Guide · Boarding & daycare
What vaccines does my dog need for boarding or daycare?
Which shots most facilities ask for, what counts as proof, and how to have it ready before you book.
Quick answer
Most boarding and daycare facilities ask for proof of three vaccines: rabies, DHPP (the distemper and parvo combination), and Bordetella (kennel cough). Some also ask for canine influenza or leptospirosis. Proof usually means a record from your vet showing the vaccine, the date it was given, and when it expires. Requirements vary, so always check with the facility.
The vaccines facilities usually ask for
| Vaccine | Protects against | Usually required? | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rabies | Rabies | Yes. North Carolina law also requires it by 4 months of age. | Every 1 or 3 years, depending on the vaccine |
| DHPP | Distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza | Yes | Every 1–3 years, per your vet |
| Bordetella | Kennel cough | Almost always | Often every 6–12 months. The facility sets the window. |
| Canine influenza | Dog flu | Sometimes | Ask the facility and your vet |
| Leptospirosis | A bacterial infection spread through water and soil | Sometimes | Ask your vet |
Puppies still finishing their first series may not be accepted until the series is complete. Ask the facility before you book.
How far ahead should vaccines be given?
Many facilities want vaccines given at least a few days, and sometimes up to two weeks, before the first stay, so the vaccine has time to work. A shot given the morning of drop-off often won't count. If your dog is due, book the vet visit first and the stay second.
Also check that nothing expires during the stay. A Bordetella vaccine that runs out on day three of a week-long trip can be a problem.
What counts as proof
Facilities generally want a document from your veterinary clinic, not a receipt or a photo of a tag. A good record shows:
- Your dog's name
- The clinic's name and contact details
- Each vaccine by name
- The date given and the date it expires
For rabies, many places ask for the rabies certificate itself. Ask whether the facility takes a PDF by email or wants it uploaded to their own system.
Before you book: a 5-step checklist
- Ask the facility for its exact vaccine list and how recent each one must be.
- Compare that list with your dog's records, including the expiry dates.
- Book a vet visit for anything missing or expiring, early enough to meet the waiting period.
- Get the records as a PDF from your clinic.
- Send them to the facility before drop-off, not at the front desk.
The easy way
Keep vaccine proof ready for every stay
Apollo & Mercy keeps your dog's vaccines, expiry dates and vet records in one place. When a daycare asks, share a link instead of calling the clinic.
Vaccinations
- Rabies (3-year): Current
- DHPP: Current
- Bordetella: Due in 3 weeks
Frequently asked questions
Is a rabies tag enough proof?
Usually not. A tag shows a vaccine was given at some point, but most facilities want the certificate or clinic record showing the dates.
My dog had a titer test instead of boosters. Will a facility accept that?
Some do and some don't. Ask before you book, and bring the lab report.
Do daycares and boarding kennels ask for the same things?
Usually, yes. Daycares that group dogs together are often strict about Bordetella in particular.
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This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Your vet and your facility have the final word on what your dog needs.