AboutJeff Lutton Expertise How to pick a good kennel, dog daycare or overnight facility. Should I leave with friends or have a dog walker come into my home. How do I know that my pet will be taken care of properly?
Experience I have had a dog since I was 3 years old. In my professional life I was traveling quite a bit so my dog boarded more often that I would have liked. I got tired of the corporate world and now own a doggie day care and overnight facility. My expertise is in how to pick a kennel for your pet when you travel.
Question Hey there
I'm due to go on vacation in September so i've arranged for my Bichon Frise to be looked after in kennels. Unfortunately the kennel owners did not tell me anything about Kennel Cough, so i was wondering if you knew how soon i should get my dog vaccinated.
Also, would you recommend i take his bed and some of his toys to the kennel when i drop him off? I even considered giving him one of my blankets or pillows so he can smell me, but i dunno if that's just me being silly lol.
Anyway, the kennel cough vaccination was the main question, so i look forward to hearing from you if you have any ideas.
~ Kat
Answer Kennel cough vaccination takes at least 5 days (plus or minus a day depending on who you talk to) to become effective. If you are planning on boarding in Sept I would get it soon. Remember though that its not 100% effective so be prepared that even in the cleanest kennels your dog can pick up a bug. Its like taking a kid to school for the first time. If anything is going around he'll probably pick it up.
I would take his bed, make sure its clearly labeled, and a used t-shirt to get the smell of home. You are not being silly, I recommend it to all of my customers.
