OKC Animal Daycare Urges Owners To Vaccinate Pets

An Oklahoma City metro pet daycare is warning dog owners to get their pets vaccinated against canine influenza.

The virus has already killed several shelter dogs and caused major issues across the metro.

RELATED: Veterinarians Advise Dog Owners to Avoid Exposing Pets to Group Settings During Outbreak

Miss Doolittle’s Pet Stay and Play in Oklahoma City said they have ramped up cleaning efforts and is even looking into setting a date for the canine flu vaccine to be mandatory.

The owner, Adena Finch, said cleanliness has always been a priority at her business but it's even more important now.

"We’ve had a couple dogs who didn’t act like they felt good, the parents were very understanding, came and picked them up, took them to the vet and they were fine, just had a stomach bug or something,“ Finch said. "It’s really a contagious and fast spreading disease so that’s why we’re trying to be strict on it”

The shelter said there are new protocols in place for dogs that are similar to what humans dealt with during COVID-19, including a closed lobby, temperature checks, spraying shoes, higher concentration of disinfectant and more. 

Finch also said the canine flu vaccine is hard to come by and is in high demand right now, but once local vets have the supply, the vaccine will be mandatory for pets to attend daycare.