Protocols for a Dog Quarantine Room

When a pet in your home becomes sick or when you bring a new pet home, quarantine is a necessary process. Quarantining a dog means keeping it separated from other animals or even people in the home for a period of time. A dog quarantine room can provide comfort for the dog while keeping it separated during a potentially contagious period.

Establish a Separate Space
- Establish an area in the home that can be the dog quarantine room. A room that does not get a lot of traffic is ideal, such as a guest bedroom or a spare bathroom. If you cannot designate an entire room, choose an out of the way area or even a quiet closet. This is especially important when the dog is ill, because not only is quarantine necessary, but the dog will also require peace, quiet and an opportunity to rest and rehabilitate.
Use a Carrier
- Prepare a crate or dog carrier for the dog. If the dog is sick or is a new addition to the home without the proper immunizations or health verification, a crate is the best place for it. Make the crate comfortable with soft bedding and access to food and water. Bring the dog out of the carrier throughout the day for elimination needs without exposing it to other animals in the home.
Plan and Prepare Ahead of Time
- Set the quarantine area up before you bring the pet home, according to Caroline Tanaka, a veterinarian in Austin, Texas. Prepare everything properly so you can bring the dog into the quarantine area immediately without any chance of passing an illness to other animals in the home. The sooner everything is prepared, the safer the quarantine area will be for everyone involved.
Verify the Length of Time
- Speak to your veterinarian to determine how long the dog should remain in quarantine. If the dog is ill, maintain the quarantine protocols until treatment is complete. If the animal is a new addition to the home, acquire the necessary vaccinations and health examination before introducing the dog to other animals in the home.