Policies

Blue Ribbon Pets has strict policies in place for the safety and well-being of all our pets and employees.

Vaccination Policies

Blue Ribbon Pets has strict vaccination policies for all our boarding guests.

Rabies Vaccinations for Dogs and Cats

We require rabies vaccinations on all cats and dogs over 4 months of age. Pet owners must present WRITTEN proof of a current rabies vaccination before or at their check-in time. Written proof consists of a rabies vaccination certificate, dog license form, or invoice on veterinary letterhead. The metal rabies tag does not count as proof for our purposes.

Exceptions to this rule are:

The attending veterinarian has advised the pet owner to delay administering the vaccine.
The attending veterinarian has provided on office letterhead a rabies vaccine exemption for health reasons. The letter must include identifying characteristics of the pet, owner information, and an expiration date.

Further Vaccines for Dogs

We strongly recommend all puppies and dogs be vaccinated with the following vaccines in accordance with your veterinarian's advice. We do not require written proof of any vaccine other than a rabies vaccine as these vaccines can be purchased "over-the-counter" and administered by the pet owner.

Bordetella (Canine cough)
Canine Influenza
DHPP or DA2PP (Distemper/Parvo combo)
Leptospirosis

Further Vaccines for Cats

We strongly recommend all kittens and cats be vaccinated with a distemper/upper respiratory combination vaccine (FVRCP) in accordance with your veterinarian's advice. We do not require written proof of any vaccine other than a rabies vaccine as these vaccines can be purchased "over-the-counter" and administered by the pet owner.

Medication Policies

Blue Ribbon Pets will give medications to pets entrusted to our care under the following provisions:

Authorized Medications and Treatments:

All medications must come in original container as labeled, dispensed, and prescribed by the attending veterinarian.
The pet owner is responsible for providing adequate quantities of medication (for the length of time the pet is scheduled to be here plus extra in case the owner is delayed in picking up their pet or the veterinarian makes a medication change).
Medications will be given according to the directions on the label. Any changes must be accompanied by a written order from the attending veterinarian or by consultation with the veterinarian.
Medications will only be given to the pet indicated on the label unless directed otherwise by the attending veterinarian.

Medications must be in one of the following (or similar) forms:

Oral liquids, pills, tablets, capsules, chews, sprays, etc.
Topical gels, cremes, ointments, liquids, sprays, etc.
Injectable (sub q only) meds for diabetes or a similar condition (all other injectable medications, vaccines, etc., must be approved by management)
Ophthalmic liquids, gels, cremes, sprays, etc.
OTC liquids, gels, cremes, sprays, etc.

Unauthorized Medications and Treatments:

Bandages or bandage changes (unless approved by Kelly after a discussion with both the owner and the attending veterinarian)
Injections other than insulin (unless approved by Kelly after a discussion with both the owner and the attending veterinarian)
Sub q fluids (unless approved by Kelly after a discussion with both the owner and the attending veterinarian)

Over-The-Counter Products:

All over the counter products must be accompanied by a written authorization and instructions from the attending veterinarian stating -

Name of pet
Drug name (generic or brand i.e., Imodium)
Drug strength (i.e., 25 mg)
Drug dosage (i.e., 1 tablet)
Frequency of dosage (i.e., twice daily)
Duration of treatment (i.e., three days)
Cautions or side effects

Medication Fees:

Medications will be given up to four (4) times daily at no additional cost.
Pets needing medications more than four (4) times daily will be charged an extra fee.
Pets that are difficult to medicate will be charged an additional fee.
Owners will be charged for staff time and medications costs should their pet need additional medications prescribed by the veterinarian or should the owner not provide enough medication.

Medications Provided by Blue Ribbon Pets:

Blue Ribbon Pets may administer basic 'first aid' medications as needed and without additional consultation with the attending veterinarian.

Imodium or Metronidazole (or their generic equivalent) for diarrhea
Benadryl (or its generic equivalent) for hives, itching, bug bites, etc.
Topical sprays, lotions, cremes, for hot spots, lesions, etc.
Sterile Saline or Ophth Neosporin (or their generic equivalent) for eye irritation, dust, etc.

Sedation:

Blue Ribbon Pets will not accept any pets under sedation or needing sedation unless specifically authorized by Kelly after a discussion with the owner and the attending veterinarian.

Emergency Vet Hours

We no longer offer emergency vet after hours services at our facility, due to county guidelines.

California Abandoned Animal Act

Senate Bill No. 1019 - An act to amend section 1834.5 of the Civil Code, relating to abandoned animals. Section 1834.5 of the Civil Code is amended to read: (signed Aug 5, 1971)

1834.5 Notwithstanding any other provision of law, whenever any animal is delivered to any veterinarian, dog kennel, cat kennel, pet-grooming parlor, animal hospital, or any other animal care facility pursuant to any written or oral agreement entered into after the effective date of this section, and the owner of such animal does not pick up the animal within 14 calendar days after the day the animal was due to be picked up, the animal shall be deemed to be abandoned. The person into whose custody the animal was placed for care shall first try for a period of not less than 10 days to find a new owner for the animal, and, if unable to place the animal with a new owner, shall thereafter humanely destroy the animal so abandoned.