Animal Planet

Whether your pet has paws or claws, this basic resource guide will help you take care of your best friend’s every need.

By Brent Donaldson

Veterinary Clinics

Choosing a veterinarian is no simple proposition. Staff qualifications and friendliness, on-site equipment and facilities, location, hours of operation, and specialized services are only a few of the considerations at hand (or paw). To get you started, we’ve listed a few of our top picks to keep your critter healthy and happy.

(An asterisk indicates the clinic is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association.)

Animal Hospital on Mt. Lookout Square
3175 Linwood Ave., Mt. Lookout, (513) 871-8866, www.ahomls.com
Four full-time staff veterinarians, including husband and wife team Dr. Beverly Ramos and Dr. Paul Levitas, treat dogs, cats, rabbits, reptiles, birds, and pocket pets. Open six days with one on-call doc until 10 p.m. House calls on a limited basis. Full service wellness care, dentistry, on-site lab, ultrasound, laser surgery, plus on-site pet photographer. No boarding.

VCA Tennessee Avenue Animal Hospital *
1381 Tennessee Ave., Paddock Hills, (513) 242-2141
The three staff veterinarians at this hospital, established in the 1950s, treat dogs and cats only. Open six days with one rotating on-call doctor, VCA offers general care, surgery, routine dentistry, onsite lab, x-ray, and ultrasound. Boarding available.

Erlanger Veterinary Hospital *
3414 Dixie Highway, Erlanger, (859) 727-2046, www.erlangervethospital.com
Founded in 1982 with a new facility built in 2003, their five full-time vets handle dogs, cats, exotics, pocket pets, birds, and reptiles. One of two AAHA certified hospitals in Northern Kentucky. No on-call docs, but house calls can be arranged for established clients. EVH offers general wellness care, surgery, dentistry, orthopedics, ultrasound, and x-ray. Building also houses Erlanger Pet Resort and Day Spa.

Madeira Veterinary Hospital, Inc.*
7250 Miami Ave., Madeira, (513) 561-7467
Established in 1937, this practice is one of the oldest in the city. Treating dogs and cats only, Madeira Veterinary Hospital is open six days, although they close between noon and 2 pm weekdays. Their two staff vets offer preventative care, surgery, dentistry, local lab, and x-ray, as well as boarding for clients (space limited).

Emergency Hospitals

As longtime pet owners know, emergency pet care options used to be extremely limited around these parts—not a nice feeling when you have a pet health crisis in the middle of the night. Choices are broader these days, and the following list represents some of the well-established practices in the city.

Emergency Veterinary Clinic of Cincinnati, Inc.
4779 Red Bank Rd., Madisonville, (513) 561-0069
Established in 1981, this emergency facility is open only during evenings, weekends, and holidays. Five staff veterinarians treat dogs and cats only, offering all emergency services including surgery and radiology. On-site lab.

Grady Veterinary Hospital *
9255 Winton Rd., Finneytown, (513) 931-8675, www.gradyvet.com
This 24-hour clinic (open since 1978) treats “anything with fur,” six days a week. Nine staff vets, including board-certified dentist Dr. James Auvil, offer wellness care, surgery, on-site lab, x-ray, boarding for clients, and ultrasound.

Cincinnati Animal Referral and Emergency Care Center
6995 E. Kemper Rd., Blue Ash, (513) 530-0911, www.carecentervets.com
This 24-hour multi-specialty clinic services dogs and cats, plus some exotics. CARECC has 20 staff vets, including numerous specialists, emergency care providers, and on-call surgeons.

Greater Cincinnati Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Services
11 Beacon Dr., Wilder, (859) 572-0560
This emergency facility is open only when other vet services are closed—evenings, weekends, and holidays. Six full-time and part-time veterinarians treat dogs and cats, and offer all emergency services including surgery, radiology, ultrasound, on-site lab.

Veterinary Specialists

All of the following specialists are board-certified, with most requiring a referral from your veterinarian.

INTERNAL MEDICINE
Dr. Joseph Bruner
Greater Cincinnati Veterinary Specialists
11 Beacon Dr., Wilder, (859) 572-0560
American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) board-certified

Dr. Karina Valerius
Cincinnati Animal Referral and Emergency Care Center
6995 E. Kemper Rd., Blue Ash, (513) 530-0911
ACVIM board-certified

Dr. Kathy Wright-Huff
Cincinnati Animal Referral and Emergency Care Center
6995 E. Kemper Rd., Blue Ash, (513) 530-0911
ACVIM board-certified

DERMATOLOGY
Dr. Stephanie Bruner
Greater Cincinnati Veterinary Specialists
11 Beacon Dr., Wilder, (859) 572-0560
American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD) board-certified

Dr. Patrick T. Breen
Veterinary Dermatology Services
4725 Cornell Rd., Blue Ash, (513) 489-4644
ACVD board-certified

OPHTHALMOLOGY
Dr. Kerry L. Ketring
11913 Montgomery Rd., Symmes Twp., (513) 683-7703
American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology board-certified

SURGERY
Dr. Bruce Butler
1381 Tennessee Ave., Paddock Hills, (513) 242-2141
American College of Veterinary Surgery board-certified

Alternative Medicine
Undoubtedly, the list of local vets who practice alternative and holistic medical practices will grow in the coming years. But these practitioners have plenty of experience in everything from homeopathy to acupuncture to chiropractics.

Dr. Robert Gaston
9970 Harrison Ave., Harrison, (513) 367-4111
In practice for 19 years, Dr. Gaston has 12 years’ experience treating dogs and cats with acupuncture, nutritional therapy, chiropractics, and homeopathic medicine. Certified by the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association.

Animal Shelters/Rescue
If you’re looking for the perfect pet, animal shelters are a great place to start your search. The following list represents just a few of the volunteer-run, nonprofit shelters and rescue agencies in the area. Some shelters chose not to publish their addresses due to the large amount of animals that are illegally dropped at their doorsteps. Check out petfinder.com, where many of these agencies provide pictures and descriptions of their available animals.

Stray Animal Adoption Program
(859) 391-1234, www.adoptastray.com
Founded in 1998, SAAP is now the largest stray animal fostering network in the city. The group takes animals from city shelters and places them into volunteer foster care until they can be adopted. To adopt an animal from SAAP, visit PetSmart in Western Hills on Saturdays and PetSmart in Florence on Sundays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. The program was responsible for placing more than 400 animals last year.

Sheltered Paws Dog Rescue
www.shelteredpaws.com
Christina Hamberg, a volunteer who runs the foster program for the Cincinnati SPCA, founded Sheltered Paws in 1997. Working exclusively with the Cincinnati SPCA, the program focuses on finding foster placement for dogs that need special care or have been in a shelter for a long time. SPDR averages 200–300 placements per year but is always in need of more foster parents. Check their Web site for details.

The O’Bryonville Animal Rescue
(513) 871-PAWS
This is the city’s biggest feral cat resource center. Funded through grants and donations, the program safely traps then spays and neuters feral cats, placing kittens and domesticated cats into adoption. The rescue owns 150 traps, available for loan when feral cat colonies are discovered. The rescue plans on opening a spay and neuter clinic in Madisonville early next year.

Save the Animals Foundation
4011 Red Bank Rd., Madisonville
(513) 561-STAF, www.staf.org
Founded 17 years ago, STAF is a no-kill shelter that places cats and dogs into adoption. The privately funded, volunteer-run foundation specializes in matching the personality of the animal (they handle many animal abuse cases) to the prospective owner. Adoption hours for their 550 cats and 50 dogs are held on Thursdays 6–8 pm, Saturdays 1–4 pm, or by appointment.

Arrowhead Reptile Rescue
(513) 844-6340, www.arrowheadreptilerescue.org
Since 1991, this nonprofit rescue and rehabilitation squad has catered to the scaly, egg-laying pets that slither along the margins of human affinity: lizards, snakes, crocs, turtles, and other reptiles. With a focus on wildlife rehabilitation, Arrowhead helps unwanted, sick, or injured reptiles of any stripe. In addition, they educate the public about reptiles through dozens of educational shows at local schools and youth organizations. 

Obedience Training
Whether you’re weaning your puppy from your Italian leather shoes or teaching him how to turn off the lights, obedience and behavior modification classes are always a good idea.

Kuliga Dog Training Club
898 Kieley Place, St. Bernard, (513) 347-0989, www.kuligadtc.com
Founded in 1954, this volunteer-driven club provides reward-based training and obedience courses. Prices start at $69 for six-week puppy training classes. Kuliga also offers an eight-week agility course for $89. Special rates for rescue dogs. One-on-one training available. Check their Web site for times and dates.

Lori Fenner: Doggie Diva LLC
SPCA Sharonville, 11900 Conrey Rd., Sharonville, (513) 509-0030
Fenner is a certified dog trainer who uses positive reinforcement for her puppy and adult dog classes. Classes are held at the Sharonville SPCA auditorium. Discounts are available for SPCA-adopted dogs. Prices start at $100 for five-week “puppy kindergarten” courses. One-on-one training also available.

American K9 Performance Academy
8050 Reading Rd., Sharonville, (513) 772-9900, www.k9usa.com
Their goal is simple: to create the perfect dog. These mostly ex-military trainers use positive reinforcement to teach obedience, protection, tracking, and advanced tricks, such as opening doors and fetching beverages from the fridge. A number of Cincinnati Bengals, including Carson Palmer, have had their dogs trained here. Rates vary.

Diane Wasnak
(513) 542-2223, www.dianewasnak.com
If you want to teach your dog how to play the drums, Wasnak is your woman. No ordinary dog trainer, Wasnak is a graduate of the prestigious San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers—the Harvard of dog training schools—and specializes in dog trick training for movies, commercials, and circuses, along with basic obedience for non-thespian canines. Rates vary. Check her Web site for details, or visit www.bonzerproductions.com.

Strictly Dogs
5614 Wooster Pke., Fairfax, (513) 561-PLAY, www.strictlydogs.net
Strictly Dogs owner Bernadette Ball has been training dogs for more than seven years, but she says her real focus is on training dog owners. Ball uses positive reinforcement techniques to establish a respectful relationship between man and beast, focusing not on dominating the dog, but letting it know who leads. Prices start at $95 for a seven-week beginner obedience course. Home training sessions available for $50 per session.

Animal Communicators/Psychics
Psychics, communicators—call them what you will, but if you need to know what your animal is thinking, just call them. These folks claim they can bridge the gap between animal thoughts and humans’ staid old spoken words. However, before talking with an animal psychic, you may want to ask yourself: Do you really want to know what your cat thinks of you?

Kate Bast
Colton, Oregon, (866) 299-KATE, www.katebast.com
For many locals in need of an animal communicator, Kate Bast is the go-to gal. Bast began her practice in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky after reading about famous animal communicator Penelope Smith. Since then, Bast’s business has taken off, from her private practice in Colton, Oregon, to teaching workshops around the country. Bast, who does most of her work by phone, specializes in communicating with animals who have “crossed over.”

Donetta Zimmerman
(513) 541-2537
In practice for more than 25 years, Donetta Zimmerman is one of the area’s most well-known and respected animal communicators. “Anyone can do it,” she says “but I see [animals’] thoughts.” Zimmerman, who has worked extensively with police dogs and horses, doesn’t usually charge for her services, and says that her great love is fund-raising for animal welfare causes.

Vicky Veil
(513) 521-7976, www.mypetpsychic.com
When it comes to psychic ability, Vicky Veil says she was “born with it.” A professional psychic for just 12 years, she’s been communicating with dogs, cats, birds, and horses since she was a little girl. Veil says that in order to communicate with your animal, all she needs is a picture.

Victor Paruta
(513) 929-0406, www.victoryoflight.com
Primarily a psychic for humans, Paruta is the founder of the annual Victory of Light psychic fair in Sharonville. How does one make the psychic leap from humans to animals? “Psychically, animals come through like people, but not as complicated,” he says. Paruta, a profe since 1990, teaches psychic development at the Baker Hunt Arts and Cultural Center in Covington.

Kennels and Sitters
It’s a dilemma that’s well known to pet owners: what to do with your fuzzy pal when you’re not around. You can burden your friends and neighbors with the responsibility, or you can do the right thing and hire a professional. The question becomes, do you board your pet at a frou-frou resort or have a sitter who makes house calls? Here are a few options for both sides of the fence.

Camp Bow Wow
4955 Creek Rd., Blue Ash, (513) 745-9850, www.mycbw.com/cincinnati
Daycare and kennel with doggy playgroups (dogs must pass aggression evaluation before joining). Live Web cams in all play areas. Nightly treats, classical music, first aid certified “camp counselors.” $22 for daycare visits, $35 per night for short-term (six nights or less), $30 per night for long-term care.

Home Alone Pet Care Service
3906 Huntington Ave., Covington, (859) 261-4977, www.homealonepetcare.org
Covington resident and former P&G employee Linda Hornsby provides this in-home service for any pet. Each visit lasts 30 minutes, during which time Hornsby will feed, clean, and exercise your animal, as well as perform light household duties (water plants, mail/paper collection, take out trash, adjust lights) while you’re away. $15 for first visit, $10 thereafter; $35 for three visits per day.

Purrfect Place Cat Boarding
1546 Springdale Rd., Springfield Twp., (513) 851-6929
Finally, a kitty crib with no dogs allowed. Purrfect Place boasts 13 suites that house one to five cats each. Large, individual cages available. Cats go out for portions of the day to enjoy a bay window view, music, a little TV, and a cat tree climb. Appointment required. $11 for one cat, $18 for two, $24 for three, $29 for four.

The Pet Spot
2503 Norwood Ave., Norwood, (513) 351-SPOT, www.petspotkennels.com
This is the largest capacity dog and cat kennel in Cincinnati, boasting 120 suites (more traditional kennels) and 36 “luxury villas” of varying sizes. The villas are soundproofed and include elevated beds and bowls plus cable TV. Daycare and boarding available for dogs who pass an aggression evaluation. Web cams, grooming, training, and massage available. Prices start at $19.50 per night.

PETSuites
3701 Hauck Rd., Sharonville, (513) 554-4408; 620 Holly Lane, Erlanger, (859) 727-7880, www.go2petsuites.com
Your dog or cat may not want to come home after an overnight at PETSuites. Canine amenities include two-room suites with lamb’s wool bedding, townhouses with TVs tuned to Animal Planet, and a view of the park. Cats hang out in condos with window seats, fish tanks, and more lamb’s wool bedding. Or treat Felix and Bruno to a day spa where services range from a bath and brush-out to body massage. Rates are based on pet size; call or check online.

Best Friends Pet Care
11216 Gideon Ln., Sycamore Twp., (513) 489-6300, www.bestfriendspetcare.com
This national company offers boarding, grooming, training, and accommodates more than 200 animals in a country setting with large outdoor play areas. Playgroups, individual fitness sessions, walks, and yes, bedtime stories are available. Several bedding options available, including orthopedic mattresses and deluxe cat beds. Premium foods served. Prices start at $22 per night for dogs, $16 for cats.

Pet Cemeteries
Their relatively short lifespan might be the hardest part about owning a pet. From cremation to pet cemeteries, when your friend’s time comes, there are a number of funereal options. What would Fido have wanted?

The Pines Pet Cemetery
764 Riley Wills Rd., Lebanon, (513) 579-8250
Established in 1966, this 35-acre park in Warren County offers private ceremonies, pet caskets, vaults, urns, and permanent memorials. Ground burial, cremation in an urn, or scattering of remains at Chapel Gardens at the Pines available. Internment at the columbarium is also offered. Burials start at $370, cremations start at $60.

Dogwood Pet Cremation Service
529 Main St., Milford, (513) 347-7387
Part of Craver-Riggs Funeral Home and Crematory, Dogwood began offering pet services in 1995 based on popular demand. Private cremations available. Prices start at $145. Free for working dogs and police dogs.

Highland Cemetery
2167 Dixie Hwy., Covington, (859) 331-3220, www.highlandcemetery.com
Featuring 250 acres of rolling hills lined with oak, ash, and maple trees, Highland began offering pet cemetery services in 1995. No cremation services. Prices start at $275–$350.

Char Mac Pet Cremation & Burial Services
11798 Hamilton Ave., Fairfield, (513) 851-5791, www.charmacpeturns.com
Originally founded in 1964 as a boarding and grooming service, this family owned business began offering cremation services in 1990. Individual cremation and a wide selection of urns available. Pet caskets and markers also available. Prices range from $15 to $310.

Pet Boutiques
With the mind-boggling trend of “pets-as-fashion-accessories,” a pet boutique might bring to mind diamond-studded cat collars or custom-tailored Chihuahua satchels, but these mostly independent stores are surprisingly sensible. Of course, that doesn’t mean they’re not fun. For designer treats, grooming and spa products, and customized T-shirts (“You had me at woof”), look no further than these fine establishments.

Margo’s Pet Spa
7466 Beechmont Ave., Anderson Township, (513) 231-PAWS, www.margospawspa.com
Okay, so Margo’s Pet Spa isn’t really a boutique as much as it is a holistic health and grooming spa, but what else do you call a place that sells matching dog-and-human T-shirts, blended essential oil shampoos, organic treats, and doggy aromatherapy products? Open since November 2005, Margo’s also features a do-it-yourself dogwash, antibacterial organic herbal ear cleaning, and “pawdicures.”

Confetti Cats
3165 Linwood Ave., Mt. Lookout, (513) 533-9996, www.confetticats.com
At Confetti Cats, it’s all about the things cats want, not the things they need. Open since 1991, this cat-themed boutique sells gourmet catnip, honeysuckle treats, and toys, in addition to decorative accessories, jewelry, and clothing for people. Just think cat-themed giftware.

Moochie & Co.
7875 Montgomery Rd., Kenwood Towne Centre, (513) 791-4846, www.moochieandco.com
The only chain store on our list, Moochie & Co. sells anything that your dog or cat needs (plus a few things for the owners too). Often referred to as “Pottery Barn for pets,” this discount boutique sells toys, neckwear, apparel, and dinnerware. Be sure and check out their Web site.

Good Dog Pet Products
4201 Hamilton Ave., Northside, (513) 541-PAWS
Proving once again that forward thinkers love Northside, this anti-boutique boutique outgrew its original store in a matter of weeks. In addition to toys, holistic products (like Halo’s natural food supplement Dream Coat), vegan-friendly foods, and eco-conscious leashes and collars, co-owners Larae Pettit and Lisa Smith have added a do-it-yourself dog-washing and grooming station.

Hyde Bark Fashions
2727 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, (513) 533-0800
Quickly becoming the hippest dog boutique in town, Hyde Bark Fashions offers more than just over-the-top goodies like ruby red Wizard of Oz dog shoes and high-end dog strollers with cup holders. They also sell grooming and spa products, toys, beds, and fashion accessories of all kinds. And don’t forget the doggie bakery located right on the premises. Mmm, is that a fresh peanut butter Pup Tart I smell?

Originally published in the October 2006 issue.