• Our boarding facilities are exclusively indoors.  That allows for a clean, sanitized, and disinfected area in which to house your pet.  We prefer NOT to walk your dog outside, because we cannot disinfect the grassy areas which could potentially expose your pet to disease.  However, a special consent form outlining the risks associated with the outdoor environment may be signed to allow walks outside.

• The biggest plus, your peace of mind knowing that one of our doctors is only moments away from caring for your pet if needed.

We understand if you would still prefer to board your pet elsewhere. These facilities generally offer a safe and secure environment.  However, many of these facilities have very stringent requirements for boarding that pet owners need to be aware of BEFORE making reservations.  Some facilities may allow a vaccine given “upon entrance”.  Any vaccine given “upon entrance” will probably give your pet zero to minimal protection.  Let’s take a look.

Bordetella (Kennel Cough) Vaccine – Bordetella is a bacteria that can cause an upper respiratory infection.  Such infections can also be caused by other viruses and bacteria not covered by the vaccine.  In order to provide any protection, the vaccine series (two vaccines given two weeks apart) must be completed one week prior to boarding and boostered annually thereafter.  Keep in mind that it is also possible for you pet to be properly vaccinated against Bordetella but still develop an upper respiratory infection caused by a different bacteria or virus.

Almost all public boarding facilities require the Bordetella vaccine.  We do not require that vaccine because we feel our strict sanitation methods minimize your pet's risk for becoming infected. We also don't think that vaccinating against one bacteria is the most effective way of preventing a disease that can be caused by different organisms.

Canine Influenza (H3N8) Vaccine – In recent years, a virulent strain of K9 influenza, known as H3N8, has been seen in some veterinary hospitals and boarding facilities across the country.  H3N8 is often hard to diagnose as its symptoms are the same as other respiratory infections.  In very rare cases, this influenza has led to life-threatening pneumonia and death.  The virus is easily killed and controlled by practicing good disinfectant and cross-contamination protocols.  So far, there have been no reported cases of canine influenza in Maryland.

Although at this time the disease is still rarely seen, some facilities are beginning to require vaccination. Like Bordatella, this vaccine must also be given as a two-shot series and then is boostered annually.  To be effective, the initial vaccine series  must be completed at least ten days prior to boarding. 

Feline Leukemia Test and/or Vaccination – Some local facilities are now requiring that boarding cats be tested for and/or vaccinated against the Feline Leukemia virus (FeLV).  FeLV can be spread from cat to cat through contact and the sharing of litter pans, food/water bowls or bedding.  Testing for FeLV is generally required before vaccination.  If negative for the disease, the vaccine is initially given as a two-shot series and then is boostered annually.  To be effective, the initial vaccine series must be completed at least ten days prior to boarding.   Because the virus does not survive long outside the body, a cat that is being boarded at a facility practicing proper cross-contamination protocols will have zero to minimal risk of contracting FeLV.  We generally recommend this vaccine only to cats that go outside and may encounter other cats carrying the disease.

Heartworm (HW) Testing and Prevention – Lately, several boarding facilities have asked whether or not a pet is on heartworm preventive and when the last heartworm test was performed.  Heartworm disease is caused by a blood parasite contracted from mosquitoes.  In Frederick County, there is less than a 1% incidence of HW disease in dogs and little risk in cats.  Heartworm disease cannot be spread directly from pet to pet, therefore, the chance of your pet being exposed to HW disease while in a local boarding facility is low.  If however, you plan to board your pet out-of-state where the incidence of HW disease may be high, check with one of our veterinarians for their recommendations.  We typically recommend Heartworm preventative only in those patients that travel outside Frederick County or for owners that wish their dog to receive a monthly intestinal dewormer.

Fecal Testing and Negative Fecal Results – Since many boarding facilities have shared “common areas” which cannot be adequately sanitized and disinfected (such as outside grassy areas), they are very concerned about passing along parasite infections from one animal to another.  These facilities are beginning to require a yearly fecal check with a negative result for parasites for EVERY pet that boards.  If your pet does not meet this requirement, the facility may require the pet to have a fecal test upon entrance.   We do not require regular fecal testing but we do strongly recommend it.  Again, being able to disinfect all our indoor areas helps to minimize your pet's risk for infection.

It is the responsibility of the pet owner to inquire as to the boarding facilities’ entrance requirements.  Knowing before hand what is required, will ensure that your pet is ready to board with less hassle!

If you would like more information on boarding your pet with us, please call us at 301-662-2322.