Our boarding facility can house more than 50 animals. Pets requiring special care including medication are welcome. We recommend making reservations in advance, especially for the holidays.

Vaccines

Pets must be current on vaccines at the time of their stay. This means that within the last 12 months: Cats must have had FVRCP and Rabies vaccine Dogs must have had DHLP, Parvo, Rabies and Bordetella vaccine. If vaccines were given elsewhere, we require written vaccine records or we can call your regular or previous veterinarian. Keep this in mind if you are dropping your pet off on a day that your regular veterinarian´s office is closed. Bordetella (Kennel Cough) vaccine is required at our facility. To effectively prevent kennel cough, the painless administration of the "nose drop" vaccine must be done a week or more before boarding. A negative fecal floatation (worm check) within one year is also required. If a fecal exam has not been performed in the last year, we will do so at the owner´s expense. We assume that this is updated on boarding only clients by their regular vets. However, if we see parasites we reserve the right to de-worm the pet at the owner´s expense to protect the other pets at the hospital.

Collars

For your pets own safety, all collars must be removed from boarding pets except paper identification collars. Please take all collars and leashes home with you as we are not responsible for them.

Fleas

All pets are checked for fleas when they arrive and at discharge. All pets may be sprayed or powdered with safe flea products at our discretion unless otherwise requested by their owners. Prescription flea products are also available for pets that have been examined by one of our doctors in the last 12 months.

Food

Boarding pets in our hospital are fed Hills Brand maintenance diet. If you prefer your pet to be fed something else, please bring the food from home in a clearly marked container with the pet´s name and instructions.

Personal Items

Bridgeport Animal Hospital maintains a plentiful supply of everything your pet could possibly need during his/her stay with us. Please do not bring any blankets or personal items when registering your pet. If your pet has a favorite toy, feel free to check with our Hospitality Coordinator or one of our caregivers to determine if the toy/bone meets our safety requirements.

Emergency Phone Numbers

We also ask that you leave an emergency phone number if you will be out of town during your pet´s stay with us. If we are unable to reach a responsible party after reasonable attempts are made, we will treat the animal at the owner´s expense. An exception to this is the treatment of stress-induced or diet change-induced diarrhea which we treat appropriately at no charge during the pet´s stay.

Medications

If your pet has any medical problems, medications, or special needs, please let us know. There is an extra charge for medications administered. If your pet is a diabetic requiring insulin injections, you should get an estimate from a doctor. Diabetics requiring special trips to the clinic by a doctor or technician are charged extra. All medication must be brought to the hospital in it´s original container.

Check Out

We would be happy to groom your pet during his stay here. All boarded pets are discharged during office hours. Boarding charges are based on number of nights spent. Check out time is 11 am.

Going Home

Please check your pet when going home so you are satisfied with his/her condition before leaving. If a problem arises that you feel is related to his/her stay, we ask that you bring it to our attention as soon as possible. Our medical staff can treat boarding related problems quickly and usually at no charge.

Deposits

Deposits are required for first time clients, extended boarding stays, or for reserving extra large kennels for dogs over 75 pounds during the busy season. The deposit will be applied towards the boarding fee but is not refundable unless a reasonable attempt was made by the client to cancel the reservation at least 48 hours beforehand.

Exotic Pets

Bridgeport Animal Hospital boards pocket pets, reptiles and birds as well. There are instances where we require you to bring a cage and/or food, please check with receptionist. No poisonous reptiles. We reserve the right to refuse the boarding of any animal that places other pets or staff members at undue risk for fatal illness or injury.

Medication

We are required by law to maintain a doctor-patient relationship (i.e., have examined the pet within the last year) in order to prescribe any refills for medication. Some medications require blood testing periodically or other types of follow-up that we will explain at the time they are prescribed. We ask that you call for refills at least one day ahead so we can have them ready for you. Please read your labels carefully and follow the instructions. If you have any questions regarding your pet's medication, please ask us. Never give your pet over-the-counter human medications unless instructed to do so by your veterinarian. We use childproof containers on all prescriptions. If you would prefer a non-childproof container please let us know when we fill your prescriptions.