Dog Vaccines Before a Sitter or Boarding Stay: What's Required and What's Recommended

Vaccines protect your dog, and they protect the other animals and people your dog meets. Before any sitter, groomer, daycare or boarding facility takes on your dog, expect to be asked for vaccination records.

Core vaccines

Veterinary guidelines (including those from the American Animal Hospital Association) classify these as core vaccines for essentially all dogs:

• Rabies. Required by law in both North Carolina and South Carolina. Rabies is fatal and can spread to people.
• Distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis) and parvovirus. These are usually given together in a combination shot, often called DHPP or DAPP, and sometimes also include parainfluenza.

Non-core (lifestyle) vaccines

Your vet may recommend these depending on your dog's exposure:

• Bordetella (kennel cough). Often required for boarding, daycare and grooming.
• Canine influenza. Sometimes recommended or required for dogs in group settings.
• Leptospirosis. Spread through water and wildlife urine. Dogs who use yards, ponds or creeks may be at risk.
• Lyme disease. Considered in areas where ticks are common.

Puppies

Puppies receive a series of vaccines, typically starting at about six to eight weeks and repeated every few weeks until around sixteen weeks of age. Until the series is complete, they are not fully protected. Ask your vet how to socialize safely in the meantime, and let your sitter know exactly which vaccines your puppy has had.

Timing matters

• Do not wait until the last minute. Some vaccines, such as bordetella, may be required days before a stay, and records can take time to obtain.
• Know your boosters. Adult dogs need boosters on a schedule your vet will set. Rabies is commonly given every one to three years depending on the vaccine and local law.
• Keep your own copy. Store records on your phone and email them to your sitter.

What your sitter will likely ask for

• Rabies certificate
• DHPP or DAPP record
• Bordetella, if the dog will be around other dogs
• Any recent illness, medication changes or vet visits

Titers and exemptions

Some owners ask about blood tests (titers) or medical exemptions. These are decisions for you and your veterinarian, and not every facility accepts them, so ask any provider about their policy up front.

Call your vet at least two weeks before your trip to confirm everything is current. It is a simple step that avoids surprises and keeps your dog protected.