K9 Elements is committed to providing the highest level of care to you and your dog.  The safety and well-being of each dog under our supervision is our number one priority.  In order to utilize our services, every client must comply with the following requirements:

Contract

Each client must thoroughly read and sign a contract prior to starting services.

Owner and Pet Profiles

In order for us to care for your dog in a safe and responsible manner, we require that each client complete detailed owner and pet profiles.

Veterinarian

Each dog must have a local veterinarian that is authorized to see and treat that dog.  If you do not have a local veterinarian, we are happy to help you find one, or we will use a local veterinarian of our choice.  For after-hour emergencies, please be advised that we will take your dog to Animerge, unless otherwise instructed.

Vaccinations

Dog Walking, Pet Sitting, Pet Taxi, Canine Massage, and Private Lessons:  We require that all dogs using these services be current on all of their vaccinations with the exception of the Bordetella (Kennel Cough) vaccine.  However, we highly recommend that dogs who come into regular contact with other dogs such as at the dog park, on walks, at dog friendly events, or at training classes, have this vaccination.  Please seek the counsel of your veterinarian on the best protocol for your pet.

Residency Training and Overnight Stays:  We require that all dogs using these services be current on all of their vaccinations, including the Bordetella vaccine, as well as Heartworm and Flea & Tick Preventatives during April through November.

Bordetella is a vaccination given to aid in the prevention of Canine Cough, aka Kennel Cough.  Canine Cough is a type of bronchitis called infectious tracheobronchitis and is characterized by a harsh, hacking cough.  Canine Cough is an airborne organism that is transmitted much the same way that human “colds” are transmitted.  The reason it passes so easily among dogs is that when a sick dog begins coughing, the infectious particles are released into the air.  Moisture, dust and mold particles then transport the bacteria and virus, to be inhaled by other dogs.  We require that all dogs be vaccinated with the Bordetella vaccine every 12 months.  However, we recommend that the vaccination be given every 6 months to dogs who have regular social contact with other dogs.  Please be aware that Bordetella is not a routine vaccination, so you must ask your veterinarian specifically to administer it.  There are two types of the Bordetella vaccination: Intra-nasal and Injectable.  The Injectable vaccination requires approximately 7 days to develop immunity and the Intra-nasal vaccination requires approximately 4 days to develop immunity. 

Please note that the Bordetella vaccination does not cover all strains of Canine Cough, it is only approximately 60% effective, similar to the way the flu shot for humans does not cover all strains of the flu.  Being properly vaccinated only aids in providing immunity and lessening the severity, there is still a chance that the virus can be contracted.  In addition, a dog may carry the illness and spread it to other dogs without displaying symptoms itself.  Please be aware that Canine Cough is a common illness that may be contracted anywhere that dogs engage with each other.

The information we have provided is to outline our own requirements and is not medical advice.  Please seek the counsel of your veterinarian on the best protocol for your pet.

Additionally, we recommend that you speak with your veterinarian regarding the Canine Influenza vaccine.  Although Canine Influenza has only emerged as a serious canine infectious respiratory disease in recent years, it is now widespread, with documented occurrences in 30 states.  Read more about Canine Influenza here.