Most reputable facilities require three core vaccines before your dog can stay: rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella. Some also ask for canine influenza depending on local conditions.
These protect your dog and every other dog sharing the space. Below is what each one covers and when it needs to be done.
The Three Vaccines Almost Every Facility Requires
Rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella are the standard baseline across boarding and daycare in Texas. If a facility does not ask for these, treat it as a warning sign.
| Vaccine | Protects Against | Typical Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Rabies | Rabies virus | 1 or 3 year, per state law |
| DHPP | Distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza | Every 1 to 3 years |
| Bordetella | Kennel cough | Every 6 to 12 months |
Rabies
Rabies is required by Texas law for dogs, not just by boarding facilities. Your vet will give either a one year or three year version.
Keep the certificate handy. Most facilities want to see the paperwork, not just a verbal confirmation.
DHPP
DHPP is a combination shot, sometimes labeled DAPP or DA2PP. It covers distemper and parvovirus, both of which are serious and spread easily where dogs gather.
Puppies get a series of these before they are fully protected. Adult dogs usually get a booster every one to three years.
Bordetella
Bordetella guards against kennel cough, a contagious respiratory infection. It spreads fast anywhere dogs share air and surfaces, which is exactly what happens at daycare.
This is the one that catches people off guard. Many vets only give it once a year, but boarding facilities often want it within the last six months.
Timing: Plan at Least Two Weeks Ahead
Vaccines are not instant. Your dog's immune system needs time to respond, so a shot given the day before a stay does not offer full protection.
Book your vet visit at least two weeks before your drop off date. This is the single most common mistake we see with first time boarders.
- Bordetella: give it 5 to 7 days before the stay, longer for the first dose
- DHPP and rabies: allow 1 to 2 weeks, especially for puppies still in their series
- Expiring soon: if any vaccine lapses during your trip, renew it before you leave
If you are new to leaving your dog with someone, our complete boarding checklist walks through the full timeline so nothing gets missed.
Why Facilities Enforce These Rules
A cage-free setup means dogs share open play areas rather than sitting in separate kennels. That is great for socializing and terrible for stopping the spread of preventable disease if vaccines are skipped.
One unvaccinated dog can expose the whole group. Requiring proof keeps every dog in our care safer, including yours.
This is a core part of how any responsible overnight boarding program operates. The same standard applies to every dog who walks through our daytime daycare doors here in Round Rock.
What About Puppies and Older Dogs?
Puppies need to finish their core vaccine series before joining group play. Most facilities set a minimum age, often around four months, once the parvo and distemper series is complete.
Senior dogs follow the same core requirements. If your vet has adjusted a schedule for a medical reason, bring documentation so we can work with it.
Titer Tests and Exemptions
Some owners use titer testing to confirm existing immunity instead of automatic boosters. Policies on this vary, so ask before you assume it will be accepted.
Medical exemptions signed by a veterinarian are handled case by case. Rabies is the exception, since Texas law governs it directly.
Optional Vaccines Worth Considering
Beyond the core three, a couple of extras come up depending on your dog's exposure and travel around Central Texas.
- Canine influenza (H3N2/H3N8): increasingly requested at busy facilities
- Leptospirosis: often bundled into DHPP as DHLPP, useful given local wildlife and standing water
Ask your vet what makes sense for a dog that spends time in Round Rock, Pflugerville, Hutto, or the surrounding towns. Exposure risk is not the same for every dog.
Getting Your Records Ready
Have your vaccine records as a PDF or photo before you book. Facilities need the vaccine name, the date given, and the expiration date, not just a receipt.
If you are weighing your options for a trip, our comparison of boarding versus an in home sitter covers what each setup expects from you.
Not sure whether your dog's shots are current for a stay? Reach out for a quote or a quick answer and we will tell you exactly what to bring.