If you are planning a trip, you might already be looking into boarding options for your dog. Our Rochester vets are here to tell you what shots your dog needs for boarding.
What Shots Do Dogs Need to be Boarded
If you are looking to board your dog while you take a vacation, you need to do a little bit of planning to ensure that all requirements are met. The vaccines required for boarding dogs at all reputable boarding facilities are Bordetella, rabies and DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus).
Every kennel and boarding facility is different so it's important that once you've selected the right facility for your pup, you speak to the staff about their specific requirements. If you would like to board your dog at Stoney Pointe Pet Hospital we require your dog to be up-to-date with all vaccinations and free of fleas and ticks.
How long after vaccination can my dog be boarded?
Fortunately, the rabies vaccine and DHPP are both effective for 1-3 years depending on the type given, and the bordetella vaccine is only effective for six months. As a result, if you keep your dog's vaccinations current, you shouldn't have too many concerns.
It's okay if you've forgotten to take a booster shot along the way! We only ask that you vaccinate your dog at least two weeks before it needs to be boarded. However, three days should be the absolute minimum if you're wondering how long a vaccine needs to take effect before boarding.
What happens if I don't get my dog vaccinated before boarding?
Most dog boarding facilities require proof of up-to-date vaccines before they allow you to leave your dog. If you cannot provide that information, sometimes veterinary facilities who offer boarding can give your dog their shots on the day of drop off, but this is not ideal. Vaccinations take time to work their magic and become effective so your dog will not be fully protected from the contagious diseases that can run rampant when dogs are in close proximity. For example, the kennel cough vaccine for dogs doesn't usually take effect until three days later.
If your dog is not immunized, they will probably be refused entry to the boarding facility, but if they are not, you run the risk of exposing them to a variety of infectious and frequently fatal diseases that need pricey veterinary treatment to treat.
Other Ways To Prepare For Dog Boarding
The following are helpful tips from our Rochester vets regarding what you can do to make your experience boarding your dog as easy as possible.
Understand the boarding facility's rules and policies.
Be sure to ask the staff about the policies, guidelines, and services offered before boarding your dog at a new facility. For instance, what kind of food do they feed the dogs, what personal items (such as toys, blankets, etc.) are allowed, what are their emergency procedures, or if they can administer your dog's medication?
Asking about the policies, procedures, and services the facilities offer can help you determine the best home away from home for your dog.
Check out the facility well ahead of time.
Kennels that house a large number of pets can quickly become unkempt. While it is impossible to keep a boarding facility completely sterile, a high-quality boarding facility will look and smell clean. So, before booking your dog's stay, make sure the kennel is kept organized and clean.
Keep your own emotions in check when you drop off your dog.
Dogs are expert at reading their pet parents' emotions. Your dog will be able to tell if you are stressed, overcompensating, or saying goodbye. Your dog's mood and behavior will reflect this, making it difficult for them to relax once you leave. To make the separation easier, keep things simple, short, and positive.
Your dog may exhibit different behaviors when they first come home.
It's critical to understand that your dog may act strangely in the first few days after returning home from the kennel. Your dog could be clingy, lethargic, or suffering from diarrhea. They may even overeat or drink. This, however, is a normal reaction to your dog's excitement about returning home. However, if the situation does not improve after a few days, contact your veterinarian.
Trust your gut when looking for the best place to board your dog.
When selecting a kennel for your dog, we think it's important to start by following your gut. Look for a different location if one doesn't make you feel at ease. Look around at different kennels until you find one that you can completely trust if they have a policy you don't like.
Boarding Your Dog at Stoney Pointe Pet Hospital
We offer high-quality overnight boarding services for dogs and cats in Rochester.
We are able to offer your animal companion a warm and cozy home away from home while you are away. We provide a variety of services, such as daily walks, playtime with staff, kennels that cater to the particular requirements of each dog or cat, and medical boarding.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition or boarding needs, please make an appointment with your vet.