Core Vaccinations:
Dogs
Dogs must be current on DHPP, Rabies, and Bordatella. Yearly Leptospirosis vaccinations and
yearly flea/parasite preventatives are recommended.
Cats
Cats must be current on Rabies, FVRCP as well as Feline Leukemia.
Overview:
Tails & Trails requires that all boarders be vaccinated with the "core" immunizations that are given as a matter of course every 1 to 3 years, depending on the protocol followed by individual veterinarians. In addition, we require yearly vaccinations for Bordatella for dogs and Feline Leukemia for cats.
Bordatella is a highly contagious viral infection that creates cold-like symptoms in dogs. Some dogs feel under the weather for a day or two and then develop a disturbing-sounding, but harmless cough that seems to worsen during the night and after exertion. Some develop a runny nose and sneeze more than they cough.
After the first couple of days, the patient seems to eat and behave normally, except for their cold-like symptoms. Occasionally, as in humans, the cold symptoms can worsen and develop into pneumonia or other secondary infections.
Beyond the rare occurrence when dogs develop serious, life-threatening conditions brought on by Bordatella, boarding facilities try to minimize the risk of spreading the virus simply because it is so contagious.
Many boarding facilities require that Bordatella vaccinations be given every 6 months, since the vaccine becomes much less effective after 6-8 months. Many veterinarians and concerned pet owners feel strongly that we are over-vaccinating our pets. In order to achieve some sort of balance between healthy dogs and the high risk of infection, Tails & Trails strongly recommends that dogs be vaccinated every 6 months if they are boarded several times throughout the year. We require that all dogs be vaccinated at least yearly.
Occasionally a dog or several dogs will come down with Bordatella despite having been vaccinated within 6 months. Our understanding is that there are several strains of the virus and not every vaccination can protect against every strain. At the same time, it is better that most dogs in a social situation be protected than that most dogs come down with the infection.
Dogs who go to dog parks, sports events, shows, classes or trials should be vaccinated against Bordatella. A simple sneeze or dog-to-dog contact can transmit the virus. In some cases, even dog-to-human-to-dog contact can cause the virus to spread throughout a community.
Feline Leukemia is a wasting illness in cats that can cause cancer, blood disorders and immune system disorders. Cats who live with other infected cats and cats who spend part of their time outdoors are at risk of contracting the disease. Because the virus is transmitted through the saliva and nasal secretions of infected cats, bites, shared bowls and mutual grooming are the primary ways that the disease is spread, although cats who share litter boxes are also at risk. Some cats can carry the virus without showing any signs or symptoms; they shed the virus and can infect other cats.
Because the cats who board at Tails & Trails share the same room and come into contact with one another either through group sessions or through our mesh door enclosures, our veterinarian strongly recommends that we require that all cats who are being boarded have a current Feline Leukemia vaccination. Many owners feel that since their cats are indoor only cats, they should not have to vaccinate their cats against Feline Leukemia. However, because these cats come into contact with cats who may not be indoor only cats or who may be viral shedders without showing symptoms, we feel that a simple additional vaccination is much preferable to the risk of infection, especially for a virus that has such serious consequences.
Exemptions: Dogs and cats who are severely allergic to vaccinations or whose veterinarians feel that the risk of vaccination outweighs the benefits can be exempted from vaccination requirements if their vet provides Tails & Trails with a recommendation for exemption. However, pets who board and who are not protected by regular vaccinations will be at higher risk of infection.
