What Vaccines Does a Dog Need to Be Boarded?

Dr. Joe Alcorn, M.S., D.V.M.

Dr. Joe Alcorn is founder of Care Animal Hospital in Temecula, California. He has a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and his advice has been featured in large publications like Bustle and Martha Steward.

Home » Blog » What Vaccines Does a Dog Need to Be Boarded?

If you’re planning to board your dog, you should know that most pet boarding services require your dog to have vaccines. Read this article to know what vaccines a dog needs to be boarded. You will find useful information so boarding your dog goes smoothly. 

What Vaccines Does a Dog Need to Be Boarded? 

Your dog commonly needs vaccines against rabies, canine distemper, and Bordetella to be boarded. Some dog daycares may require other vaccines, so you need to contact them beforehand to know their requirements. 

To know more about these vaccines, we have provided you with some information in case you are not up to date with them. 

Brown bull dog playing with a white puppy in the park

Distemper

Distemper is a virus that attacks specific systems in your dog’s body. It is fatal if left untreated. Dogs around 10 weeks old should have at least the first round of the Distemper vaccine. You would then have to get the vaccine boosted up to three times as a puppy. For adult dogs, it can be good for 1-3 years.

If your dog hasn’t been vaccinated, we can arrange a vaccination schedule for your dog. If you notice your dog has been inflicted with distemper, make sure to take them to a veterinarian right away.

Bordetella

“Kennel cough,” is a sickness that affects the upper respiratory system in dogs. Your dog can get vaccinated for Bordetella at least 10 weeks old. After that, you finish the boosters, you get booster shots every year for your dog.

Rabies

Rabies is a required vaccine in almost all states, if not all, pet boarding and daycare facilities would require your dog to have one.

Also, dogs need yearly booster shots for rabies in every 1 or 3-year increments.

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. 

Veterinarian sitting beside a black dog lying on a white examination table

Dog Flu

Dog flu or canine influenza is a common disease when your dog is exposed to places with many gatherings of dogs, such as in dog parks in Temecula or around the area. That includes pet boarding and daycare places. This vaccine should be done yearly. 

Also, it’s best to get any vaccine 2 weeks before boarding. This ensures your dog feels better and that any side effects are remedied. 

DAPP

DAPP vaccine is a combination vaccine meant to protect your dog against the following:

  • Distemper
  • Adenovirus type 1 (Hepatitis)
  • Adenovirus type 2 (Respiratory)
  • Parainfluenza 
  • Parvovirus

Other Options If Your Dog Can’t Be Boarded

You may consider other options if you cannot administer the vaccination in time.

Short coated tan dog inside a fence with other dogs

Here are other options you can consider aside from boarding:

  • Have a dogsitter at home: you can ask a relative or friend to dog sit at your home during the days you’re away. There might be some who offer dogsitting services.
  • Have your dog stay at a dogsitter or friends or relatives: If it’s inconvenient for your friends or relatives to stay at your house, you can ask them to watch your dog over at their house.

Related Questions

What are the 3 Core Vaccinations for a Dog?

3 vaccines are considered mandatory or core vaccines for dogs. They are distemper, parvovirus, canine hepatitis, and rabies. Except for rabies, the three can be administered together via the DAPP vaccines. 

How Long After Bordetella Vaccine Can I Board My Dog?

It is 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. 

Will Kennels Take Unvaccinated Dogs?

It depends on the kennel. However, most will have vaccination requirements as a form of protection. You will have to check with them on that. 

Conclusion

Dogs need certain vaccinations for them to be boarded. Most of them are core vaccines and some are often mandated by state law. Hence, most pet boarding services in Temecula and nearby cities will have one or more vaccination requirements.