I'd like to make sure that all the dogs who come to my home have been fully vaccinated/on flea medications. Does anyone do this? Not sure how to request it. Do you require them to bring it on M&G so you have it ahead of time?
I require Rabies, DHPP, and Bordatella for any dog that stays at my home. We discuss this at the Meet and Greet, and I mention it again when sending the information packet. I do keep copies on file so that I don't have to ask them for it the next time.
The vet's office is welcome to email it directly to me, but sometimes they don't like doing that. The biggest struggle I have is in getting the actual Rabies certificate. I've had several clients show up with just their shot records, which isn't the end of the world, but I really prefer to have the certificate since that's what is legally required to prove the vaccination.
I don't do in-home sitting anymore but I'd suggest you request this information be provided during the meet and greet.
On the Vaccination records? thread, Shane makes a good point saying:
if getting copies of the records is difficult, I ask that my clients provide a veterinary reference that will verify the immunizations.
I think that's the best advice. If the owner can't get the information together before the meet and greet, you can always tell them you can't accept the booking until the vaccinations have been confirmed.
Yes I require them before the stay. I don't keep a copy, but I do request they send it to me via email or text, and also check the date that they are within the limits. I believe bordetella is yearly
If using the veterinary reference, have you had trouble getting the vet to release info to you directly? Thanks!
I require vaccination records at drop-off or before. At the M&G I ask about vaccinations and let them know that I'll need a copy. There are several reasons I do this:
I do all of my sitting in-home, and I require a copy of their vaccination records upon arrival. There is too much liability if a dog becomes ill, and you want to protect both yourself and future clients.
I ask for vaccination records for every dog I sit in home. Just ask nicely and let them know you want to be prepared for every worst case scenario. My new clients are reassured that I am putting their dog's safety first and feel more comfortable with the stay when I phrase it like that.
I board dogs in my home and I want to make sure they are healthy so they don't leave any germs/diseases behind that could spread anything to other future clients. I ask them to bring the vaccination record with them to the M&G. I am polite and I just say, I need to see Fluffy's vaccination records, could you bring them to the M&G please? That way I will also have their vet information in case I do accept the booking request. I tell them that I cannot complete the booking process until these records are provided.
If your dog is vaccinated it's not really a huge deal. Think. If your dog is vaccinated it's to stop them from getting sick. Fleas and ticks on the other hand are a world of difference. I mention it but I don't really track down medical records. It's not that deep for me but there isn't anything wrong with requiring that before the stay. Especially if longer stay.