Important Information Regarding Canine Cough & Upper Respiratories

We would like to make all clients especially aware that Canine Cough is present always in the Charlottesville - Albemarle area and does not originate here at the kennel.We often receive reports from Charlottesville area veterinarians when they observe this highly contagious illness. While we DO NOT know of any boarders in our facility who are coughing, it is IMPOSSIBLE for us to tell when there might be a boarder here who has been exposed to canine cough PRIOR to their arrival and "is shedding" the virus during their stay. This is due to Canine Cough (or other similar problems) being "sub-clinical" (it can be spread without the pet showing signs of the illness) for 7-10 days. This is why it is VERY difficult for us to know when or not the problem exists in the kennel. It is always good to make sure your pet has had the Bordetella Vaccine (intra-nasal provides better protection) within six (6) months of arrivals for boarding.

We highly recommend that you make especially sure that your pet has been properly vaccinated. If you have any questions regarding Canine Cough and your pet please feel free to speak with one of our attendants and they will have a manager contact you at your request. ALWAYS contact your veterinarian for his/her advice on vaccinations and immunology.

THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT VACCINATION FOR DOGS WHEN BOARDING IS THE CANINE COUGH (BORDETELLA) VACCINATION! WE EMPHATICALLY REQUIRE BORDETELLA DROPS OR VACCINATION PRIOR TO ENTRY FOR ALL DOGS. THIS VACCINATION IS REQUIRED ON AN ANNUAL (1 YEAR) OR SEMI-ANNUAL (TWICE YEARLY) BASIS DEPENDING ON YOUR VETERINARIAN'S VACCINATION TYPE. PLEASE CALL YOUR VETERINARIAN'S RECEPTIONIST FOR SHOT EXPIRATION DATES.

While we make every effort to prevent the occurrence of Canine Cough in the kennel, we are unable to give 100% assurance that someone's pet will not bring it to the kennel while your pet is boarding. By vaccinating your pet you REDUCE the chances of it contracting the illness but because Canine Cough is a "catch-all" phrase for many different items the Bordetella Vaccine ONLY protects against that one specific strain. Just like the common cold in humans, upper respiratory problems are created by numerous different combinations of viruses and bacteria.

Canine Cough is a generic term for upper respiratory infections that occur from Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza virus. In infected dogs, the bacteria and viruses multiply and destroy the delicate cilia of the dog's trachea, thus irritating its upper respiratory tract and producing the characteristic persistent cough. Coughing, sneezing, and retching, often accompanied by nasal discharge, usually last from a few days to several weeks. Some dogs also may have a fever, depression, and loss of appetite. Two common consequences of canine cough are persistent coughing, which can keep your dog (and you) awake at night, and a weakened ability to fight other respiratory infections.

Since the Bordetella bronchiseptica virus in not "born" in the kennel, it can (and almost always often is) be "caught" outside the kennel and brought in by a boarding pet. The virus is "sub-clinical" (it does not show visible signs of infection) often for 7-10 days. If you feel that your pet might have been exposed in your neighborhood, at the vet's office, or otherwise please advise us on entry.

We are making intense efforts to prohibit (requiring vaccinations, extensive cleaning & disinfection, and public awareness) its outbreak in our facility. If however, your pet does contract canine cough the kennel can not be held liable for its treatment, cost thereof, or consequences.

While your pet's exposure here is minimal, it is entirely possible (especially over Holidays and busy times) we feel that boarding is very similar to sending your child to school; while the school does everything to prevent outbreaks of colds and flu to your children, if they do get sick you do not expect the school system to pay for treatment of their illness. Similarly, here we are making every effort to advise you of the situation and if your pet does contract Canine Cough we do not think we should be expected to cove the costs of treatment.

We also are making every effort to prevent its outbreak here at Wakefield Kennel. However, YOU BOARD YOUR PET AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Thank you for your understanding. If anything here is not agreeable to you please advise our attendant before entry.

Sincerely, The Management of Wakefield Kennel, Inc.