Did you get our postcard? 

Whether it's a yearly vaccine such as Bordetella, or the 3-year Rabies vaccine, we keep track for you. A couple weeks before your pet is due, we'll mail a postcard to remind you to schedule an appointment.

As an extra layer of protection for your pet, we'll make a courtesy call within a few weeks of being past due for needed services.
We are here for you and do not want anyone to fall through the cracks.

If your postcard seems like a bunch of medical jargon, here's an explanation of some typical reminders:

Examination
Head-to-tail comprehensive examination by our veterinarian to evaluate all body systems - especially important for the early detection of many diseases and conditions. We recommend two examinations each year, but require at least one and can schedule to coincide with vaccinations and other testing for your convenience. An examination once a year is needed in order to provide any medical services, refill prescriptions and use our Members Only Boarding services.

Bordetella or "kennel cough" vaccine
Protects your dog from a bacteria that causes upper respiratory infections. It is transmitted through the air and is recommended for dogs that are around other dogs and required for most boarding kennels, grooming facilities, dog parks and obedience classes. We will recommend your pet be vaccinated once a year. Some boarding, daycare and grooming facilities require the vaccine boosted every 6 months due to the high-risk environment.

DAPPC or "Distemper Parvo" vaccine
Protects dogs against several common infectious diseases including Distemper (repiratory, GI), Adenovirus (also known as Hepatitis, respiratory), Parainfluenza (GI) and Coronavirus (GI). Puppy vaccines are started 6-8 weeks of age and boosted every 3-4 weeks until the puppy is 14 weeks or older. Adult dogs with unknown vaccine history must receive two initial vaccines 3-4 weeks apart to be adequately protected. All dogs receive a booster one year following initial series, then every three years thereafter.

Rabies vaccine
Protects dogs and cats against the rabies virus - a fatal disease transmitted through the bite of a rabid/infected animal. This vaccine is required by law because rabies is 100 percent fatal and is a risk to pets and humans. We use the 3-year rabies vaccine and will remind you evey three years. Some communities may still require an annual rabies vaccine, even if the vaccine lasts for 3 years. We are here for you and will walk you through the appropriate process for vaccinations and city licensing requirements. We will gladly file your Wichita city license and fees, Goddard city license and fees and Sedgwick County license and fees.

Heartworm Test
Laboratory test performed on a sample of blood to detect the presence of heartworms. Heartworms are transmitted by infected mosquitoes and they live in the bloodstream, lungs and heart of infected pets. Heartworms can be fatal but are 100% preventable. Monthly heartworm prevention is recommended year-round. Annual heartworm testing is required for purchase of heartworm prevention.

FVRCP or "Feline Distemper" vaccine
Protects cats against several common infectious diseases including Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (respiratory). Calicivirus (upper respiratory) Panleukopenia (feline distemper, GI). Kitten vaccines are started 6-8 weeks of age and boosted every 3-4 weeks until the kitten is 14-16 weeks or older. Adult cats with unknown vaccine history must receive two initial vaccines 3-4 weeks apart to be adequately protected. All cats receive a booster one year following initial series, then every three years thereafter.

FLV or "Feline Leukemia vaccine"
Feline leukemia is a highly contagious virus of cats that can be transmitted from mother-to-kittens or between cats through their saliva. All kittens should be tested for leukemia, before the vaccine series is started. The feline leukemia vaccine is highly recommended for all kittens and cats who will spend ANY time outdoors. The series involves an initial vaccine, a booster 3-4 weeks later, then annually thereafter. 

Deworming
Helps protect pets against two of the most common parasites - roundworms and hookworms - found in both dogs and cats. The Companion Animal Parasite Council recommends a dewormer be given to all pets to help reduce the spread of these parasites. Roundworms are hookworms are zoonotic which means they can be transmitted to humans. The best way to protect your pet and your family is by prevention. Puppies and kittens should receive a dewormer at each puppy/kitten visit. Adult pets should have a dewormer at least once a year, more frequently if parasites have been identified. Yearly deworming is a requirement to use our Members Only Boarding Services, giving you peace of mind that our boarding environment is as parasite-free as possible.

Fecal Examination or Intestinal Parasite Screen or "stool exam"
Laboratory test performed on a sample of fresh feces to detect the presence of intestinal parasites, commonly referred to as "worms." Ninety-five percent of puppies and kittens are born with or receive from their mothers, some sort of parasite. Without testing, proper identification and treatment are not possible. One worm can produce more than 100,000 eggs each day which are then passed through the pet's feces and spread throughout their environment. Pets are always at risk of picking up parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, coccidia, girardhia and tapeworms, which can all be identified using this test. The Companion Animal Parasite Council recommends two to four fecal exams every year. We require a yearly fecal examination, more frequently if a parasite has been identified. A yearly fecal exam is a requirement to use our Members Only Boarding Services, giving you peace of mind that our boarding environment is as parasite-free as possible.

Leptospirosis vaccine
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease - that can be fatal - and is transmitted through the urine of infected wildlife (squirrels, birds, raccoons, foxes, rabbits, deer). Pets do not need to come into contact with the infected animals, only their urine which can be found in standing water, puddles, on top of pool covers, bird baths and the like. Leptospirosis is also Zoonotic - which means humans can contract the disease as well. The bacteria attack the liver and kidneys, causing fatally if not treated. The series includes an initial vaccine, a booster 3-4 weeks later, then annually thereafter. The vaccine is recommended for dogs who are 6 months or older. Cats appear to have a natural resistance, therefore do not need to be vaccinated.