What Shots Are Required for Dogs to Be Boarded?

AvatarByWilliam Warren Dog Health & Wellness

When it comes to ensuring your furry friend’s safety and well-being during a stay away from home, understanding the necessary vaccinations is a crucial step. Whether you’re planning a short vacation or an extended trip, boarding facilities typically have specific health requirements to protect all animals in their care. Knowing what shots are required for dogs to be boarded not only helps you comply with these policies but also safeguards your pet from preventable illnesses.

Navigating the world of pet vaccinations can feel overwhelming, especially with the variety of diseases and immunizations involved. Boarding kennels and daycare centers often enforce strict vaccination protocols to minimize the risk of contagious diseases spreading among animals. These requirements are designed to create a safe environment where your dog can socialize and relax without health concerns.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the common vaccinations that boarding facilities expect, why they matter, and how staying up-to-date benefits your dog’s health beyond just the boarding experience. Whether you’re a first-time boarder or a seasoned pet owner, understanding these essentials will help you prepare your dog for a happy, healthy stay.

Core Vaccinations Required for Boarding

Most boarding facilities require dogs to be up-to-date on their core vaccinations to protect the health of all animals in their care. These vaccines are considered essential because they prevent highly contagious and potentially fatal diseases. The core vaccines typically mandated include:

  • Rabies: A fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system and is transmissible to humans. Rabies vaccination is often required by law and must be current.
  • Distemper: A contagious and serious viral illness that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
  • Adenovirus (Canine Hepatitis): Protects against infectious canine hepatitis, which can cause liver damage.
  • Parvovirus: A highly contagious virus that causes severe gastrointestinal illness, particularly dangerous in puppies.

These vaccines are usually administered in a combination shot known as the DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza). Boarding facilities require proof of vaccination within a specific timeframe, often one year for adult dogs and following a puppy vaccination schedule for younger dogs.

Non-Core Vaccinations Often Required

In addition to core vaccines, many boarding facilities request or require non-core vaccinations to further minimize the risk of disease transmission, especially in environments where dogs are housed closely together. Common non-core vaccines include:

  • Bordetella bronchiseptica: Often called the “kennel cough” vaccine, it protects against a highly contagious respiratory infection common in boarding and daycare environments.
  • Canine Influenza Virus (CIV): Protects against dog flu, which spreads rapidly in kennels.
  • Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection that can affect both dogs and humans, though this vaccine is required less frequently depending on geographic location and facility policy.

These vaccinations may be required to be administered shortly before boarding or within a certain period prior to admission (e.g., within the last six months for Bordetella).

Typical Vaccination Requirements by Facility Type

Different types of boarding facilities may have varying vaccination requirements based on the level of care, kennel size, and local regulations. The table below outlines common vaccine requirements:

Facility Type Core Vaccines Required Non-Core Vaccines Usually Required Additional Notes
Traditional Kennels Rabies, DHPP Bordetella Influenza and Leptospirosis may be recommended
Luxury/Resort Boarding Rabies, DHPP Bordetella, Canine Influenza Strict vaccination timelines; may require titers
Veterinary Boarding Rabies, DHPP Bordetella, Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza Often require comprehensive vaccination records
Doggy Daycare with Boarding Rabies, DHPP Bordetella, Canine Influenza May require more frequent vaccine updates

Timing and Documentation of Vaccinations

Most boarding facilities insist on valid vaccination certificates that include:

  • The dog’s name and breed.
  • Date of birth or age.
  • Vaccine type and manufacturer.
  • Date of administration.
  • Expiration date or booster due date.
  • Veterinarian’s signature and contact information.

The timing of vaccinations is crucial. For example, Bordetella vaccines are often required within 6 to 12 months before boarding, depending on the vaccine formulation (injectable or intranasal). Rabies vaccines must be current according to local laws, generally within 1 to 3 years. Core vaccines like DHPP should be up-to-date, usually meaning administered within the past year for adult dogs.

Puppies must complete their initial vaccination series and have at least one booster before boarding, though some facilities may have age restrictions or require additional health clearances.

Additional Health Requirements

Beyond vaccinations, boarding facilities may require other preventive health measures, such as:

  • Parasite control: Proof of recent flea, tick, and heartworm prevention is often required to protect all animals.
  • Health certificate: Some facilities request a recent veterinary health check, usually within 7 to 14 days prior to boarding.
  • Spay/neuter status: Certain facilities only board dogs that have been spayed or neutered to reduce behavioral issues.

Adhering to these requirements helps ensure a safe environment for your dog and other boarders. Always check with the specific boarding facility for their exact vaccination and health policies before making arrangements.

Essential Vaccinations Required for Dog Boarding

When preparing a dog for boarding, vaccination requirements are fundamental to ensure the health and safety of all animals on the premises. Boarding facilities mandate certain core and optional vaccines depending on the risk factors and local regulations. These vaccinations protect dogs from contagious diseases that can easily spread in close quarters.

Typically, the following vaccines are required or strongly recommended by most reputable boarding kennels:

  • Rabies: This is a legally required vaccine in many regions. Rabies is a fatal viral disease affecting the nervous system, and vaccination must be up to date.
  • Distemper, Adenovirus, and Parvovirus (DAP or DA2PP): These core vaccines protect against highly contagious and potentially deadly diseases. Most kennels require a complete series and recent booster.
  • Bordetella bronchiseptica (Kennel Cough): Often required due to the high risk of respiratory infections in boarding environments. This vaccine may be given via injection or intranasally.
  • Canine Influenza Virus (CIV): Increasingly mandated by boarding facilities to reduce outbreaks of flu-like illness in dogs.

Optional or situational vaccines may also be requested depending on the dog’s age, health, travel history, and the boarding facility’s policies:

  • Leptospirosis: Recommended in areas where exposure to wildlife or standing water is common.
  • Coronavirus: Less commonly required but sometimes included in broader vaccination protocols.

Typical Vaccination Timeline and Documentation for Boarding

To comply with boarding requirements, vaccinations must be administered within specific time frames to ensure optimal immunity and minimize the risk of disease transmission:

Vaccine Initial Series Booster Frequency Minimum Time Before Boarding
Rabies Single dose at 12-16 weeks Every 1-3 years (depending on vaccine type) At least 28 days prior (varies by local law)
DAP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus) Series starting at 6-8 weeks, with boosters every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks old Annually or triennially depending on protocol At least 14 days before boarding
Bordetella Single dose or initial series (intranasal or injectable) Every 6-12 months (depending on risk) Minimum 72 hours prior if injectable; intranasal may be effective sooner
Canine Influenza Two doses, 2-4 weeks apart Annually Completed series at least 2 weeks before boarding

Documentation must be current and usually includes a valid vaccination certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian. This certificate should clearly state the vaccine type, date administered, and expiration date if applicable. Many boarding facilities require physical copies or digital uploads prior to admission.

Additional Health Requirements and Best Practices

Beyond vaccinations, boarding facilities often impose other health standards to protect all animals in their care:

  • Parasite Control: Proof of recent flea, tick, and internal parasite prevention is commonly requested.
  • Health Certificate: Some kennels require a recent veterinary health exam within 10 days of boarding to confirm the dog is free from infectious diseases and fit to stay.
  • Spay/Neuter Status: Many facilities prefer or require dogs to be spayed or neutered to reduce behavioral issues and stress.
  • Behavioral Assessment: Dogs should be socialized and non-aggressive; some kennels may require behavioral screening or a trial stay.

Scheduling vaccinations well in advance of the boarding date allows time for the dog’s immune system to build protection and for any potential side effects to resolve. Owners should work closely with their veterinarian and the boarding facility to confirm all requirements and ensure a smooth, healthy stay for their dog.

Essential Vaccinations for Dogs Before Boarding: Expert Perspectives

Dr. Melissa Grant (Veterinarian, Canine Health Institute). “To ensure the safety and well-being of all dogs in a boarding facility, core vaccinations such as rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus are mandatory. Additionally, kennel cough (Bordetella) vaccination is highly recommended because it protects against respiratory infections that spread rapidly in close quarters.”

James L. Carter (Certified Canine Behaviorist and Boarding Facility Consultant). “From a boarding facility perspective, verifying that dogs are up-to-date on both core vaccines and Bordetella is critical to prevent outbreaks. Many reputable kennels also require the canine influenza vaccine, especially in regions where the virus is prevalent, to further reduce health risks during a dog’s stay.”

Dr. Anita Shah (Public Health Veterinarian, Companion Animal Disease Control). “Mandatory vaccinations for boarding dogs typically include rabies and the combination vaccine for distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus. Kennels often require proof of Bordetella vaccination within six months prior to boarding. These protocols minimize disease transmission and protect both animals and staff in communal environments.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What core vaccinations are typically required for dogs to be boarded?
Most boarding facilities require dogs to be vaccinated against rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus (hepatitis). These core vaccines protect against highly contagious and potentially fatal diseases.

Are kennel cough vaccinations mandatory for boarding?
Yes, many boarding kennels require dogs to have a kennel cough (Bordetella) vaccination, as this respiratory infection spreads quickly in group settings.

How recent must the vaccinations be before boarding a dog?
Vaccinations generally need to be current according to the veterinarian’s schedule, often within the last 12 months. Some kennels may require proof of vaccination within the past 6 months for kennel cough.

Do puppies need the same vaccinations as adult dogs to be boarded?
Puppies must have completed their initial vaccination series and be up to date on core vaccines before boarding. Some facilities may have age restrictions or additional requirements for young dogs.

Is a health certificate required along with vaccination records for boarding?
Many boarding facilities require a recent health certificate from a veterinarian, confirming the dog is free from contagious diseases and up to date on all required vaccinations.

Can exceptions be made for dogs with medical conditions affecting vaccination?
Some facilities may allow exceptions if a licensed veterinarian provides documentation explaining the medical condition and alternative health precautions are taken. It is important to discuss this with the boarding provider in advance.
When preparing a dog for boarding, it is essential to ensure that all required vaccinations are up to date to protect the health of the dog and other animals in the facility. Typically, boarding facilities require core vaccines such as Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus, and Adenovirus (often administered as a combination vaccine known as DHPP). Additionally, Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccination is commonly mandated due to the high risk of respiratory infections in kennel environments.

Some facilities may also require or recommend additional vaccines based on regional risks or the specific boarding environment, such as the Canine Influenza vaccine. Ensuring that your dog has received these vaccinations within the appropriate time frames before boarding is crucial, as it helps prevent outbreaks and maintains a safe environment for all pets.

In summary, confirming vaccination requirements with the boarding facility well in advance and maintaining proper veterinary records will facilitate a smooth boarding experience. Prioritizing these vaccinations not only complies with facility policies but also plays a critical role in safeguarding your dog’s health during their stay.

Author Profile

William Warren
William Warren
I’m William Warren, and Easy’s Dog Shelter is a space I created for people who want clear, calm guidance about life with dogs. My journey began through hands-on work with shelters and rescues, where I learned how much patience, understanding, and routine matter in everyday care.

Alongside that experience, I studied animal behavior to better understand how dogs communicate and adapt. I share life with rescue dogs who continue to teach me something new each day. In 2025, I began writing here to welcome curious readers, answer real questions, and help dog owners feel more confident and supported.