Training Class/Refusal to Vaccinate for Kennel Cough

Question: I run an obedience class and I am starting my own training school for the training of service dogs for wheelchairs. I have had a small group of people who do not think they need to get kennel cough but I require it to protect all of the dogs in the club including my own service dog. Thank you. D.L., Alberta, Canada.

ANSWER: Kudos to you for being strict requiring vaccinations for your training school and obedience class! Kennel cough is very easily transmitted between dogs-especially in group situations. It can also be transmitted through just contact with an area that another animal harboring the disease has been (this is called "fomite" transmission). The training of service dogs is very intensive (time and money) and I don't understand why someone would risk their animal's health status? Kennel cough is an upper respiratory tract infection that can be treated (in most cases), but why make your animal suffer through treatment when it is preventable with a vaccination? If cost is the main concern, consider the cost of several veterinary visits, antibiotics, cough suppressants, blood testing, chest xrays and other possible diagnostic measures should the dog contract the infection. If owners do not want to follow your requirements for vaccinations, do not allow them to expose your animals to infectious agents! Good luck!