Prevention and Control of the Spread of Disease
To comply with the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities involving Animals) Regulations 2018, we have policies and procedures in place to prevent and control the spread of disease.
Ill Health
No animal suffering from, or suspected to be suffering from, any infectious or contagious disease can be accepted. Holmes for Paws Ltd will refuse admission to any animal showing signs of ill health pending advice from a Vet.
Daily observations are made to check if any dogs are showing signs of illness.
Should an animal in our care show signs of suffering from an infectious or contagious disease they will be immediately transferred to the isolation facilities or our Vet [George Vet] who provide isolation facilities.
The dog will be treated according to the agreements in the consent form.
The home and vehicles are cleaned according to the cleaning regime
1. Disease Control
We take all reasonable precaution to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases, pathogens and parasites among dogs in our care and people.
| Action | Procedure |
| Safe guard against infection on the premises by ensuring all boarding dogs have appropriate immunisation | We require sight of up to date vaccination records for all dogs in our care. Vaccinations must be licensed for UK use and we do not accept homeopathic vaccinations. Primary vaccination courses must be completed at least two weeks before boarding Vaccinations are required against: canine parvovirus canine distemper canine adenovirus infectious canine hepatitis leptospirosis In some circumstances we require vaccination against kennel cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica/ canine parainfluenza) Where a titre test certification from a vet is produced that covers the period of boarding we will consider whether that is acceptable |
| Safe guard against parasites by ensuring all dogs have been treated before boarding | We require evidence that dog has been treated for internal and external parasites prior to boarding. If any parasites – fleas, ticks, lice – become evident, treatment is discussed with a vet, consent is sought from the owner and the dog is treated with a product approved by the UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate. |
| Reduce risk of infection by hygienic removal and storage of all soiled bedding and excreta | All soiled bedding, blankets, towels and toys et will be removed an washed immediately. |
| Waste stored away from dogs and food preparation/storage areas | All waste immediately removed, bagged and disposed of in designated outside refuge bin. |
2. Reducing Risk of infection from Sick Dogs
We have measures in place to care for any dog that becomes sick and reduce risk of spread of infection
| Action | Procedure |
| Animals are checked at least daily for any sign of infection or disease | On arrival and during grooming and play, dogs checked for signs of infection or disease. |
| Any dog showing signs of infection/disease is referred to a vet | Vet contacted Owner contacted and permission sought for any treatment. Instructions recorded and followed. Follow up contact if further cause for concern. |
| Should a dog show signs of disease or infection, it will be kept in self-contained isolation (if this is on the premises of a veterinary practice, they must provide a letter stating facilities provided). | Isolation area in boarding establishment designated. |
| Separate food and water bowls, bedding and cleaning utensils stored in the isolation unit | In event of a dog needing isolation, all food and water bowls, bedding and cleaning utensils will be stored in the isolation unit and disinfected after. |
| Dogs showing signs of infection are not allowed in any shared exercise area | Dogs will be allowed access to separate area of garden for toileting. This area will be disinfected after dog removed from area. |
| Any dogs in isolation facility checked regularly – after other dogs | Dogs in isolation will be checked regularly and all protective clothing disposed of after each visit. |
| Protective clothing and footwear worn when handling dogs in isolation | Protective aprons, masks and gloves stored in isolation room. All clothing worn is kept in the isolation area while in use Clothing and footwear only removed for cleaning. |
3. Treatment of sick animals
Where and animal needs medical treatment we seek agreement from the owner and ensure vets instructions are followed.
| Action | Procedure |
| The home is registered with a local vet and contact details, including out of hours, are known by all | Registered with George Vets, Royal Wootton Bassett |
| A written agreement is made with the dog owner on which vet to be used | Consent form will be signed by owner to this effect prior to any home boarding. |
| Medicines are stored securely in accordance with instructions of the vet | Medicines stored in cupboard out of reach of dogs. A refrigerator is available for medicine requiring such storage. |
| A secure fridge is available for storage of medicines | A refrigerator is available for medicine requiring such storage. |
| All medicines are administered in accordance with vets instructions | Instructions on medicines will be followed and recorded. |
| Unused medicines are returned to owner, nominated contact or prescribing vet | Unused medicines will be stored, recorded and returned as specified. |