Vero Beach, Florida

FAQs

At Orchid Island Dog Spa, there is no question too big or too small for our team. Below are some answers to our most common questions.

Make a Reservation
Pinebrook Animal Hospital

The Answers to Your Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some common FAQs that might help answer any questions or concerns. Please feel free to call us at 772-217-8257 for any other concerns you might have about your pet.

General Questions

Do you offer grooming?

Grooming services will be returning Tuesday, June 21st. Visit our pet grooming page to learn more!

What are the requirements to board?

Proof of current vaccination against:

  • Distemper Combo (distemper, parvo, parainfluenza, adenovirus)
  • Rabies
  • Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
  • Canine Influenza

Proof of negative fecal testing every 6 months.

Age requirement: 16 weeks and older

Breeds restriction: None!

Neuter vs. Spay: Pets over 6 months of age must be spayed/neutered in order to take part in group play. This is for safety (fighting potential increases) and liability (unwanted pregnancy) reasons. We still welcome unaltered pets to stay with us for standard boarding.

In-heat: We allow boarding of in-heat dogs, however, an additional cleaning fee will be associated with the stay, due to additional hygiene measures (whether cleaning enclosure, changing diapers, etc)

External Parasites (Fleas/Ticks): It is strongly recommended that all guests be maintained on flea/tick prevention

Any pets who are found to have external parasites will be treated with CapStar at the owner’s expense.

Will my pet miss me?
It is very likely that your pet will miss you. However, boarding your pet with us will be a positive experience for your pet. They will get spoiled, lots of play with other dogs, and loads of attention.
Should I bring anything for my pet?

When preparing to board your pet at Orchid Island Dog Spa, it is important to think about its daily routine. For example, if your pet needs special food or medications, or sleeps with a specific blanket, you may want to bring it.

How do I make a reservation?

You can make a reservation online or by calling us directly.

Is your boarding facility clean and safe?

At Orchid Island Dog Spa we maintain a secure, hygienic boarding facility at all times. This insistence on cleanliness ensures a healthy environment for all guests.

Do you offer Veterinary Hospital Transportation?
  • Yes!  Our team will work with you to coordinate a physical exam at the veterinarian of your choice.  The team member will transport to and from, and accompany your pet throughout their visit. (Veterinary Transportation Fee $85).
  •  Same-day appointments (Mon-Sat) are ALWAYS available for Orchid Island Dog Spa guests at Mermaid Vet Hospital (with no transportation fee!) if your preferred veterinarian is not available.
What are your hours?

Mon – Sun: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm

What are your payment options?

We gladly accept cash and all major credit cards.

Flu Vaccine Requirement

We will be requiring all our guests in boarding and daycare be vaccinated against canine influenza. Due to this change, we have prepared the below information to answer some questions you may have.

Why are we making this change?

Here are two reasons for this change taking place now.

  1. Recent outbreaks:
    The last major outbreak of canine influenza in Florida took place in 2017. In June and July of this year, the virus took a foothold in Palm Beach, with dozens of pets infected.
  2. Change in ownership:
    As you may know, Orchid Island Dog Spa has been acquired by a veterinary couple: Dr. Peter Mosites and Dr. Reina Hagstrom. As a result, there will be an increased emphasis on providing holistic care to our guests, taking medical considerations into account in addition to diet, comfort, exercise, and socialization.
What is canine influenza (dog flu)?
Canine influenza (also known as dog flu) is a contagious respiratory disease in dogs caused by specific Type A influenza viruses known to infect dogs. These are called “canine influenza viruses.” No human infections with canine influenza have ever been reported. There are two different influenzas A dog flu viruses: one is an H3N8 virus and the other is an H3N2 virus. Canine influenza A(H3N2) viruses are different from seasonal influenza A(H3N2) viruses that spread annually in people.
What are signs of canine influenza in dogs?
The signs of this illness in dogs are cough, runny nose, fever, lethargy, eye discharge, and reduced appetite, but not all dogs will show signs of illness. The severity of illness associated with canine flu in dogs can range from no signs to severe illness resulting in pneumonia and sometimes death.

Most dogs recover within 2 to 3 weeks. However, some dogs may develop secondary bacterial infections which may lead to more severe illness and pneumonia. Anyone with concerns about their pet’s health, or whose pet is showing signs of canine influenza, should contact their veterinarian.

How serious is canine influenza in dogs?
The percentage of dogs infected with this disease that die is very small. Some dogs have asymptomatic infections (no signs of illness), while some have a severe illness with infection. Severe illness is characterized by the onset of pneumonia.
How is canine influenza virus spread?

Almost all dogs are susceptible to canine flu infection, and virus infection tends to spread among dogs housed in kennels and shelters. Canine flu is thought to spread mainly among dogs through respiratory droplets produced during coughing and sneezing from infected dogs, or through contact with contaminated surfaces. Therefore, dog owners whose dogs are coughing or showing other signs of respiratory disease should not expose their dog to other dogs or to cats. Clothing, equipment, surfaces, and hands should be cleaned and disinfected after exposure to dogs showing signs of respiratory disease.

My dog has a cough. What should I do?
If your pet is showing signs of respiratory illness, we kindly ask that you keep them home from daycare and seek alternatives to boarding such as in-home-care. Consult your veterinarian to determine if an appointment is needed so the veterinarian can evaluate your dog and recommend an appropriate course of treatment.

Please feel free to reach out to any of our staff with questions regarding this new policy. We look forward to providing a safer, healthier space for your pets when they are away from home.