Dog Rules
- All dogs must be at least 12 weeks of age and be fully potty-trained.
- All dogs over the age of eight months must be spayed or neutered.
- All dogs must be current on all of their vaccinations, including Bordetella (kennel cough). Proof of vaccination must be supplied during the interview or by the first day of service. Please read the list of all vaccines required for dogs and how often they are given.
- All dogs must be on a current flea protection program.
- Long-haired dogs must be bathed and/or groomed before their first day at The Ritz 4 Petz.
- All dogs must be in good health and must not have had any communicable disease within the last 30 days.
- All dogs must be sociable with other dogs and people. They must not be toy or food aggressive.
- To be able to go to our off-leash park your dog must come when called and must not have a history of running away. Dogs will be loaded into the van in our garage.
- All dogs must wear a Ritz 4 Petz collar and ID tag while they are staying at the Ritz 4 Petz.
- Daycare rates are for one calendar day. You may bring your dog as early as 7 a.m. and may pick up as late as 7 p.m. Extended hours for pickup may be arranged.
- Overnight rates are for each 24 hour period. If you bring your dog in the evening, you won’t be charged for that day.
- For every client that you refer to us, we would be happy to give you a coupon for one free overnight stay (a $30 value)
- Fees are due when you pick up your dog. Cash is preferred but checks will be accepted.
- If your dog bites another dog or a person, you are responsible for any medical attention that is needed. You will be notified immediately and your dog will need to be removed from The Ritz 4 Petz. If we can’t reach you we will call your emergency contact.
- Other reasons that you would be asked to remove your dog from The Ritz 4 Petz would be: continuous barking, continuous potty accidents or marking indoors, aggressive behavior, uncontrollable chewing or a hyperactive dog that cannot be controlled.
- The local pet hotel that we use is Shadowridge Pet Hotel, 350 Sycamore Ave., Vista, CA 92081, 760-727-7900. Their rates are $35/day with an extra charge for play groups and extra walks. (rates are as of April 2008)
- If your dog is injured or becomes ill during their stay at the Ritz 4 Petz, you will be immediately notified. Upon your approval, your dog will be taken to our local vet (Melrose Vet Hospital). It is best if you can call in your credit card number to take care of expenses. If you cannot then you must reimburse The Ritz 4 Petz for all medical expenses when you return. If you cannot be reached, then your emergency contact person must make all decisions until you return.
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DHPP and rabies are required every three years.
Bordetella is for kennel cough and is required by all boarding facilities. It is given every 6 months (intranasally) or yearly (injection).
What DHPP is:
Distemper - This virus is similar to the measles. It affects the gastrointestinal, respiratory and nervous system, and can be fatal.
Hepatitis - This is a virus which affects the liver. It is usually not fatal.
Parainfluenza - This is also known as infectious bronchitis, which is a mild disease.
Parvovirus - This virus affects the intestinal tract and can be fatal. Dogs will become extremely ill and have bloody diarrhea.
Rabies - This vaccine is required by law before you can get your dog licensed. It is a virus which is fatal to humans and other animals and is transmitted by bites through saliva.
Bordetella (kennel cough) - This is required when your dog is boarding, can be given every 6 months (nose spray) or yearly (a shot). It is an incredibly infectious virus, recognized by dry, gagging cough, similar to human cold and is rarely serious unless a secondary infection develops.
Optional
A Heartworm test and monthly medication is not required but should be done in warmer areas where mosquitoes are prevalent. Heartworm is a parasite that grows in the heart, is spread by mosquitoes and in extreme cases can cause death.
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Products that are approved by vets to control fleas, ticks and sometimes mosquitoes are: Advantage, K9 Advantix, Frontline and Frontline Plus.
Here’s the difference between them:
Advantage kills adult fleas and disrupts the flea’s life cycle, but does not kill ticks or repel mosquitoes.
K9 Advantix kills adult fleas, disrupts the flea’s life cycle, kills ticks and repels mosquitoes. This is what the Ritz 4 Petz recommends.
Frontline kills adult fleas, does not disrupt the flea’s life cycle, does kill ticks but does not repel mosquitoes.
Frontline Plus kills adult fleas, disrupts the flea’s life cycle, does kill ticks, but does not repel mosquitoes.
Ticks can carry Lyme disease and mosquitoes can carry Heartworm and West Nile Virus.
Here are some good places to get these controls:
- Your local vet (the most expensive)
- Petco or Petsmart (a little less expensive)
- Ordering on-line (the best prices): Drs. Foster and Smith, 1-800 Pet Meds
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