Before your dog can stay at a boarding kennel or pet hotel, you will need to show proof that their vaccinations are current. Requirements vary by facility, but most have a core set of vaccines they require for all boarders. Understanding what is needed — and why — helps you prepare well in advance of your trip.
Core Vaccinations Required by Most Boarding Facilities
- Rabies: required by law in most US states and mandatory at virtually every boarding facility. Dogs must have a current rabies certificate.
- DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza): often called the distemper combo or 5-in-1 vaccine. This protects against several serious and potentially fatal diseases and is required by most facilities.
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough): the most commonly required boarding-specific vaccine. Bordetella is highly contagious in group settings and spreads easily in kennels, dog parks, and grooming facilities. Most facilities require it within the last 6 to 12 months.
Additional Vaccines Some Facilities Require
Beyond the core three, some boarding facilities — particularly those offering group play — require additional vaccines:
- Leptospirosis: a bacterial infection spread through contaminated water or soil. More commonly required in facilities with outdoor play areas in areas with wildlife exposure.
- Canine Influenza (H3N2 and H3N8): dog flu spreads rapidly in kennel environments. Not universally required but increasingly common, especially in larger metro areas.
- Negative fecal exam: some facilities require a recent fecal test within the past 6 to 12 months to confirm your dog is free of intestinal parasites that could spread to other animals.
Always call the specific facility and ask for their vaccine requirements before your vet appointment. Requirements differ significantly between kennels, and showing up without the right documentation can mean your dog gets turned away.
Timing: When to Get Vaccinations Before Boarding
Timing matters more than most owners realize. Many facilities require that vaccines were administered at least 5 to 7 days before the boarding stay — not the day before. This is because vaccines need time to take effect, and a freshly vaccinated dog has not yet developed full immunity.
For Bordetella specifically, the intranasal form works faster (3 to 5 days) than the injectable form (1 to 2 weeks to full effect). If your dog has never had Bordetella before, factor this into your planning timeline.
What Documentation to Bring
Most facilities accept a printed or digital copy of your dog's vaccination records from your veterinarian. These should include the vaccine name, the date administered, and the expiration date since most vaccines are annual or triennial. Some facilities have their own intake forms — ask in advance if they need anything specific.
What If Your Dog Cannot Be Vaccinated for Medical Reasons?
Some senior dogs, immunocompromised dogs, or dogs recovering from illness may not be candidates for certain vaccines. If this applies to your dog, discuss it with your veterinarian and ask them to write a letter explaining the medical exemption. Some boarding facilities will accommodate exemptions with a vet's note — others will not, so call ahead.
Keeping Records Updated Year-Round
The easiest way to avoid scrambling before a trip is to keep your dog's vaccinations current year-round. Set a calendar reminder 30 days before each vaccine's expiration date. This way, you are never caught off guard when you need to book boarding on short notice.