What Vaccines Does Your Dog Need for Boarding and Daycare in Florida?

If you’re planning your dog’s first stay or daycare day at Red Fern, here’s the short answer: we require rabies, bordetella, leptospirosis and the distemper/parvo combo (DHLPP or DA2PP), and we strongly recommend the canine influenza vaccine. Every vaccine needs to be given at least 3 days before your visit.

Dog boarding vaccine requirements vary from place to place, so it’s worth knowing what each one does and why we ask for it. When dozens of dogs play, rest and share air in one building, every vaccinated pup helps protect the whole group, including yours.

The Vaccines Red Fern Requires

Rabies

Rabies is a fatal virus that can spread to people as well as pets. Florida law requires every dog 4 months of age or older to be vaccinated against it, so this one is required everywhere, not only at Red Fern. Your vet will tell you whether your dog is on a one-year or three-year schedule.

Bordetella (Kennel Cough)

Bordetella is one of the main causes of kennel cough, a contagious respiratory infection that spreads through the air and on shared surfaces anywhere dogs gather. It’s usually mild, but it can make a dog miserable for a week or two and can lead to more serious illness in puppies and seniors. We also recommend a bordetella booster every 6 months for dogs who visit us regularly. Our post on upper respiratory infections in dogs covers the symptoms to watch for at home.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that dogs pick up from water or soil contaminated by the urine of wildlife like raccoons, opossums and rodents. Central Florida’s rain, standing water and humidity give it plenty of places to live. It can damage the liver and kidneys, and it can spread from dogs to people, which is why we require it.

Distemper/Parvo Combo (DHLPP or DA2PP)

This combination shot protects against several serious viruses at once, including distemper and parvovirus. Parvo is especially dangerous for puppies and spreads easily through contaminated surfaces. Most adult dogs are already covered by this vaccine through their regular vet visits, so check that it’s current.

The One We Strongly Recommend: Canine Influenza

Dog flu (the H3N2 and H3N8 strains) spreads quickly wherever dogs are close together, and most dogs have no natural immunity to it. It isn’t required, but we highly recommend it for dogs who board or attend daycare. The first time, the vaccine is usually given as two doses a few weeks apart, so talk to your vet early if you have a holiday trip coming up.

Why Vaccines Must Be Given 3 Days Before Your Visit

A vaccine needs a little time to start working, and some dogs feel tired or sore for a day or so afterward. Giving shots at least 3 days before check-in means your dog arrives feeling like themselves, ready to play and settle in.

If your dog is due for anything, book that vet appointment first, then plan your stay or daycare day at least 3 days later. With Thanksgiving and the winter holidays coming, this is a good week to check your dog’s records.

Puppies and Vaccines

Puppies get their core vaccines as a series of shots over their first few months, so they aren’t fully protected until that series is complete. Your puppy can join us once their vaccines meet the requirements above. If you’re not sure where your puppy is in the series, your vet can tell you exactly what’s done and what’s next, and our team is happy to help you plan their first visit.

How Vaccines Fit Into Our Health Standards

Vaccines are one part of how we keep every dog healthy. We also take a careful approach to parasites, which you can read about in why routine fecal testing matters. Our team is trained to recognize common canine illnesses and injuries. If something more serious happens, we contact your veterinarian during business hours, or the nearest emergency clinic after hours, and we keep you informed the whole way.

No vaccine can promise a dog will never get sick, but a fully vaccinated group means fewer illnesses, milder cases and happier, healthier visits for everyone.

Vaccine Questions We Hear Often

Which vaccines does my dog need for boarding at Red Fern?

Rabies, bordetella, leptospirosis and the distemper/parvo combo (DHLPP or DA2PP). We strongly recommend canine influenza and a 6-month bordetella booster.

Are the requirements the same for daycare?

Yes. The same vaccines are required for dog daycare and overnight lodging, since dogs share play spaces in both.

How long before boarding should my dog get vaccinated?

At least 3 days before your visit. That gives the vaccine time to start working and lets any mild side effects pass.

Is the flu vaccine required?

It isn’t required, but we highly recommend it, especially for dogs who visit often or stay during busy holiday weeks.

What if my dog is behind on a vaccine?

Schedule a visit with your vet, then book your stay at least 3 days after the appointment. If you have questions about timing, call us at (352) 355-4310 and we’ll help you plan. You can also find more answers on our FAQs page.

This post is a general guide to Red Fern’s requirements, not veterinary advice. Your veterinarian is the best person to decide what’s right for your dog.

Ready for Your Dog’s First Visit?

If you’re new to Red Fern, every dog starts with a Meet & Greet so we can get to know their personality and play style. Schedule your Meet & Greet and have your dog’s vaccine records handy. Already part of the Red Fern family? Request your next reservation before the holiday dates fill up.

Written by Red Fern Pet Lodge