Country Inn Kennels

Lines are down!
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We have the littlest one boarding with us this week! 🐹

Vaccine Shedding — What Dog Owners Should Understand

Not all vaccines behave the same.

Some—specifically live attenuated vaccines—contain a weakened form of the organism that can briefly replicate in the body after administration. Because of that, there is a short window where shedding of the vaccine strain can occur.

In dogs, the most relevant example in everyday settings is the intranasal or oral Bordetella vaccine (kennel cough). After administration, the organism can colonize the upper respiratory tract for a short period. During that time, dogs may shed small amounts of the bacteria and, in some cases, develop mild symptoms like coughing or nasal discharge.

This is well recognized in veterinary literature. For example, the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine notes that vaccinated dogs can still carry and spread Bordetella, even if they show minimal or no symptoms.

https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/bordetellosis

There is also documented evidence that vaccine strains of Bordetella can be shed after intranasal vaccination and, in rare cases, transmitted—particularly to individuals with compromised immune systems (including both animals and humans).

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10466264/

More broadly, the concept of vaccine shedding with live vaccines is well established:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaccine_shedding

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Why This Matters Around Other Dogs

In most healthy adult dogs, this isn’t a major issue. The risk is generally considered low.

But in certain situations, it becomes more relevant:

* Young puppies with immature immune systems
* Recently vaccinated dogs whose immune systems are still responding
* Immunocompromised or stressed dogs
* High-density environments like boarding, daycare, shelters, or transport

A recently vaccinated dog is not instantly protected. Their immune system is still building a response, which can make that overlap—shedding + exposure + stress—more significant.

This is one of the reasons why respiratory illness can still circulate in vaccinated populations. It’s not always a failure of the vaccine—it’s often a matter of timing and environment.

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The Practical Takeaway

This isn’t about avoiding vaccines. It’s about understanding how they work in real life.

With live vaccines like Bordetella:

* There can be a short shedding window
* Recently vaccinated dogs may still be vulnerable
* Close contact environments can amplify even low-risk factors

Good dog care isn’t just about what you do—it’s about when you do it, and who your dog is around when you do it.

Our boarding program is designed for dogs who benefit from structure, consistency, and individualized attention. We focus on providing a calm, controlled environment where each dog can relax, feel secure, and receive care tailored specifically to their needs.

Unlike large group-play facilities, we do not offer open-play daycare/boarding. Instead, we prioritize safety, stress reduction, and meaningful one-on-one interaction with our staff.

To maintain this level of care, we intentionally limit the number of dogs in our facility. This allows us to spend more time with each dog, closely monitor their well-being, and ensure they receive the attention they deserve throughout their stay.

Each dog enjoys their own private indoor/outdoor run, allowing them the freedom to move between spaces at their comfort level throughout the day.

Dogs must be people-friendly and comfortable being handled by staff in order to participate in activities outside of their run. We take our time with each dog in our care. Some dogs warm up to us faster than others. We don't push them past their limits. Dogs do not interact with other dogs unless they are from the same household and with owner approval.

What Your Dog’s Stay Includes

Every dog begins their stay with a temperament and handling evaluation to ensure we understand their comfort level, personality, and preferences.

Dogs who pass their evaluation receive:

Daily one-on-one yard time in a secure, private outdoor space or a 15–30 minute structured walk
Individual attention focused on engagement, decompression, and mental stimulation—not overstimulation
A consistent routine that supports calm behavior and reduces stress

Each dog is provided with:

A soft plush bed or elevated cot (based on your preference)
Clean bedding, blankets, and food/water bowls
A private space that is cleaned and sanitized daily

You are always welcome to bring bedding or items from home to help your dog feel more comfortable during their stay.

Our Approach

We understand that not every dog thrives in a chaotic, high-energy group setting. Many dogs do best in a quieter environment where they are not overwhelmed by constant interaction.

Our approach is ideal for dogs who:

Prefer human interaction over dog-to-dog play
Need a more structured or predictable routine
Are easily overstimulated in group environments
Benefit from a more personalized level of care

We take the time to get to know each dog as an individual, adjusting their daily routine to match their energy level, temperament, and comfort.

EDIT: thanks for your patience!! Phones are finally back up!!

Spectrum is having issues for our kennel line and won’t be out to service us until about 3pm tomorrow!
Please text us or msg us online for communications until then. Sorry for the inconvenience 😢

We are hiring!

🐾 Now Hiring: Weekend Kennel Assistant 🐾
Shirley’s Valley Grooming, Boarding & Daycare

We’re looking for a reliable, hardworking animal lover to join our team for a weekend morning shift. This is a hands-on role in a structured, clean, and care-focused environment—perfect for someone who enjoys staying active and working closely with dogs and cats.

💲 Pay

$16/hour

🕒 Schedule

Friday, Saturday, Sunday
6:30 AM – 2:30 PM

🐶 Responsibilities
Prepare and serve breakfast, including administering morning medications
Feed, clean, and care for cats (with playtime if time allows)
Refresh food and water bowls daily
Check and refill water throughout the day for all pets
Maintain cleanliness of kennels during the day
Perform daily deep cleaning of indoor and outdoor kennel runs
Hose out urine areas (weather permitting) to keep dogs clean and comfortable
Scoop waste throughout the day
Change out dog beds and water buckets daily with clean replacements
Monitor pets closely to ensure safety, health, and well-being
Assist with check-ins and check-outs
Laundry and general facility upkeep
🐾 What We’re Looking For
Dependable and punctual
Comfortable with physical work and being on your feet
Able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
Strong attention to detail and cleanliness
Observant and proactive with animal care
Positive attitude and team player

🐕 About Us

We specialize in structured, individualized care—this is not a free-for-all play environment. We take pride in maintaining a clean, calm, and safe space for every dog and cat in our care.

📩 To Apply:
Send us a message or stop by in person—we’d love to meet you!