Distemper/Parvo:
Puppies
under 14 weeks of age must have received a minimum of one distemper/parvo
vaccination given at least 7 days prior to dog attending class.
Puppies
over the age of 14 weeks must have received a minimum of two distemper/parvo
vaccinations, with one of those vaccinations occurring at 14 weeks of age or
older.
After
the puppy vaccinations, distemper/parvo (or titer) is required every three
years.
Verification:
verification may be from a licensed veterinarian, breeder health record, or
rescue organization health record.
Rabies:
Rabies
(or titer) is required for dogs one year of age or older, and every three years
thereafter.
Verification: verification must be from a licensed veterinarian.
Please
read the excerpt below taken in part from the AVMA article on "Common Sense Measures to Protect Your Dogs, Yourself
and Others" https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/Protect-Your-Dogs-Yourself-and-Others.aspx
A note about puppy socialization and the risk
of disease
The socialization period for puppies, which takes place
from 6-14
weeks of age, is critical for a dog's behavioral development. During this time
positive experiences with other dogs, people, noises and activities can reduce
the likelihood of fearful behaviors, such as aggression and phobias, later in
the dog's life. Puppies that are not properly socialized are more likely to
develop behavioral problems that can make them unsuitable pets and increase the
chances their owners will relinquish them to shelters.
This socialization period overlaps a period of vulnerability
to
disease, including canine parvovirus and canine distemper virus infection.
Puppies need socialization with other dogs, but those dogs must be well
vaccinated and healthy.
To fully protect your puppy from canine parvovirus,
the last dose
of the parvovirus vaccine must be at 14-16 weeks of age, regardless of the
number of doses given at an earlier age. Until your puppy is fully protected,
avoid taking it to dog parks or other areas where it has uncontrolled exposure
to dogs with questionable or unknown vaccination histories.
Having a puppy 6-14 weeks of age in socialization classes
can
offer excellent opportunities to properly socialize puppies but there is a
disease risk. To reduce the risk, puppies in the classes should be of similar
age and vaccination history and should be examined and found to be healthy by a
veterinarian prior to starting classes. Proper sanitation (including immediate
cleanup of 'accidents') during the classes helps provide additional protection
from infection. The puppies' first vaccine should be administered at least 7
days prior to the first class. Puppies with signs of illness (diarrhea,
coughing, fever, etc.) should not attend puppy socialization classes until they
have recovered from their illness.
If you allow your puppy to interact with dogs belonging
to family
or friends, make sure the dogs have been appropriately vaccinated and are
adequately socialized to avoid bad experiences that could have negative
long-term consequences to your puppy's behavior. Similarly, if you own an older
dog and plan to introduce a puppy into your house, make sure the older dog is
adequately vaccinated.
It is important to understand that it is not until 7-10
days after
the last vaccination at 14-16 weeks of age that the risk of infection is very
low and you can increase the puppy's introduction and socialization with all
dogs.
