wholly inadequate fencing. Owner is just a kid who opened legally in March 2012 but has testimonials on site that are from several years of recommendations. Place is old and dirty and short of building a new fence, new buildings would never be anything but low-end. Owner is nice but clueless. Loving dogs does not mean you are capable of managing several at a time. If the recommendations reflect owner's true character, be concerned. If just opened, there would be no recommendation saying "I've used the services for years." Pet Sitter's insurance does not cover daycare or boarding so the business is not properly insured. I was a pet-sitter using the insurance so I know this for a fact. I live in this immediate area (two streets away) and it is dangerously close to the freeway maximum fencing to secure the dogs and double-gates. None exist here. Just a nice kid with unrealistic dreams opening before she should. However, if my pet were killed getting away, that would not provide me comfort. Also, she does everything. How can that be possible and still run a business from the home. They are not set up for grooming, provides a taxi service and other home services. Who would be with my dog?!? She has no real employees. No information on the site how the dog spends the day, referrals from people that are current (friends from high school did though).

Groomers to avoid:
Hamburg Goin' To the Dogs (mobile groomer)(unsanitized equip., drains dirty water in your yard against environmental regulations, owner dirty and unprofessional, really nice UNTIL you object to something and then the nastiest revengeful individual, yuk., great groomer but lacking in professionalism, honesty, doesn't adhere to agreed prices within a few months time, represent Golden Retriever rescue locally and then attends fund-raising promoting her business while not following up on rescue requests).

Hamburg Puppy Love Grooming - unfinished grooming, lots of dog fights, no responsibility taken for issues related to fights, skin problems from dirty tools; tons of "ex" employees, small crates for huge dogs, no water during grooming in a stressful set-up.

Best dog supplies:
The Animal Kingdom, Orchard Park
Treats Unleashed, Amherst
Hands and Paws, Cheektowaga

Best trainers (NOTE: NY state is not regulated and anyone can hang out a shingle)
A Pawsitive Experience, www.pawsitive.biz , 627-9234
Miranda Workman, Purrfect Paws
Paula Kelman, Family Companion. You have to ask for Paula and accept only Paula or you will not be redirected.
Noelle Nasca

Best breeders, rescue, and shelters:
H.E.A.R.T. (Hamburg Eden Animal Rescue Team)

P.A.P.P. (For owners who have to give up their pets but can keep until new home found)

Best Pet Sitters (e.g. walkers):
Pet Nanny (Contact Boston Valley Vet)
Sit 'n' Stay

NOTE: NY has no laws governing daycare or in-home pet care (aka pet-sitting). It IS illegal to engage in the business without zoning and a business license. Insurance should be mandatory. Current trends have franchises where owners take their dogs to families to keep in their home while away. THIS IS NOT LEGAL without zoning, business licensing and paying taxes on the income. Anyone not doing so is also compromising on your pet's care. There is no valid reason NOT to conduct yourself as a legitimate business. Dogs have gotten away from these environments, gotten sick, been attacked by family dogs and you have no recourse.