The health, safety and comfort of your pet is our utmost concern here at the Neffsville Veterinary Pet Resort. In order to provide the safest environment for all of our lodgers, we require that pets be properly vaccinated at least 7 days prior to their check-in date.
Vaccines are one of the first things we check when making your pet’s reservation but probably one of the last things on your mind while planning a vacation. Although they do tend to slip our minds, it’s important for your furry companion to be properly vaccinated prior to lodging. Our doctors have created the following vaccination/test protocol for the safety of our lodging guests.
Dogs:
- Rabies
- Distemper
- Bordetella (6 month vaccination)
- Canine Influenza
- Fecal Analysis Test
Cats:
- Rabies
- Distemper
- Fecal Analysis Test
Vaccination Information:
Rabies (Dogs & Cats):
Rabies is probably one of the most recognized diseases in animals. Rabies is a zoonotic disease which means it can be transmitted from animals to humans. When bitten by a rabid animal the virus goes to the brain where it causes extreme inflammation. This fatal disease has no cure, which is why it is very important that we require a current rabies vaccination both for the safety of our guests and staff.
Distemper (Dogs & Cats):
In canines, Distemper is a virus that currently has no known cure. Unvaccinated dogs can spread this virus in many ways including: urine, blood, saliva and even coughing or sneezing. We require this vaccine for all lodging canines because of our open yard area where the dogs are walked four times a day, as well as for our play partners program.
Similar to dogs, feline distemper is spread through urine, blood and saliva as well as through their feces and nasal discharge. The only way to prevent the virus is through vaccination. While each cat has their own litter box and water bowl, we do have a central kitty park area.
Bordetella (Dogs Only):
The Bordetella vaccine is used to help combat what’s commonly known as kennel cough. Bordetella causes inflammation in the upper respiratory system, causing your dog to cough and sneeze (giving the illness its’ nickname). Most all boarding and grooming facilities require your pet to have a Bordetella vaccine. Here at Neffsville Veterinary Clinic, we require it to be updated every six months for added protection. If your pet received the annual version of the vaccine within 6 months of your lodging dates, we do NOT require an additional vaccination. There are many causes of kennel cough, and while the vaccine helps prevent many of them, non-transmission cannot be guaranteed.
Canine Influenza (Dogs Only):
The canine influenza vaccine is a dog’s version of the flu. It is often confused with kennel cough as the symptoms are similar. While this illness is generally spread through saliva and sneezing, it can be transmitted if infected dogs come in contact with leashes, water bowls, or bedding. 80% of dogs that come in contact with canine influenza will become infected. With a 10% mortality rate, it is crucial that all dogs be vaccinated.
Fecal Analysis (Dogs & Cats):
We require an annual fecal analysis from all of our lodgers. We send the fecal sample out to our lab to be tested for intestinal parasites that may be in the digestive track. This is one requirement that we can collect during your pet’s stay. Each dog will need an individual sample (even if they are from the same household), while for cats we only need one sample from each household.
Vaccination Requirement Timeline:
Puppies/Kittens:
We require puppies/kittens to have at least the 1st series of immunizations done before their stay with us. We do, however, recommend that you wait to lodge your puppy or kitten until they are able to be fully protected with all vaccines.
Distemper: Vaccine started at approximately 6 weeks of age
Vaccine boostered every 3-4 weeks through 16 weeks of age (kittens and puppies)
Waiting period after final vaccination: 7 days
Bordetella: Vaccine started at approximately 6 weeks of age
Vaccine boostered 3-4 weeks later
Waiting period after final vaccination: 7 days
Canine Influenza: Vaccine started at after 6 weeks of age
Vaccine boostered 2-4 weeks later
Waiting period after final vaccination: 7 days
Rabies: Vaccine started after 12 weeks of age
Waiting period after vaccination: 7 days
Adult Animals (Starting Vaccinations or Unknown Vaccine Status):
Distemper: First vaccine is given and then boostered 3 weeks later.
Waiting period after second vaccine booster: 7 days
This means if your dog or cat does has not been vaccinated for Distemper, you must start the vaccination series at least 1 month prior to the lodging dates.
Bordetella: (dogs only): First vaccine is given and then boostered 2 weeks later.
Waiting period after second vaccine booster: 7 days
This means if your dog does has not been vaccinated for Bordetella, you must start the vaccination series at least 3 weeks prior to the lodging dates.
Canine Influenza: : First vaccine is given and then boostered 2 weeks later.
(Dogs only) Waiting period after second vaccine booster: 7 days
This means if your dog does has not been vaccinated for Canine Influenza, you must start the vaccination series at least 3 weeks prior to the lodging dates.
Rabies: Vaccination is given
Waiting period after vaccine: 7 days
This means if your dog or cat does has not been vaccinated for Rabies, you must start the vaccination series at least 1 week prior to the lodging dates.
Adult Animals (Overdue for Vaccinations):
Adult pets that have received the required vaccination(s) in the past but are currently overdue for the vaccination(s) must receive the updated vaccination 7 days prior to their lodging check-in date.
We hope the above information is helpful to our lodging clients. As always, we are here to help if you have any additional questions or concerns.
