Typically, boarding facilities require your pets to be vaccinated. Not knowing what shots do dogs need to be boarded can lead to them being turned away from kennels or hotels. I am sharing the most commonly required dog vaccinations, so you can leave your fur baby under professional care while keeping them protected against fatal diseases.
What Shots Do Dogs Need to Be Boarded?
The core shots typically required for dogs to be boarded include DHPP/DAPP, which protects against distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus, as well as Bordetella and rabies. Many kennels also require or strongly recommend the leptospirosis and canine influenza vaccines, especially in areas where outbreaks have occurred or in facilities with high dog populations.
When you’re planning to board your dog, you should know that most pet boarding services require a pet to be vaccinated. Read this article to know what vaccines a dog needs to be boarded. You will find useful information so your dog’s stay at a kennel goes smoothly.
Required Vaccines for Boarding Dogs in a Boarding Facility
Do you want to keep your pet fully protected and eligible for daycare or boarding at a pet hotel? These shots safeguard your dog and other animals from contagious diseases that can spread quickly when pets are in close proximity, making them vital requirements for most kennels.
To know more about the vaccine requirements for boarding a dog, I have provided you with some information on where to get started when you bring your dog to a clinic or veterinary hospital to get a vaccination plan.Vaccine Protects Against Frequency DHPP/DAPP Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus Series of shots for puppies, then annually or every three years for adults Leptospirosis Kidney damage, liver failure Two doses with a two- to four-week interval for the initial vaccination; annual booster Bordetella Respiratory diseases Every six to 12 months, depending on risk factors Rabies Rabies virus Initially at three to four months, then annually or every three years, as required by law Canine Influenza Dog flu Annually, often recommended for animals that board frequently
1. DHPP/DAPP
The DHPP/DAPP vaccine protects a pet against several highly contagious and potentially fatal diseases. This makes it important for dogs who need to enter kennels where they may be exposed to other animals.
This core vaccine safeguards against distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus, which can spread rapidly in close-quarters environments, like kennels. In some cases, veterinarians provide DAPP, which is a combination vaccine meant to protect your dog against distemper, adenovirus types 1 and 2, parainfluenza, and parvovirus.
I can arrange a vaccination schedule for you if your dog hasn’t been vaccinated. Make sure to take them to a veterinarian right away if you notice your dog displaying symptoms of distemper,
2. Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that damages the kidneys and liver. It is usually given alongside the DAPP vaccine. Your dog should get this vaccine annually for it to stay effective.
Boarding for dogs often requires this vaccine because the bacterial infection can spread through contact with contaminated water or soil. This vaccine can control and prevent the spread of leptospirosis, which is a risk in environments where animals share common areas.
3. Bordetella
Bordetella bronchiseptica is a pathogen that affects the upper respiratory system in dogs. A dog who is at least 10 weeks old can get the Bordetella vaccine.
After that, you get booster shots every year for your dog. I recommended that you wait a few days to board your pet after getting the Bordetella vaccine. This is to help build and recover your dog’s immunity.
4. Rabies
Following the proper rabies vaccine schedule can protect your pet from a fatal disease that affects the central nervous system and can be transmitted to humans. Dogs need yearly booster shots for rabies in one or three-year increments.
Kennels require this vaccination because rabies is highly contagious and can spread through bites or scratches. With this vaccine, you can help kennels and veterinary hospitals maintain a safe environment for both the animals in their care and the staff members who interact with them.
5. Canine Influenza (H3N8 and H3N2)
Pets who are frequently exposed to places with many gatherings of animals, such as dog parks in Temecula, are at higher risk for developing dog flu or canine influenza.
This vaccine should be done yearly. Also, it’s best to get any vaccine two weeks before boarding to make sure your dog feels better and that any side effects are remedied.
What Happens if I Don’t Get My Dog Vaccinated Before Boarding?
A proper vaccination plan safeguards a pet’s health. These are the consequences of not vaccinating your dog before taking them to a kennel:
- Most dog kennels and doggy daycare centers require proof of current shots, which means you can’t book their services if you don’t meet their vaccine requirements.
- Vaccines need time to become effective, so last-minute shots may not fully protect your pet from contagious diseases common in close-quarters environments.
- Unvaccinated animals are often turned away from kennels, and if accepted, they risk exposure to potentially deadly diseases that may require costly veterinary intervention.
I can provide guidance on the necessary immunization and timing to make sure your dog is properly protected before staying at a kennel.
How Do I Prepare My Dog for Boarding Facilities?
Properly preparing for a boarding facility can significantly reduce stress for both you and your pet. This leads to a more positive experience and increases the likelihood of a successful stay. Here’s how you can prepare your dog:
- Research and choose reputable boarding facilities that meet your needs.
- Familiarize yourself with the facility’s policies, rules, and daily routines so you can comply without sacrificing your dog’s comfort.
- Maintain a calm demeanor when dropping off your pet to avoid transferring any anxiety.
- Be prepared for potential behavioral changes upon their return home.
- Consult with your veterinarian about any specific considerations for your dog’s stay, especially if they have health needs or concerns.
What Are My Other Options if My Dog Can’t Be Boarded?
You may consider other options if you cannot administer the vaccination in time. You can ask a relative or friend to stay at your home during the days you’re away. There might be some who offer dog sitting services as well.
When it’s inconvenient for your friends or relatives to stay at your house, you can ask them to watch your pet over at their house.
Related Questions
What Are the Core Vaccinations for a Dog?
Vaccines considered mandatory or core vaccines for dogs include distemper, parvovirus, canine hepatitis, and rabies. Except for the rabies vaccine, the three can be administered together via the DAPP vaccine.
What Vaccinations Do Dogs Need for Kennels?
Dogs typically need DHPP/DAPP, Bordetella, rabies, and influenza shots for kennel stays. It’s important to follow the recommended vaccination schedule and make sure the shots are up-to-date before letting your pet stay at a kennel.
How Long After Taking the Kennel Cough Vaccine Can a Dog Be Boarded?
Most boarding facilities recommend waiting at least seven to 10 days after the Bordetella shot has been given before putting your furry friend at a new facility. This waiting period allows time for the vaccine to become fully effective and helps protect your pet and other dogs at the kennel.
Will Kennels Take Unvaccinated Dogs?
It depends on the kennel. Generally, dogs need certain vaccinations for them to be boarded. Most pet boarding services in Temecula and nearby cities will have one or more vaccination requirements.
Conclusion
Understanding what shots dogs need to be boarded empowers you to keep your canine companions healthy as you put them in a pet hotel, daycare, or boarding facility. My clinic can help you stay up to date with these vaccinations, giving you the peace of mind of knowing your pet is protected and welcome at any facility.
