Dog Home Boarding Vaccination Requirements England

Bordetella Bronchiseptica (Kennel Cough):

This is required for dogs boarding in kennels and many Home Boarding settings where multiple dogs share close confinement. It is extremely contagious and can be severe for the young, old and vulnerable.

Vaccination doesn’t necessarily prevent Kennel Cough, but it can reduce severity and limit the spread of disease in high-risk communities.

Councils differ in their requirements, so KC is mandatory in some areas.

In Swindon, some businesses require it, and others don’t. It is up to the business owner to decide for themselves and have a policy in place.

Because we only board a few dogs at a time, we don’t currently require Kennel Cough vaccination at Highworth Pet Care.

IMPORTANT

If dogs receive the nasal version of this vaccine, it is live virus and they will shed it for up to 6 weeks and can infect other dogs.

For this reason, we are unable to accept dogs for at least 3 weeks minimum after administration. We prefer 6 weeks.

There is now another type of Kennel Cough vaccine called Respira Bb that is injected and doesn’t shed as it is inactivated virus. Not all vets stock it, and it may cost more than the traditional Nasal Vaccine but may be an option for some.

We can board dogs straight away after Respira BB.

Leptospirosis vaccination is somewhat controversial and is commonly referred to as L2 or L4.

Some people believe Leptospirosis is a vaccine associated with increased side effects and some people would rather their dogs not have It.

It has been a core vaccine for many years now and we are unable to accept dogs without it.

L2 is now no longer widely available as most Vets have transitioned over to L4 which covers more strands of the disease.

The 1st time your dog receives L4, they will need to have a 2nd jab 1 month later and your dog is not fully vaccinated until 2 weeks after the 2nd Jab. Thereafter it will be a single jab each year.

Vaccination Records:

Dog Owners MUST provide up-to-date vaccination records to secure boarding. This documentation helps ensure compliance with health standards and is mandatory for all Licensed Home Boarders.

Boosters:

Regular boosters are considered necessary to maintain immunity. If Boosters aren’t given as required, you may need to restart the course.

I’m sorry, but there are no circumstances in which Licensed Home Boarders can accept unvaccinated dogs.

DHP:

DHP is now recommended to be given every 3 years instead of annually.

Leptospirosis Is given every year since it doesn’t last very long.

Some people prefer not to vaccinate routinely, and have blood analysed instead to see if the dog still has protection.

We are willing to accept Titre Testing BUT your Vet must provide proof of this and specify that it will last for the duration of boarding. This is something many Vets don’t like doing as it is almost impossible to guarantee.

Titre Testing can be an expensive option, and you have 2 options:

The first includes your vet taking a blood specimen and sending it away. This can be very expensive.
The 2nd is to find a vet offering Vaccicheck which is an antibody test done in house and so much cheaper.

You CAN’T titre test for Leptospirosis and so this vaccine MUST be given every 12 months.

If you want your dog to enjoy a home away from home, with a licensed Home Boarder, you will need to make sure your dog is fully vaccinated as described.

Ensuring dogs are properly vaccinated not only protects the individual dog but also helps maintain a healthy environment for all the dogs.

By keeping your dog's boosters up to date, you are contributing to a safer community for all pets in Swindon and Highworth.

Remember to check your records when you are first enquiring about Home Boarding. If there are any lapses or problems, you then have time to put things right and you can avoid a lot of last-minute stress.

Key Takeaways:

Core Vaccines: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Leptospirosis are non-negotiable.
Check Dates: Most vaccines need to be administered at least 14 days before the boarding start date.
Original Records: Licensed boarders must see the physical vaccination card or a certified digital record from your vet.
5-Star Standards: These rules are part of the strict licensing that ensures high-quality care at Highworth Pet Care.
Plan Ahead: Talk to your vet early, especially regarding the Kennel Cough vaccine, which is often a separate requirement.

If you have any reservations about vaccination, please do speak to your Vet who is best qualified to explain in more detail. They will be only too happy to oblige.

Vets usually send out reminders when your vaccination is due, and we have a similar check-in service for our clients. This enables us to know when you book whether you are up-to-date.