What Shots Do Dogs Need to Be Boarded?

What Shots Do Dogs Need to Be Boarded in Plano and Garland, TX

Planning a trip can be exciting, but it also comes with a to-do list, especially when you have a furry family member. Finding a safe and welcoming place for your dog to stay while you’re away is a top priority. As you explore your options, you’ll find that reputable boarding facilities have specific health requirements. This leads many pet owners to ask: What shots do dogs need to be boarded?

Understanding these vaccination requirements is crucial for your dog’s safety and the well-being of all pets at the facility. Vaccinations protect your beloved companion from contagious and potentially life-threatening diseases that can spread in a group environment. At K-9 University, we prioritize the health of every dog in our care, and that begins with ensuring all our guests are up to date on their immunizations. We will guide you through the essential vaccines, explain why they are important, and provide instructions on preparing for your dog’s stay.

The Importance of Vaccinations for Boarding

When dogs from different households come together, the risk of infectious disease transmission increases. Even the cleanest facility cannot eliminate this risk without the help of protective vaccines. Vaccinations work by introducing a small, controlled amount of a virus or bacteria into your dog’s system, allowing their immune system to build antibodies without causing the illness.

This preparation means that if your dog is ever exposed to the actual disease, their body will be ready to fight it off effectively. For a boarding environment, this communal immunity is essential. When every dog is vaccinated, it creates a “herd immunity” effect, significantly reducing the chance of an outbreak and ensuring a safe, healthy environment for everyone.

Core Vaccinations Required for Dog Boarding

Most boarding kennels, including our facilities serving the Plano and Garland, TX, communities, require a standard set of core vaccines. These are recommended for all dogs, regardless of their lifestyle, due to the severity of the diseases they prevent. Some of these vaccinations include:

1. Rabies Vaccine

The Rabies vaccine is arguably the most critical vaccination for any dog. Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including dogs and humans. It is transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. Because it is a public health risk and is always fatal once symptoms appear, the Rabies vaccine is required by law in Texas and most other states.

• Administration: Puppies typically receive their first Rabies shot around 12-16 weeks of age. A booster is required one year after the initial dose, and subsequent boosters are given every 1 to 3 years, depending on the vaccine used and local regulations.
• Why it’s needed for boarding: This is a non-negotiable requirement to protect both staff and other dogs from this deadly disease. Proof of a current Rabies vaccination is mandatory.

2. DHPP (or DAP) Vaccine

This is a combination vaccine that protects against several serious canine diseases. It’s often called the “distemper shot.” The letters stand for:

• D (Distemper): A contagious and often fatal virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
• H (Hepatitis/Adenovirus): Canine infectious hepatitis is a viral infection that affects the liver, kidneys, spleen, lungs, and eyes.
• P (Parainfluenza): A respiratory virus that is one of the common causes of kennel cough.
• P (Parvovirus): A highly contagious and severe virus that primarily affects puppies and young dogs. It attacks the gastrointestinal tract, leading to severe vomiting, diarrhea, and life-threatening dehydration.
• Administration: Puppies receive a series of DHPP shots starting at 6-8 weeks of age, with boosters every 3-4 weeks until they are about 16 weeks old. A booster is given a year later, followed by boosters every one to three years.
• Why it’s needed for boarding: These diseases are highly contagious and can be airborne or spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, making them a significant risk in a kennel setting.

The Bordetella Vaccine: A Key Requirement for Social Dogs

Beyond the core vaccines, the Bordetella vaccine is almost universally required by boarding facilities. If you’re wondering what shots dogs need to be boarded, this one is essential for any social environment. Learn more about this vaccine:

Bordetella Bronchiseptica

This vaccine helps protect against “kennel cough,” a highly contagious respiratory infection. While kennel cough is typically not life-threatening, it can be very unpleasant for your dog, causing a persistent, forceful cough and sometimes leading to secondary infections, such as pneumonia. The disease spreads easily through the air or direct contact in places where dogs congregate, such as boarding facilities, dog parks, and training classes.

• Administration: The Bordetella vaccine is available in three forms: injection, oral liquid, and intranasal spray. It’s generally recommended every six to twelve months, depending on your dog’s level of social activity. Many boarding facilities, including K-9 University, require a booster shot within the past 6 months to ensure maximum protection.
• Why it’s needed for boarding: Its primary purpose is to prevent the rapid spread of upper respiratory infections within a closed environment.

Other Recommended Vaccinations

Depending on the facility and your dog’s specific risk factors, other non-core vaccines might be recommended or required.

Canine Influenza (Dog Flu)

Canine influenza is another contagious respiratory disease caused by two specific virus strains, H3N8 and H3N2. Similar to kennel cough, it spreads in social settings. Symptoms can range from a mild cough and nasal discharge to severe pneumonia. Some boarding kennels, especially those in areas that have experienced outbreaks, may require the canine influenza vaccine. It’s wise to discuss this with your veterinarian and the boarding facility.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can affect both dogs and humans. Dogs can become infected by drinking from contaminated water sources (like puddles or ponds) that have been urinated in by infected wildlife, such as raccoons or squirrels. The disease can cause severe kidney and liver damage. While not always a strict requirement for boarding, it is highly recommended for dogs in areas like Plano and Garland, where they may encounter wildlife.

Planning for Your Dog’s Boarding Stay

To ensure a smooth, stress-free boarding experience for your dog, planning is key.

1. Check with the Facility: Contact the boarding facility well in advance to confirm their vaccination requirements. Our team at K-9 University is always happy to provide a clear list of what is needed.
2. Visit Your Veterinarian: Schedule a vet visit for any necessary vaccinations or boosters. We recommend having vaccines administered at least 7-14 days before boarding to ensure they are fully effective and your dog feels their best during their stay.
3. Gather Your Records: You’ll need to provide proof of vaccination from your veterinarian. A printed certificate or a digital record sent from your vet’s office will work, as long as it clearly shows the administration and expiration dates for each vaccine.

Your Partner in Pet Care

Leaving your dog in someone else’s care requires trust, and at K-9 University, we take that seriously. Our dog boarding services provide a safe, comfortable, and stimulating environment for your pet. Strict vaccination policies ensure your dog’s health and safety at all times. Have questions about our vaccination requirements or preparing your dog for boarding? Contact us today! Our friendly team in Plano and Garland is ready to help you and your furry friend.