Scruffles Law May Allow Up To $10,000 In Grooming Damages

by Lori Ennis

Published: October 25th, 2018

scruffles law may allow up to 10 000 in grooming damages

New Jersey may soon allow pet owners to sue for damages in the event their pet dies as part of a grooming incident, as Scruffles Law is under review.

The law, named after Danielle DiNapoli’s English bulldog Scruffles, would allow New Jersey pet parents to sue for substantial damages if their pet was injured or killed as part of a grooming event. Scruffles died last year after he was groomed at a PetSmart in Flemington, New Jersey.

PetSmart offered no additional information as to what exactly happened to Scruffles, and DiNapoli found that there was no legal recourse for suspected negligence or recklessness with pets are cared for by others. She wanted to change that, and in April, her attorney, Daryl Kipnis, who is also a congressional candidate for the state, proposed an animal justice revision to the Civil Code in the state. The revision would allow pet owners to sue facilities/caregivers for damages of up to $10,000.

Kipnis said the legislation understands that pets have relationships with their companion animals and there should be legal recourse when their pets are injured or killed through cruelty, negligence and/or recklessness.

Already, New Jersey is looking to make history, as it may become the first state in the country that would require licensing certification for pet groomers. The legislation that would require that is controversial, as some call it good for pets while others call it an attempt to monopolize grooming practices.

An independent investigation by NJ Advance Media found that nearly 50 dogs have died nationwide at/after PetSmart grooming appointments, and thirty-two of the deaths have occurred since 2015, when PetSmart was bought by a private equity firm.

Kipnis and DiNapoli believe Scruffles Law would be the first major step in making grooming sessions safer for pets all over the country and being a model for accountability for groomers nationwide.

Lori Ennis

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Do Dogs Cry Tears?

Perhaps you spotted tears streaming from your pet’s eyes and wondered: do dogs cry tears as an emotional response? Or is there a different explanation for this phenomenon? Well, the answer is pretty straightforward – dogs don’t produce tears because of their emotions like we humans do. They produce tears primarily to lubricate their eyes, and remove dust and other irritants. But, this does not mean that they don’t express emotions in other ways – here’s what you need to know about your teary-eyed furball.Do Dogs Cry Real Tears?If you spot tears running from your dog’s eyes, you are not deceived – they are real. However, they are not tears of sadness or emotion, as dogs simply don’t express feelings the same way as we do. The role of those tears is more of a bodily function. They are there to lubricate the eye, making sure it functions as it should. After all, dogs can just rub their eyes or place a few drops inside when needed. So, their body does the job for them, and hence the tears. Of course, an excessive amount of tears is not natural. And neither are dry and tearless eyes. So, in either one of these cases, you should schedule a visit with your vet. Dry eyes in dogs are also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) or "dry eye syndrome," and can lead to discomfort, irritation, and potential complications if left untreated. In many cases of dry eyes, veterinarians prescribe artificial tears or  lubricating eye drops to help moisturize the eyes and relieve discomfort. These drops can help supplement the natural tear production and provide relief from dryness. 

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How Much Playtime Does My Cat Need?

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Hundreds of Cats and Dogs Saved from an Animal Testing Laboratory

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Latest Studies Find That Aging in Dogs Can Mirror Aging in Humans

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When your dog gets injured or is recovering from a routine surgery, it can be difficult to keep them comfy and to help heal their injuries faster at the same time. However, innovative red light therapy for dogs proved to be a safe and efficient treatment for a variety of ailments, from skin inflammation to wound healing, and much, much more.Red light therapy is also known as photobiomodulation therapy, and it involves the use of red or near-infrared light to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation. The reason for its effectiveness is the specific wavelengths that are absorbed by the mitochondria in cells, which are considered the cell’s powerhouse. As the mitochondria absorb the “red light”, the absorption stimulates the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is popularly called the “energy currency of cells”. The entire process then increases blood flow to the treated area, stimulating faster healing, and pain relief. What’s so great about red light therapy is that it is not invasive, and all that is needed is a specialized device that emits specific wavelengths of light.Red light therapy treatment sessions usually last from a few minutes to around 20 minutes, depending on the condition being treated and the specific device used. The frequency of sessions may vary, with some dogs benefiting from daily treatments initially, followed by less frequent “maintenance” sessions. Of course, your veterinarian can advise you on the appropriate treatment procedure for your dog's needs – if you’re unsure if red light therapy is the right choice for your dog, be sure to consult an expert before taking any steps.Of course, while you shouldn’t do anything without your vet’s approval, a great thing about this treatment is that it is entirely safe. When used appropriately, it has no risks for your dog. The secret is in the light energy that does not generate heat at all, eliminating any risk of burning or tissue damage. Naturally, it goes without saying that you should closely follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the specific device you are using. 

What Should I Include in a Pet First Aid Kit?

As loving pet parents, we do everything possible to keep our furry companions safe and healthy. However, life is unpredictable, and accidents happen, so we must be prepared for unexpected emergencies. This includes ensuring we have a fully stocked, pet-friendly first aid kit available. In this article, we’ll discuss the essential items you should have on hand to care for your pet in those unforeseen moments. From basic cuts and scrapes to more severe injuries, you’ll be prepared to act as your pet’s first line of defense when it matters most. Can You Use a Human First Aid Kit on Dogs and Cats? Yes, sort of. Most of the items included in a human first aid kit can be used to treat your pet in the case of an emergency. You may be wondering – if they can use the same supplies, why do I need a first aid kit specifically for pets? Some items you won’t find in a human first aid kit may be necessary depending on your pet’s injury or ailment. These could address a problem that only a dog or cat could experience, or they may involve finding alternatives for human products that are unsafe for our pets, like human medications. What Human First Aid Products Can Be Used on Dogs and Cats? Most standard items in your first aid kit can be used on dogs and cats. For example, bandages, gauze pads, ice packs, and medical tape are all suitable for pets. They are the exact same items often included in both human and pet first aid kits. Tools like scissors, latex gloves, and tweezers will also be helpful when performing first aid on a pet. This means that if you currently have a standard human first aid kit at home, you are already well on your way to being prepared to take care of your pet in an emergency. To update your human first aid kit and make it suitable for pets, you will just need to add a few important items:

Study Reveals the Most Expensive Locations for Pet-Friendly Airbnbs

Are you considering taking a trip to a dream destination in the United States with your best friend by your side? If so, you’re not alone! A growing number of animal lovers are taking steps to include the whole family in their travel plans, with Airbnb reporting that close to 50% of nights booked include pets. But have you ever stopped to consider how much your furry family member is increasing the budget?The team at MarketWatch recently released a guide to pet-friendly Airbnb travel in the US with some startling stats.Data was compiled about the cost of renting 11, 676 Airbnbs and 11,753 pet-friendly Airbnbs located in 46 of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. By comparing the average nightly cost for pet-friendly and pet-free locations, they determined the price premium or the added cost pet parents must pay to include their furry friends.While we’re not suggesting that the cost of accommodations should be the sole deciding factor for your next vacation, this could impact your top choices.According to the guide, the most expensive city is Honolulu, Hawaii, with an average night stay costing $511. This is also the destination where pet parents will face the highest price premium for booking a pet-friendly location at $345.50.If you’re an avid traveler, this likely comes as no surprise. Hawaii is one of the country's more popular destinations for luxury travel. Not only is the cost of living in the state one of the highest, but the state also charges a Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT), further increasing costs.Of the 10 most expensive tourist destinations to book a pet-friendly Airbnb, 7 were in California. In addition to Honolulu, the list includes:Monterey, CA ($509)Sonoma, CA ($488)Napa Valley ($380)Santa Cruz, CA ($339)Palm Springs, CA ($329)Boston, MA ($238)Los Angeles, CA ($226)San Francisco, CA ($226)Yellowstone National Park, WY ($219)Don’t let these costs keep you from planning your next big pet-friendly getaway. Not only did they compile a list of the most expensive destinations, but they also identified the least expensive nightly rates in the US. This list is a great way to travel with your pet without worrying about your budget.They discovered that the least expensive city to book a pet-friendly Airbnb is Oklahoma City, OK, where the average nightly rate is only $110. Other locations that made this list include:St. Louis, MO ($111)Cleveland, OH ($114)Columbus, OH ($117)Houston, TX ($119)Salt Lake City, UT ($119)Detroit, MI ($124)Memphis, TN ($125)Indianapolis, IN ($129)San Antonio, TX ($130)Booking a lower-cost Airbnb is only one of many ways to keep the costs down when traveling with your pet. Pack all your pet’s travel essentials before your trip, including a leash, food/water dishes, grooming supplies, plastic waste bags, and a first aid kit. If you are driving to your destination, you can also pack your pet’s food to avoid shopping for it once you arrive. You can gather these items by shopping local sales rather than paying a premium to get what you need on short notice. Pet Insurance is another great budget-friendly travel tip. This may seem counterproductive, adding the monthly cost of your pet’s policy to your budget. But if disaster strikes, the insurance policy can help to significantly reduce emergency vet bills.Whatever your budget, we encourage all pet parents to get out and explore, making memories with their pets by their side. You won’t regret it!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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We're excited to announce a special initiative in celebration of the season of thankfulness and November's Senior Pet Adoption Month. Starting today, Leap Years is offering a free bottle of its daily chewable supplement to anyone who adopts a senior dog (over 5 years old) from a shelter or rescue. All you need is proof of adoption, and while supplies last, your senior pup can start benefiting from Leap Years' formula that has already changed the lives of dogs across the country.

Half of Americans Believe Pets Steal the Spotlight During Holidays

A survey revealed that nearly half of Americans (43%) think their loved ones are more excited to see their pets on the holidays than they are to see them. This survey involved 2,000 cat and dog owners and was conducted by One Poll on behalf of Nulo. According to results, 32% of surveyed owners admit they are more delighted to see a friend’s or family member’s pet than they are to see them. Surprisingly, 20% of dog owners think their pets love the holiday season more than they do.What’s not so surprising, is that almost half of respondents (48%) do something special for their pet during the happiest time of year. This includes buying custom ornaments or decorations (64%), dressing their pets in holiday clothing or pajamas (60%), getting their pet their own Christmas tree (49%), and stocking (47%).Half of pet owners like to give their four-legged companions extra treats during the holiday season, and 45% admit they dole out more treats to their pets at Christmas than during any other time of the year. In addition to extra treats, more than two-thirds of pets are likely to be treated with a special holiday meal. This survey also found that the majority of pet parents believe that their pets enjoy the hustle and bustle of holidays and are looking forward to the influx of visitors during the holiday season. Begging for attention, welcoming guests, and playing with a new holiday toy are some of the ways owners know that their pets are in the festive mood.Nearly half of responders give their pets gifts for Christmas. Those owners, on average, spend more than $100 on three gifts for their pets.Most owners decide to gift their pet toys (61%), clothes (59%), and treats (56%).Interestingly, this survey also looked at which family members are the most likely to spoil the pet. The results showed that the owner’s brother is the most likely to buy a present for the pet, followed by the owner’s parents. Surprisingly, 36% of grandfathers buy gifts for their four-legged grandchildren, compared to 34% of grandmothers. “Healthy treats and special occasion meals are a great way to involve your dog or cat in fun holiday moments - and can add a nutritional boost as a bonus,” said Heather Mendoza, Nulo’s Director of Research & Development, according to New York Post. It’s great to see that pet owners are offering their pets special meals that mimic their own holiday feasts. The holiday season provides the opportunity for quality time and special experiences with our families, including finding more ways to show love and affection to our furballs, she added.In addition to gifts, more cuddles, and treats, pets are also spoiled more during the holiday season by having their special person at home with them. Nearly half of respondents admit to going on more walks and adventures with their pets during the holidays. Interestingly, 40% of owners report that their pets also get to sleep more.Considering that almost all American pet owners consider their pets a part of the family, it’s no surprise that pets partake in holiday traditions. The majority of owners bring their pets to celebrations at other people’s homes. Pets are also involved in “opening the presents” and even go to meet the Santa. “Results showed that 40% of respondents believe Christmas is their pet’s favorite holiday - far ahead of the second favorite (New Year’s Day) at 19%,” said Mendoza. And if you still haven’t found a perfect gift for your pet, don’t despair! Check out our detailed holiday gift guide for cats and dogs to find the best holiday present for your four-legged companion. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

UK Wildlife Park Rehabilitates Potty-Mouthed Parrots

The struggle is real! Profanity-laced parrots may turn park's aviary into an adult-only zone.

Dog Helps Find Missing Child

Dogs can be heroes, and that’s certainly the case when it comes to the story of a very special police K9 in Auburn, Massachusetts. When a 12-year-old went missing from their home and couldn’t be found for roughly two hours, Auburn police knew that they had to work quickly, and Biza the dog played an integral role in the child’s rescue.Child Found with the Help of a Police K9 Named BizaAccording to a Facebook post by Auburn MA Police Department, information about a missing child was received around 10:30 p.m. on January 31, 2024. The child had been missing since around 8:30 p.m., when they had left their home. No one knew where the child could be, and the frigid temperatures made everyone worry even more about their safety.Because the child had last been seen in the Pakachoag Hill area, Auburn police officers, Massachusetts State Police troopers, and detectives got to work looking for them. But it would be Biza, the K9 partner of Officer Ljunggren, who would really come through and help the search end successfully that night.Following the Scent to a Missing ChildBiza picked up the child’s scent and tracked it for more than two miles. The police were able to find signs that the missing child had been in the area, so they kept up the search until they were able to find them and bring them home to their family just a short while later.This is one example of many times that Biza has helped police in Auburn succeed since she joined them in 2022 from Germany. In addition to helping find missing people, she has also helped police track down suspects.  Thanks to Biza and her ability to track the right scent that night, a child was saved from the cold and made it home safe.Here’s a quick video about this story, showcasing a few photos of beautiful Biza:

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