We will require all pets to be current on all vaccines, flea control, and deworming treatment. 

The following vaccines will be required for dogs: 
• Rabies Vaccination:  All dogs over 16 weeks of age must be vaccinated against rabies in accordance with Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 826.
• DHPP / DAPP: A combination vaccine protecting against Distemper, Hepatitis (Adenovirus), Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus. 
• Bordetella: Often called the "kennel cough" vaccine. Most facilities require this annually, though some high-traffic resorts may require it every six months. 

The following vaccines will be required for cats: 
• Rabies Vaccination: All cats over 16 weeks of age must be vaccinated against rabies in accordance with Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 826. 
• FVRCP: The core "feline distemper" combo that protects against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia. 
• FeLV (Feline Leukemia): Required, even though the facility does not allow cats to interact or share a communal space.  

We will require pet owners to provide a vaccination record from their veterinarian certifying that they received these vaccines before drop off for any services. 

Before dogs can participate in group play with other pets that they do not typically stay with at home, they must be assessed by Big Bend Boarding staff for safety in a group setting. This will occur upon initial intake for each pet and after any major life changes for the pet, such as an aggressive altercation with another dog. The assessment will occur during the first day of boarding or daycare if group play is requested for the pet.

Dogs that are not found appropriate for group play will be eligible to receive one-on-one play times, walks, or pool times instead of group play sessions.

Big Bernd Boarding will adhere to the following state-level requirements: 

• Informed Consent for Unattended Pets: As of September 1, 2023, under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 824, kennel operators boarding more than three pets for compensation must provide written notice and obtain signed consent if a pet will be left unattended without an employee present. 

• Fire Safety Disclosure: If the facility does not have a functioning fire sprinkler system, this must be explicitly disclosed in the written notice to the pet owner. 

We will provide pet owners with a waiver to sign, signifying their acknowledgement that the kennel facility is unattended overnight and to disclose that we do not have a fire sprinkler system installed.