Why Vaccinations Are Important for Dog Boarding

The holiday is upon us and for Camp that means we’ll be full with boarders. We love having a full house of our four legged friends but we have to keep safety the priority. We require three vaccinations for all Campers, whether they are just joining us to play for the day or they’ll be Camping overnight. So which vaccinations are required and why do we make such a big deal out of it?

Which Vaccines Are Required At Camp Bow Wow?

An easy way to remember which vaccinations are required is the abbreviation of BRD. While this looks like an abbreviation for the word “boarding” (and it is) it’s actually a great way to remember the three vaccinations required for all Campers:

B-Bordetella

This is probably the least known vaccination of the three and is not generally included in your “normal shots”. This vaccine is specifically for an upper respiratory infection commonly referred to as “Canine Cough”. This virus is airborne and highly contagious and is common in social environments. Obviously there is a greater risk for an airborne virus when you’re in a densely populated environment where it can be passed rapidly. Chances are your dog doesn’t have this vaccination, so be sure to ask your vet before you call to schedule your free day of play or make a boarding reservation. While it’s not guaranteed to vaccinate against every strain of the virus (much like a flu shot for humans) it reduces the risk and these preventative measures are important for the health and well being of all our Campers.

R-Rabies

This is the big scary shot everyone knows about, it’s so important it usually comes with it’s own special certificate! Rabies vaccines are good for either one year or three years. If you have recently adopted a dog chances are he only had the one year vaccination. Adoption agencies try to keep costs down so they can vaccinate as many dogs as possible. While the goal is to get rescued dogs into a loving home as soon as possible, the three year vaccination is cost prohibitive for animal adoption agencies.

D-Distemper

Distemper is a serious virus that affects a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal and central nervous systems. This virus is most feared in dogs who have never been vaccinated and puppies, who are especially prone to the virus. If left untreated Distemper can be fatal and is contagious. While more rare than cases of Canine Cough, this is a vaccination that should be taken very seriously.

Why Vaccinations Required?

Our number one priority is the safety and well-being of all of our Campers. Having knowledge of these viruses and not enforcing safeguards against them would be negligent and not in the best interest of your dog. We live in the real world and know it’s not always convenient to take your dogs to the vet, however it is necessary. If you find yourself in a bind with vaccinations and boarding, ask us about our transit service.

Are Vaccinations Up To Date?

Contact your vet. You can ask your vet the date the vaccination was administered as well as the expiration date. The expiration date is the one we need to put in your Campers file. Most veterinary offices will provide you with a copy of your dogs vaccinations at check out with “reminder” dates for the next vaccinations due. You can have your vet fax us vaccination records to 586-775-9663, chances are they have Camp Bow Wow St. Clair Shores on their speed dial already!

What if my dog isn’t vaccinated?

Dogs that aren’t current on required vaccinations will not be permitted at Camp. We have to operate in the best interest of all our Campers and that means safety first! Please help us keep everyone happy and healthy by being up to date on vaccinations and providing us with written proof so you can always have a happy Camper. If you do not vaccinate your pet, we may be able to come to your home instead.

If you have questions about the vaccinations required, Camper requirements or the interview process don’t hesitate to contact us!

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