Every August, pet parents and their care professionals recognize National Immunization Awareness Month. It’s the perfect time to remember the importance of proper pet vaccination. Immunizations can save the life of your furry friend as well as other animals, especially when your pet spends time away from home at a kennel.

The Importance of Vaccinations

At a kennel, your pet may play, eat, and share space with other animals. If pets aren’t vaccinated, the close contact will facilitate the spread of illnesses, the canine influenza and parvo, which is a contagious gastrointestinal virus. To ensure your pet’s health, most kennels require all animals to be up-to-date on their vaccinations for these and other illnesses before boarding.

Which Vaccinations Your Pet Should Get

Discuss vaccinations with a veterinarian a few weeks before dropping your pet off at the kennel, and talk to the boarding facility about their inoculation requirements as well as how far in advance you pet needs to get their shots. Make sure your furry companion has all of their general booster shots as well as vaccinations against hepatitis, parvovirus, distemper, and leptospirosis.

Keep in mind that the kennel cough vaccine isn’t part of a typical inoculation schedule. Caused by the contagious bacteria bordetella bronchiseptica or the virus canine parainfluenza, this disease can be acquired quickly in a closed kennel environment.

If your four-legged family member is up-to-date with their vaccines and ready for boarding, contact the friendly team at Bar-King Dog Kennel in Keaau, HI. Their pet care professionals will look after your furry friend, providing them with attention, companionship, and space to play. They can accommodate cats and large dogs and offer rooms for multiple animals if you have two or more pets. Learn more about their boarding services online, or call (808) 966-8733 to schedule a visit.