366 Huntington Rd

Worthington, MA 01098
413-233-6894

LilDogLodge@yahoo.com

lildoglodge.com

General Policies
Vaccination Policy
All dogs using our day-camp and or overnight lodging services must have a current
history of vaccinations that include:
Distemper/Parvo-Virus: One (1) year vaccine -Vaccination given within the last one (1) year.
Three (3) year vaccine Vaccination given within the last three (3) years.
Rabies: One (1) year vaccine -Vaccination given within the last one (1) year.
Three (3) year vaccine Vaccination given within the last three (3) years.
Bordetella: Vaccine should be given according to your veterinarians recommendation prior to
the anticipated visit date for maximum effect.
A current copy of proof of vaccinations from your dogs veterinarian, which

we can keep on file, will be required.

Vaccine exceptions can be made with written consent from your dogs
veterinarian.
Bordetella a.k.a. Kennel Cough is an upper respiratory infection affecting dogs. It is
caused by a combination of the canine Parainfluenza virus and the bacteria Bordetella
bronchiseptica. It is highly contagious. Kennel cough is so named because the infection can
spread quickly among dogs in the close quarters of a kennel or animals shelter but it is not
limited to these places and can be contracted any place dogs frequent/socialize.
Viral and bacterial causes of canine cough are spread through airborne droplets produced by
sneezing and coughing. These agents also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces.
Most causes of kennel cough are highly contagious, even days or weeks after symptoms
disappear. Symptoms usually begin two to three days after exposure, and can progress to lower

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respiratory infections such as pneumonia. This disease is not a zoonotic i.e. it cannot be
transmitted to humans.

Symptoms: Incubation period is 34 days. Symptoms can include a harsh, dry cough,
retching, sneezing, snorting, gagging or vomiting in response to light pressing of the trachea or
after excitement or exercise. The presence of a fever varies from case to case. The disease can
last initially from 10 to 20 days and can reoccur when the dog is put into a stressful situation
which puts stress on the dog's immune system.

Treatment and Prevention Antibiotics are given to treat any bacterial infection present.
Cough suppressants are used if the cough is not productive. Prevention is by vaccinating for
canine adenovirus, distemper, parainfluenza, and Bordetella. In kennels, the best prevention is to
keep all the cages disinfected. In some cases, such as Doggie Daycares or Non-Traditional Play
care type boarding environments, it is usually not a cleaning or disinfecting issue, but rather
airborne issues, as the dogs are in contact with each other's saliva and breath. Although most
kennels require proof of vaccination, the vaccination is not a fail-safe preventative and we cannot
guarantee that your dog will not be exposed. Just like human influenza, even after receiving the
vaccination, a dog can still contract mutated strains or less severe cases.
Just like a child who attends school has the potential to contract a cold or flu, a dog in a social
environment also has the potential to contract Bordetella / Kennel Cough. When a child gets a
cold or flu parents do not expect the school to pay for treatments. Through our efforts, the
possibility of your dog being exposed to Bordetella / Kennel Cough in our care is minimal,
however, it is possible. Please be advised that if exposure does occur, The Lil Dog Lodge will not
be held liable for treatments, cost thereof or consequences.

Flea & Tick Control: In order to keep everyone free of ticks and fleas, we suggest that your
pet be treated with a preventative flea & tick control product such as Frontline or Advantix.
Please ask your veterinarian about these products which can be obtained through your
veterinarian and most pet supply retailers. In addition please tell us if your pet was recently
infested with fleas, even if your pet was treated dipped within the last one (1) week. Although
dips are very effective treatments, they only kill the fleas present on the pet at the time of
treatment. All too frequently re-infestation occurs due to eggs, larvae, and adult fleas remaining
in the dogs environment. Your timely notification of a flea infestation will help us prevent others
from becoming infested.

Sick Pet Policy: Should any pet become ill or injured and in need of immediate medical

attention while in our care and their owner cannot be reached, we will, at our sole discretion,
engage the services of the clients veterinarian. In the case of medical emergency that cannot
be treated by the clients veterinarian the pet will brought to Veterinary Emergency
Specialty Hospital, located at 141 Greenfield Road, South Deerfield, MA 01373. Every
attempt will be made to contact the owner as soon as possible regarding any medical issues. In
emergency situations where the owner cannot be reached immediately the Lil Dog Lodge will
instruct the veterinarian/hospital to provide only necessary care until you can be reached. Any

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expenses incurred as a result of veterinarian services are the owners responsibly. Payment
arrangements should be made directly with the veterinarian. Any medical expenses paid by the
Lil Dog Lodge in the absence of the owner must be paid within 24 hours of the veterinary visit.
Geriatric Pets and Pets in Failing Health: It would be an unfortunate situation if a
geriatric or pet in otherwise failing health were to pass away while their owners were away. We
feel it is extremely important to know exactly what the owner(s) would like us do should the
situation arise.
Cats with F.L.V. and or F.I.V.: While cats with either of these ailments can live long happy
lives, both diseases are contagious. Please let us know if your cat is or becomes F.L.V. and or
F.I.V. positive so proper precautions can be taken to ensure others do not become infected.

Administering Medications: We will administer supplements and or veterinarian prescribed

medications to your dog at your request. Specific provisions have been made to accurately
administer and record the passing of meds. We will not charge extra for administration of simple
supplements and medications. However, should your dog require more extensive medical care
(e.g. eye, and or ear drops, injections etc.) you will be charged $1.00 for each administration.

Food Policy: Your pet will be fed per your instructions, please provide your pets food and
feeding instructions.

Aggressive Pet Policy: All pets must not be aggressive towards humans; we
cannot provide pet care services for a pet that is aggressive towards humans.
Dogs wishing to participate in group activities must also not be dog
aggressive: An aggressive pet is defined as a pet that has intentionally bitten
or injured a human or another pet, and or growls/hisses, bares teeth, lunges,
or snaps at a human or pet.

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