At PUPS Pet Club, your dog’s health and safety are our top priority — and that starts with prevention. Vaccinations play a crucial role in keeping not only your pet safe, but also the other dogs in our community. Just like kids in school need immunizations to protect everyone, our furry friends rely on vaccines to stay happy, healthy, and social.

Here’s a breakdown of the vaccinations and health checks we require at PUPS, and why each one is so important.

Rabies

What it is:
Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the brain and nervous system of mammals — including humans. It’s transmitted through saliva, usually via bites from infected animals.

Why it matters:
Rabies isn’t just dangerous; it’s also required by law in most states. Vaccinating against rabies protects your dog and helps prevent a public health risk. We require proof of a current rabies vaccine to keep our entire pack (and their humans) safe.

Distemper (DHPP or DAPP Combo Vaccine)

What it is:
The distemper combo vaccine protects against several highly contagious and potentially deadly viruses — Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza. Together, they attack a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.

Why it matters:
These diseases spread quickly through shared spaces and contact with other dogs — exactly the kind of friendly environment we foster at PUPS. Vaccination ensures your pup can safely enjoy daycare, training, and playtime.

Bordetella (Kennel Cough)

What it is:
Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium that causes kennel cough, a common respiratory infection similar to a bad cold in humans.

Why it matters:
Dogs can catch Bordetella anywhere — from grooming salons to dog parks. Because our pups play, socialize, and share air space, this vaccine helps prevent coughs, sneezes, and sniffles from turning into something serious. It’s one of the best ways to protect your dog — and their friends — from contagious coughs.

Canine Influenza Virus (CIV)

What it is:
CIV, or “dog flu,” is a highly contagious respiratory infection that spreads through droplets in the air, shared toys, and even human clothing after contact with other dogs.

Why it matters:
An outbreak can spread quickly in any dog community. Vaccination significantly reduces the severity and spread of symptoms, protecting your pup and keeping our club healthy and open for fun.

Negative Fecal Test (Every 6 Months)

What it is:
A fecal test screens for intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and giardia.

Why it matters:
Even healthy-looking dogs can carry parasites that are harmful to them — and contagious to others. We require proof of a negative fecal test every six months to ensure that every dog in our care is parasite-free, helping maintain a clean, safe environment.

Why We Require These Vaccines

Our vaccine and testing requirements aren’t just policies — they’re part of our commitment to a safe, happy, and healthy community. Every dog that walks through our doors is part of the PUPS family, and we take that responsibility seriously. Vaccines are a simple but powerful way to prevent illness, reduce risk, and ensure your pet enjoys every service we offer — from daycare and training to spa days and social play.

Before your next visit, please make sure your dog’s vaccinations and fecal test are up to date. If you have questions about your pet’s records or what’s due next, our team is always happy to help.

Keeping your pup healthy keeps our whole pack thriving — and that’s something worth wagging about.