We've Earned a Reputation for Excellence

Whether you're a working pet owner, or you're going out-of-town for the day, our helpful professionals are here to watch your dogs and cats. Your satisfaction is our top priority! If you are visiting the Gunnison/Crested Butte area and need a place for your dog to stay or play call Critter Sitters, we love visiting pets.

Have Questions About the "New" Respiratory Disease? 

Let us help ease your concerns.

The experts are telling us that currently we are having a periodic cluster of increased CIRDC cases sporadically across multiple states. 

• What is CIRDC? It stands for Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex which is endemic (always present in dog populations). 
• What does this mean? We are seeing a slight increase in coughing dogs resulting in an outbreak of media attention. With more cases, we often see more severe disease accompany the upswing. 
• CIRDC includes various bacterial and viral causes such as canine parainfluenza virus, Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine respiratory coronavirus, canine pneumovirus, canine influenza virus, Streptococcus zooepidemicus, and Mycoplasma.
• Things are still unfolding for the veterinary community with CIRDC, but right now there does not appear to be a need for increased concern. With more cases, we often see more severe disease accompany the upswing. Increases in deaths could be linked to the dogs’ physiology (other concurrent diseases which makes their bodies more compromised and less efficient at clearing normal infections), not the specific respiratory disease factors.

What can you do to protect your dog? 

• Talk to your vet about keeping your pet vaccinated against causes of CIRDC: canine parainfluenza and Bordetella bronchiseptica
• Limit your dog’s contacts, especially traveling family or friends with dogs of unknown health status. 
• Keep your dog away from other sick dogs. 
• If your dog is sick, keep it away from other dogs. 
  • Most dogs will present with just a cough and clear it on their own or with help of supportive therapy. Other coughing dogs can get pneumonia, and unfortunately, a few may die.

What we at GVC & Critter Sitters are doing to protect your dog: 

• All dogs are required to be up to date on their vaccinations against causes of CIRDC
  • Canine parainfluenza and Bordetella bronchiseptica
• We do not allow any known sick dogs to board or come to doggy daycare.
• We have vigorous sanitization and disinfection protocols in place to keep your pups safe.
• Any veterinary patients with reports of coughing, sneezing, or lethargy are triaged by our veterinary staff in the parking lot and not to leave their car to prevent any risk of infectious spread. 

Overall, if you are concerned that your dog may have CIRDC or that they may be exposed, talk to your veterinarian.

Follow the links below for further information:

• Respiratory Disease in Dogs Sweeping Across the US? Outbreak of Disease or Media Attention?
• Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease
• Pneumonia in Dogs and Cats
• Colorado State University investigates cause of spike in canine respiratory disease
• Colorado Department of Agriculture - Canine Respiratory Disease

Doggy Daycare : 

A fun day for your dogs

• Special 'Small Dogs Only' Areas
• Free Time and Socialized Periods
• On-site Veterinarians

Boarding: 

You'll have peace of mind with us

As a locally owned and operated company, our reliable team strives to meet your high standards of quality service. You'll receive friendly support and old-fashioned courtesy!

You can ask our experienced staff any questions. We immediately address your concerns with honest answers, helpful advice, and ideal recommendations.

• Indoor and Outdoor Kennels
• 30-foot Runs

Grooming: 

Your pet will look and feel their best

As a locally owned and operated company, our reliable team strives to meet your high standards of quality service. You'll receive friendly support and old-fashioned courtesy!