The time has come for you and your sweet doggo to go your separate ways, and you’ve either signed her up for doggie daycare or boarding. If it’s your first time, and you’ve done your research, then you’ll know that most daycares are strict when it comes to their 4-legged guests being caught up on vaccinations before they can stay at the center.
Here’s why it’s so important...
Think about it- your dog will be meeting and interacting with numerous other dogs on a daily basis. Having her caught up on vaccinations (and knowing that the other canine guests at the daycare must adhere to the same rules) not only stops the spread of infectious diseases, but gives peace of mind. This is a crucial part of your dog’s overall health, as some diseases can be potentially life-threatening.
Every daycare/boarding center has different requirements for vaccine procedures, so you need to start preparing as early as possible. When you call to book your dog at the center, ask about the vaccination requirements. Keep in mind that vaccines take some time to build up immunity- up to 2 weeks, so organize your daycare/boarding stay well in advance.
It doesn’t hurt to take your dog in to see the vet before you leave her at the center for the first time. That way, you can make sure she gets a full check up and is up to date on her vaccines. You should get copies of the vaccination schedule and other pertinent medical records as requested by the dog daycare. This is also a good time to check that heartworm and flea meds are up to date too.
Sure, you want to show up to your dog’s first day of boarding without any hiccups or worse- being turned away because your dog hasn’t been vaccinated. But most importantly, you want to ensure your dog’s health is protected as much as possible.