Are you planning a vacation and considering where your furry companions will stay while you’re away? Many pet owners turn to boarding facilities to ensure their cats and dogs have company and are well-cared for during their absence. However, boarding facilities have strict vaccination requirements for your pets to create a safe environment for all. This article will discuss the essential vaccinations your cats and dogs need before you drop them off for their little holiday within a holiday. This information will keep your four-legged friends protected and provide peace of mind as you prepare for your trip.
Vaccinations for Dogs Before Boarding
Regarding our canine companions, vaccinations are crucial in preventing the spread of contagious diseases in a dog and cat boarding environment. Here’s what your dog will need:
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Rabies: Rabies is a must-have vaccination, not just for boarding but as a legal requirement in many places. This deadly virus is zoonotic, which means it can be transferred to humans, so protection against it is non-negotiable.
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Distemper: Canine distemper is a severe viral illness affecting dogs’ respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. The vaccination against distemper is often combined with those for parvovirus and adenovirus.
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Parvovirus: Parvo is highly contagious and lethal, especially in puppies. The virus attacks the gastrointestinal system, leading to severe symptoms. Vaccination is essential to keep this virus at bay.
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Bordetella (Kennel Cough): Bordetella is the primary agent responsible for kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory disease. A Bordetella vaccine is requested explicitly by virtually all boarding facilities to prevent outbreaks among their canine guests.
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Canine Influenza: Also known as dog flu, this illness is relatively new but has already shown it can spread rapidly in social situations like kennels and boarding houses. This vaccine may be recommended depending on your area and the prevalence of canine influenza.
Other facets of care may include:
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Heartworm prevention: Many kennels want proof that your dog is on a heartworm preventative.
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Flea and tick treatment: Up-to-date flea and tick treatment is commonly requested to maintain a pest-free environment.
Naturally, requirements can var facility, so it’s always best to check with the specifig location well in advance.
Vaccinations for Cats Before Boarding
Our beloved pets also require specific vaccinations to stay safe while boarding. Let’s review the usual vaccine lineup for cats:
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Rabies: Similar to dogs, the rabies vaccine is often a legal requirement for cats. It protects them from the deadly virus that poses risks to both animals and humans.
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Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia): Feline distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that can be severe. The vaccine is a core vaccine and one of the critical shots needed for boarding.
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Feline Herpesvirus and Calicivirus: These two viruses are the leading causes of upper respiratory infections in cats. The combined FVRCP vaccine helps protect feline friends from both.
Additional Considerations:
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Feline leukemia vaccine depends on whether the cat goes outdoors or the facility’s policies, as it’s a disease spread through close contact.
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Parasite prevention: Like with dogs, up-to-date parasite prevention is often required.
Always check with the boarding house for their exact requirements and consult your veterinarian to ensure your cat is ready for their stay.
Why are Vaccinations Important?
Vaccinations aren’t just a box to tick off for boarding; they serve the greater purpose of maintaining the health of your pet, other animals, and even the humans around them. Animal vaccinations protect against potentially debilitating or fatal diseases and prevent the spread of those diseases in environments where animals are in close contact with one another, such as boarding facilities. This proactive approach to pet health minimizes the risk of an outbreak. It ensures that, like a well-oiled machine, everything runs smoothly for the facility and, most importantly, the animals in their care.
Preparing Your Pet for Boarding
Preparation is critical when you’re getting ready to board your pet. Let’s break it down into simple steps:
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Visit the Vet: Bring your pet to the vet for a health checkup and ensure all vaccinations are current.
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Understand the Requirements: Get a list of the required vaccinations and health checks from the boarding facility beforehand.
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Record Keeping: Keep a copy of all vaccination records; you’ll need to show proof to the facility.
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Get Acquainted: If possible, visit the boarding facility with your pet beforehand to help them acclimate to the new environment.
Doing your due diligence ensures your pet has a safe and enjoyable stay while you’re away.
Know Where to Find Help
Knowing where to find vet services can be a game-changer if you encounter any concerns or require additional pet care services. In locations like Lafayette, for example, you can find dog and cat surgeons in Lafayette who can provide specialized care if the need arises. This information adds an extra layer of security to your pet care plan.
Final Thoughts
In wrapping up, ensuring your cats and dogs have the necessary vaccinations before boarding is vital to planning your time away. It’s not just about adhering to policies; it’s about ensuring the health and well-being of your beloved pets. Remember to check with your vet and the boarding facility, update all vaccinations, and keep your records handy. Doing so lets you rest easy knowing that your furry family members are safe and well-cared for. When it comes to their overall health, whether you are on vacation or not, remember that if you are in pet boarding, these precautions will go a long way in providing them with the best care possible.
