How to Assess and Manage Risk of Infectious Disease Introduction When Bringing New Dogs Into Kennels.
This evergreen guide provides practical, scalable steps for kennels to prevent infectious disease introductions, emphasizing pre-arrival planning, on-site protocols, staff training, and ongoing monitoring to safeguard dogs, staff, and clients.
Bringing a new dog into a kennel is a high-stakes moment that requires deliberate risk management. Before arrival, a kennel should establish a written plan that defines responsibilities, timelines, and criteria for accepting or delaying a dog based on health status. The plan should include a current understanding of prevalent pathogens in the region, testing options appropriate for the kennel’s size, and a protocol for communicating with owners about what is expected before, during, and after intake. A robust pre-arrival assessment helps prevent the introduction of diseases such as kennel cough, canine influenza, and other contagious conditions. It also sets the tone for a culture that prioritizes prevention over reaction.
A critical element is collaborating with a trusted veterinarian to create intake standards. This partnership should specify required documentation, vaccination status verification, and timing for any necessary medical clearances. With limited time between arrival and quarantine, precise paperwork reduces ambiguity and speeds safe decision-making. The plan must also address exemptions and temporary holds when owners cannot provide proof of vaccination or recent test results. Transparent communication about expectations helps clients understand the kennel’s commitment to animal health and reduces the risk of disputes later.
Consistent health verification, containment, and owner communication to minimize spread.
Screening should begin the moment a dog is scheduled for intake, ideally through a concise health questionnaire completed by the owner. This should cover recent illnesses, exposure to sick animals, travel history, and any medications being administered. A thorough physical examination by a qualified staff member or partner veterinarian is essential, searching for subtle signs such as low-grade fever, coughing, nasal discharge, or lethargy. It is important to document findings meticulously so trends can be tracked over time. Even in the absence of obvious symptoms, a cautious approach recognizes that some diseases have incubation periods during which animals look well yet are contagious.
Quarantine is a non-negotiable pillar of risk management. New arrivals should be housed separately from the general population for a defined period dictated by the kennel’s risk assessment, typically ranging from 7 to 14 days. During this time, daily observations, vitals monitoring, and, when appropriate, limited diagnostics help detect early infections. Intake staff should enforce strict PPE usage and hygiene protocols to prevent cross-contamination. Any sign of illness warrants veterinary consultation and possibly a repeat assessment before the dog can join other dogs. A well-structured quarantine reduces the chance that an asymptomatic carrier initiates an outbreak within the facility.
Clear protocols, documentation, and veterinary collaboration underpin safe intake.
Vaccination is a cornerstone of prevention, yet it must be implemented with realistic expectations. Acceptable standards will vary by region and by the kennel’s risk profile. For some dogs, a vaccination record may be insufficient as a sole measure because protection depends on timing since the last dose and individual response. Therefore, vaccination verification should be coupled with a review of exposure risk, recent contact with other animals, and the dog’s health status. In some situations, temporary additional vaccination or postponement of non-urgent activities within the kennel might be prudent. Clear policies help clients understand why certain steps are necessary for everyone’s safety.
Additionally, consider testing for specific infections when risk indicators arise, such as a dog with known exposure or a high-risk intake from a shelter or rescue. Tests should be chosen in collaboration with a veterinarian and aligned with the kennel’s realities—cost, turnaround time, and the likelihood of actionable results. Documentation of test results, the interpretation of those results, and follow-up plans are essential. A transparent testing framework helps owners feel included and reassures staff that decisions are evidence-based rather than arbitrary. Always balance the benefits of testing with the potential stress to animals and the kennel’s capacity.
Training, responsibility, and communication reinforce robust biosecurity.
Housekeeping and facility design play equal roles to medical safeguards. Physical barriers, dedicated footpaths, color-coded zones, and clearly labeled quarantines help staff move dogs safely without cross-contact. Cleaning procedures should specify approved disinfectants, contact times, and frequency for high-touch areas like doors, kennels, and exam rooms. A daily sanitation checklist can prevent lapses that enable disease spread. Maintenance of air quality and ventilation is also important, especially in enclosed spaces. Regularly serviced HVAC systems with proper filtration can reduce airborne transmission risk. Thoughtful enclosure layouts, combined with routine cleaning, create a resilient environment that supports ongoing disease prevention.
Staff training is the engine that drives consistent practice. New team members should undergo a formal orientation that covers disease recognition, isolation procedures, and the rationale behind each protocol. Ongoing refreshers reinforce good habits and reduce fatigue-driven mistakes. Role-playing scenarios can help staff respond calmly and efficiently when an illness is suspected. Clear communication channels, including a designated point person for health-related questions, ensure timely escalation. A culture of accountability—where colleagues remind each other of best practices—strengthens the kennel’s overall defense against infections.
Learnings, adaptation, and client trust sustain long-term safety.
When an infectious disease is suspected, rapid response protocols minimize impact. Staff should isolate the affected dog immediately, minimize handling, and notify the supervising veterinarian. Documentation of symptoms, onset, and any potential exposures is vital for tracking the situation and identifying the source. The kennel should have an agreed-upon decision tree that outlines when to escalate to emergency care, when to contact public health authorities, and when to suspend admissions temporarily. A transparent incident log helps management review patterns and adjust policies to prevent recurrence. Prompt action preserves the health of the larger population and maintains trust with clients.
After an event, a structured debrief is essential for continuous improvement. Review what occurred, which steps worked well, and where gaps appeared in the response. Update intake checklists, quarantine duration, and communication scripts based on lessons learned. Engage staff in the revision process to foster ownership and buy-in. Communicate changes to clients clearly, explaining how lessons learned will prevent future incidents. A proactive, data-driven approach demonstrates commitment to animal welfare and helps avoid repeating mistakes. Continuous improvement is the hallmark of a mature, resilient kennel operation.
In parallel with disease prevention, managing client expectations is a practical necessity. From the first contact, be clear about required health documentation, the rationale for quarantine, and what owners should do if their dog develops symptoms at home during the intake window. Providing written checklists helps reduce miscommunication and ensures everyone adheres to the same standards. Offering flexible scheduling, transparent cost explanations, and documented expectations strengthens client confidence. When owners feel informed and respected, they are more likely to participate cooperatively in preventive measures, which benefits the entire kennel community.
Finally, measure success through simple, meaningful metrics. Track kennel outbreak rates, average quarantine durations, time-to-clearance for new arrivals, and owner satisfaction. Regularly review these indicators with the veterinary partner to interpret trends and adjust practices accordingly. A data-informed approach supports prudent risk management and demonstrates accountability to clients and staff alike. By maintaining rigorous intake protocols, consistent hygiene, and open communication, kennels can protect animal health while delivering reliable, compassionate care to every dog that enters their doors.
