Vaccinations and Health Requirements for Dog Daycare

As a pet owner, you want to feel confident that your beloved pup is in a caring, social environment while you’re away. More importantly, you want to know they’ll be physically and emotionally safe while boarded. 

At Your Dog’s Best Days, we go the extra mile to confirm the wellness and protection of our resident pooches. Close contact between dogs in daycare settings can increase the risk of disease transmission, making careful vaccination requirements crucial. 

Dog vaccinations don’t just protect your pet from potentially life-threatening illnesses ー they can also help prevent the spread of contagious diseases within the larger daycare community.

If you’re thinking of boarding your pup in Tulsa, here’s what you need to know about the latest vaccination and health requirements for local daycares, including our own. 

Misunderstandings About Dog Vaccinations 

While vaccinations are crucial to protecting dogs and the broader community, some pet owners express concerns or hesitate to vaccinate their pets. Much like in human medicine, vaccine hesitancy has become a trend in veterinary care. 

Let’s take a look at some common myths and provide counterarguments based on scientific evidence.

Myth 1: “Vaccines can make my dog sick.”

One of the most persistent myths is that vaccines will make dogs ill or cause adverse reactions. However, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the majority of dogs experience only mild and temporary side effects after vaccination, such as slight soreness or lethargy, which typically resolve within a day or two.

Serious reactions are exceedingly rare, and the benefits of vaccinations far outweigh the risks of contracting life-threatening diseases like rabies or parvovirus.

We believe that one of the most important aspects of caring for your pet’s health is vaccinating them against potential diseases. There are a variety of diseases that affect our pets and animals, so proper vaccination is vital in ensuring that they are properly protected.

Myth 2: “Vaccines aren’t necessary because these diseases are rare.”

While it’s true that certain diseases are less common today, this is largely due to widespread vaccination efforts. For example, rabies is extremely rare in properly vaccinated dogs, but that doesn’t mean the disease is eradicated. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that rabies still poses a significant risk, particularly in wildlife populations, and vaccination remains essential to prevent outbreaks.

Myth 3: “Natural immunity is better than vaccine-induced immunity.”

Some pet owners believe their dog’s natural immunity will protect them better than vaccinations. However, exposure to dangerous diseases like parvovirus or distemper can be deadly, especially for puppies or elderly dogs with weaker immune systems. 

Animal Emergency Care reports that affected dogs typically are hospitalized for several days to a week. With aggressive treatment, 70% to 90% of dogs with parvo will survive, but survival rates are significantly lower without treatment. 

Vaccines provide controlled, safe exposure to a pathogen, enabling a dog’s immune system to respond without the risk of severe illness.

Common Vaccinations Required by Oklahoma Dog Daycares

What vaccines do dogs need for boarding? Well, it depends on the specific boarding facility’s rules, but here are some vaccinations that are generally recommended or required. 

✓ Rabies Vaccine

The rabies vaccine is a non-negotiable requirement for dog daycares across the country, including Tulsa. 

Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system of dogs and can be transmitted through bites, posing a serious threat in daycare environments where dogs interact closely. Infected dogs can spread rabies to other animals and humans, making vaccination critical to preventing outbreaks in daycare settings.

In Oklahoma, state law mandates that all dogs be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian starting at three months of age, with boosters given every one to three years, depending on the vaccine. 

✓ Bordetella (Kennel Cough) Vaccine

Bordetella bronchiseptica, the primary cause of kennel cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that spreads easily in daycare environments where dogs are in close quarters. The Bordetella vaccine is commonly required by Tulsa daycares to reduce outbreaks of this disease. 

Symptoms of kennel cough include a persistent cough, sneezing, and nasal discharge, which can quickly spread through airborne droplets in crowded spaces like dog daycares and boarding houses. 

The vaccine significantly reduces the risk of infection, even though it is not 100% effective. It is recommended for almost all dogs unless they are immunocompromised, sick, or pregnant at the time of the appointment. 

The Prevalence of Contagious Diseases in Tulsa Dog Daycares

Kennel Cough

In Tulsa, the warm and humid climate can contribute to the persistence of airborne bacteria and viruses that cause kennel cough, making it a prevalent concern for pet owners. The infection spreads primarily through respiratory droplets, so dogs in close contact are at higher risk, especially in doggy daycare and boarding facilities.

Local Oklahoma veterinarian Dr. Whitney Hough stated that she and other professionals tend to see an uptick in kennel cough when pets are frequently boarded, as during the holiday season or summer. 

She told News On 6, “The best things I can say for owners during this season particularly, especially with us worried about this upper respiratory infection going around, you want to choose a boarding or day care facility that requires dogs to be up to date on their vaccines.”

Other Contagious Diseases

Serious diseases like parvovirus and distemper also pose significant risks in dog daycares. 

Parvovirus, a highly contagious viral disease, can be fatal if not treated promptly, while distemper affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Both viruses spread through direct contact or contaminated surfaces. 

Dog boarding facilities in Tulsa take proactive measures, such as regular sanitation and requiring vaccinations, to mitigate these risks.

Dog Bite Incidents in Tulsa Daycares

Dog bites in daycares and boarding centers, while not exceedingly common, do occur and are often the result of poor socialization, anxiety, or aggressive behaviors. However, they can also be attributed to illnesses that can be prevented by vaccines. 

Vaccinations help reduce bite-related incidents by ensuring dogs are healthy, well-socialized, and free from illnesses that may cause irritability or aggression. Rabies vaccinations, in particular, play a critical role in preventing the most dangerous types of bites.

Tulsa City Ordinances and State Regulations on Dog Daycare Safety Standards

Tulsa has specific regulations in place to ensure the health and safety of pets in daycare facilities. The city requires all dog daycares to follow strict vaccination protocols, including proof of rabies and Bordetella vaccinations. 

Additionally, Oklahoma law mandates that pet care facilities maintain clean, sanitary environments and follow health protocols to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Local authorities, such as the Tulsa Animal Welfare Division, enforce these standards and issue fines for non-compliance.

Daycare-Specific Policies for Handling Dogs with Pre-Existing Health

Many Tulsa dog daycares have specific policies in place to accommodate dogs with chronic or pre-existing health conditions. For example, dogs with arthritis or mobility issues may be given modified activities to reduce physical strain, while those with allergies are carefully monitored during snack times and play sessions. 

Immunocompromised dogs often require more frequent health screenings and may need to be separated from other dogs to minimize exposure to potential infections. Pet owners should carefully communicate their dog’s health issues with daycare staff to ensure the best care.

Effectiveness of Vaccination Requirements in Preventing Disease Outbreaks

Vaccine requirements are highly effective at preventing disease outbreaks in reputable boarding facilities and daycares, especially when vaccines are given as recommended at the appropriate time points. 

Research shows that facilities enforcing strict vaccination protocols see fewer cases of contagious diseases like kennel cough, canine influenza, and parvovirus. Tulsa dog daycares that adhere to vaccination mandates can experience minimal disease outbreaks, thanks to these preventative measures. 

In Summary 

It’s clear that vaccinations and health screenings are critical for maintaining a safe environment in Tulsa dog boarding centers and daycares. By adhering to these requirements, Oklahoma dog owners not only protect their pets from potentially life-threatening diseases but also contribute to the well-being of the entire dog daycare community.

Got Questions? Ask Our Boarding Facility! 

At Your Dog’s Best Days, we are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable boarding or daycare experience for your furry friend. If you have any questions about our vaccine and health requirements, feel free to contact us. You can also visit our FAQ page. 

Does your dog need to be boarded soon? Ask about reserving their spot at our comfortable, secure facility in Tulsa.