Shirley's Valley Grooming Boarding & Daycare

05/14/2026

04/28/2026

Vaccine Shedding — What Dog Owners Should Understand

Not all vaccines behave the same.

Some—specifically live attenuated vaccines—contain a weakened form of the organism that can briefly replicate in the body after administration. Because of that, there is a short window where shedding of the vaccine strain can occur.

In dogs, the most relevant example in everyday settings is the intranasal or oral Bordetella vaccine (kennel cough). After administration, the organism can colonize the upper respiratory tract for a short period. During that time, dogs may shed small amounts of the bacteria and, in some cases, develop mild symptoms like coughing or nasal discharge.

This is well recognized in veterinary literature. For example, the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine notes that vaccinated dogs can still carry and spread Bordetella, even if they show minimal or no symptoms.

https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/bordetellosis

There is also documented evidence that vaccine strains of Bordetella can be shed after intranasal vaccination and, in rare cases, transmitted—particularly to individuals with compromised immune systems (including both animals and humans).

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10466264/

More broadly, the concept of vaccine shedding with live vaccines is well established:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaccine_shedding

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Why This Matters Around Other Dogs

In most healthy adult dogs, this isn’t a major issue. The risk is generally considered low.

But in certain situations, it becomes more relevant:

* Young puppies with immature immune systems
* Recently vaccinated dogs whose immune systems are still responding
* Immunocompromised or stressed dogs
* High-density environments like boarding, daycare, shelters, or transport

A recently vaccinated dog is not instantly protected. Their immune system is still building a response, which can make that overlap—shedding + exposure + stress—more significant.

This is one of the reasons why respiratory illness can still circulate in vaccinated populations. It’s not always a failure of the vaccine—it’s often a matter of timing and environment.

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The Practical Takeaway

This isn’t about avoiding vaccines. It’s about understanding how they work in real life.

With live vaccines like Bordetella:

* There can be a short shedding window
* Recently vaccinated dogs may still be vulnerable
* Close contact environments can amplify even low-risk factors

Good dog care isn’t just about what you do—it’s about when you do it, and who your dog is around when you do it.

04/28/2026

Did you know we bath baby ducks too 😂❤️
Our personal babies needed a good cleaning after playing in their food

04/24/2026

04/24/2026

Our boarding program is designed for dogs who benefit from structure, consistency, and individualized attention. We focus on providing a calm, controlled environment where each dog can relax, feel secure, and receive care tailored specifically to their needs.

Unlike large group-play facilities, we do not offer open-play daycare/boarding. Instead, we prioritize safety, stress reduction, and meaningful one-on-one interaction with our staff.

To maintain this level of care, we intentionally limit the number of dogs in our facility. This allows us to spend more time with each dog, closely monitor their well-being, and ensure they receive the attention they deserve throughout their stay.

Each dog enjoys their own private indoor/outdoor run, allowing them the freedom to move between spaces at their comfort level throughout the day.

Dogs must be people-friendly and comfortable being handled by staff in order to participate in activities outside of their run. We take our time with each dog in our care. Some dogs warm up to us faster than others. We don't push them past their limits. Dogs do not interact with other dogs unless they are from the same household and with owner approval.

What Your Dog’s Stay Includes
Every dog begins their stay with a temperament and handling evaluation to ensure we understand their comfort level, personality, and preferences.
Dogs who pass their evaluation receive:
Daily one-on-one yard time in a secure, private outdoor space or a 15–30 minute structured walk

Individual attention focused on engagement, decompression, and mental stimulation—not overstimulation

A consistent routine that supports calm behavior and reduces stress
Each dog is provided with:
A soft plush bed or elevated cot (based on your preference)
Clean bedding, blankets, and food/water bowls
A private space that is cleaned and sanitized daily

You are always welcome to bring bedding or items from home to help your dog feel more comfortable during their stay.
Our Approach

We understand that not every dog thrives in a chaotic, high-energy group setting. Many dogs do best in a quieter environment where they are not overwhelmed by constant interaction.

Our approach is ideal for dogs who:
Prefer human interaction over dog-to-dog play
Need a more structured or predictable routine
Are easily overstimulated in group environments
Benefit from a more personalized level of attention

We take the time to get to know each dog as an individual, adjusting their daily routine to match their energy level, temperament, and comfort.

04/22/2026

We have 2 beautiful dogs looking for a home. 1 is an American Bulldog/Pressa Canario female about 6 or so years old. The other is a 9 year male Belgian Malinois.

Both are sweet and good mannered. Have been around older children (teenage years). Malinois fine with respectful dogs. The female can get over excited, but with proper training I think a good male companion would be good.

Malinois is on daily thyroid medication.

The owner of the dogs has passed away and left the dogs with us 😢

They can go home together or separate.

Msg us for more info!

04/21/2026

Some times we just need to cuddle with our groomer after a bath ❤️🐾

04/18/2026

Spring and Summer is here!
Make your boarding and grooming appointments! 🐾
Call or book online
Enjoy this adorable burrito 😍

04/09/2026

Now Hiring: Pet Care Operations Assistant

Location: Shirleys Valley Grooming, Boarding & Daycare
Schedule: Tuesday–Saturday | 6:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Pay: Starting at $16/hour + tips

We’re looking for a reliable, team-oriented Pet Care Operations Assistant to help support all areas of our facility. This is a hands-on, fast-paced role where no two mornings look exactly the same—you’ll be assisting with grooming, boarding care, and front desk tasks as needed.

If you enjoy staying busy, working with animals, and being part of a structured, team-driven environment, this could be a great fit.

Grooming Support (Primary Focus)

Bathing and drying dogs
Assisting groomers with prep work
Maintaining a clean and organized grooming space
Boarding & Animal Care

Feeding dogs and cats
Caring for boarding cats
Monitoring pets for overall health and well-being
Assisting with medications (as directed)
Front Desk & Client Care

Answering phones and responding to emails
Managing online bookings and scheduling
Checking clients in and out
Providing a positive, professional experience for clients
Facility Support & Daily Upkeep

Keeping the salon, lobby, and feed room clean and organized
Washing dishes, food bowls, and water buckets
Assisting with laundry and general cleaning tasks
Jumping in to help wherever needed throughout the shift
What We’re Looking For

Team player with a strong work ethic
Genuine love for animals
Comfortable in a fast-paced, sometimes messy environment
Willingness to learn and grow
Ability to take constructive feedback and apply it
Reliable and consistent attendance