Animalia

Animalia

Dog Daycare and Training Center Opens in Irvington

by Beth Williamson

Conveniently located on East Washington Street next to For the Love of Dogs, A Dog Bakery, Animalia offers a variety of different services to pet owners, including behavior consultation, training and dog daycare.

Owners and longtime Irvington residents Ailigh and Joel Vanderbush originally started Animalia as a non-profit organization in 2005 with the mission to engage and educate the public to further the appreciation, conservation and responsible care for all animals, exotic and domestic. The Vanderbushes are pleased with the way their organization has grown, and soon Animalia will become even more visible, thanks to new signs being purchased with a façade grant from the Irvington Development Organization.

Ailigh, who handles most of Animalia’s behavior consultation, training and dog daycare services, is a Certified Animal Behavior Trainer through the Center of Applied Pet Ethology and a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She is also working on her Master’s in Companion Animal Behavior.

Joel, a high school teacher, holds a Master of Arts Degree in Teaching and Education, a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology with a concentration in Animal Behavior — and has more than 12 years experience working in zoos as a zookeeper, educator, programs manager and consultant.  He is responsible for most of Animalia’s educational programs, which include events at museums, libraries and private parties. Together, the Vanderbushes are avid animal lovers with three dogs of their own and a commitment to teaching others to care for and respect all species.

The Dog Daycare provides many advantages for the dogs and owners who take part. The dogs are given the opportunity to interact with other dogs, which makes them more socially aware, reduces separation anxiety and provides mental stimulation. “The dogs have fun, and they go home really, really tired,” Ailign says. “There’s so much mental stimulation, even if the dog isn’t physically active.”

To participate in the daycare program, dogs are first evaluated to determine if they can interact well with people and other dogs. The free two-hour evaluations typically take place in the morning, and dogs that qualify for daycare are invited to stay the rest of the day for a reduced rate of $10. The daily rate for daycare is $17, but package rates are available for additional savings. Dog Daycare is available Monday through Friday from 6:45 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.

Although the Dog Daycare just opened, Ailigh has been running the training center at the Irvington location for about a year. “We got started with the idea by training and being able to offer people guidance and hope,” Ailigh says. “Because of our background and small size, we’re comfortable with dogs that are reactive or may have problems around other dogs. With positive reinforcement, dogs are more flexible and well adjusted. Proper socialization creates a dog that’s not barking and that can happily walk without lunging.”

Animalia offers a variety of different dog training classes at the facility, including basic dog obedience, advanced classes, agility, and bi-annual obedience refresher classes. They also offer classes for those thinking about getting a dog, those who want to help a dog or cat acclimate to a new baby, and a class to promote positive behaviors in kittens. Private, in-home training sessions are also available. Classes take place during weekday evenings, and the six-week basic dog obedience class is just $85.

In addition to the Dog Daycare and Training Center in Irvington, Ailigh and Joel have been traveling to various locations to present their Animalia Outreach Programs since the organization began. These programs are designed to be fun and entertaining, and they include up-close contact with exotic animals and animal artifacts. The Vanderbushes are also available to speak at events and conferences and to provide consultation services to those looking to create or enhance their animal-related educational programs.

For more information, contact Animalia at 317.695.5464 or 317.695.5461, or www.animalia.us.