Frequently Asked Questions

When should I spay/neuter my pet?

• Owned female dogs should be spayed before they are 5 months old.
• Owned small, medium and large breed male dogs should be neutered before they are 5 months old.
• Owned giant breed male dogs who are house pets should be neutered after growth stops, between 12 to 15 months of age due to orthopedic concerns.
• Owned giant breed male dogs who roam freely should be neutered before they are 5 months old due to the population concerns of unintended breeding.

My pet may be in heat, can she still get spayed?

Yes! She may have a slightly longer recovery but it is still safe for her to have surgery.

I have multiple dogs - can I sign up everyone?

Yes! There is no limit per household - please submit a separate application for each pet. We will do our best to book everyone on the same day.

What vaccines will my pet be given?

1. Rabies 1yr
   All dogs in California are required by law to be vaccinated against rabies once they reach 4 months of age, and either once a year or every 3 years.
2. DHPP
   

   The DHPP vaccine is a combination vaccine that provides protection against canine distemper (D), infectious hepatitis/adenovirus (H) and parvovirus (P), as well as parainfluenza (P). Vaccines for distemper, infectious hepatitis and parvovirus fall under the ‘core’ category, which means that every dog should be given these, regardless of lifestyle or location.

   Distemper

   Canine distemper is a highly contagious and potentially fatal viral disease that impacts the respiratory, gastrointestinal, dermatological and neurological systems. It is commonly spread through direct contact with an infected dog, as their respiratory secretions contain high concentrations of the virus. Symptoms of distemper include discharge from the eyes and nose, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, hardened paw pads, fever and seizures. Unfortunately, there is no cure and treatment is largely supportive, with aims to control some of the symptoms and prevent secondary infection.

   Hepatitis

   Infectious canine hepatitis is caused by canine adenovirus which primarily targets the liver and the cells that line the inner surface of blood vessels. It is spread through urine and feces. Very severe forms of the disease can result in death within hours. Some symptoms of infectious hepatitis are fever, lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, enlarged lymph nodes, abdominal pain, bruises and jaundice (yellow discolouration of gums/whites of eyes). Like distemper, this can only be treated with supportive care.

   Parvovirus

   Parvovirus is another highly contagious and potentially fatal viral disease. It is most commonly seen in young dogs under 6 months old. Breeds that seem to be more susceptible include Doberman pinschers, Rottweilers, Labradors and German shepherd dogs. The virus attacks the intestines and bone marrow and is spread through feces and contaminated objects. The classic parvo signs are vomiting and foul-smelling bloody diarrhea. Other symptoms include fever, lethargy and anorexia. Again, treatment involves supportive care.

   Parainfluenza

   This virus is one of several that contributes to kennel cough, which is a respiratory infection. It can spread rapidly through the air. Boarding kennels and shelters are places where dogs are more at risk. Some signs of parainfluenza are coughing, sneezing, discharge from the nose and lethargy. Some may recover within 2 to 3 weeks without treatment while others may need supportive care.

Does my dog have to get licensed to use this service?

Yes! It is required by the state of California and City Ordinance Los Banos, California Municipal Code Sec.6-1.3001 Dog License tag – Required

Every owner of a dog which is four months of age or older, and which is kept in the city, shall obtain and maintain a current dog license tag for such dog from the City and shall pay the license fee as imposed by resolution of the City Council. No person shall refuse to exhibit such a license when so directed by an Animal Control Officer, Public Safety, or Code Enforcement Officer. The owner shall obtain the initial dog license tag within thirty (30) days of the dog reaching four (4) months of age; or within thirty (30) days of owning/keeping/possessing a dog over the age of four (4) months.

How to Obtain a license

Dog owners may purchase a license for one, two, or three years at a time. Those who purchase a two or three year license will enjoy a slight cost savings. Rabies vaccinations are required before a license can be issued. Once obtained, dog owners can bring proof of vaccination and proof that the dog has been spayed or neutered to the Los Banos Police Department at 1111 G St. or to the Los Banos Animal Shelter at 1010 Airport Rd.

By using this service you will receive a FREE 1 year license