Fleas are not a vaccine topic, but they are on the kennel's vaccination page because they affect every guest. Here is the rule and how to avoid a surprise.
The rule
The kennel's page says that to keep the pets in its care healthy and happy, it requests that each pet arrive flea and tick free. After drop-off, if staff find a guest with a flea or tick problem that needs attention, the pet is bathed and the owner is responsible for the price of the bath. Bath prices are given on request and depend on size and coat; the bath chart shows the 2024 sheet.
Why fleas matter in a kennel
Fleas hop from pet to pet and into bedding, so one guest with a problem can mean many. The kennel's page notes that fleas can be found almost anywhere, which makes them hard to avoid, and that routine use of an effective flea preventive helps protect a dog before an infestation can start. Preventives come over the counter or by prescription, and the page suggests asking your veterinarian which suits your pet.
Ticks and country air
Happy Paws is on country acres with a grass field, and dogs run through grass. A tick check at home the night before drop-off takes a couple of minutes: run your fingers over the ears, neck, armpits and between the toes. If you find a tick, your veterinarian can tell you how to remove it and whether anything else is needed.
A checklist for the week before
- Give your usual flea and tick preventive on schedule, so the dose has time to work.
- Check your pet, especially ears, neck and belly.
- If you find fleas or ticks, call your veterinarian before the stay.
- Tell the front desk if you think there may be a problem. Please call 707-678-6600 to confirm for your pet.
Other reading
Flea prevention is one of three recommended items on the kennel's list. The others are heartworm prevention and the leptospirosis vaccine. The what to bring page covers the rest of the packing.