Pet vaccination can be a confusing subject matter for new pet parents. In fact, it can be confusing for experienced pet parents!
However, in layman’s terms, pets that aren’t fully vaccinated cannot enter our grounds. This refusal is NOT personal but is simply one that helps us to protect your pet from serious illnesses.
Underpinning our Vaccination policies you will find the Victorian Code of Practice for Boarding Establishments.
Pet Vaccination & Considerations
Boarding Kennel Rules
The MINIMUM vaccination requirement for Boarding Kennels is:
- Dogs C5
- Cats F3
Proof
As part of the admission procedure, we require proof of pet vaccinations, you can provide proof to us in the following ways:
- Upload a picture* to your account at nathalia.propetware.com.
- here is a quick Youtube Clip to explain how.
- Take a picture* and send it to 0458962000
- Ask your vet to email confirmation to info@nathaliaboardingkennels.com.au
- Alternatively, show us the vaccination card/letter from your vet upon arrival (although this is fraught with difficulty if the card is out of date).
*All pictures MUST show the name of the pet. Passport-style booklets will not show the name of the pet on each page, please handwrite it on the relevant page before taking the picture.
If we have a question about the information, we will call.
Plan Ahead
Vaccinations can take between 12 & 14 days to become fully effective – so make sure this is part of your holiday planning and book a vet appointment in advance.
Is Vaccine Slightly Overdue?
If your pet’s vaccination is slightly overdue and you are desperate to pop them into a kennel, here is some information that might help (although tests do take time to complete):
- Vaccine antibodies can remain in the body for longer than 12 months, and a blood test can determine if this is so.
- Ask your vet to check your pet’s blood for antibodies.
- If they (the antibodies) are still active, and a fresh vaccine is administered immediately, we can accept your pet for boarding.
- We require confirmation details from your vet.
DOGS
Dog Vaccinations
C5 Vaccination
(C = Canine, 5 = five components)
Weirdly, the C5 can be administered in many different combos, so it is important to keep your pet’s vaccination cards up-to-date and take them (along with your pet) to vet appointments.
Your vet will explain to you their preferred methodology.
This is a typical way (but not the only way) to deliver the C5 – as TWO separate vaccines.
| Disease | Vaccine |
|---|---|
| Distemper Hepatitis Parvovirus | C3** |
| Parainfluenza AND Bordetella (Canine Cough*) | Ci2 or Bronchi-shield* |
**Some veterinarians are now using the triennial C3 vaccine. If so, an annual visit to your vet is still necessary for the Parainfluenza and Bordetella vaccines.
*Much like humans, dogs can, after receiving a flu shot, still succumb to cold or flu-like symptoms. This is because the vaccine simply cannot cover all strains of the virus.
PUPPY Vaccinations
It is essential that your Veterinarian understands that you want to send your young dog to a kennel to either board or play. They will guide you through the best age for your pet to enter our facility.
In saying that, we understand our facility well and prefer that:
- daycare pups are at least 14 weeks of age, and
- boarding pups are a minimum of 16 weeks.
- If your pup is attending NBKC training lessons, we will reconsider this policy.
Generally, Puppy vaccinations follow this pattern:
| Round | Vaccination | Age (in Weeks) | Can they go to a Boarding Kennel? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | C3 | 6 to 8 | No, too young. Their immune system is at risk. |
| 2 | C5 | 10 to 12 | Yes, as long as: Entry onto our grounds occurs 14 days AFTER round 2. Developmentally we find the following ages best for our environment and unless a pup is enrolled in training lessons with us, our minimum ages are: – 14 weeks for DAYCARE – 16 weeks for BOARDING |
| 3 | C3 Booster | 14 to 16 | Yes, however, double-check with your vet. A local outbreak of disease may affect this advice. |
| 4 | Follow-up Vaccination | 6 months or 1 year | Your vet will write the due date on the vaccination card. Add the date to your ‘to-do list’. |
| 5+ | Annual Maintenance | Yearly | Don’t miss their annual vet appointment. |
De-sexed
- Remember, pups over the age of 9 months must be de-sexed to stay or play.
- See the complete information here.
CATS
Cat Vaccinations
F3 Vaccination
(F = Feline, 3 = 3 components)
The F3 vaccination provides your cat with the best protection for the following feline:
- Enteritis,
- Rhinotracheitis and
- Calicivirus.
An F3 vaccination will provide maximum protection against Cat Flu and reduce the likelihood of contraction*.
*Much like humans, cats can, after receiving a flu shot, still succumb to cold or flu-like symptoms. This is because the vaccine simply cannot cover all strains of the virus.
Oh, when can kittens board?
Cats must be 3 months (12 weeks) old to board and play with us.
Worms & Fleas
- During the booking process we ask about the flea and worming status of your pet.
- We strongly encourage heart-worm treatments (administered by your vet).
- All pets must be treated for gastrointestinal worms and fleas before admission. Of course, if you have forgotten, or are in doubt, we can provide this service for a small fee.
- Some products are less effective than others. Please check with your veterinarian as to the best product for your pet.
Play-n-Vaccinate
We offer a play-n-vaccinate program on-site. To find out more please visit our play-n-vaccinate page.