Texas Kennel Requirements for Dogs

Placing your dog in a kennel while you're away is generally safe and provides peace-of-mind as a dog owner. However, a last minute decision to put your dog in a kennel is not always feasible. The state of Texas necessitates you meet specific requirements prior to the acceptance of your pet by kennel operators. This is to protect the health and livelihood of your pet and other canines.

  1. General Requirements for Boarding

    • Not all dog kennels are the same. Make sure you and your pet will be happy with the arrangement.

      A majority of kennels will not keep dogs under the age of three months and will decline to board a nursing mom and her pups. A few may be willing to do so if they already are familiar with the animals and have a secure area to keep the young family. A majority of kennels will also require dogs to be spayed or neutered if they are at least 7 months of age. If plan to breed your dog, which is why it is not spayed or neutered, check with the kennel as they may offer exceptions to the rule. Kennels may or may not accept dogs with special needs, so always let potential kennels know your needs.

    Vaccination Requirements

    • Your dog will need to be up-to-date on all required vaccinations--such as rabies, distemper, hepatitis, parovirus, parainfluenza, leptospirosis and bordatella--before it can stay with a pet boarder in Texas. Typically, kennels require pet owners to provide a copy of your pet's health record along with your veterinarian's contact information. Bordatella, also known as kennel cough, is rampant in boarding facilities and you will need your dog vaccinated at least one week prior to boarding.

    Behavioral Requirements

    • Your dog should be properly socialized before admittance into a kennel.

      Most dog boarders do not restrict particular breeds. Instead, expect that the Texas kennel may require a behavioral assessment as protocol, although it can vary depending on establishment. Some boarding houses may insist on a supervised open play session with other dogs and have pet owners complete a questionnaire. Outward signs of aggression, including growling and biting, will restrict your dog from the boarding house. A list of expectations and behaviors is usually readily available for pet owners to review beforehand.

    Alternatives

    • If you have a sick dog, boarding at a veterinarian office may be an option. Unfortunately, many veterinarians in Texas have limited space so reservations are important. The good news to that is that the veterinarian will have the medical expertise in case something should happen with your dog while you are away. The vet will also be able to administer needed shots and provide general health-care (for a fee, of course) at the same time. The downside is that playtime with other dogs may be quite limited, as that is not the focus of the vet's business. Check with your veterinarian about recommended Texas boarders and whether keeping your pet at the vet's office is an option.