Category: News

Scroll down for FAQs on this form of dog exercise!

In the bustling environment of an animal shelter, high energy can sometimes be a hurdle to adoption. And for some dogs, the stress of kennel life can make it hard for potential adopters to see the calm, loyal pup underneath the excitement.

That’s where Jennifer Ortiz and Laslov Tomashevsky, owners of ZoomPaws Mobile Pet Gym, come in! Driven by a pure passion for animal welfare, the duo recently partnered with the SPCA Serving Erie County to provide free weekly “gym sessions” for adoptable dogs who need an extra outlet for their energy.

The ZoomPaws van is a climate-controlled, mobile fitness suite designed specifically for dogs. Using specialized non-motorized “slatmills,” dogs can run at their own pace, with the speed entirely controlled by them.

“We want them to look at it as their playtime activity,” Laslov explained. “It’s not just physical; it’s mental enrichment. Once they figure out they can stop whenever they want, or sprint as fast as they can, you can’t stop them! They’re just focused and happy.”

For the SPCA’s high-energy residents, these 30-minute sessions are game changers! As the SPCA’s Director of Capacity and Outcomes, Leigh Ann Abbey said, “the goal is to help dogs decompress. When a dog has a safe place to run it out, they return to their kennels calmer and more relaxed.”

The impact of this exercise was proven almost immediately with a dog named Nuke, a one-eyed Cane Corso who was available for adoption at the SPCA.

“He was definitely nervous in the beginning,” Jennifer recalled. “It took maybe five minutes for him to realize he was safe. Then he started trotting, his tail was wagging, and his tongue was out. He was just focused on that one job.”

The shift in Nuke’s demeanor was palpable. After finishing his workout, he proudly showcased his newfound confidence to visitors, and, later that day, he found his new home!

Jennifer and Laslov’s commitment to the SPCA is deep-rooted. “Our goal is to work with the dogs so people see that ‘Hey, this is a good dog,” Laslov said. “We want to help them find homes where they stay for good.”

To ensure that progress continues after adoption, ZoomPaws is offering a special gift to the community: all SPCA dog adopters receive $25 off an Introductory Package when booked within the first two months of adoption! Whether it’s a snowy Buffalo morning, a rainy Buffalo afternoon, or a humid Buffalo evening, ZoomPaws provides a consistent, safe way for new owners to keep their pets healthy and happy.

“We want all dogs to live long, healthy lives,” Jennifer added. “If we can help even one dog feel more confident and find a home, it’s all worth it.”

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Dog treadmills? Are these designed to take the place of walking a dog the regular way?
NO! The intention is not to replace dog walking with treadmill (or in this case, “slatmill”) walking! However, at the SPCA we see many high-energy breeds each year; we recognize their physical and emotional states often require more exercise than standard walks provide if we are to keep them thriving in a kennel setting (no matter how nice the kennels are). When their excess, pent-up energy can be worked off, the dogs behave more calmly and more relaxed at other times…especially when in their kennels.

This exercise not only helps dogs already at the SPCA; it can help keep dogs from coming to the SPCA! A frustrated dog can engage in negative behaviors (destructive chewing, excessive barking, digging, hyperactivity, etc.), and some of these behaviors cause owners to consider surrender. When dogs can release their energy in a positive, practical, and safe manner, negative behaviors can be reduced or, in some cases, eliminated.

Are these types of “gyms” safe for the dogs?
YES! They provide what we call “structured mental stimulation” in a safe and controlled environment. The dogs are supervised, encouraged, rewarded…and because at the SPCA the dogs receive an independent experience, it’s perfect for high-energy dogs that show signs of being more reactive or anxious. They can socialize and exercise without the risk of over-stimulation. The slatmills are motorless (complete with brakes, of course!), so the dog determines the speed. The gym transforms a high-energy dog’s restlessness into focused, productive activity. The result? For many, the extra independent exercise leads to better manners, lowered anxiety, and a more balanced temperament.

Does it take some time for the dogs to get used to the treadmill?
Here’s how ZoomPaws owners themselves respond to that question:
“Most dogs catch on quickly—usually within about five minutes, we can teach them how to balance and move comfortably on the treadmill. From there, every session helps build their confidence and coordination as they become more familiar with the equipment. Each workout is carefully supervised to ensure safety at all times. Because our treadmills are non-motorized, your dog is always in control—they set the pace, speeding up or slowing down whenever they choose, and the treadmill naturally adjusts with them. We pay close attention to their movement and comfort level throughout the process to make sure every experience is safe, positive, and fun. We also tailor the training to fit dogs with special needs, sensitivities, or unique quirks.”

Who is the perfect four-footed client for this type of structured activity?
-High-energy, anxious, and/or reactive animal shelter occupants.
-Dogs owned by an immobile pet owner.
-Dogs owned by pet owners with limited mobility.
-Dogs with obesity issues that are affecting other aspects of their health.
-Dogs who are highly reactive to other dogs or other stimuli on walks or at parks, making standard walks stressful and anxiety-inducing for both the dog owners and their dogs.
-Dogs who either physically or emotionally require more vigorous exercise than their owners can Provide.
-Any dog owned by any pet owner when there is a long stretch of excessively hot, cold, or stormy Buffalo weather! Exercise is in a private, sheltered, climate-controlled environment!

This is not a traditional form of pet exercise or enrichment…and the SPCA has staff and volunteers dedicated to dog wellness, exercise, and stimulation. Why did the SPCA decide to add this to the experience of certain dogs at the SPCA?
The SPCA Serving Erie County is no stranger to researching innovative approaches to animal care, and bringing non-traditional animal welfare concepts to the community. In the 90s, amidst tremendous criticism, the SPCA was the first organization to offer a structured off-site adoption program based on national and international data that confirmed its benefits. A mobile adoption unit was introduced to Erie County. New shelter animal housing concepts that proved successful in other parts of the country were adapted, despite public, negative critiques from those who maintained outdated beliefs of what animal housing should be. The list goes on. When data shows the positive impact of what these types of mobile gym units can do to improve the well-being of high-energy dogs in a kennel environment, we have a responsibility to our animals and to our community to trial such a concept and see if the results are the same for our dogs. As the SPCA works with the caring representatives at ZoomPaws, we will also work to observe the behavior, displayed anxiety levels, and emotional well-being of the dogs who participate in the gym activity and make note of both positive and, if displayed, negative impacts.

There’s so much more I want to know about this form of canine exercise! It’s legal, right?
We assure you, this activity, when handled in this careful, structured, supervised manner, is 100% legal! 

To learn more about ZoomPaws or to book a session for your own pup, visit their website here! >>