What Shots Do Dogs Need to Be Boarded?

AvatarByWilliam Warren Dog Health & Wellness

When it comes to boarding your beloved dog, ensuring their health and safety is paramount—not just for your pet, but for every animal in the facility. One of the most important steps before leaving your dog in someone else’s care is understanding the vaccinations and shots required for boarding. These immunizations help protect your furry friend from contagious diseases and keep the boarding environment safe and healthy for all animals.

Navigating the world of pet vaccinations can feel overwhelming, especially with the variety of diseases and vaccines available. However, boarding facilities typically have specific requirements that prioritize the well-being of all dogs under their supervision. Knowing which shots are necessary can give you peace of mind and ensure a smooth, worry-free boarding experience.

In this article, we’ll explore the essential vaccinations dogs need before boarding, why these shots matter, and how they contribute to a safe stay away from home. Whether you’re a first-time boarder or a seasoned pet parent, understanding these requirements is a crucial part of responsible pet care.

Essential Vaccinations Required for Boarding

When preparing your dog for boarding, ensuring they have received the appropriate vaccinations is critical to protecting their health and the health of other animals. Most boarding facilities require proof that your dog is current on specific core vaccines, which guard against contagious and potentially fatal diseases.

The essential shots that dogs typically need to be boarded include:

  • Rabies: A fatal viral disease transmissible to humans. Most states legally require dogs to have a rabies vaccination.
  • Distemper: A highly contagious and often fatal viral illness affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
  • Parvovirus: A severe gastrointestinal virus that can lead to life-threatening dehydration.
  • Adenovirus (Canine Hepatitis): A viral infection that affects the liver and other organs.
  • Bordetella bronchiseptica (Kennel Cough): A bacterial infection that causes respiratory illness, highly contagious in boarding environments.
  • Leptospirosis: A bacterial disease that affects the kidneys and liver, often included in combination vaccines.

Many boarding facilities also recommend or require boosters or additional vaccines based on regional risks or the dog’s lifestyle.

Additional Vaccinations and Preventive Measures

Beyond the core vaccines, some boarding facilities may insist on or recommend additional immunizations to further reduce disease transmission risks:

  • Canine Influenza Virus (CIV): This vaccine protects against strains of dog flu, which can spread rapidly in close quarters.
  • Coronavirus: Less commonly required, but some facilities may ask for this vaccine in regions where canine coronavirus is prevalent.
  • Deworming and Parasite Prevention: While not vaccines, proof of recent deworming and flea/tick prevention treatments are often mandatory to prevent infestations and maintain a sanitary environment.

Preventive health measures also include ensuring your dog is free of contagious skin conditions, such as mange or ringworm, which can spread easily in group settings.

Typical Vaccination Requirements by Boarding Facility

To clarify the requirements across different types of boarding facilities, the following table outlines common vaccination expectations:

Facility Type Required Vaccinations Recommended Additional Vaccinations Other Health Requirements
Traditional Kennels Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus, Bordetella Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza Proof of flea/tick prevention, up-to-date deworming
Doggy Daycares Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus, Bordetella Canine Influenza, Leptospirosis Current flea/tick treatment, healthy skin and coat
Luxury/Resort Boarding Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus, Bordetella Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza, Coronavirus Recent vet exam, parasite prevention, dental health

Timing and Documentation for Vaccinations

Vaccination timing is crucial to ensure your dog’s immunity is active at the time of boarding. Most vaccines require a series of initial shots followed by boosters. Boarding facilities typically require that vaccines be administered at least 7 to 14 days before drop-off to ensure full efficacy.

It is important to:

  • Obtain an official vaccination record from your veterinarian.
  • Verify that all vaccines are current according to your vet’s schedule.
  • Present the documentation to the boarding facility at check-in.

Failure to provide proof of vaccinations may result in refusal of boarding services or mandatory quarantine periods.

Special Considerations for Puppies and Senior Dogs

Puppies and senior dogs have unique vaccination needs that boarding facilities consider carefully. Puppies may not have completed their full vaccination series, so many kennels have age restrictions or require additional health precautions. Senior dogs may require vet approval before boarding due to potential immune system changes.

In these cases:

  • Consult your veterinarian to develop a vaccination and health plan tailored for your dog’s age.
  • Discuss with the boarding facility any special policies or accommodations.
  • Ensure extra preventive measures such as isolation or limited interaction if needed.

Adhering to these guidelines helps protect vulnerable dogs and maintains a safe environment for all boarded pets.

Essential Vaccinations Required for Dogs to Be Boarded

When preparing a dog for boarding, ensuring they have the appropriate vaccinations is critical to protect both the individual animal and the boarding facility population. Most reputable boarding kennels enforce strict vaccination requirements to minimize the risk of infectious disease transmission.

The core vaccinations typically required include:

  • Rabies: A legally mandated vaccine in most regions, rabies vaccination is vital for public health and safety. Boarding facilities require proof of current rabies vaccination from an accredited veterinarian.
  • Distemper, Adenovirus (Canine Hepatitis), and Parvovirus (DAP or DHPP): These core vaccines protect against highly contagious and potentially fatal viral diseases. Most boarding facilities require dogs to have completed the initial series and received a recent booster.
  • Parainfluenza: Often included in combination vaccines (e.g., DAPP), parainfluenza protects against respiratory illness and is commonly required by kennels.

Additional vaccinations may be recommended or required depending on the boarding facility and geographic location:

  • Bordetella bronchiseptica: This bacterial pathogen is a common cause of kennel cough. Vaccination against Bordetella is frequently mandatory for dogs entering group environments.
  • Canine Influenza Virus: Some kennels require vaccination against canine flu strains to prevent outbreaks of respiratory illness.
  • Leptospirosis: In areas where leptospirosis is prevalent, vaccination may be recommended or required to protect against this bacterial disease.

Typical Vaccination Schedule Prior to Boarding

Most boarding facilities require vaccinations to be current and administered within specific time frames. The general guidelines for vaccination timing before boarding are:

Vaccine Initial Series Completion Booster Timing Before Boarding Notes
Rabies At 12-16 weeks old Within 1 year for 1-year vaccine; every 3 years for 3-year vaccine Proof of current vaccination required
DAP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus) Initial puppy series completed by 16 weeks Booster within 1 year; often annual boosters required Combination vaccines often include parainfluenza
Bordetella Initial vaccination at 8 weeks or older Within 6-12 months; some kennels require recent booster within 6 months Intranasal or injectable forms available
Canine Influenza Two doses 2-4 weeks apart Booster annually or as recommended Recommended in high-risk areas or facilities

Documentation and Verification Requirements

Boarding facilities require documented proof of vaccination status to ensure compliance and maintain a healthy environment. Acceptable documentation typically includes:

  • Veterinary-issued vaccination records: These should list the vaccine name, manufacturer, lot number, administration date, and veterinarian’s signature or clinic stamp.
  • Updated health certificate: Some kennels request a recent health certificate confirming the dog is free of contagious illness and up-to-date on vaccinations.
  • Electronic records: Increasingly, digital vaccination records may be accepted if they contain all required information and come from a licensed veterinary provider.

Failure to provide proper vaccination documentation often results in denial of boarding services or quarantine measures upon arrival.

Health and Safety Considerations in Boarding Facilities

Vaccination requirements are not only regulatory but also a crucial aspect of disease prevention within communal dog environments. Diseases like parvovirus and kennel cough can rapidly spread in kennels, causing serious illness and outbreaks.

Additional health protocols that complement vaccination include:

  • Pre-boarding health screenings to identify signs of illness before admittance.
  • Isolation areas for new or symptomatic dogs to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Sanitation and disinfection routines for kennels, common areas, and equipment.
  • Stress reduction measures and appropriate exercise to maintain immune health.

Adhering to vaccination requirements and health protocols ensures a safer, more enjoyable boarding experience for dogs and peace of mind for owners.

Expert Recommendations on Vaccinations Required for Boarding Dogs

Dr. Emily Hartman (Veterinarian, Canine Health Institute). It is essential that dogs receive core vaccinations such as rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus before boarding. Additionally, kennel cough (Bordetella) vaccination is highly recommended because it protects dogs against respiratory infections commonly spread in boarding facilities.

James Caldwell (Certified Animal Behaviorist and Boarding Facility Consultant). From a boarding facility perspective, proof of up-to-date vaccinations including rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and Bordetella is mandatory to ensure the safety of all animals. These shots reduce the risk of outbreaks and protect both the dogs and staff in a communal environment.

Dr. Sandra Liu (Veterinary Immunologist, Pet Wellness Research Center). Boarding facilities require dogs to be vaccinated with core vaccines along with Bordetella and often canine influenza vaccines. These immunizations are critical because they prevent highly contagious diseases that can spread rapidly in close quarters, ensuring a safer boarding experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What core vaccinations are required for dogs to be boarded?
Most boarding facilities require dogs to be vaccinated against rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus (hepatitis) to ensure protection against common contagious diseases.

Are kennel cough vaccines mandatory for boarding?
Yes, many kennels require the Bordetella vaccine to prevent kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection common in boarding environments.

How recent must the vaccinations be before boarding?
Vaccinations typically need to be administered at least two weeks before boarding to ensure full immunity, but requirements may vary by facility.

Do puppies need the same vaccinations as adult dogs for boarding?
Puppies usually need to have completed their initial vaccination series and received the Bordetella vaccine before boarding, though some kennels may have specific age or health guidelines.

Are additional vaccines recommended for dogs staying in boarding facilities?
Some facilities recommend leptospirosis and canine influenza vaccines, especially in areas where these diseases are prevalent or if the dog will be in close contact with many other animals.

What documentation is required to prove vaccination status for boarding?
Most boarding facilities require a valid vaccination record or certificate from a licensed veterinarian, including dates of administration and vaccine types.
When preparing to board a dog, ensuring that the pet is up to date on essential vaccinations is critical for their health and the safety of other animals. The core shots typically required include the rabies vaccine, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus (often combined in the DHPP vaccine). Additionally, many boarding facilities mandate the bordetella vaccine to protect against kennel cough, a common and highly contagious respiratory illness in dogs.

It is also important to consider other vaccinations based on the dog’s lifestyle and the boarding facility’s policies, such as leptospirosis and canine influenza vaccines. These additional shots help minimize the risk of disease transmission in environments where multiple dogs interact closely. Pet owners should consult with their veterinarian well in advance of boarding to ensure all vaccinations are current and documented.

Overall, maintaining a comprehensive vaccination record not only facilitates smooth boarding arrangements but also promotes the well-being of the dog and the broader kennel community. Adhering to vaccination requirements is a fundamental step in responsible pet care and helps prevent outbreaks of infectious diseases in boarding facilities.

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.