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FAQ
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Why do I need to Vaccinate for Bordatella every 6 months when my vet says 1 year?
Some vets do go by the year recomondation, but many are choosing to go with 6 months. The vaccine has been shown to lose its protection at around 8 - 9 months. This is why there is a 6 month recomondation by most veternarians.
Kennel cough is a fairly common ailment in dogs. People tend to associate it with dogs who either are being or recently have been boarded (or "kenneled"). But your dog need not be boarded to catch kennel cough. Kennel cough is caused by an airborne virus, which is highly contageous. Any time your dog is in the vicinity of an infected dog, the potential exists for infection. The incubation period is about 8-10 days, meaning your dog will not display symptoms of illness for about 8-10 days following exposure to the virus. Having a strong immune system is best way to avoid coming down with symptoms if/when your dog is exposed to the virus. This is why not every dog in the kennel (or house) will get it if there is an outbreak. Although there is a vaccine (Bordatella) for Kennel Cough, it is often not effective in preventing infection. The most likely explanation for this is that there are many strains and mutations of the virus out there. Therefore, it is hit or miss whether the vaccine used on your dog will be the right one for the strain with which your dog comes into contact. This is similar to the "flu shot" for people; each year a vaccine is developed based on which strain(s) are suspected to be most prevalent. Be aware that your dog can still catch Kennel Cough even if s/he has had a shot to prevent it.
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Can we pick up our dog or cat on Sunday?
A large percent of kennels are closed on Sundays, but as a courtesy to our customers, we provide checkout hours between 5 and 6 p.m. on Sunday afternoons. We understand your need to be reunited with loved ones.
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How old do the dogs have to be to board?
Our minimum boarding age for dogs is 4 months. It is generally recommended that puppies get their last round of puppy shots at 16 weeks. By then they will be protected from possible airborne viruses that small pups can't fight off.
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I have never boarded my pet. What should I expect?
Your pet will adjust quickly to our boarding facility, our staff and routines. Feeding, cleansing, exercise, and kennel staff monitoring are all regular events in the kennel. Each time we pass the dogs or cats we check on there well being and talk to them. If they look lonely we go in and cuddle.
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Can My Pet Catch A Disease by being kenneled with other pets?
Yes, your pet can be exposed to disease when kenneled with other animals. The risk is, quite low, and virtually eliminated since all pets coming into the kennel must be vaccinated. We at Gibson Kennels use thorough cleaning practices and proper cleaning products to help in keeping viruses and bacteria at bay. Our well designed kennel area provides a constant cleaning air flow system, separation from physical contact with other dogs (unless you specify playtime), hot water pressure cleaning system, and staff training programs that all help to prevent any illness. With all our care and concern we can not guarantee your dog wont get sick. All people and pets never know when we will get the flu or some other cold, all we can do is try to be healthy, but we don't live in glass houses.
We strongly suggest a tour, before making a boarding selection of any facility that you might consider in your area.You are welcome at Gibson Kennels any time during business hours.
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My dog is on a special diet. Can I bring in my own food?
We supply all the dogs and cats with a holistic, human grade premium food made by Old Mother Hubard called Wellness. However, if your pet requires a special diet, we encourage you to bring their food when boarding. Our kennel staff will follow your instructions to make sure your pet follows their regular diet. If you choose to bring in your pet's own food please pre-bag each meal in a separate bag labeled with your pet's name, your pet will receive the exact amount of food that you feed him or her at home.
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My pet takes daily pills , can you administer them?
Yes, our highly trained staff can administer pills to your pet. Give us a complete list off all medicines and their dose requirements. Please send them in original packaging.
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My pet is diabetic and requires shots?
We do accept diabetic pets for boarding. You must supply all suringes and insulin needed for the stay plus some extra should your return be delayed.
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My pet is so thirsty when she comes home from a boarding visit? Doesn't she get water when she's with you? Or, why won't she drink when she's being boarded?
Pets will frequently become very thirsty from the excitement and stress of seeing their family again when they're picked up. You should expect your pet to be a bit thirsty from all the excitement once you get them home. When they are at Gibson Kennels pets are monitored for the amount of fresh water consumed. We empty and fill their bowls with fresh water as needed during the day and always change it at both feedings.
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Can all my pets stay together in the same suite?
Yes, we can accommodate more than one pet per kennel. We will put as many family members as comfortably allows in the same regular kennel. If 3 or more large dogs ask to stay in our giant kennels. Up to three cats can be boarded together in one tower.
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What is your cancellation policy?
We ask that you give us at least 48 hours notice for non holiday times and 7 day notice for holidays stays. A fee of 25% of boarding cost will apply if not enough notice is given.
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Where is my dog going to go to the bathroom when in your care?
We have a mix of indoor/outdoor & indoor-only Kennels. Dogs in the in/out runs will naturally choose to eliminate in the outside. The indoor only kennel dogs will be taken to our outside play yard where they can run and do their duties. All our staff continuously monitors all elimination and consumption behavior.
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My pets like to have toys with them. Can they have their favorite toys while boarding with Gibson Kennels?
Your pets can have some of their favorite toys with them to make them feel as comfortable as possible during their stay. We can not guarantee their return. When we clean the kennels some toys may loose their home.
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Are the Kennels air-conditioned?
Yes our Kennels are fully air-conditioned for summer comfort and have radiant heated floors(only part of the floor, so dog can choose and self regulate body temperature) and hot air heating in colder months.
139 Upton St Grafton, Ma 01519
www.gibsonkennels.com
Phone - 508-839-1757
Fax 508-839-1736

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