What Vaccination Proof Should a Boarding Facility Require Before a Pet's Stay?
Requiring proof of vaccination protects every animal in your care. Here is what to ask for and how to handle it smoothly.
Require documented proof from the vet or official paperwork showing each vaccine and the date it was given, since the date confirms it is valid for the whole stay. Decide which vaccines your area and facility require, collect proof at booking rather than drop-off, and keep records on file with dates.
Documentation, not a verbal claim
Ask for a record that shows the vaccine and the date it was given, from the vet or on official paperwork. An owner saying the dog is current is not the same as proof.
The date lets you confirm the vaccine is valid for the whole stay.
Keep reading: How Do Boarding Kennels Avoid Double Booking During Busy Holiday Weeks?, Why Do Deposits Reduce No Shows for Pet Boarding Reservations?, How Should Kennels Handle Feeding and Medication Notes for Boarded Pets?. See how PetStayr helps you pet boarding reservations and kennel availability.
Decide your required vaccines
Requirements vary by location and facility. Decide which vaccines you require for boarding and state them plainly before a reservation is confirmed. Related: When Should a Boarding Facility Turn Away a Pet for Health Reasons?
Confirm what applies in your area rather than copying another region's list.
Collect it at booking
Gathering proof when the reservation is made, not at drop-off, avoids turning a family away with a car full of luggage and a pet ready to stay. Related: Which Rules Should a Kennel Follow When an Owner Extends a Stay Mid Reservation?
It also gives the owner time to update a lapsed record.
Keep it on file with the dates
Store each record with the date given and the next due date so a returning guest's status is clear next time without asking again.
That record protects the health of every animal under your roof.
- Require documented proof showing the vaccine and date
- Decide which vaccines your facility requires for your area
- Collect proof at booking, not at drop-off
- Store records with dates so returning guests are easy to verify
Julien Jimenez
Julien Jimenez is an independent software builder based in Paris. He designs, ships, and operates focused SaaS products for small businesses and independent professionals. Read the full author page.
Frequently asked questions
Why is documented proof better than an owner's verbal assurance?
A record showing the vaccine and its date is very different from an owner saying the dog is current. The date lets you confirm the vaccine is valid for the entire stay.
How does storing records with dates help returning guests?
Keeping each record with the date given and the next due date makes a repeat guest's status clear next time without asking again, and it protects the health of every animal under your roof.
Fill every kennel without double booking
Pet boarding reservations and kennel availability. PetStayr is built to help you put this into practice.
Manage reservationsMore from the PetStayr blog
How Do Boarding Kennels Avoid Double Booking During Busy Holiday Weeks?
Why Do Deposits Reduce No Shows for Pet Boarding Reservations?
How Should Kennels Handle Feeding and Medication Notes for Boarded Pets?
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