Health and safety protocols protect pets, staff, and your business. This guide covers essential protocols every boarding facility should implement.
Vaccination Requirements
Core Vaccines (Required)
| Vaccine | Protection Against | Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| DHPP/DHLPP | Distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza | Annual |
| Rabies | Rabies virus | 1-3 years |
| Bordetella | Kennel cough | 6-12 months |
Recommended Vaccines
- Canine influenza (increasingly common)
- Leptospirosis (if common in your area)
- Lyme disease (tick-prevalent areas)
Enforcement
- Require proof of current vaccination before first booking
- Set up automatic expiry alerts
- Block bookings for non-compliant pets
- Keep records for minimum 3 years
Disease Prevention
Daily Protocols
- Disinfect all surfaces between guests
- Sanitize food and water bowls
- Clean bedding and toys
- Monitor for signs of illness
Isolation Procedures
If illness is suspected:
- Isolate the affected pet immediately
- Contact the owner
- Recommend veterinary care
- Deep clean affected areas
- Monitor other pets for 14 days
High-Risk Periods
Watch for increased illness during:
- Peak seasons (more pets = more exposure)
- Weather changes
- After holidays
Emergency Procedures
Emergency Contact Protocol
- Attempt owner contact (all listed numbers)
- If unreachable, contact emergency contact
- If unreachable, make veterinary decision
- Document everything
Common Emergencies
Vomiting/Diarrhea:
- Monitor severity
- Withhold food temporarily
- Contact owner if persistent
Wounds/Injuries:
- Apply first aid
- Contact owner immediately
- Seek vet care if serious
Seizures:
- Clear area of hazards
- Time the seizure
- Contact owner and vet
- Keep pet comfortable
Emergency Kit Contents
- Gauze and bandages
- Antiseptic
- Digital thermometer
- Emergency contact list
- Muzzles (various sizes)
- Blankets
- Torch
Safety Protocols
Facility Safety
- Secure fencing (6ft minimum, no gaps)
- Double-gate entry systems
- Secure latches on all enclosures
- Fire safety equipment
- CCTV monitoring
Staff Safety
- Never reach into occupied kennels
- Always use proper handling equipment
- Two-person handling for large/reactive dogs
- Regular safety training refreshers
Incident Documentation
Document all incidents:
- What happened
- When and where
- Who was involved
- Actions taken
- Outcome
Technology Support
Software helps maintain safety:
- Automated vaccination tracking
- Allergy and medication alerts
- Incident logging
- Communication records
- Staff task verification Learn more about Cattery Software for Cat Boarding Facilities. Check out Dog Boarding Software. See how Dog Daycare Software can help. Check out Pet Grooming Software. Check out Pet Sitting Software.
Good protocols protect pets, staff, and your reputation. Review and update regularly.
Related: Kennel Software Guide | Vaccination Tracking for Kennels
