Canine Influenza Vaccination Policy

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Below is some helpful information about the vaccination. Please note that we are not veterinarians and ask that you speak with your vet with any questions or concerns.



What is the deadline for receiving the vaccination?
The vaccination is readily available now. We require that all dogs coming into our facility for any of our services have received at least the first round. You would need to go back for the booster within three weeks.



What if my dog has already experienced Canine Influenza?
Even if your dog experienced Canine Influenza in the past, we still need proof of the H3N2 vaccination going forward. Vets have indicated to us that last year it was difficult to tell whether certain dogs had CIV or canine cough, and that many did not have confirmed lab results. Therefore, requiring the vaccination helps ensure that all dogs that come here are properly protected. This helps your dog, and helps other customers' dogs, especially since a dog could be a carrier and not show any signs itself, yet pass the virus on to someone else.

The manufacturers indicate that the vaccination will not harm your dog, even if it had CIV or other respiratory issues in the past.



Which strain of Canine Influenza do you require protection against?
At a minimum, we need your dog to be vaccinated against the H3N2 strain, which is what spread throughout Chicago last year. The document from your vet needs to clearly specify H3N2 - if it is not clear, please call the vet and have them send us something that indicates that this was the strain vaccinated against.

In previous years, there was a different strain of the virus that affected Chicago, called H3N8. You can get a "combo vaccination" that covers both strains - it will cost a little more money but gives the most protection.



Will my dog be contagious after receiving the vaccination?
No - the vaccination doesn't give your dog a live form of the virus. The virus is already killed, and only builds your dog's immunity levels to it.



How is the vaccination administered?
It is an injectable shot. When your dog first receives it, you will need to make two vet visits, three weeks apart. Once your dog receives it, the manufacturers recommend annual boosters, which only require one vet visit instead of two.



What if my dog already received the vaccination in 2015?
We would still need your dog to receive it again. This is because the previous vaccination did not cover the H3N2 strain, which is the current strain of the virus that affected Chicago. The manufacturers only began making the vaccination for this strain in November 2015. Earlier In 2015, some vets were offering a vaccination for Canine Influenza, but it was only for the H3N8 strain, which was out of date. This was better than no protection at all, but still wasn't combating this current form of influenza.



What if the virus changes in the future?
Similarly to human vaccinations, the manufacturers are constantly updating the formulations and will always be trying to keep up with changes to the virus.



Is Tucker Pup's the only company requiring this vaccination?
Many vets and dog businesses are requiring, or will soon require, this vaccination. If they do not, it is a major risk they are taking, and we are not willing to take that risk. It is in the entire community's best interest to stamp it out, which can really only occur through vaccinations.



How much does the vaccination cost?
All vets will charge different amounts for the vaccination. The price is likely comparable to other vaccinations your dog already receives. Some vets may charge an office visit, some may not.



What if I don't want my dog to get it?
All dogs coming to Tucker Pup's facility must receive the vaccination. It is simply a risk that we cannot take going into the future. The only exception is if your vet writes a letter stating that they do not recommend it for your dog due to medical reasons, and provide a corresponding health condition. If this were the case, and we waive the requirement for you, we bear no liability or responsibility if your dog contracts the virus while in our care.



Should my puppy receive the vaccination?
According to the manufacturers, the H3N2 vaccination can be given to all healthy dogs that are at least eight weeks old.



How long will my dog be protected?
The CIV vaccinations we are familiar with will last for one year.



Where can I get more information?
Zoetis and Merck are the biggest manufacturers of the vaccination.



Can my dog still get canine influenza after receiving the vaccination?
The vets have told us that, as is the case with any vaccination, it is still possible that your dog would contract the virus. However, it would be much less likely, and the effects would likely be much less severe.