Health and Safety Precautions

• We make sure even “escape artists” can’t go far with multiple layers of security
  • Many doors & gates creating “air locks” which require humans to open
  • High Fences surrounding walk areas and play yards that allow for easy supervision  
• Closed circuit video cameras and Professionally Monitored Fire & Security systems 
• Non-porous surfaces inside and out to facilitate cleaning and sanitizing
• Special HVAC systems (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) throughout the building.
  • Climate Control – 24/7 – Heat in winter, Air Conditioning in Summer
  • Many units – each designed for the area’s unique needs.
  • Maintenance performed on each unit (Filters changed, etc.) every 3 Months.
    • Cattery and Grooming rooms exhaust air outside
    • The Dog Boarding Area is on its own system that has an Energy Recovery Unit which captures the heating / cooling from the exhaust, conditioning new fresh air that is brought in. Reduces the chance of contamination that can occur when air is recirculated (like on a bus or airplane).
    • Isolation Rooms with “Negative Air Pressure” so smells or possible germs are exhausted outside and not circulated throughout the building.
      
      

Strong Health Related Precautions – Vet Record Requirements / Recommendations

• Results of a Negative Fecal Test within the last year is required for Cats and Dogs
  • • Fecal Tests are typically performed as part of a pet’s annual vet exam 
  • Yearly testing helps prevent spread of intestinal parasites – protecting other pets and our staff
  • Testing identifies pets that have parasites even if they don’t exhibit symptoms 
  • Pets that have intestinal parasites have lower resistance to infection making them more likely to contract and spread illness
    • Many other facilities don’t even ask if their guests have parasites!
    • If your pet does test positive for intestinal parasites you have several options:
      • Get medication from your Vet to treat your pet.  Then have another fecal test performed after the recommended time has passed to make sure the treatment was successful.
      • Walkers is able to board your pet before you are able to perform a retest, however your pet will need to stay in “Fecal Isolation” until a fecal test comes back negative so your pet doesn’t pass parasites along to our staff other pets.
        • There is an additional charge for “Fecal Isolation”
      • Your other option would be to go to another boarding facility.
        • Ethically, you should inform the other boarding facility that your pet has intestinal parasites – even if they don’t ask.
• All pets must show proof that they are current on standard vaccinations (Rabies & Distemper series) 
• Dogs in Daycare, Boarding, Training or attending an event must have a Bordetella booster within the last 6 months and in advance of their arrival to maximize the vaccine’s effectiveness. For Grooming, Bordetella is required yearly.
• We strongly recommend additional preventive measures –  You may want to ask your vet about these vaccines & treatments:
  • CIV vaccine (Canine Influenza Virus)
  • Leptospirosis vaccine (Sometimes included in the Distemper series vaccine) 
  • Lyme vaccine
  • Worming Preventatives (Example: Heartgard) 
  • Flea & Tick Preventatives (Examples: Frontline, Seresto) 
• All pets staying at Walkers are Flea-Checked before they are admitted
  • If fleas are found, the pets are either refused admission or required to take a Capstar, get a Flea bath and a day of isolation before they get into proximity of other guests
• We do not accept any pets without vaccinations – No Shelter Pets or Nursing Puppies or Kittens
  • We support shelters, but don’t want to take a chance that a high-risk pet may spread problems to our guests.

Sanitary Procedures

• Pet safe sanitizers and disinfectants are applied appropriately.
• All bedding is washed and sanitized before each use.
• Staff is trained in all cleaning procedures.
• Strict Isolation precautions to care for pets who can’t be with others.
  • Isolation Suites with “Negative Air pressure”
    • For the safety of the pet, other pets & our staff
      • Examples: Females in heat
      • Dogs which could potentially spread germs through the air. 
  • Isolation Walking Areas
    • Cleaned and Sanitized between walks
    • Separate from where other dogs walk