[MR] Dogs at events

[Alianora Munro]

Please note that whatever the 4-H requires for dogs at
its dog shows is not prescriptive across the boards. 
There's no requirement for exhibitors to show
vaccination records for dogs entered in an AKC dog
show, for example.

That said, anyone who goes to dog shows, sponsored by
any organisation, without having their dogs fully
vaccinated is a demmed fool.

Also, as Kari points out, many of us who are longtime
dog people vaccinate our own dogs for distemper,
bordatella/parainfluenza, etc.  In most states this is
perfectly legal and is significantly cheaper than
having the vet do it.  I usually drop off the
information on the vaccines I give with my vet (so
they keep their records up to date and stop sending me
the postcards), so I probably could get an official
record if I wanted one, but that's a housekeeping
decision I make, not one which is required.

The exception is rabies, which in most states must be
given by a licensed veterinarian.  This is partly
because rabies represents a human health risk that,
say, kennel cough does not, and partly because it's an
intramuscular vaccine which requires a little more
knowledge to give than the others, which are
subcutaneous shots.  (Except bordatella/parainfluenza,
which is intranasal.  Achoo!)

Personally, I'd be opposed to adding health
certification requirements to the bringing of dogs to
events.  It would represent an unfair burden on the
dog owner and an additional duty for the autocrat in
the way of enforcement.

'nora




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Dame Alianora Munro, OL
the website: http://hometown.aol.com/noramunro/Chateau/index.htm
the blog:  http://damenora.diaryland.com

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