Boarding kennels range from cages in veterinary clinics to facilities where dogs have rooms of their own and large fenced areas in which to run. Regardless of what type of facility you use, the boarding kennel will have vaccination requirements. These requirements not only help to ensure that your dog will not make other pets in the facility sick, but they also protect your dog from being made ill.
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Rabies
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That the dog be current on its rabies vaccination is a legal requirement. All states require that dogs 16 weeks or older be vaccinated against rabies. The dog is then required to have a booster vaccination at 1 year and booster vaccinations every one to three years thereafter. Nearly all boarding clinics will refuse to admit your dog if you can't present proof of current rabies vaccination, according to Doggy Daycare & Motel.
Core Vaccines
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Distemper, parvovirus and hepatitis are considered core vaccinations by the American Veterinary Medical Association, which recommends that every dog receive these vaccinations every year, or every three years as a booster. Not only will the boarding kennel likely require that you present proof that your dog is current on these vaccinations, it is important for your dog's health that you ensure it is protected against these diseases. This is especially important if it is a puppy or elderly dog, because while at the boarding facility it will be exposed to many dogs that could be harboring these diseases.
Parainfluenza/Bordetella
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The bordetella vaccination is often administered intranasally. The parainfluenza and bordetella vaccinations protect dogs against certain types of kennel cough. These aren't considered core vaccines but are required by most boarding facilities. These vaccinations are also important for any dog that is going to be exposed to lots of other dogs. The parainfluenza vaccination is usually given to dogs as part of a combination vaccination with core vaccines. The bordetella vaccination is usually a separate injection or is given intranasally.
Leptospirosis
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Leptosporosis vaccination may be required depending upon your location. Depending upon what part of the country you are in, your boarding facility may also require that your dog be vaccinated against leptospirosis. This is a bacterial disease and the vaccination is more likely to cause a reaction than many other vaccinations. The kennel will tell you if this vaccination is required; consult your veterinarian to determine if your dog is at great enough risk of contracting the disease to warrant the risks associated with the vaccination.
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