Health and Vaccination Information
The health of your pet is always critical, particularly during the initial transition time into your home. Often we receive animals from households in crisis, and we may not know if they received proper preventive health care. Despite the health care and nurturing we provide, animals are exposed to more stress in the shelter than exists in the home environment. This stress can weaken an animals' immune system, making their health more vulnerable.
As part of our adoption program, we are committed to helping ensure that your new pet is healthy upon adoption. We have not noticed any signs of disease in this animal unless noted in the medical record that was provided to you at the time of adoption. To ensure your pet's ongoing health, we encourage you to select a veterinarian and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. At that time your veterinarian can determine any health issues that may have developed since adoption, or conditions that weren't apparent during the animal's stay at the Humane Society of Boulder Valley.
While at the Humane Society of Boulder Valley, your pet received the following vaccines and/or treatments. Many animals receive more than what is listed below. This is just the basics that all animals receive. Please review your medical history for other medical issues diagnosed/treated:
DHPP (Distemper Combination)
This vaccine, given to dogs upon intake, includes canine Distemper (upper respiratory virus that can affect the central nervous system), hepatitis (liver infection), parainfluenza (upper respiratory infection) and parvovirus (a severe gastrointestinal virus that is highly fatal to dogs and puppies if not treated early). Puppies and dogs may need additional doses administered by your veterinarian over a period of weeks or months to achieve maximum immunity from disease. Until these are completed, it is best to limit the exposure your pup has to other dogs. Many serious dog illnesses are spread by fecal material, so properly dispose of waste and avoid areas of elimination used by other dogs.
Rabies Vaccination
All of our dogs and cats who are old enough are vaccinated for rabies. The state law requires all dogs and cats over four months to be vaccinated for this zoonotic disease.
FVRCP (Distemper Combination)
This vaccine, given to cats upon intake, includes Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (an upper respiratory infection caused by feline herpes virus), Calicivirus (another viral upper respiratory disease) and panleukopenia (also known as feline distemper or infectious feline enteritis). Cats and kittens may need additional doses administered by your veterinarian over a period of weeks or months to achieve maximum immunity from disease.
Bordetella
This vaccine, given to dogs upon intake, protects against what is commonly called 'kennel cough' in dogs. This is an upper respiratory illness easily spread where lots of dogs gather.
If your dog starts to develop cold-like symptoms, keep him quiet and entice him to eat. The best cure for kennel cough, like the common cold is time, good care and love. If your pet has green mucus discharge or has signs of being seriously ill with pneumonia your veterinarian may want to provide antibiotics.
Deworming
A preventive dose of medicine to eliminate roundworms and hookworms was given to all dogs and cats. Continued treatment and other types of parasite control may be provided by your veterinarian depending on your pet's needs.
Spaying/Neutering
All of our animals are surgically sterilized prior to being placed in our adoption area. If your new pet recently had surgery, you should keep an eye on the incision site, but you do not have to worry about stitch removal as there are no stitches that need to come out. Your female pet may have a green tattoo on her incision. Watch for any redness or swelling and contact our veterinary clinic if you have any concerns.
Making an appointment for your new pet
Many of the veterinarians in our community offer discounted services for your newly adopted pet. When you take your pet for the examination, also take your adoption paperwork with you. Information inserted in the back cover of your Pet Pal Pack will identify the vaccinations and treatment your pet received here at the Humane Society.
Pet health insurance
When you adopt a pet from the Humane Society of Boulder Valley, with a valid e-mail address you will receive a 30-day gift pet insurance policy that you may use with any veterinary clinic. You should receive an email from ShelterCare Pet Insurance to confirm your new gift policy. You must respond to the email within 72 hours of your adoption for the insurance to become effective. If you do not receive this email, we recommend that you first check your spam folder, and then call our shelter for assistance with re-sending the confirmation email.
Click here to download an insurance claim form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Click here for a list of frequently asked questions about our veterinary clinic.
Satisfaction Guarantee
While there is a person for every animal, we know that not every animal is for every person. If you adopt an animal from HSBV and discover that you are not compatible due to behavior concerns or medical issues, you may return your pet at any time and your adoption fee will be refunded.
