---
title: "What Vaccines Does My Dog Need for Boarding? (Rabies, DHPP, Bordetella, CIV) — Dogs Away"
description: "Nearly every US facility requires rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella; many now ask for canine influenza. Timing rules, paperwork, and why titer letters usually don’t work."
url: "https://dogsaway.co/guides/dog-boarding-vaccination-requirements/"
---

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# Dog boarding vaccination requirements, explained

Updated July 2026 · by the Dogs Away team

Vaccination rules are the #1 reason [boarding drop-offs](https://dogsaway.co/guides/first-time-dog-boarding-checklist/) go sideways. The requirements themselves are fairly standard across the US — the timing rules and paperwork are where people get burned.

## The standard requirements

| Vaccine | Required by | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Rabies** | Effectively all facilities | Legally required in most states; bring the certificate, not just the tag |
| **DHPP** | Effectively all facilities | Distemper, hepatitis/adenovirus, parainfluenza, parvo — the core combo shot |
| **Bordetella** | Nearly all facilities | “Kennel cough.” Many require it every 6 months, not annually |
| **Canine influenza (CIV)** | Growing minority, mostly urban | Two-dose initial series — plan 4–6 weeks ahead if newly required |
| Leptospirosis | Occasional, region-dependent | More common where wildlife exposure is high |

## Timing rules that catch people out

-   **First-time Bordetella needs lead time.** Most facilities want it 5–14 days before check-in. Booster renewals are usually fine same-week.
-   **Six-month Bordetella cycles.** Your vet may consider it annual; your facility may not. Check the facility’s rule, not just your vet records.
-   **CIV is a two-dose series** three weeks apart for first-timers. If your facility requires it, start a month or more before travel.
-   **Same-day vaccines are often rejected** — some facilities refuse dogs vaccinated within 48 hours of check-in.

## Paperwork: what to actually bring

1.  Vaccine certificate or vet portal printout showing _dates administered and expiration_ — tags alone are usually not accepted.
2.  Your vet’s contact info for verification calls.
3.  Proof of flea/tick prevention if the facility requires it (many do in the South).

This is general information, not veterinary advice — requirements are set by each facility and by state law. Confirm with the facility and your vet before booking.

## Quick answers

### What vaccines are required for dog boarding?

The standard trio is rabies, DHPP (distemper/parvo combo), and Bordetella (kennel cough). A growing share of urban facilities also require canine influenza (CIV H3N2/H3N8). Requirements vary by facility, so confirm before booking.

### How long before boarding does my dog need the Bordetella vaccine?

Most facilities want Bordetella given at least 5–14 days before check-in if it’s a first dose, both for immunity to develop and to avoid mild post-vaccine symptoms being confused with kennel cough.

### Can my dog board without vaccines if I have a titer test?

Usually not. Most boarding facilities require current vaccination records and do not accept titer letters, largely for insurance and liability reasons. Vet-supervised boarding is sometimes more flexible for dogs with medical exemptions.

### Do puppies have different boarding requirements?

Yes — most facilities require puppies to have completed at least two rounds of DHPP plus an age-appropriate rabies vaccine, which effectively means 16+ weeks old before first boarding.

### Ready to compare places near you?

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[Dallas](https://dogsaway.co/dog-boarding/dallas-tx/)[Chicago](https://dogsaway.co/dog-boarding/chicago-il/)[Austin](https://dogsaway.co/dog-boarding/austin-tx/)[San Antonio](https://dogsaway.co/dog-boarding/san-antonio-tx/)[Denver](https://dogsaway.co/dog-boarding/denver-co/)[Colorado Springs](https://dogsaway.co/dog-boarding/colorado-springs-co/)[All cities →](https://dogsaway.co/dog-boarding/)

### Compare facilities near you

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### Popular metros

- [Dallas](https://dogsaway.co/dog-boarding/dallas-tx/)
- [Chicago](https://dogsaway.co/dog-boarding/chicago-il/)
- [Austin](https://dogsaway.co/dog-boarding/austin-tx/)
- [San Antonio](https://dogsaway.co/dog-boarding/san-antonio-tx/)
- [Denver](https://dogsaway.co/dog-boarding/denver-co/)
- [Colorado Springs](https://dogsaway.co/dog-boarding/colorado-springs-co/)

### More guides

-   [How much does dog boarding cost in 2026?](https://dogsaway.co/guides/how-much-does-dog-boarding-cost/)
-   [Boarding vs. daycare vs. pet sitter: which fits your dog?](https://dogsaway.co/guides/dog-boarding-vs-daycare-vs-sitter/)
-   [First-time dog boarding: the complete checklist](https://dogsaway.co/guides/first-time-dog-boarding-checklist/)
-   [How to choose a dog boarding facility (tour questions & red flags)](https://dogsaway.co/guides/how-to-choose-a-dog-boarding-facility/)