How Often Should My Dog Go to the Vet? Understanding Hounds Town’s Vet Policy
Keeping your dog healthy goes far beyond daily walks and playtime. Regular veterinary care is one of the most important parts of responsible pet ownership, helping prevent illness and catch health concerns early.
At Hounds Town, the health and safety of every dog in our care is our top priority. Because our pups interact in natural pack environments throughout the day, we have clear health and vaccination, and veterinary care policies that help ensure every dog can play safely and comfortably together.
If you’re wondering how often your dog should visit the vet—and why those visits matter for daycare and boarding—here’s what pet parents should know.
How Often Should Dogs Visit the Veterinarian?
Most veterinarians recommend at least one pet wellness visit per year for healthy adult dogs.
These checkups allow your veterinarian to:
- Monitor your dog’s overall health
- Update vaccinations
- Check for early signs of illness
- Address dental or weight concerns
- Discuss nutrition and preventative care
Puppies and senior dogs may require more frequent vet visits, as their health needs change more quickly as they age. Routine vet visits help ensure your dog stays healthy, both at home but also when participating in social environments like daycare or boarding.
Why Vaccinations Are Important for Social Dogs
Dogs that spend time around other dogs, whether at daycare, boarding, parks, or training classes, benefit greatly from staying up to date on core vaccinations.
At Hounds Town, we prioritize the following dog daycare vaccine requirements:
- Rabies
- Distemper
- Bordetella (kennel cough)
These vaccines help protect both your dog and the other pups in our care. Just like with people, vaccines significantly reduce risk but are not always 100% preventative. Maintaining up-to-date vaccinations helps create a safer environment for every dog participating in pack play.
Why We Ask You to Wait After Vet Visits
One policy that sometimes surprises pet parents is our 7-day waiting period after a vet visit before returning to daycare or boarding.
Veterinary clinics often treat sick animals, and dogs can occasionally pick up airborne illnesses during visits. Even if your dog appears perfectly healthy, symptoms may not show up immediately. Waiting a few days before returning to group play helps protect your pet’s wellness as well as the entire pack and reduces the risk of spreading illness to other dogs.
Temperament Evaluations and Health Clearance
Before joining the pack at Hounds Town, every new dog completes a no-cost temperament evaluation. This allows our team to safely introduce your pup to other dogs and ensure they are comfortable in a social environment.
To participate in daycare or boarding, dogs must also:
- Be at least 4 months old
- Be cleared by a veterinarian to interact with other dogs
- Be spayed or neutered by 6 months of age
- Be up to date on required vaccinations
These guidelines help maintain a balanced, safe play environment where dogs can socialize naturally.
Supporting Your Dog’s Health During Boarding
When dogs stay overnight with us, their wellness remains a top priority. Our team can assist with routine medication administration if needed, helping pet parents maintain their pet’s wellness routine while they’re away.
Because dogs play and socialize throughout the day, it’s normal for pups to go home a little tired after all the fun. Many pet parents choose to schedule a bath through our Pet Spa services before pickup so their dog heads home clean and refreshed.
Healthy Dogs Make Happy Packs
Regular vet visits, proper vaccinations, and thoughtful health policies all work together to create a safe environment for every dog at Hounds Town.
When dogs are healthy and well cared for, they can fully enjoy what makes Hounds Town special: safe socialization, natural pack play, and plenty of activity with other happy pups. Join the pack today: find your nearest location here