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Vaccine and Health Policy

At Dogtown, the health and safety of all pets in our care is our top priority. We believe in striking a balance between ensuring the well-being of the pets in our center and avoiding the negative health effects of pet over-vaccination and lack of early socialization of puppies.

             

As a daycare center for pets, we comply with all local and state laws regarding pet vaccinations. However, beyond these legal requirements, we have our own policies that we have developed after extensive research and consultation with veterinarians and other pet businesses.

             

Our policy requires that all dogs and cats entering our center must be up to date on vaccinations. Any pet that is not up-to-date on vaccines is not allowed beyond the lobby. Permitting an unvaccinated animal on the premises introduces a high risk of disease and puts Dogtown in a situation that could have very negative consequences.

             

Vaccine Requirements   

Distemper Parvo | DHPP | DHLPP

Dogs Only        

Protects against:

  • Distemper

  • Hepatitis

  • Parvovirus

  • Parainfluenza

  • Leptospirosis

Given:

  • Yearly or every three years, depending on the vaccine.

 

Bortadella

Dogs Only

Protects against:

  • Canine Cough

Given:

  • Every six months.

 

Rabies

Both Cats and Dogs

Protects against:

  • Rabies

Given:

  • Yearly or every three years, depending on the vaccine.

  • First shot must be administered by 16 weeks

 

FVCRP

Cats Only

Protects against:

  • Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis

  • Calicivirus

  • Panleukopenia

Given:

  • Yearly or every three years, depending on the vaccine.

 

Canine Flu Vaccines:

Although we do not require, we highly recommend the canine flu vaccines for all dogs in our care. Canine influenza, also known as the dog flu, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can cause severe illness in dogs. This virus can spread rapidly in areas where dogs congregate, such as dog parks, daycare centers, and boarding facilities. Symptoms of the canine flu include coughing, sneezing, fever, and lethargy, which can last for several weeks. By getting your dog vaccinated against the canine flu, you can significantly reduce the risk of your dog contracting this illness and spreading it to other dogs. Therefore, we strongly encourage all dog owners to speak with their veterinarians about the benefits of the canine flu vaccine and ensure that their dogs are protected.

             

Waiting Period

First time vaccinations (or the last of initial booster set) should be given at least one to two weeks prior to lodging, as it takes time for the antibodies to give the pet full protection against contagious diseases. This policy does not apply to regular boosters.

Recently Adopted Dogs

At our facility, we understand the importance of ensuring the well-being of recently adopted dogs and providing a safe environment for all pets in our care. In light of this, we have implemented the following policy for recently adopted dogs:

  1. Adjustment Period: We recognize that recently adopted dogs need time to adjust to their new homes and routines. This adjustment period is crucial for both the dog's well-being and the peace of mind of their owners.

  2. Veterinary Approval: In order to bring your newly adopted dog to our daycare facility, they must be evaluated by a veterinarian outside of the shelter. The purpose of this evaluation is to confirm that the dog is in good health and free from any contagious diseases or health issues that could potentially endanger other dogs.

  3. Waiting Period: We require that you allow your newly adopted dog at least three weeks to acclimate to their new home before bringing them to our facility. This waiting period is essential to ensure that your dog has the time to adjust to their surroundings and for any vaccines they've received to become fully effective.

  4. Effective Vaccine Protection: After adopting a dog, it's vital to give them the necessary time for their vaccines to provide optimal protection. Bringing your dog to a daycare environment too soon may expose them to unnecessary risks.

  5. Non-Eligibility within the First 3 Weeks: If your dog has been adopted within the past three weeks, they are not eligible to be evaluated for entry into our daycare program during this initial period. This policy is in place to safeguard your dog's health and help them adjust to their new home.

By adhering to this policy, you are helping to ensure the safety and happiness of your recently adopted dog as well as the health and security of all dogs in our care. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in following these guidelines, and we look forward to welcoming your dog into our daycare once they are ready.

             

Acceptance of Titers

We understand that some pets may not be able to receive certain vaccines due to health concerns or other reasons. In these cases, we will require a letter from a licensed veterinarian explaining the reasons why a vaccine is not recommended for an individual pet.

             

Independent Research Encouraged

We encourage all pet owners to do their own research and consult with their veterinarians to make informed decisions about their pets' vaccinations. We will continue to monitor the latest research and industry developments to ensure that our vaccine policy is up-to-date and in the best interest of the pets in our care.

             

Vaccine Requirements for Puppies Under 6 Months of Age:

For puppies under 6 months of age, we require that they have received their third round of Distemper/Parvo shots (usually at 10-12 weeks) and be able to provide records for them. Puppies are generally not considered fully vaccinated until around four months old. They normally receive a series of DHLPP shots at intervals, usually three to four sets of shots, with the last shot generally occurring around 16 weeks of age. We also require that the Bordetella vaccine be given at least two weeks prior to coming to our facility to ensure that the vaccine is effective. Rabies vaccine should be administered by 5 months of age.

             

Health of Pets

Every pet entering our center must be healthy. A Pre-entry Exam will be performed on all pets after entering the facility, and Dogtown staff will pay close attention to all pets the minute they walk through the door in order to be able to recognize contagious illness. Things we look out for include:

  • Coughing

  • Runny nose, particularly with a yellowish discharge

  • Runny, red, or watery eyes

  • Ear infections (dirty ears or pawing at the ears)

  • Recent reports of:

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhea

  • Worms

  • Obvious skin conditions

  • Lethargy (tiredness)

 

Any pet that enters the facility looking sick or does not pass the Pre-Entry Exam will be examined by the Supervisor and not allowed beyond the lobby. If the pet really is sick, the faster they get out of the lobby, the better, as many illnesses are airborne and can be passed on to the next pet entering the facility.