Before You Arrive
Everything You Need for a Seamless Stay at Diamond in the Ruff
Ensure your pet's safety and comfort. Review our mandatory vaccination requirements and packing checklists for boarding and daycare.
Safety First: Mandatory Vaccination Policy
To maintain the health of all animals in our care, Diamond in the Ruff requires proof of up-to-date vaccinations at or before arrival.
Safety First: Mandatory Vaccination Policy
Required for all clients across Boarding, Grooming, Training, and Daycare. To maintain the health of all animals in our care, Diamond in the Ruff requires proof of up-to-date vaccinations at or before arrival.
“If you arrive without the required vaccinations, we will not admit your pet. These are non-negotiable for the protection of our entire community.”
Vaccination Exemptions
Should your dog be medically prohibited from receiving a vaccine, please call the front office directly to discuss options.
The Vaccine Protocol
Distemper
A highly contagious, often fatal viral disease affecting dogs and wildlife. The most common method of infection is through airborne exposure. Infected animals shed the virus in bodily fluids including saliva, urine and respiratory droplets.
The virus affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems of dogs. There is no cure; the primary method of prevention is vaccination.
Hepatitis / Adenovirus
Infectious hepatitis is a contagious viral infection caused by adenovirus. It targets the liver, kidneys and blood vessels. It’s transmitted by direct contact with the urine, nasal and eye discharge of infected animals. Symptoms are non-specific and the incubation period is up to 14 days.
Wildlife in the canid family (e.g. foxes) can get it as well. In severe cases it can be fatal. There is no specific treatment beyond supportive care.
Parainfluenza
A highly contagious and common respiratory virus that can be shed by infected animals for up to 2 weeks after infection. It is usually transmitted through the air via coughing and sneezing. In severe cases it can lead to pneumonia. Treatment is supportive care. It is one of multiple pathogens referred to as kennel cough, commonly presenting with a dry hacking cough.
Parvovirus
A highly contagious disease caused by canine parvovirus type 2. The virus attacks white blood cells and the gastrointestinal tract, it can even damage the heart muscle. It presents as vomiting and diarrhea causing severe dehydration. It is often fatal for young or immune-compromised pets and requires extensive veterinary care to treat.
It can be carried and transmitted by canid wildlife and is spread by direct contact with infected dogs, their feces, or virus-contaminated items such as food and water bowls, toys, even leashes. The virus is resistant to heat, cold, humidity and drying and can survive in the environment for long periods. This makes disinfection, and isolation and prevention through vaccination critical.
Rabies
The rabies virus is a worldwide issue that affects many mammals, including wildlife, dogs, cats and humans. Skunks, raccoons, foxes and bats can carry rabies.
It’s transmitted primarily through the bite of an infected animal via its saliva. Once clinical signs present the disease is almost always fatal.
Bordatella
Content for vaccination
When to Vaccinate?
Timing is critical in order to allow your pet to mount the immune response necessary to be considered immunized. Immediately after vaccination, your pet’s immune system is busy and additional stress, whether through change in routine or additional immune challenge, should be avoided.
Regular booster vaccines should be administered 48 hours prior to your boarding date. If this is your dog’s first time receiving a specific vaccine, we suggest a 2 week waiting period before their stay. This allows the vaccine to become effective and ensures your dog is not still responding to the vaccine when entering a social environment.
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First Time? 14 days is the veterinary standard. This gives time for your pet to mount a proper immune response.
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Boosters? Allow 48 hours for your dog to respond to the vaccine.
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Non-Negotiable Health & safety is our priority. Vaccines keep everyone safe!
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First Time? Allow 7 days minimum between injection and stay.
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Boosters? Allow 3 to 5 days for full immunity activation
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Non-Negotiable Health safety is our priority; no exceptions without vet note.
The Boarding Packing Guide
Preparation is key to reducing your pet’s separation anxiety.
What to Bring
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Nutritional Stability: Enough food for the entire length of their stay. Maintaining a consistent diet prevents digestive upset.
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Proof of Health: Vaccination records (if not sent digitally ahead of time).
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Comfort Items: A special toy or bone from home. A familiar scent can significantly reduce stress levels.
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Bedding: A cozy blanket, mat, or towel.
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Rewards: Any special treats your dog loves.
- Medication Administration: $3/dose; based on difficulty, fee may vary. We do NOT do injections (insulin or otherwise).
What NOT to Bring
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Stuffed Bedding: No beds with stuffing. These are prone to being shredded and pose a choking or ingestion hazard.
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Bulky Linens: Please leave comforters and pillows at home.
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Dining Gear: Do not bring dog dishes or bowls. We provide sanitized, standard equipment. (Exceptions may be made for slow feeders and stands)
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Rawhide: We do not accept rawhide products for safety and health reasons.
Frequently Asked Check-In Questions
Why are these vaccines non-negotiable?
In any boarding or daycare facility, dogs from different households move through and may interact in shared spaces. Vaccines like Bordetella (Kennel Cough) and Parvovirus are critical because these diseases are highly contagious and can be life-threatening. Our strict policy ensures that every pet at Diamond in the Ruff is entering a safe, protected environment.
Can I bring my pet's favorite bed? What about toys?
We ask that you only bring flat blankets, mats, or towels for bedding. Stuffed beds are difficult to clean in the event of an accident and, more importantly, can be destroyed by bored or anxious dogs. Shredded stuffing is a major health hazard if ingested. For the same reason, we ask that you choose toys with care. Toys without little pieces, toys that are whole and not easily ripped open, and toys that are too large to be ingested are what we’re looking for!
Pets often behave differently in kennel than they do at home. Even those who NEVER rip up their items at home may surprise you! Boarding is a novel environment with lots of stimulation during the day. Pets may look for distractions or decompression by trying out new activities, like ripping up their toys or blankets. We want to guide them to safe toys and fun activities to break up the day, like playtime, kongs and snacks.
The vast majority of dogs are happy with only their leash, their food, and perhaps one comfort object that smells like home. Their bed and bowls are provided with the room, and the love comes free of charge!
What happens if I forget my food?
Consistency is key for canine digestion. Switching food brands abruptly can cause “dietary indiscretion” leading to diarrhea or vomiting during their stay. We strongly urge all clients to pack enough food for their entire visit (plus one extra day just in case). In emergencies, we have kibble available for our doggy friends by the cup as well as by the bag. There are no hydrolyzed or raw diets available through our facility. We are able to coordinate the drop off or purchase of their usual diet for dogs who need to extend unexpectedly, sometimes at additional cost.
Pro Tip: Pack food and treats that your dog has regularly. Special food is fun until it results in an upset tummy. Dogs who board infrequently may already be a bit stressed and we want to provide as stable and consistent an environment as possible.
My pet has some health concerns. What can Diamond accommodate?
Diamond aims to accommodate pets at all life stages, including those with stable medical conditions under veterinary management. Our facility is accessible and we even have flat, grassy outdoor spaces so pets with mobility concerns can enjoy their time outdoors. Pets must be able to rise, shift and move without human intervention, so that they can access water and food, and adjust their position overnight.
Medications can be administered between 7am and 7pm daily, excluding injections. Individual monitoring is not available between the hours of 7pm and 7am.
Please pack medications in their original containers with labels. Do not pre-package medications. Always include a few extra doses in case your pet declines our first attempt to medicate them. Administration aids such as cheese, pill pockets, etc. are welcomed and encouraged.
More questions? Call or email us with details about your pet!
How do I know if my dog will like social time with other dogs? What do they do if they dON'T go out with other dogs?
Now that’s a complex question! To help you identify whether group or single services would best suit your pet, we recommend calling so we can learn more about them as an individual. Some quick points to consider would be: is this their first time boarding? Do they play with other dogs regularly? If so, are these the same friends or do they like to make new ones?
Kennels are a novel environment and to support a positive experience, we want them engaged but not overwhelmed. First-time visitors or those new to socializing are likely to need more solo time to get comfortable and decompress before or between adventures in group play.
So what does your pet do if not in recess? Single services! We offer the same packages to singles, only they’re enjoying their time with a handler, one-on-one. This could look like a relaxing walk on our off-leash trail, or an adventurous romp in one of our fenced in yards. It could mean playing tug and fetch or going for a swim in our pool! Tell us your pet’s favourite game, bring their favourite toy, and let us join the fun!
Ready for a Five-Star Stay?
Confirm your dates and double-check your records today. We can’t wait to see your diamond in the ruff!
Diamond in the Ruff — Quality Boarding, Training, and Care.