Dog resorts, day care boarding and grooming and training centers are all options for owners who want to keep their dogs socialized while away.

A dog is a man's best friend. But when pet owners are working or on vacation, how do they ensure that their furry friend stays social and well taken care of?

Places such as dog resorts, day care boarding and grooming and training centers are all options for owners who want to keep their dogs socialized while away.

Located in Cranberry township is 5th Avenue Fido, a local boarding, day care and grooming center. Pamela Zydel, who has spent numerous years in the industry, says the center is an important part of the community.

“Dogs years ago were in a dog house outside, and now they are in our living rooms,” Zydel said. “They're considered part of the family, and we want them to get attention and socialize.”

Although some people may not have the ability to bring their pups to a day care or boarding center, Zydel said the most important requirement for a pet sitter would be their love of dogs and to ensure that the care of the dog would be their priority.

“A pet sitter would be someone who understands dogs and knows their behavior and instinct,” Zydel said. “Someone who can read dog body language and understands what their language is telling you, so that you can give them proper care.”Also important to pet care is grooming. Zydel said that matting can be dangerous to a pet's health. Bringing your pet to a groomer is a necessary for their wellbeing.Pet education not only for pet parents, but for future ones as well, is something that Zydel stresses.Typically, Zydel suggests starting with the American Kennel Club, which offers an array of information on numerous topics, from grooming to training.“Training is very important, whether it's rescue or a puppy,” Zydel said. “What I practice is TCP: time, consistency and patience. Every dog needs that from you. Dogs tend to only reach the maturity of a 3-year-old child, you have to keep that in mind and make sure that you are patient. Consistency is important.”

Because of the pandemic, Zydel had to shut down in March 2020. The doggy day care has since reopened to the public, but with limited capacity because of low staffing.Zydel's 5th Avenue Fido is not the only day care and boarding center in the area. Other local locations around Butler and Cranberry include:- Paws for Comfort: a pet sitting and daily dog walking service in Butler.- Duffy's Pet Care: a grooming and boarding service in Lyndora.- Cranberry Pet Care LLC: a dog walking and pet sitting service in Cranberry Township and Western PA.“I tend to be a person who is very anxious, and my mind is always racing ahead,” Zydel said. “When I am with the dogs, I am in the moment and forget everything else.”