Health and Vaccine Requirements
Required Vaccinations
All dogs must have current vaccinations on file before their first appointment, and records must remain current for future appointments.
| Vaccine | Minimum Frequency | Acceptable Proof | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rabies | Per state law (1 or 3 year) | Vet certificate with expiration date | Required by law in most states |
| Bordetella (kennel cough) | Every 6 months | Vet certificate | Intranasal or injectable accepted |
| DHPP (distemper/parvo) | Annual or as directed by vet | Vet certificate | Also called DA2PP or DHLPP |
Titers: We accept titer test results in place of vaccination records for dogs who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons — requires written vet documentation.
How to Collect and Verify Records
- At booking: inform the client that records are required for the first appointment
- Request that records be emailed, texted, or brought to the appointment
- Review the records and enter the vaccine dates and expiration dates into the dog profile
- Note the verification date and your initials in the Verified By column
- Set a reminder [30 days] before each expiration so the client can be notified
If records are not received before the first appointment:
- Appointment proceeds only if the client brings physical records on arrival
- If no records are provided, the appointment cannot proceed — the dog cannot be groomed
- Communicate this clearly at booking so there are no surprises
Record Storage
Vaccine records are documented in the dog’s Vaccination Record table in their profile. Physical copies or photos may be kept on file per salon preference.
Health Conditions That Affect Service
Some health conditions require modified handling or preclude certain services:
| Condition | Effect on Service | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Active skin infection or open wounds | Cannot groom affected area | Consult with vet before proceeding; note in profile |
| Post-surgery (within 2 weeks) | Cannot groom without vet clearance | Request written vet clearance |
| Senior dog (8+ years) | May require shorter sessions, more breaks | Note in profile; communicate with owner |
| Heart or respiratory condition | Cannot use HV dryer aggressively | Use stand dryer only; note in profile |
| Epilepsy | Avoid stressors; have protocol if seizure occurs | Note in profile; ask owner for seizure protocol |
| Known shampoo/product allergy | Restrict to specified safe products | Note in profile under Coat Profile |
| Pregnancy | Avoid harsh chemicals; shorten session | Note in profile; keep appointment shorter |
When a Dog Cannot Be Groomed
Turn away a dog if, upon arrival, you observe:
- Active vomiting or diarrhea
- Visible fleas or ticks (flea treatment available but owner must be informed)
- Open wounds or raw skin (beyond what the owner disclosed)
- Signs of contagious illness (discharge, coughing, sneezing)
- Extreme distress that would make a safe groom impossible
Script for turning away a dog on arrival:
“I can see that [dog name] isn’t feeling their best today. For their safety and the safety of the other dogs in our salon, I don’t want to push through a groom right now. Let’s get you rebooked for when [he/she] is feeling better — I can do that right now.”
Flea/Tick Protocol
If a dog arrives with fleas or ticks:
- Inform the owner immediately — do not proceed without their knowledge
- Offer flea treatment shampoo as an add-on (see add-ons-and-upgrades)
- If owner declines: we cannot groom the dog today — reschedule
- After treating, disinfect all surfaces, tools, and the bathing area before the next dog
Cross-References
- Vaccine records location: dog-profile-template (Vaccination Record section)
- Booking requirement check: scheduling-procedures
- Senior dog handling: kendra-standards