Category: Radio Systems

PetSafe Downtown Dog Park opens to the public

Posted by Sarah Malak – June 15, 2010

Photo Courtesy of Jennie Huettel

Knoxville, Tenn. – The wait is over. The PetSafe Downtown Dog Park officially opened today to Knoxville dogs and their owners!

Today, during a ceremony at the PetSafe Downtown Dog Park, City of Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam, Randy Boyd, President & CEO of Radio Systems Corporation and other distinguished guests announced the official opening of the park.

The PetSafe Downtown Dog Park is located at the intersection of Summit Hill Drive and Central Avenue in downtown Knoxville.

The park contains the following amenities for dogs and their owners to enjoy:

  • Separate small and large dog areas
  • Concrete plaza with benches
  • Plush landscaping
  • Crushed-stone trail

The addition of the PetSafe Downtown Dog Park is the fourth dog park in Knoxville. Other dog parks in Knoxville include Tommy Schumpert Park, the Victor Ashe Park and PetSafe Village.

“We’re very grateful to Randy Boyd and PetSafe for the generous gift that helped make this dog park possible,” Haslam said. “There were several other organizations involved in this project and it’s a great example of what can be accomplished when groups work together to make something good happen for our community.”

Photo Courtesy of Jennie Huettel

“This is a very exciting day for Knoxville. The number of downtown esidents is continually increasing, and it’s important that they have a place to bring their dogs to run, play and socialize,” said Randy Boyd, founder and CEO of Radio Systems Corporation, makers of PetSafe brands. “This park really increases the quality of life for the downtown residents who have dogs.”

The opening of the PetSafe Downtown Dog Park fits into the effort to make Knoxville and Knox County the Most Pet Friendly Community in America.  The effort consists of focusing on major expansion of pet activities and events, pet-focused tourism and more pet-friendly park acres and businesses and more. Numerous community leaders from City of Knoxville, Knox County, Young Williams Animal Center, the University of Tennessee, PetSafe, the Knoxville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Knoxville Tourism & Sports Corporation have been involved from the start of the movement, which kicked off in July 2009.

Photo Courtesy of City of Knoxville

For more information on the PetSafe Downtown Dog Park, visit http://www.cityofknoxville.org/recreation/dogparks.asp. For more information on the Most Pet Friendly Community initiative in Knoxville and Knox County, visit www.PetFriendliestCommunity.com.

About PetSafe®
Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, PetSafe® is the industry leader in the management of pet behavior, offering pet training, containment, safety and lifestyle product solutions. PetSafe® introduced the first do-it-yourself electronic fence to the pet market in 1991 and the first wireless fence in 1998. PetSafe’s product line up includes: kennels and electronic underground fences; bark control systems; a selection of remote training products; pet doors; pet identification collars; heated wellness products; pet feeders and a growing line of lifestyle products. For more information about PetSafe®, visit: www.petsafe.net.

For more information:
Mike Cohen, Ackermann PR
865-584-0550
MCohen@AckermannPR.com

PetSafe Downtown Dog Park Grand Opening is Tuesday, June 15

Posted by Sarah Malak – June 14, 2010

It’s official! The grand opening of the PetSafe Downtown Knoxville Dog Park is tomorrow, Tuesday, June 15 at 10 a.m.!

City of Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam, Radio Systems Corporation Randy Boyd and other distinguished guests will be on hand to dedicate the park.

The park is located at the southeast corner of the intersection of Summit Hill Drive and Central Avenue in downtown Knoxville.

The one-acre park contains large and small dog areas, a concrete plaza with benches, plush landscaping, and a crushed-stone trail. This is the fourth dog park in Knoxville, following Tommy Schumpert Park, Victor Ashe Park and PetSafe Village.

The event is free and open to the public!

Media Contact:
Sarah Malak
Ackermann PR
(865) 584-0550
SMalak@AckermannPR.com

Radio Systems acquires Veterinary Ventures Inc.

Posted by Sarah Malak – June 7, 2010

Knoxville, Tenn. – Every pet needs clean, fresh and healthy water. But sometimes, pets can be particular about the way they hydrate.

Drinkwell 360 Fountain

Pet industry leader Radio Systems Corporation has acquired Veterinary Ventures Inc. to make sure all those different requests can be met.

In 1994, veterinarian Dr. Mary Burns experienced frustration with the behavior of one of her cats named “Buckwheat.” “Buckwheat” would only drink water from a dripping faucet and would lie around on the kitchen counter all day waiting for her human to turn the faucet on.

So Dr. Burns invented The Drinkwell® Pet Fountain in 1994 to address this issue. “Buckwheat” could then drink fresh, healthy water from her own fountain. Eventually the company became Veterinary Ventures Inc.

“We have tremendous respect for the products that Vet Ventures Inc. has introduced to the market over the past several years, and the Drinkwell® Pet Fountain brings another category leadership to Radio Systems,” said Randy Boyd, founder and CEO of Radio Systems Corporation. “Our mission is to be the most trusted brand in the pet ownership experience, and to continually offer our consumers a broader offering with more product choices.”

“I see this as a great acquisition for Radio Systems and our customers. We recently introduced a collection of Healthy Pet Station feeders and water systems, so this is a great complement to that line. The Drinkwell® Pet Fountain is already a great product, and I’m confident that we can take it to a new level to provide pet owners with even more choice in water systems for their beloved pets,” said Tom Feiten, director of sales at Radio Systems. “Drinkwell® products are well-known, so we’re excited to be associated with the brand.”

“We at Veterinary Ventures are very excited to be a part of the Radio Systems family. Their experience and resources will mean significant new innovations in the Drinkwell® Pet Fountain line of products,” said Sean Rowe, president of Veterinary Ventures.

Radio Systems Corporation will keep the Drinkwell® product name due to its strong market recognition, but in the next few months, the brand name the fountains are sold under will transition to the PetSafe® brand.

For more information on the companies, visit www.petfountain.com or  www.PetSafe.net.

About Radio Systems
Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, Radio Systems Corporation (RSC) is the maker of the PetSafe®, Invisible Fence®, Innotek®, SportDOG®, Staywell®, and most recently the Premier® and Unleashed Technology® brands. The brand portfolio makes RSC an industry leader in the management of pet behavior, pet training solutions, containment systems, safety and lifestyle product solutions.

About Vet Ventures Inc.
The Drinkwell® Pet Fountain was invented in 1994 by veterinarian Dr. Mary Burns after experiencing frustration with the behavior of one of her cats named “Buckwheat.” “Buckwheat” would only drink water from a dripping faucet and would lie around on the kitchen counter all day waiting for her human to turn the faucet on. Veterinary Ventures Inc. was later founded in early 1996. The business was sold to Northstar Investors in 2002. Vet Ventures Inc.’s top customers in 2009 were PetSmart, PETCO, Amazon.com and Drs. Foster & Smith. The company is located in Reno, Nev.

###

For more information:
Sarah Malak, Ackermann PR
865-584-0550
SMalak@ackermannpr.com

Animal Planet star visits Knoxville

Posted by Sarah Malak – April 20, 2010

Knoxville, Tenn. – Knoxville gained a little more star power today when Joel Silverman (pictured below), host of the popular television series “Good Dog U” on Animal Planet, paid a visit to PetSafe Village.

Silverman stopped in Knoxville as part of a traveling tour to promote his new book, “What Color is Your Dog?,” a training book that presents a new color-coding technique to recognize and then enhance dog behavior based on the dog’s personality. He also performed a presentation and dog-training demonstration with his dog, Foster. A book sale and autograph session also accompanied the event.

Besides hosting his own series on Animal Planet, Silverman is also a nationally-recognized dog trainer. In fact, he has worked behind the scenes training animals for movies, television shows and commercials. For the past 10 years, he has been closely involved and responsible for coordinating and training the dogs and cats in most of the IAMS national commercial and print advertisements. Additionally, he has created his own line of dog training videos.

“We were thrilled to host Joel today. He’s an expert in his field and is extremely passionate about animal welfare, so it’s a true honor to have him in Knoxville,” said Randy Boyd, founder and CEO of Radio Systems Corporation, makers of PetSafe brands.

“It’s so important that a community be pet-friendly. I am thoroughly impressed with Knoxville and its community leaders who have the passion to pursue making this a place that is friendly toward animals,” said Silverman. “A pet can really have an enormous positive impact on a person’s life, and it’s critical that America’s communities support that.”

Silverman’s visit fits into the effort to make Knoxville and Knox County the Pet Friendliest Community in America.  The effort consists of focusing on major expansion of pet activities and events, pet-focused tourism and more pet-friendly park acres and businesses and more. Numerous community leaders from City of Knoxville, Knox County, Young Williams Animal Center, the University of Tennessee, PetSafe, the Knoxville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Knoxville Tourism & Sports Corporation have been involved from the start of the movement, which kicked off in July 2009.

For more information about Joel Silverman, visit www.companionsforlife.net. For more information on the Pet Friendliest Community initiative in Knoxville and Knox County, visit www.PetFriendliestCommunity.com.

About PetSafe®
Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, PetSafe® is the industry leader in the management of pet behavior, offering pet training, containment, safety and lifestyle product solutions. PetSafe® introduced the first do-it-yourself electronic fence to the pet market in 1991 and the first wireless fence in 1998. PetSafe’s product line up includes: kennels and electronic underground fences; bark control systems; a selection of remote training products; pet doors; pet identification collars; heated wellness products; pet feeders and a growing line of lifestyle products. For more information about PetSafe®, visit: www.petsafe.net.

For more information:
Sarah Malak, Ackermann PR
865-584-0550
SMalak@AckermannPR.com

Show your pet love…positively

Posted by Sarah Malak – February 23, 2010

imagesKnoxville, Tenn. – Training your dog is one of the best ways to enjoy your relationship to the fullest. Luckily, there’s a pet safety company that’s just as passionate about giving your dog the best training available. Radio Systems Corporation, makers of the PetSafe brand, is focused on giving its customers a wide variety of training methods to choose from, whether the instruction is based on correcting your pet or positive reinforcement.

That’s why Radio Systems Corporation has acquired Unleashed Technology brand, which has a unique remote trainer product line completely dedicated to positive reinforcement.  The design approach behind the system is to utilize electronic stimuli to stand in for the physical force of traditional leash pressure and establish a positive bond that will carry forward into off-leash control.

Unleashed Technology’s Wireless Leash Guidance Training System is applied by using varying levels of significantly different stimuli, including vibration, to simulate the different pulling pressures one exerts on a dog during normal walking or training exercises. In turn, the line allows owners/handlers the capability to signal a dog at a distance whenever the dog is doing the correct behavior.

“The Unleashed Technology brand is an exciting addition to Radio Systems Corporation. This product line is focused on creating a positive system that instantly signals your dog when a correct behavior is displayed or when the owner wants the dog to begin a response,” said Randy Boyd, founder and CEO of Radio Systems. “Rather than waiting for the dog to do something wrong, this line allows handlers to be the ‘coach’ by reacting to positive behavior. The outcome is really more fun for everyone involved.”

Unleashed Technology’s line includes three variations of a remote control training system. Unleashed Technology’s first type of trainer is a vibration-only model, while the second exerts vibration plus a very low stimulation and the third applies vibration plus a stronger stimulation. All three products are positioned to capture the consumer who is static-averse and only interested in very low levels of stimulation for their pet.

“PetSafe’s Strategic Business Unit and Innovations departments identified this type of product as a gap in our current product offerings,” said Boyd. “This is a great way for us to reach out to a completely new audience in giving them a static-free method of training their dog.”

For more information on Unleashed Technology, visit www.unleashedtechnology.com.

About PetSafe®

Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, PetSafe® is the industry leader in the management of pet behavior, offering pet training, containment, safety and lifestyle product solutions. PetSafe® introduced the first do-it-yourself electronic fence to the pet market in 1991 and the first wireless fence in 1998. PetSafe’s product line up includes: kennels and electronic underground fences; bark control systems; a selection of remote training products; pet doors; pet identification collars; heated wellness products; pet feeders and a growing line of lifestyle products. For more information about PetSafe®, visit: www.petsafe.net.

For more information:
Sarah Malak, Ackermann PR
865-584-0550
SMalak@ackermannpr.com

‘Healthy pet stations’ provide a healthier choice for free-flowing water and food

Posted by Sarah Malak – February 16, 2010

Healthy Pet Food Stations Group RetailKnoxville, Tenn. – Pets are considered a critical part of the family, providing love, affection and companionship. So why think twice about providing the healthiest products available on the market for your best friend? PetSafe®, the industry leader in pet safety and behavior products, recently introduced the Healthy Pet Water Station™ and Healthy Pet Food Station™, the first top-of-the-line gravity water and feeding stations with removable stainless steel bowls.  

PetSafe’s optional Healthy Pet Water Filter™ (sold separately) fits all sizes of the Healthy Pet Stations water units to remove chlorine, sediments and odor, providing pets with clean and healthy water which contributes to the prevention of urinary tract disease, kidney disease, constipation and dehydration.

Some pet food and water bowls and containers are made with plastic that includes Bisphenol A (BPA), a type of plastic that has drawn attention for its questionable affects on the health of humans and pets from leaching chemicals and toxins. The PetSafe Healthy Pet Stations are made from BPA-free and FDA food grade plastic.

The Healthy Pet Station’s stainless steel bowl is the most recommended material by veterinarians for pet food and water.  Stainless steel can be sanitized at high temperatures to eliminate the growth of harmful bacteria.  It is a non-porous surface, preventing allergic reactions and skin and nose irritations that other bowl materials may cause.   

The stations feature wide openings and are dishwasher safe. The water reservoirs feature flow-control caps and a top handle on the large so refills are simple and spills are not an issue. Plus, the stations are sleek and stylish and more modern than the traditional boxy, bulky water and feeder units.

Veterinarian Peter H. Eeg, DVM, Poolesville, MD, said, “I have had the opportunity to use both the water stations and the feeding stations on my personal animals and my hospitalized patients.  The greatest value is the removable stainless steel bowls.  They are not only very easy to remove and replace, they also allow for superior cleaning and removal of any debris or build up that occurs with normal use.”

“The Healthy Pet Stations’ design features and innovative style is unlike anything else in the market and will take existing gravity products to the next level,” said Charlotte Havely, PetSafe Pet Lifestyles Director.

The PetSafe Healthy Pet Water and Food Stations are sold separately and are available in three sizes: small, medium, and large. The stations are available at select PetSmart stores and online at Amazon.com and PetSafe.net.

About PetSafe®

Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, PetSafe® is the industry leader in the management of pet behavior, offering pet training, containment, safety and lifestyle product solutions. PetSafe® introduced the first do-it-yourself electronic fence to the pet market in 1991 and the first wireless fence in 1998. PetSafe’s product line up includes: kennels and electronic underground fences; bark control systems; a selection of remote training products; pet doors; pet identification collars; heated wellness products; pet feeders and a growing line of lifestyle products. For more information about PetSafe®, visit: www.petsafe.net.

For more information:
Sarah Malak, Ackermann PR
865-584-0550
SMalak@AckermannPR.com

Leading pet safety company and veterinary college partner to improve lives of pets

Posted by Sarah Malak – February 2, 2010

imagesKnoxville, Tenn. – The more we know about how domestic animals  behave, the better we can care for them. That’s one of the reasons that PetSafe, the industry leader in pet safety and behavior products, will fund one of the few veterinary school behaviorist positions in the country. The newest Chair in Veterinary Behavior will work in the Small Animal Clinical Sciences department of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Tennessee (UT), Knoxville.

The position was formed to research and gain understanding of animal behaviors that may jeopardize a pet remaining in a home environment. The ultimate goal of an animal behaviorist is to help protect the bond between a human and companion animal.

Responsibilities of the behavioral position include providing high quality instruction in domestic animal behavior to private veterinary practitioners, veterinary students and graduate students/residents and develop an outpatient companion animal behavior service and an independent, externally-funded research program. Teaching activities include a core introductory course in animal behavior for veterinary students, elective course(s) in the veterinary curriculum and assistance with a clinical rotation for senior veterinary students.

The Chair will represent the College on animal behavior issues at the local, state, national and international levels. Interaction with veterinarians and other constituents will be an integral part of the position.

Nationwide, there are fewer than 50 board-certified veterinary behaviorists, not enough to meet the need in even the country’s largest cities. Dr. Claudia Kirk, department head of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at the College, says the new faculty position puts the College on par with an elite group. “Very few colleges have a veterinary behaviorist on board,” says Kirk. “Since behavior issues are the number one reason why animals are surrendered to shelters, we will help fill an important gap in clinical service and in teaching veterinary students.  I look forward to the new discoveries that will help enrich the human-animal bond, improve the quality of life for pets and enhance the training of future veterinarians.”

Randy Boyd, founder and CEO of Radio Systems Corporation (makers of the PetSafe brand), recently launched an effort to make Knoxville and the surrounding area the Pet Friendliest Community in America. So, the PetSafe Chair is an opportunity to discover practical, science-based methods for responsible pet owners to be able to create and sustain a lasting bond. Boyd says, “This will be a win for UT, a win for our community and a win for animal welfare. UT will recruit a professor/researcher to lead this field of study and build clinical and research services around it.”

Boyd says there is a vacuum nationally in veterinary behavior, and the university, along with the community, will have the possibility of being the national leader in the area through this effort. “We hope to improve understanding of pets and thus improve their welfare. Some of the research initiatives will include but not be limited to: excessive vocalization in dogs; problem elimination; aggression; fears, anxieties and phobias; how behavior problems develop in pets; and investigation of the genetic basis of behavior and behavior problems.”

Funding for the PetSafe Chair is available to hire at the assistant or associate professor level. There will be additional funding for partial technical and research support. Both UT and PetSafe locations will serve as research/consultation sites. Salary for the position will depend on experience and qualifications.

Applicants should submit a letter of intent, current curriculum vitae, statement of research and teaching goals and contact information for three references (mailing and e-mail addresses and phone number) to Dr. William Thomas, Chair, Search Committee, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, 2407 River Drive, Rm. C247, Knoxville, TN 37996. Review of applications will begin on March 1, 2010 and continue until the position is filled.

About PetSafe®

Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, PetSafe® is the industry leader in the management of pet behavior, offering pet training, containment, safety and lifestyle product solutions. PetSafe® introduced the first do-it-yourself electronic fence to the pet market in 1991 and the first wireless fence in 1998. PetSafe’s product line up includes: kennels and electronic underground fences; bark control systems; a selection of remote training products; pet doors; pet identification collars; heated wellness products; pet feeders and a growing line of lifestyle products. For more information about PetSafe®, visit: http://www.petsafe.net.

For more information:
Mike Cohen, Ackermann PR
865-584-0550
MCohen@AckermannPR.com

Radio Systems Corporation partners with University of Tennessee to promote study of clinical animal behavior

Posted by Shane Rhyne – January 4, 2010

DorrieKnoxville, TN (January 4, 2010) – The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine has announced a partnership with Radio Systems Corporation to create the PetSafe Chair in Clinical Animal Behavior.

The new faculty position, funded through support from Radio Systems, will help future veterinarians be better equipped through their training to understand companion animal behaviors.

Full details are available on the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine’s web site.

# # #

Media Contact
Mike Cohen
(865) 584-0550
mcohen@ackermannpr.com

UK acquisition adds hi-tech cat doors to PetSafe product line

Posted by Shane Rhyne – October 28, 2009

PetSafeKnoxville, TN – PetSafe, the industry leader in pet safety and lifestyle product solutions, announces today the acquisition of the Pet Porte Smart Flap, from Microchip Cat Flaps Ltd., a British electronic pet door company.

“The technology of the Pet Porte microchip door is the best on the market,” says Willie Wallace, Vice President of Sales and New Product Development. “By adding it to our product line, we can bring the product to the larger audience it deserves.”

The Pet Porte door takes advantage of the increasingly common use of microchips in pets by scanning for the specific chip identification in the family cat or small dog. By setting the door to respond to a specific microchip, the pet owner can keep unwanted neighborhood pets and other creatures from gaining entry to the home.Pet Porte

“We see wonderful potential for this product on the international market,” says Brad van der Veen, Director of International Sales. “Because of existing regulations on transporting pets across borders, approximately 70% of European pets have microchips. Connecting the existing chip to the technology to operate the door provides a great convenience and safety factor for pet owners.”

Among the other technological innovations included in the design of the Pet Porte is a night mode setting allowing owners to prevent their cat from leaving the house after a designated time while still allowing the cat to enter the house if it is already outside.

“This acquisition shows how we try to expand our company with an eye to specifically helping our customers grow their pet product businesses,” says van der Veen.

About PetSafe®

Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, PetSafe® is the industry leader in the management of pet behavior, offering pet training, containment, safety and lifestyle product solutions. PetSafe® introduced the first do-it-yourself electronic fence to the pet market in 1991 and the first wireless fence in 1998. PetSafe’s product line up includes: kennels and electronic underground fences; bark control systems; a selection of remote training products; pet doors; pet identification collars; heated wellness products; pet feeders and a growing line of lifestyle products. For more information about PetSafe®, visit: www.petsafe.net.

New Web Site Hopes to Bring Peace to Neighborhood Barking Disputes

Posted by Ryan Willis – October 6, 2009

Knoxville, Tenn. – A bark from a dog can provide home security or servebarkingdog  as a friendly hello and invitation to play. It can also be the first step to sleep deprivation, frequent visits from animal control officers, and silent long-term grudges between formerly cordial neighbors. PetSafe, the industry leader in pet safety and behavior products, has launched a new web site to help restore the peace and make every neighborhood a better place for dogs and neighbors alike. 

The new site, www.stopmyneighborsdog.com, allows neighbors to subtly spotlight nuisance barking to pet parents through anonymous, but polite, e-mails and personal notes. The messages are sent directly to the canine’s keepers without bringing in outside authorities. 

“One of the most frequent sources of calls to local animal control departments is excessive barking from dogs,” says Randy Boyd, PetSafe President and CEO. “We hope the web site will help ease friction between neighbors and also keep otherwise good dogs from being taken to the pound.” 

The free web site allows neighbors to move beyond simply investing in ear plugs or sending angry glares at neighbors across the driveway. A neighbor concerned about excessive and disruptive barking can choose to send an anonymous e-mail or postcard pre-written in a friendly, humorous, or serious tone to the beloved barker’s people. Along with the note, senders can opt to include professionally-written tips on controlling nuisance barking and a coupon for a product from PetSafe’s line of bark solution training products. 

“The education tips are an important feature,” says Boyd. “Most of the time a pet owner simply feels like they can’t control their dog’s barking. People don’t usually bring a dog into their household with the intent of causing bad feelings in their neighborhood. We want everyone, owners and neighbors alike, to enjoy the company of a good dog in the neighborhood.” 

About PetSafe®
Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, PetSafe® is the industry leader in the management of pet behavior, offering pet training, containment, safety and lifestyle product solutions. PetSafe® introduced the first do-it-yourself electronic fence to the pet market in 1991 and the first wireless fence in 1998. PetSafe’s product line up includes: kennels and electronic underground fences; bark control systems; a selection of remote training products; pet doors; pet identification collars; heated wellness products; pet feeders and a growing line of lifestyle products. For more information about PetSafe®, visit: www.petsafe.net.
 

Media Contact:
Mike Cohen
865-584-0550
MCohen@AckermannPR.com