Dogs should have up-to-date vaccines against rabies, DHPP (distemper) and Bordetella. When planning a trip away from home, it's important to know that your dog will be well cared for, safe and happy. Whether your dog is staying with a pet sitter or at a boarding school, finding a place that takes your dog's interests into account will give you peace of mind while you enjoy your own vacation. When choosing a boarding school, there are a few things you should check.
You'll also want to prepare your dog for boarding school in order to limit their stress (especially if this is your first time boarding them). Here are some dog boarding tips to help you find the right place and make your dog feel comfortable in your home away from home. Consider if your dog has the right temperament to stay in a boarding school. If dogs are in daycare during the day on the premises, your dog will need to have good social skills.
If your dog doesn't like the company of other dogs, find a boarding school that keeps the dogs separate, or hire a pet sitter who can stay in your house. Every dog is unique, so combining the comforts of boarding school with the needs of your dog will help prepare them for a successful stay. Dogs with separation anxiety need additional preparation before being boarded. Spending time in the new facilities to acclimate yourself and get to know the staff can be very helpful.
Choose a center that allows for test visits and that is willing to dedicate the extra time needed to help your dog feel more comfortable. Vaccines are the most cost-effective and safest way to prevent the spread of diseases. Places where dogs are very close to each other, such as boarding schools, are at greater risk of having an outbreak. Check your dog's vaccination records or contact your vet to ensure that they are up to date with their vaccines.
The prevention of parasites all year round is also important, since you don't want your dog to take home fleas or ticks or contract the diseases that these parasites transmit. Make sure your dog follows a prevention program that covers external parasites, such as fleas and ticks, as well as internal parasites, such as heartworms and roundworms. A good guest residence will require that all the animals in your care be in continuous parasite prevention. Sign up for health advice, gifts and more approved by a veterinarian.
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Depending on the boarding facility, it may also be preferred that your dog receive canine flu and leptospirosis vaccines. Dogs should also be free of fleas and ticks. Vaccines must be administered at least 48 hours before they are registered at a boarding facility. However, it is preferred that vaccines be administered at least 10-14 days before daycare.
Also, be sure to bring your documents to show that your dog has received the appropriate vaccines. With both diseases, dogs are contagious for two or three days before showing any symptoms, so the detection of contagious dogs before their arrival cannot be guaranteed. Canine flu and Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccines can reduce the severity of illnesses and reduce, but will not eliminate, the chance of a dog contracting canine flu or kennel cough. It is the responsibility of the person importing the dogs to California to submit a copy of the health certificate to the local public health department where the dogs will live or be sold.
