Which Vaccines Does Your Dog Need for Daycare and Boarding?

One of the most common questions we get before a first visit is simple: which shots does my dog actually need? The answer depends on the service, and it’s easier than it sounds.

Below we break down each vaccine in plain words, what we require for each service, and how to get your records to us without the last-minute scramble. For anything about your own dog’s health, timing, or medical history, your vet is always the best source.

1) What we require, service by service

Here’s the short version. Keep this list handy when you book.

• Dog daycare: Rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella
• Dog boarding: Rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella
• Grooming: Rabies
• Cat boarding: Rabies

Dogs in daycare and boarding spend time around other dogs, so the requirements are broader. Grooming visits and cat stays involve far less group contact, which is why Rabies is the one we ask for there.

2) The three dog vaccines, in plain words

Rabies

Rabies is a serious viral disease that affects the brain and nervous system, and it can spread to people. Vaccination is required by law for dogs in many places, and it’s the one vaccine we require for every service.

DHPP

DHPP is a combination shot, sometimes listed on records as DAPP or DA2PP. The letters cover four diseases:

• Distemper: a virus that can affect breathing, the gut, and the nervous system
• Hepatitis (adenovirus): a virus that can affect the liver and other organs
• Parainfluenza: one of the viruses that can contribute to respiratory illness
• Parvovirus: a tough, very contagious virus that is especially hard on puppies

Bordetella

Bordetella is one of the main causes of what people call “kennel cough,” a contagious cough that spreads where dogs gather and share air. It can be given as a shot, a nose drop, or an oral dose depending on your vet. No vaccine prevents every cough, but this one lowers the risk for your dog and the dogs around them.

3) How to send us your records

The easiest time to sort out vaccine records is before you book, not at the front desk on drop-off morning.

• Ask your vet for a printout or PDF that shows your dog’s name, each vaccine, and the date it was given or the date it expires.
• Send it in ahead of time so we can add it to your dog’s file before the visit.
• Not sure where the records are? Give us your vet’s name and phone number, and we can call your vet for you.
• Check the dates: Vaccines need to be current for the whole visit, including the last day of a boarding stay.

4) Timing tips before a boarding stay

Vaccines aren’t always instant. Some need a little time to do their job, and some puppies need a series of shots before they’re fully covered. That’s why we suggest planning ahead.

• Book vaccine appointments early: If a shot is due or overdue, schedule it weeks before your trip, not the day before.
• Ask your vet about timing: Your vet can tell you how long to wait after a vaccine before group play or boarding.
• Watch for side effects: Some dogs feel a little tired or sore after shots. Ask your vet what’s normal for your dog.
• Holiday trips fill up fast: Vet offices get busy too, so get records sorted as soon as your travel dates are set.

5) Why vaccine rules matter in a group setting

In daycare and boarding, dogs share play areas, water bowls, and the same air for hours at a time. Vaccine requirements are one of the simplest ways to protect every dog in the room, including yours.

We pair those requirements with daily cleaning, supervised playgroups, and staff who watch for coughing, low energy, or anything unusual. If your dog seems unwell before a visit, it’s best to call us and your vet and plan another day.

Learn more about dog daycare, dog boarding, cat boarding, and grooming, or visit our FAQ. If you have records ready or a question about requirements, contact us or call and we’ll help you get set before your first visit.

Next: What to Pack for Your Dog’s Boarding Stay