What Vaccines Does Your Dog Need for Boarding and Daycare?
Most reputable boarding and daycare facilities require three core vaccines: rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella.
Some also ask for the canine influenza (dog flu) vaccine, especially during busy travel seasons.
Below is a breakdown of what each one covers, why it matters in a group setting, and how far ahead you need to plan.
The Three Vaccines Almost Every Facility Requires
When dogs share space, air, and water bowls, illness spreads fast.
These three vaccines are the standard baseline across the industry, and we require all of them here in Round Rock.
| Vaccine | Protects Against | Typical Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Rabies | Rabies virus (fatal, legally required in Texas) | 1 or 3 year, per state law |
| DHPP | Distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza | Every 1 to 3 years after puppy series |
| Bordetella | Kennel cough (respiratory infection) | Every 6 to 12 months |
Rabies
Rabies is required by law in Texas, so this one is non negotiable.
Your dog needs a current rabies certificate, and we ask for the paperwork rather than just your word.
DHPP
DHPP is a combination shot that covers distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza.
Parvo in particular is serious and can live in the environment for a long time, which is why group facilities take it seriously.
Bordetella
Bordetella protects against kennel cough, the most common illness in daycare and boarding settings.
It spreads through the air and through shared surfaces, so it is the vaccine most directly tied to group play.
Should You Also Get the Dog Flu Vaccine?
Canine influenza is not always mandatory, but it is worth discussing with your vet.
Outbreaks tend to spike when a lot of dogs travel and mix, such as around the holidays.
If you plan on frequent stays or you are booking holiday boarding during peak season, the flu vaccine adds a useful layer of protection.
Timing: Get Shots at Least a Week Before the Stay
Vaccines are not instant. Your dog's immune system needs time to respond.
Plan to have any new or updated shots done at least 7 days before the first day of boarding or daycare.
This matters most for Bordetella, which can take several days to build protection.
- First time getting Bordetella: allow a full week, and ask your vet whether a booster is needed.
- Renewing an existing vaccine: a few days is usually enough, but earlier is always safer.
- Puppies mid series: talk to your vet before booking, since immunity may not be complete.
Booking last minute in Pflugerville or Georgetown and realizing the shots are not current is a common headache.
A quick call to your vet a couple weeks ahead avoids it entirely.
Special Cases: Puppies, Small Dogs, and Seniors
Not every dog fits the standard adult schedule, and that is fine.
The requirements shift a little depending on age and size.
Puppies are still finishing their vaccine series, so puppy daycare has its own intake process that confirms where they are in that timeline.
Older dogs sometimes run on modified schedules set by their vet, and our senior dog care team works with whatever your veterinarian recommends.
Smaller breeds follow the same core requirements as everyone else, and small dog daycare keeps them grouped with dogs their own size.
How We Handle Vaccine Records
Before a first visit, we ask for proof of vaccination directly from your veterinarian.
You can have the clinic email or fax the records, or bring a printed copy to drop off.
The easiest way to sort all of this is through a free evaluation, where we confirm your paperwork and make sure your dog is comfortable in the group before a full stay.
Once your records are on file for daycare or an overnight boarding stay, we just need updates as vaccines come due.
If you are not sure whether your dog's shots are current or what our facility near Springbrook Business Park requires, reach out for a quick answer or a quote.
We would rather sort the details early than turn a dog away at drop off.