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Potential Client Parvo?

Hi Everyone,

I received a request last night in which the owner requested we talk on the phone "about a few things," as he did not feel comfortable disclosing in Rover messages. Long story short, the owner told me his 2 month old puppy had been treated for Parvo. When I discussed further, the pup had only been treated last week. I told him I'd do some research and follow up. I called him back shortly after and explained that while I appreciated him reaching out, I was not comfortable with having the pup stay with us due to concerns for my own dog's safety and my guests. My questions are:

Has anyone watched a dog that had been treated for Parvo before? Am I right that Parvo is highly contagious and too dangerous to risk? I read online the virus can shed in dog's feces for weeks to months after recovery and remain in the environment for years?

I'm comfortable with the fact that I denied this request. However, this has brought up an important topic for me as a new sitter and I'd like to know how more experienced sitters have handled infectious diseases. Any insights would be appreciated.

Thanks so much, Olivia

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I know I'm late in answering this, but I wanted to give my two cents: I spent several months volunteering in a specialized Parvo ICU, and you were absolutely 100% correct in turning this client away. Parvo generally only poses a risk to dogs who are unvaccinated, but it is a very hardy virus that can survive outside the host and is easily spread. Even if all your other canine clients are vaccinated, they could easily spread the virus to a pup that wasn't (wildlife like raccoons can also become infected carriers). Trust me when I say the risk is not worth it. Parvo is treatable with the right resources, but it's a fairly new and specialized treatment that not all veterinary practices offer. It doesn't always work. I've come home sobbing uncontrollably on more than one occasion because I had to watch a tiny puppy turn into skin and bones then finally lose the will to live, despite all medical intervention. Please vaccinate your pets, everyone. No pet parent should have to go through that sort of tragedy. I'm pretty sure contagious diseases violate Rover's Terms of Agreement, so this guy shouldn't have requested a booking to begin with. That aside, the ONLY scenario I would even consider sitting for a dog recently treated for Parvo is in the client's home where EVERYTHING that comes in contact with the dog's mouth, paws, fur, or fluids is considered biohazard and must be disinfected with hot water and bleach or thrown away. This includes the bottoms of your shoes, any bit of your skin or hair that gets nipped or licked, and any bags or backpacks placed on the floor. Ideally the dog's feces should be flushed down the toilet or sealed in a bag before throwing away, not left in the yard or an unsealed garbage can where it can potentially contaminate the environment. As you can see, this is clearly above and beyond what is generally expected of us as sitters. Honestly, this guy needs to step up and be a more responsible pet parent.

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This site has some good info for those who want to learn more about Parvovirus: https://sites.google.com/site/apaparvowiki/%3C/p%3E (https://sites.google.com/site/apaparvowiki/)