What vaccines does a dog need for boarding in Virginia?

Rabies is the one vaccine Virginia law makes you keep current. The owner or custodian of a dog four months of age or older must have it currently vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian, or a licensed veterinary technician under a vet's immediate and direct supervision.^[1] Any other vaccine a boarding facility asks for is that facility's own rule, so ask before you book.

What the law requires

The vet who gives the rabies vaccine must give you a vaccination certificate and keep a copy in their own files.^[1] The vaccine used must be licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for use in that species.^[1] Keep the certificate where you can find it, because you will be asked for it at drop-off.

A facility is also entitled to see proof. Virginia law says an owner must furnish the certificate within a reasonable period of time when an animal control officer, humane investigator, law-enforcement officer, State Veterinarian's representative or Department of Health official asks,^[1] and a boarding business will usually ask for the same paperwork before it takes your dog. At the discretion of the local health director, a medical record from a licensed veterinary establishment reflecting a currently vaccinated status may serve as proof of vaccination.^[1]

A boarding establishment, as Virginia law defines it, is a place other than an animal shelter where companion animals not owned by the proprietor are sheltered, fed, and watered in exchange for a fee.^[2] The law sets the rabies rule for owners; it does not list which other vaccines such a business may require.

What facilities commonly add

Many boarding businesses ask for more than rabies, especially for dogs that will share air or play areas with others. Policies differ from one facility to the next, so ask for the list in writing. Your vet is the right person to say which vaccines suit your dog's age, health and lifestyle.

Getting it sorted before you book

Ask each facility, ahead of time:

• which vaccines it requires and how recent they must be
• whether it wants the paper certificate, a vet record or an emailed copy
• how long before the stay a new vaccine must be given
• what it does if the paperwork is missing on arrival

Some vaccines need a few days or weeks to take full effect, and some need a booster, so do not leave this to the night before. A facility may turn away a dog whose records are out of date or a puppy who has not finished its vaccine series. Virginia's Board of Health must provide, by regulation, an exemption from the rabies requirement for an animal with an underlying medical condition likely to cause a life-threatening reaction to vaccination, where the exemption would not risk public health and safety.^[1] If your vet has medical reasons not to vaccinate your dog, say so well before the booking and ask the facility what it allows.

Stop and call a pro if

Call your vet before boarding if your dog is unwell, has not been vaccinated at all, is a young puppy, is pregnant, or has had a bad reaction to a vaccine. A dog that is coughing, has diarrhoea or is lethargic should not go to a kennel until a vet has seen it. If your dog bit someone recently, call your local animal control or health department for the rules on rabies observation before you move the dog.

For the price side, see how much dog boarding costs in Virginia and what to ask a pet sitter. Browse more pet services answers or see pet services on Loclis.

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