If you’re a pet owner who’s ever experienced a moment of personal crisis, whether it’s financial or mental health, dog daycare in Lawrence Park could prove worthwhile.
Crate Escape, located at 4214 Main St. in Lawrence Park, has created a crisis comfort program that provides a safe haven for pets in need, with all costs covered by the business.
Kyrie Laubenthal, owner of The Crate Escape, created this program to ease the burden on pet owners who find themselves in sudden emergencies.
“I have always been a strong supporter of mental health and awareness,” Loebenthal said. “We see an overwhelming need for resources in Erie. We also have a passion for pets.”
The beginning of “The Crate Escape” crisis comfort program
The idea for the program began in 2023 when Laubenthal was asked by a shelter to help raise dogs in need.
More information: Why northwestern Pennsylvania communities host mini-bison hunts in October
“Last year, I was approached by the ANNA shelter to help adopt dogs whose owners were facing uncontrollable situations,” Laubenthal said. “I’m at a point in my life where I can do this. It won’t be negative for me, but rather it will help someone in the community.”
Loebenthal said that, to her knowledge, her pet daycare crisis management program is unique with Ellie at its center. Other businesses also accept pets, but it makes business sense. Laubenthal’s program operates as a nonprofit organization.
“Ruth[Thompson]from the ANNA shelter told me that no one else would do this because they’re in the business of making money,” Laubenthal said. “In fact, it would be a loss for other businesses because they would have to pay their employees to care for the animals.”
So far, staff at The Crate Escape have assisted several families in need, providing shelter and care for pets while their owners face difficult circumstances.
These situations can range from medical emergencies to incarceration to homelessness.
“Yesterday, we adopted a cat whose owner was in a rehab facility,” Laubenthal said. “She called me and was hesitant, and I said no questions asked.”
‘Dogs just want to be dogs’: Peninsula Pups nursery owner loves his job
Contents of crisis comfort program
When a pet enters the Crisis Comfort Program, they receive the same treatment as if they were enrolled in day care.
“They will be treated like any other paying customer of mine,” Loebenthal said. “I am a foster parent through a foster shelter (Companion Animal Coalition) and I take in kittens for daily enrichment activities. Cats obviously cannot go outside, but dogs They go out a lot and because they can’t help financially, they’re treated like everyone else and there’s no reason why their dogs shouldn’t be.”
Due to spacing with commercial operations, The Crate Escape only allows a maximum of 2-3 pets in this program. The Crisis Management Program may accept pets for up to 30 days unless a reason for an extension is provided.
“I already care for pets here,” Laubenthal said. “So for me, it’s not that big of a deal to add one more thing. It gives me peace of mind at night knowing that I was the one to say yes to someone.”
Even at maximum capacity, The Crate Escape will work with people who inquire about the program to find the right care for their pets.
“It’s going to depend on the variables of who you recommend to take this on,” Laubenthal said. “There are people who are better suited for different things, like aggressive dogs or shy cats. You need to find a specific person depending on your needs.”
How much does it cost to enroll my pet in the Comfort Crisis Program?
This program is provided free of charge to pet owners in difficult situations. The expense does not affect Ms. Laubenthal because she still runs her day care and grooming business, which covers her expenses.
She is asking if the community can help in any way, including donating pet supplies. I would appreciate it if you could give me that.
“I’ve been doing this for over a year, and I’m on my eighth family,” Laubenthal said. “I’ve never said, ‘Oh, look at me, look at who I’m helping,’ so I’ve never been able to pay for supplies like cat food or dog food. I thought maybe I should post this publicly to help.”
“I’ve been paying with my own funds, which is fine because I can do that, but I thought I’d ask the community for help. … If they want to donate cat food or dog food, or if they If I want to donate money, I make sure it’s clear and transparent and have something in the lobby to show that this amount has been donated and a receipt to show where it went through. For what reason?
More information: Community Choice Awards celebrates hundreds of Erie businesses and entrepreneurs at gala event
For more information, call The Crate Escape at 814-651-6793 or visit crateescapeerie.com.
Please contact Nicholas Sorensen at nsorensen@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared in Erie Times News: Emergency Pet Boarding Created by Lawrence Park’s Crate Escape
