If this is your first time boarding, we strongly encourage you to do a "trial" stay before your vacation of 5 days or longer.

Back at home Pets, especially dogs, get very excited when their routine changes. Going home is exciting. Dogs will often act extremely thirsty when they get home. It's natural and nothing to worry about. Excitement causes a lot of panting which in turn causes loss of body water. All the animals are given water here 24/7.  Please, monitor their consumption of water when they return home. The excitement of environment and increased activity may tire your dog. So, don't be surprised if your pet sleeps a lot when you first get home.The quality of our service and the welfare of your pet are very important to us. If problems arise or you have any concerns, please call 

I prepared this page for information purposes to pet owners who do not know what the "canine cough" or "kennel cough" is. We cannot prevent this virus from being introduced to our facility any more than an airline or shopping mall can prevent the common cold. However there are measures we can take to minimize the exposure. Despite the best efforts of your pet's health care provider, the vaccine industry and our vaccine requirements, your pet may still get the disease. It is important for you to read and learn about this virus and exercise a common sense approach to how you deal with this information or the cough itself should you have first hand experience.   What is Infectious Bronchitis:  Infectious Bronchitis is a highly contagious disease of the respiratory tact.  Infected dogs have a harsh, dry cough that can last from 10 days to several weeks.  As well as being annoying for your dog, the persistent coughing can be upsetting to you. Usually dogs do not run a fever or show any effects other than a cough followed by a gag and "snotty" nose. IF your dog should display lethargy, loss of appetite or just that "not himself" behavior.  A trip to the vet may be necessary, as the disease can develop into a secondary infection.  The secondary infection is most common in pets with debilitated health, weak immune systems the very old or very young.  How does it spread? The infection is spread from dog to dog through the air, meaning it is airborne, dogs can catch it wherever they come together - at boarding kennels, veterinary clinics, training classes, dog shows, grooming shops, from your neighbors dog, walking in the park or even from the vaccine itself. Should your dog come in contact with the disease, it is not a reflection on the environment.  It is not unlike the common cold or flu in humans. A slight dip in the immune system from change in routine is all that is necessary for your pet to become vulnerable. Treatment usually consists of antibiotics to prevent secondary infections and a cough suppressant, such as Robitussin*. Bordetella bronchiseptica: There are many organisms that make dogs cough, some being more serious that others.  Bordetella bronchiseptica, the major cause of infectious bronchitis is a bacterium which not only causes disease in its own right but can further complicate viral infections.  Bordetella produces a typically persistent, harsh, hacking cough which usually lasts for 7-10 days possibly more - and even after the cough has cleared up dogs may remain infectious for a further 3 months.  There is a vaccine which provides protection against Bordetella bronchiseptica. However, like all viruses this one can and does mutate.  No vaccine is 100% effective. I compare it to the flu shots we humans get; even they will not protect us against that disease.  I prefer the pet's to be vaccinated rather than not.  Every little bit helps.  The Vaccinations:  One vaccine is called Intratrac* and is given as droplets into your dogs nose.  For maximum protection, ask your vet to vaccinate your dog with Intratrac* at least 10 days, but preferably 30 days before your dog is put at risk. The vaccine has been known to actually cause a mild case of the disease. The injectable version, preferred by some veterinarians is not likely to cause the disease but takes longer to become effective and is commonly given in two doses 10 days apart. Planning ahead is advisable or routine vaccination.  Should your dog develop symptoms while it is in our care we immediately take measures to isolate that dog.