Vaccination Requirements & Policies
For all our guests comfort and safety, we require the following:
For Dogs
- Rabies Vaccine and Distemper/Parvo combination Vaccine, 1-3 years depending on age and vaccine. Please check with your vet regarding duration of immunity.
- Negative Fecal or Stool Check within the last 12 months*
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough) Vaccine within the last 12 months, if injectible. Check with us if you have a question.
*A fecal check is required because we walk your pet outside in our courtyard. An infected dog could shed parasite eggs (roundworms, whipworms, etc.) into our soil and pass these parasites to other guests.
For Cats
- Feline Rabies Vaccine and Distemper combination Vaccine. The combination vaccine should include protection against feline Distemper, Rhinotracheitis, and Calici Virus. These are usually given every 1-3 years. Check with your vet regarding duration of immunity.
Our Policies
Happy Tails Pet Resort requires proof of the above vaccinations, preferably written. If an owner does not have access to the needed records, we can contact their veterinarian for proper verification via phone or fax. If any requirements are missing, or if no proof is furnished, we will perform any needed treatments, stool checks or administer vaccines (after an examination to ensure healthiness) at the owner's expense. We will be happy to provide a written estimate of these charges if needed. In addition, if any pet is discovered to have any internal or external parasites, treatment will be administered at the owner's expense.
Flea-Free Environment
All guests that check into Happy Tails Pet Resort with fleas will receive a Frontline Treatment at the owner's expense to assist in the maintenance of our flea-free environment.
THE HEALTH, COMFORT, AND SAFETY OF ALL OUR GUESTS IS OUR PRIMARY CONCERN! Thank you for your understanding!
Why are regular vaccinations important?
Many serious diseases can be prevented by vaccination. With over 50 million pets in the United States alone, your pet is bound to come into contact with an infectious disease at some time. Even if you always keep your pet indoors, he/she can be exposed to viruses carried in the air, in dust, or in clothing. VACCINATION IS AN INEXPENSIVE PROTECTION AGAINST COSTLY TREATMENT OR EVEN THE PREMATURE DEATH OF YOUR PET!
Here is a list of the most common vaccines and corresponding diseases for dogs:
DISTEMPER VIRUS is one of the most important diseases. Unfortunately, even with treatment it can often be fatal. The virus attacks the upper respiratory and central nervous system. Symptoms include eye and nose discharge, sneezing, depression, anorexia, fever, diarrhea, and neurological signs such as muscle spasms and seizures. It is highly contagious.
INFECTIOUS HEPATITIS affects the pet's liver. Vaccination has controlled this disease for several years so it is rarely seen today. Spread through an infected dogs urine, exposure can mean anything from mild infection to death. Very young dogs are most at risk.
PARVO VIRUS is transmitted through contact with feces or an infected dog. Signs include vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and depression - and are very severe in puppies age 4 - 6 months. A dog who recovers from the disease can carry it to another dog for up to three months afterwards. Certain breeds such as Doberman Pinschers and Rottweilers seem especially sensitive to this virus.
RABIES is a fatal infection of the nervous system that affects all warm-blooded animals, including humans. Rabies is a public health hazard and therefore required by the state of Texas to be given once a year. Because there is no cure for Rabies, vaccination is your pet's only protection.
BORDETELLA (Kennel Cough Vaccine) is an upper respiratory infection that causes a dry, hacking cough that persists for weeks. IT IS HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS! All dogs are at risk, primarily dogs that are groomed frequently, are boarded at kennels, or that are shown.
NOTE: A few pets experience lethargy and soreness after vaccinations. If this persists for more than 24 hours, call your vet. Occasionally, a small lump forms where the vaccine was given but should reduce in size over 3 - 4 weeks. Rarely, allergic reaction can occur that can cause vomiting, shaking, drooling, even anaphylactic shock and death. Watch your pet carefully for these signs after any vaccines are given and call your vet if any problems are noted.