If you are planning a trip, you might already be looking into boarding options for your dog. Our Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale Ranch Animal 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, but 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, such as kennel cough, 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 current vaccinations before allowing you to leave your dog. If you are unable to provide that information, veterinary facilities that offer boarding may be able to administer your dog's shots on the day of drop off, but this is not ideal. Vaccinations take time to work, so your dog will not be completely protected from contagious diseases that can spread quickly when dogs are close together. For example, the kennel cough vaccine for dogs typically takes effect three days later.
If your dog is not immunized, they will most likely be denied entry to the boarding facility; however, if they are not, you risk exposing them to a variety of infectious and often fatal diseases that require expensive veterinary treatment to treat.
Other Ways To Prepare For Dog Boarding
The following are helpful tips 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 with a large number of pets can quickly become unkempt. While it is impossible to keep a boarding facility completely sterile, a high-quality one will appear and smell clean. So, before booking your dog's stay, ensure that the kennel is organized and clean.
Keep your own emotions in check when you drop off your dog.
Dogs are experts 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 is critical to recognize that your dog may behave strangely in the first few days after returning home from the kennel. Your dog could be clingy, lethargic, or have diarrhea. They might even overeat or drink. This, however, is a normal reaction to your dog's excitement at returning home. However, if the situation does not improve after a few days, please consult 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 Scottsdale Ranch Animal Hospital
We offer high-quality overnight boarding services for dogs and cats in Scottsdale.
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.