What Vaccinations Does Your Dog Need for Boarding and Why?

When booking dog boarding or day care, one of the first things we ask for is proof of your dog’s up-to-date vaccinations. This is not just a formality, it is an important part of keeping every dog in our care safe, healthy, and protected.

At Ula & Maks Dog Care, dogs stay in a home environment and spend time around other dogs. Because of this, vaccinations help reduce the risk of infectious diseases spreading between dogs.

Why are vaccinations needed for dog boarding?

Even healthy-looking dogs can sometimes carry or pass on illnesses. When dogs are mixing together, sharing spaces, going on walks, or spending time in a home boarding setting, there is always a higher chance of germs spreading.

Vaccinations help protect your own dog, but they also protect other dogs in our care. Some dogs may be young, elderly, or more sensitive, so we take prevention seriously.

What vaccinations does your dog need?

For dog boarding and day care, your dog must be up to date with their standard vaccinations. These protect against serious diseases such as:

• Canine parvovirus

• Canine distemper

• Infectious canine hepatitis / adenovirus

• Leptospirosis

These are covered in your dog’s regular yearly booster or vaccination schedule. Your vet will be able to confirm exactly what your dog has had and when their next booster is due.

UK dog boarding guidance says primary vaccinations should be completed at least 2 weeks before a dog is accepted into boarding. It also says an up-to-date vaccination record should be checked, covering diseases such as parvovirus, distemper, adenovirus/hepatitis, leptospirosis, and other relevant diseases.

What about kennel cough?

We also require the kennel cough vaccination.

Kennel cough is a contagious respiratory infection that can spread easily when dogs mix with other dogs. It can be picked up in many places, not just kennels,  for example, on walks, at dog parks, training classes, daycare, or anywhere dogs are close together.

The kennel cough vaccine does not guarantee that a dog will never catch it, but it can reduce the chance of infection and help make symptoms milder if they are exposed. PDSA says the kennel cough vaccine usually lasts 12 months and is commonly requested by reputable kennels and day care centres before a dog stays with them.

When should the kennel cough vaccine be given?

Please do not leave this until the last minute. Many boarding and day care providers ask for the kennel cough vaccination to be given at least 2–3 weeks before a stay. PDSA advises that many reputable kennels and dog day care centres request kennel cough vaccination two to three weeks before boarding.

This gives your dog’s body time to build protection before they are around other dogs.

Can my dog still get kennel cough after vaccination?

Yes, it is still possible. Like many vaccines, the kennel cough vaccine does not provide 100% protection. However, it can reduce the risk and may make the illness less severe if your dog does catch it.

This is why we also use other safety measures, such as cleaning routines, monitoring dogs closely, and not accepting dogs who appear unwell.

What proof do we need?

Before confirming boarding or day care, we ask to see your dog’s vaccination record. This can usually be a photo of your dog’s vaccination card or a record from your vet.

Please make sure it clearly shows:

• Your dog’s name

• The vaccinations given

• The date they were given

• The date the next booster is due

• Kennel cough vaccination details

What if my dog’s vaccinations are overdue?

If your dog’s vaccinations are overdue, please contact your vet before booking. Your vet will advise whether your dog needs a booster or a restart of their vaccination course.

For safety reasons, we cannot accept dogs for boarding or day care without up-to-date vaccination proof.

Our aim is simple: safer care for every dog

We know vaccinations can feel like “just another requirement”, but they are there for a very important reason. They help us provide a safer environment for every dog who comes into our home.

If you are unsure whether your dog’s vaccinations are up to date, the best thing to do is check with your vet and send us a copy of the vaccination record before booking.

At Ula & Maks Dog Care, your dog’s safety, comfort, and wellbeing always come first.