A disease outbreak in a boarding kennel is one of the most damaging things that can happen to your business. The dogs suffer, owners are distressed, and word spreads fast. Even if it wasn't your fault — even if one owner brought in an unvaccinated dog without telling you — your reputation takes the hit.
A strong vaccination policy is your first line of defence. It doesn't just protect the dogs in your care; it protects you legally, gives responsible owners confidence, and filters out the small minority of owners who genuinely don't think vaccinations matter. Here's how to write one that works.
What vaccinations should you require?
The core vaccinations you should require for dogs are:
- Distemper, Hepatitis, and Parvovirus (DHPiP/L2) — the standard annual or triennial booster. Check that the L2 (leptospirosis) component is current, as some dogs are only vaccinated to L2 annually even when the DHPiP is given every three years.
- Kennel Cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica + Parainfluenza) — this one is often overlooked by owners who don't board regularly. Require it, and require it to have been given at least 2–3 weeks before arrival (the vaccine needs time to be effective).
For cats in a cattery:
- Cat Flu (Herpesvirus + Calicivirus)
- Feline Enteritis (Panleucopenia)
These are the baseline. Whether you require anything additional — Rabies for overseas-travelling dogs, Leishmania where relevant — depends on your client base and location.
How recent do vaccinations need to be?
Set specific timeframes, not vague requirements. Something like:
- DHPiP: within the last 12 months (or 36 months if on an extended protocol — your vet can confirm)
- Leptospirosis (L2/L4): within the last 12 months
- Kennel Cough: within the last 12 months, administered at least 2 weeks before arrival
Vague requirements like "up to date" cause arguments. Specific timeframes don't.
Will you accept titre tests?
Titre tests measure antibody levels in the blood and can demonstrate immunity without revaccination. Some owners with dogs who've had vaccine reactions request this as an alternative. You'll need to decide your position before clients ask — and some will.
Our recommendation: accept titre tests for the core vaccines (DHPiP) with a positive result from a recognised laboratory in the last 12 months, but still require annual Kennel Cough vaccination since titre tests aren't widely available or validated for Bordetella.
How to document vaccination status
Require clients to upload their vaccination record (pet passport or vet vaccination booklet) at the time of booking, not on arrival. Checking paperwork at the door while a dog is excited and an owner is in a hurry is stressful and error-prone.
KennelBooker lets clients upload documents as part of their online booking or registration. Store these against the pet's profile so you can check them before arrival rather than on the day.
"We had our first kennel cough outbreak three years ago. We'd been taking owners' word for it. After that, we required proof uploaded before booking and haven't had a case since."
— Kennel owner, West Midlands
What to do if paperwork is out of date
Decide this in advance and stick to it. The options are:
- Refuse admission — the cleanest option legally. The client had the information and didn't comply.
- Allow a grace period — some kennels will accept a dog if the owner can show a vet appointment is booked for imminently. This creates grey areas.
- Charge an administration fee — some kennels charge for the extra admin involved in chasing paperwork. This can incentivise compliance.
Whatever you decide, state it clearly in your policy and be consistent. Inconsistency is what leads to complaints and disputes.
Where to put your policy
Your vaccination policy needs to be visible at multiple touchpoints:
- On your website's FAQs or booking information page
- In your booking confirmation email
- In your client registration form (with a checkbox confirming they've read it)
- At your check-in area (a simple laminated notice works well)
If a client claims they "didn't know" you required a Kennel Cough certificate, your job is to be able to show them four places where it was clearly stated. With a system like KennelBooker, all of this is handled automatically.
Handling difficult clients
Some owners will push back on vaccination requirements. "My dog never gets sick." "My vet says he doesn't need it." "We've been coming here for years." Be sympathetic but firm. The policy exists to protect every dog in your care, not just theirs — and you have a duty to those other owners too.
Having the policy in writing, and evidence that they acknowledged it at booking, makes these conversations much easier. You're not being unreasonable; you're applying a rule they agreed to.