Dog Vaccination Requirements for Boarding & Daycare (2026 Checklist)

Before any reputable boarder, daycare, or groomer takes your dog, they’ll require proof of vaccination. Show up without the right records and you’ll be turned away at the door — or worse, your trip gets derailed the morning you leave. This is the exact checklist of what’s required, what’s recommended, and the timing you need to plan for.

The Quick Checklist: What Most Facilities Require

The big three for boarding: Rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella are non-negotiable at virtually every facility. Canine Influenza is now required at most major-metro boarders and daycares — confirm before you book.

The Detail: Each Vaccine Explained

Rabies (required everywhere)

Legally mandated in nearly every U.S. state and required by 100% of boarders. Given as a 1-year or 3-year shot. Keep the certificate — facilities need the actual rabies tag number or vet certificate, not just your word.

DHPP / DAPP (core combo)

A single shot covering Distemper, Hepatitis (adenovirus), Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza. This is the “core” vaccine every dog should have regardless of boarding. Usually a 1-year or 3-year interval.

Bordetella (the boarding-specific one)

Protects against kennel cough — the highly contagious respiratory infection that spreads in group settings. This is the vaccine people most often forget. Many facilities require it within the last 6 months (not 12), and some require it at least 48 hours before drop-off so it has time to take effect. Available as an injection, an oral, or a nasal spray (the nasal version works fastest).

Canine Influenza (the newer requirement)

Dog flu (H3N2 and H3N8 strains) has driven outbreaks in major metros, and boarders increasingly require it. It’s a two-dose initial series (3–4 weeks apart) then annual boosters — so if your dog has never had it, start at least a month before boarding. This is the #1 reason last-minute boarding plans fall through.

Timing: When to Get Vaccines Before Boarding

The most common mistake is leaving vaccines to the last minute. Here’s the realistic timeline:

• 4+ weeks before: If your dog has never had Canine Influenza, start the two-dose series now.
• 1–2 weeks before: Bordetella booster (if lapsed) — gives it time to take effect. Some facilities require 48 hours minimum.
• Anytime current: Rabies and DHPP just need to be unexpired.
• 3–5 days before: Pull printed vaccination records from your vet’s portal. Bring two copies to drop-off.

See our full dog boarding checklist for everything else to pack.

What Vaccines Cost

• Rabies: $15–$30
• DHPP: $20–$40
• Bordetella: $20–$40
• Canine Influenza (2-dose series): $70–$120 total
• At a low-cost or mobile vaccine clinic: often 40–60% cheaper than a full-service vet

Mobile vaccine clinics (Vetco, VIP Petcare, PetVet — usually inside Petco, Tractor Supply, or PetSmart) handle routine boarding vaccines cheaply. For a full health check, see a veterinarian. Our vet visit cost guide covers pricing.

Puppies: Special Timing

Puppies can’t be fully vaccinated until ~16 weeks (the core series finishes around then). Most daycares and boarders won’t accept a puppy until the full DHPP series is complete plus Bordetella. This usually means no group daycare or boarding until about 4 months old. Plan around it — and in the meantime, an in-home pet sitter is the safe option.

What to Bring to Drop-Off

• Printed vaccination records (rabies certificate with tag number, DHPP, Bordetella, CIV)
• Your vet’s name and phone (facilities may call to verify)
• Two copies — one to hand over, one to keep

Pro tip: most vets have an online portal where you can download a vaccination summary PDF in 30 seconds. Do it the week before, not the morning of.

Find a Boarder, Daycare, or Vet

• Browse dog boarders on PetSoMo
• Browse doggy daycares
• Browse veterinary clinics
• Dog boarding cost guide · Daycare vs. boarding

Each PetSoMo listing notes the facility’s specific vaccination requirements where available — but always confirm directly before booking. Free to compare, no commission.