Hello fellow dog lovers and pet parents!

When planning a vacation or a work trip, ensuring your furry family member's safety and happiness while you're away is a top priority. At Ruby's K9 Corral, we're dedicated to providing your pooch with a luxury boarding experience that's both fun-filled and safe. A crucial part of that safety comes from mandatory vaccinations. Let's dive into the vaccines needed for your dog's upcoming stay at our boarding facility.

*** Why Vaccinations Matter

Before we list the required vaccinations, it's important to understand why they're necessary. Vaccines protect not only the health of your own pet but also safeguard the entire K9 community at Ruby's K9 Corral against contagious diseases. In a social setting like ours, one unvaccinated dog can pose a risk to all the playful pups enjoying their stay. It is important to know that, like us humans, even vaccinated dogs may still get sick at some point. When your dog is fully vaccinated, it helps reduce the severity and length of illness when they do get sick.

*** Required Vaccinations at Ruby's K9 Corral

1. **Rabies**: This potentially fatal virus affects the nervous system of mammals and is required by law. Proof of rabies vaccination is non-negotiable for all dogs over 4 months of age. We require yearly (2 to 3 year vaccinations accepted).

2. **Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus (DHPP)**: Often combined into a single shot known as the "Distemper Parvo" or "5-in-1" vaccine, these protect against multiple illnesses that can cause serious health issues in dogs. We require annually.

3. **Bordetella (Kennel Cough)**: Bordetella bronchiseptica leads to highly contagious upper respiratory illness often referred to as kennel cough. To prevent the spread of this infection, we require the bordetella vaccine. We require yearly but recommend every 6 months.

4. **Leptospirosis**: While not all facilities require this vaccine, we at Ruby's K9 Corral consider it essential due to the bacteria's ability to spread through soil and water, potentially causing kidney and liver disease. Recommend, however not required as some dogs are allergic to Lepto.

5. **Canine Influenza (Dog Flu)**: As influenza can rapidly spread among dogs in social environments, a vaccinated pet means a healthier play area for everyone. At this point in time we do not require this but highly recommend it.

*** Pre-Boarding Vaccination Schedule

***We do offer a Bordetella Vaccine at our facility for $20, given intranasally. We are able to administer upon checkin but highly recommend doing at least 2 days prior to boarding with us.

To ensure effectiveness and to prevent vaccine-related complications during your dog's stay, please adhere to the following schedule:

- Rabies, DHPP, Bordetella, and Canine Influenza vaccines should be administered at least 48 hours before check-in.

*** Health and Wellness Beyond Vaccinations

At Ruby's K9 Corral, your dog's well-being is paramount. That's why we go above and beyond vaccinations by requiring a recent wellness exam report, flea and tick prevention, and a gastrointestinal health guarantee. This meticulous approach ensures that every tail-wagging guest enjoys a stay that's as healthy as it is exciting!

*** Keeping Records Handy

When booking your pooch's luxurious stay, please have your vaccine documentation ready. Your veterinarian can provide a vaccine certificate, or you can upload the details through our online pet portal for ease and convenience.

We understand that preparing for your dog's boarding can involve many details. If you have any questions about vaccine requirements or if you need help scheduling an appointment for these vaccinations, don't hesitate to contact our friendly team at Ruby's K9 Corral.

Thank you for entrusting us with the care of your beloved pet and for doing your part to keep the Ruby's K9 Corral community healthy and happy. We can't wait to spoil your pup with endless affection and top-notch care!

Waggingly Yours,

Vicky

Team Member & owner at Ruby's K9 Corral