Illness Policy
At Charming Paws, the health and safety of every pup is our top priority. While injuries and illnesses are uncommon, some risks naturally exist whenever dogs interact in group settings, much like visiting a dog park or other pet-friendly environment. Our supervised playgroups, experienced staff, strict cleaning protocols, and vaccination requirements help minimize these risks, although no facility can eliminate them entirely.
Just as children may be exposed to illnesses while attending school, dogs can be exposed to contagious illnesses when socializing with other dogs. Exposure does not automatically mean a facility has failed to provide proper care or follow appropriate precautions. While we cannot prevent every illness, we take disease prevention seriously and maintain established health, sanitation, and monitoring procedures to help protect the pups entrusted to us.
Illness
Our Commitment to Your Pup's Health
At Charming Paws, the health and well-being of every dog is a top priority. While illness is uncommon, some risks naturally exist whenever dogs socialize in group environments, just as children may be exposed to illnesses at school.
We take infectious disease prevention extremely seriously. Each of our three facilities maintains infectious disease certification, reflecting our commitment to understanding, preventing, and managing contagious illnesses.
Although no facility can completely eliminate the risk of illness, we have established extensive protocols to help protect every pup entrusted to our care.
How We Minimize the Risk of Illness
Vaccination Requirements
We require proof of current vaccinations in accordance with our health policies. However, even vaccinated dogs can occasionally carry or transmit illnesses without displaying symptoms.
Health Monitoring
Our team monitors dogs for signs of illness throughout their stay. Dogs displaying symptoms of a potentially contagious illness are promptly separated from group play, and their families are contacted. Veterinary care is arranged when necessary.
Facility Cleaning & Sanitation
We maintain thorough daily cleaning and disinfecting procedures throughout our facilities, including play areas, floors, walls, boarding accommodations, and shared surfaces.
Veterinary-Grade Disinfectants
We use professional cleaning products designed for animal care environments and follow established dilution, application, and safety procedures. Please notify us if your pup has known sensitivities or allergies.
Air Quality & Facility Maintenance
Our facilities utilize ventilation and air-handling systems to support a healthier environment. We also maintain surfaces and equipment designed to support effective cleaning and sanitation.
Staff Education & Disease Prevention
Our infectious disease training and established health protocols help guide our cleaning practices, symptom monitoring, and response to potential exposures.
Common Illnesses in Group Dog Care
Even with proper precautions, dogs may occasionally be exposed to contagious conditions, including:
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Canine Cough (Kennel Cough): A contagious respiratory illness that can spread through airborne droplets and close contact. Vaccination helps reduce certain risks but cannot prevent every respiratory infection.
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Giardia: An intestinal parasite that can spread through contaminated feces, water, or surfaces.
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Canine Papillomavirus (Mouth Warts): A contagious virus that can cause wart-like growths, commonly around or inside the mouth.
Some dogs may carry contagious illnesses without showing symptoms, making complete prevention impossible.
Puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with weakened immune systems may be more susceptible to certain illnesses or complications.
If your pup is displaying symptoms of illness, please keep them home and contact us before returning to daycare or boarding.
Veterinary Care & Responsibility
If your dog becomes ill or requires medical attention while in our care, we will make reasonable efforts to contact you or your authorized emergency contact.
If urgent veterinary attention is necessary and we cannot reach you, we may arrange appropriate medical care in accordance with your signed agreements.
Veterinary expenses are generally the responsibility of the pet owner, subject to our client agreements and applicable law. Each situation will be reviewed individually.
Our Promise to You ❤️
We understand that your dog is family, and we take the responsibility of protecting their health seriously.
Our commitment to infectious disease education, strict sanitation procedures, ongoing health monitoring, and proactive communication is part of the standard of care we strive to provide every day.
While we cannot promise that your pup will never become ill, we can promise that prevention, safety, and compassionate care remain at the forefront of everything we do.
Thank you for trusting Charming Paws! 🐾
