Vaccine Requirements
Proof of vaccination from a licensed veterinarian is required before check-in for all programs.
Required Vaccinations
- Rabies — current per your veterinarian’s recommended schedule
- Distemper/Parvo (DA2PP or DHPP) — current per your veterinarian’s recommended schedule
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough) — administered within the last 6 months and at least 5 days before arrival
Strongly Recommended Vaccinations
We encourage you to discuss the following with your veterinarian. They provide added protection for your dog and others in our care.
- Leptospirosis — especially relevant in Western New York given outdoor and wildlife exposure
- Canine Influenza (H3N2/H3N8) — recommended for dogs regularly in group settings such as daycare or boarding
- Parainfluenza — often already included in standard DA2PP/DHPP combo vaccines
Kennel Cough Policy
We require a current Bordetella vaccination for all dogs. Like the human flu vaccine, it protects against the most common strains but cannot guarantee full prevention.
Signs & Symptoms
- Persistent, forceful cough (often sounds like a goose honk)
- Sneezing and runny nose
- Eye discharge
- Note: Energy level and appetite may remain completely normal
If Your Dog Is Symptomatic Before Arrival
Please contact us before coming in. We will ask you to delay the start of your program until your dog has been symptom-free for 7 days.
If Your Dog Develops Symptoms While In Our Care
We will contact you immediately. Your dog will be separated from all other dogs and their cot, enclosure, and food and water bowls will be thoroughly sanitized. Group activities will be suspended for your dog.
If socialization is a primary goal of your dog’s program, we will pause training and resume once your dog has been symptom-free for 7 days.
Papilloma (Warts) Policy
Papillomas are small, benign warts caused by a virus common in young dogs. They typically appear on the lips, muzzle, or around the eyes, and occasionally between the toes. Though harmless, they are highly contagious and spread through direct contact or shared surfaces, toys, bedding, and water bowls.
Because the incubation period is 1 to 2 months, a dog may develop papillomas while in our care even if exposure occurred elsewhere.
If we suspect your dog has papillomas, we will isolate your dog immediately and sanitize all shared equipment and surfaces. Group activities will be suspended.
If socialization is a primary goal of your dog’s program, we will pause training and resume once the warts have fully resolved and the skin has healed.
Dogs in Heat Policy
We do not accept female dogs that are currently in heat or showing signs of an upcoming heat cycle. A dog in heat can cause significant stress and distraction for other dogs in our facility, regardless of whether other dogs are intact.
If your dog comes into heat during an active program, we will contact you to arrange pickup. Your program will be paused at no penalty and resumed once her cycle is complete. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our environment safe and comfortable for all dogs in our care.