Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions About Our Dog Care Services
Expert Day Care | Pet Grooming | Boarding | Training & Handling ServicesCamp K-9 Offers Over 20 Years of Experience
Trusted Dog Trainers Providing Excellent Dog Daycare Services Since 2012
FAQs About Daycare and Boarding Services for Your Beloved Pet
Q: What times can I pick up or drop-off my dog?
Q: What do I need to bring when I drop my dog off for boarding?
Q: Can I come by and see your facility?
Q: What do I need to do to sign my dog up for daycare?
A: First, read over our policies and complete our dog registration form. Next, your dog will need to have a temperament screening. Temperament screening are scheduled prior to dogs starting daycare or boarding. Remember, we will need to have proof of your dog's vaccination records before the screening.
Pennsylvania requires that all dogs, three months of age or older, have a valid license. Camp K-9 Paradise For Paws requires all dogs have a valid dog license. The state does conduct periodic license checks at all daycare facilities. If your dog does not have a valid license on file, you may be fined by the dog warden.
Annual license information and purchasing is available online at www.padoglicense.com, or at the Chester County Treasurer's Office. Lifetime dog license application forms can be found at the Chester County Treasurer's Office as well, and at most veterinarian offices.
Q: Are the dogs inside or outside? What happens when it rains or snows?
Q: What’s the deal with “canine cough”?
A: A few times a year, we usually hear through the local pet community that canine cough (often inaccurately referred to as "kennel cough”) has been identified among dogs in the area and an uptick in cases is reported by local veterinary clinics. As this happens, we frequently get questions like: “How can my dog get sick if they already received the Bordetella vaccine?”
While it is not usually serious, especially if caught and treated early, canine cough can be very contagious and it can take time for dogs to fully recover. Typically, most experienced dog owners understand the condition and can recognize the signs and symptoms. However, with the significant increase in families acquiring dogs during the pandemic, the number of first-time and less experienced dog owners has risen dramatically – so, understandably, they tend to have questions about the topic.
It is important to understand that even if a dog is vaccinated against canine cough with the Bordetella vaccine, they can still contract the illness – similar to humans who get the flu vaccine, but can still get sick. To provide some clarity, here is some information that may be helpful.
The Bordetella vaccine is a non-core vaccine that can be given to dogs that are exposed to other dogs in social settings. The vaccine helps to protect against Bordetella Bronchiseptica, the most common bacterial agent responsible for canine cough in dogs. The bacteria can cause inflammation of your dog’s upper respiratory system, which can lead to coughing and illness, and it can expose your dog to secondary infections. While the Bordetella bacteria is the most common cause of canine cough, it is not the only one. Other bacteria and viruses can also cause the condition, which means that even vaccinated dogs can contract it.
“Canine cough” or “kennel cough” are general terms commonly used to identify a group of different contagious respiratory illnesses. It is easily spread from dog to dog through direct contact, droplets in the air, or shared contact with contaminated surfaces – just like how the common cold is spread in grade schools or workplaces. Your dog is most likely to pick it up in an area where there are lots of other dogs, but your pup can also contract it from any contaminated surface or environment, even while just out on a walk. It is possible for you to bring it home to your pup as well if you spend time around any other dogs that are infected.
The most common symptom of canine cough is a distinct, honking cough. Other symptoms can include a runny nose, sneezing, loss of appetite, lethargy, and/or a low fever. If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is always a good idea to give your veterinarian a call. They can help you decide whether or not you should bring your pup into the office to be examined.
All that being said, it is important to know that even though canine cough is pretty contagious, it is usually very easily treatable. Your vet may prescribe rest for your dog, along with some medication to prevent any possible secondary complications. Also, talk to your vet about a timeline to keep your dog away from other dogs in order to prevent the spread to others.
At Camp K9, we do everything we can to prevent any issues that can arise in a dog-friendly environment.
- We only accept fully vaccinated dogs at our facility.
- We thoroughly clean and disinfect all common areas and items with a sanitizing solution designed specifically for facilities like ours, including the outdoor turfed yards.
- If any dog displays symptoms of canine cough, the owners are notified, the dog is separated from the group, and shared spaces/objects are continually disinfected.
But we still need your help! If you notice your dog experiencing any of these symptoms, we encourage you to call your veterinarian and please do not bring them to Camp K9 until they are cleared for safe contact with other dogs.
- Respiratory issues
- Coughing/hacking
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
We believe that the best way to keep our facility as safe as possible is to be proactive rather than reactive, and you can help us keep your pup and your pup’s friends happy and healthy!