Dogs at CocoMutt Hutt for day care (Photo Courtesy Bob Schneider)

By Teagan Rasche

Pet and child care centres’ demand reflective of public health measures

Mar 16, 2022 | 4:39 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – As dogs bark in the background, Mikayla Voden reflects on how CocoMutt Hutt was a ghost town when the pandemic first hit two years ago.

“It used to be very packed,” said Voden, who’s the supervisor at the pet boarding business. “Our kennels back there, dogs would stay for weeks.”

CocoMutt Hut’s demand has been very reflective of current public health restrictions.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

11h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

“During the summer last year around July, it got really busy then it got quiet as everybody went back into lockdown and then started picking up again during Christmas time because everyone was trying to go away for holidays in January,” Voden said.

Even as the work-from-home mandate lifted across Alberta on March 1 and more people are spending less time at home, it’s still been a quiet time for CocoMutt Hutt.

Over at Mother Nature’s Preschool, it’s a different story.

“We get calls every single day for people looking for care,” co-owner Jennifer Paul said. “Unfortunately, we are full and we have a waiting list, especially for the 12-19 month spaces, those are really hard to come by.”

Paul thinks the demand for childcare is also partly due to recent federal day care funding that’s significantly cut costs for families.

Either way, she’s feeling a sense of relief things are picking up after a tough two years.

“We lost our (early learning and child care) funding and then COVID hit,” Paul said. “The combination of the two, our enrolment was so low. I had to lay staff off it was really tough to keep our head above water.”

Now, all 41 spots at Mother Nature’s Preschool are full and prospective clients are put on a waitlist.

But as pet parents head back to the office, they’re not requiring the same amount of care yet. However, as restrictions are lifted, likely for good, CocoMutt Hutt is optimistic.

“Especially in May, right now we are getting more calls which is nice for us and as well as for the holidays, it will pick up,” Voden said.