TRENTON — Oceanside Animal Hospital has added a daycare and boarding center for dogs at its Four Paws Lane facility off Route 3.

Veterinarian Daryl Burmeister and his wife, Pilar, who is the clinic manager, added the service due to customer demand.

“A lot of people are working and they feel guilty about what’s going on with their dog,” Burmeister said. “Today, they are like people’s other children.”

Oceanside is holding an open house on Saturday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to noon to give tours of its daycare and boarding facility.

Dog owners must bring their dogs in for an interview before they can be enrolled in the daycare.

Owners also must fill out a form, answering questions about their dog’s temperament and personality and health history.

Kennel workers supervise the dogs at all times, whether they are outside in the play area or inside in the lounge.

The chain link fences are 7 feet high to eliminate the possibility of an escape.

Also, small dogs and large dogs are segregated into separate play areas both inside and outside.

“So if you have a little tiny dog you don’t have to be worried about it getting eaten by a Rottweiler,” Burmeister said.

Gym equipment such as see saws and platforms will be coming to the playground soon along with pools and shaded areas when the weather gets warmer.

The lounge, which is in the basement of the animal hospital, features a television mounted on the wall for viewing of such canine appropriate shows as Animal Planet.

The lounge also has mats for naps and toys.

Oceanside Animal Hospital Daycare Hours

7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday

Open House Saturday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to noon

For more business news, pick up a copy of The Ellsworth American.