Pawliday Inn
When dogs share play yards, water breaks and indoor space, germs can share them too. That is why the vaccines required for dog boarding and daycare matter so much. At Pawliday Inn, every dog needs current Rabies, DHPP and Bordetella vaccinations, plus regular flea, tick and intestinal parasite prevention. This guide explains what each one is, why it matters in a group setting, and how to have your paperwork ready before your dog's first visit.
This is general information. Your veterinarian is the right person to decide your dog's vaccine schedule and to answer health questions about your individual dog.
The vaccines required for dog boarding and daycare
Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the nervous system. It spreads mainly through bites from infected animals, and once symptoms appear it is almost always fatal, in animals and in people. In the Houston area, wildlife such as bats can carry it.
Rabies vaccination for dogs is required by Texas law, not just by boarding facilities. Your vet will tell you when your puppy should get their first shot and how often boosters are due. Keep the rabies certificate somewhere you can find it.
DHPP
DHPP is a combination vaccine, sometimes written as DAPP or DA2PP. The letters stand for:
| Letter | Disease | In plain terms |
|---|---|---|
| D | Distemper | A serious virus that can affect breathing, the gut and the nervous system |
| H | Hepatitis (canine adenovirus) | A virus that can damage the liver and other organs |
| P | Parainfluenza | A respiratory virus, one of the causes of kennel cough |
| P | Parvovirus | A very contagious virus that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea, especially dangerous for puppies |
Parvovirus is a big reason this vaccine matters in group care. It is tough, it can survive in the environment for a long time, and it spreads easily. Puppies usually get a series of DHPP shots before they are considered fully protected, so ask your vet when your puppy's series will be complete before planning daycare.
Bordetella
Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium and one of the common causes of what people call kennel cough, a contagious respiratory infection. Dogs pass it through the air and on shared surfaces, which is why any place where dogs gather, from daycare to dog parks to groomers, takes it seriously.
The Bordetella vaccine comes in a few forms, including a nasal spray, an oral dose and an injection. Your vet will choose the right one and tell you how often to repeat it. No vaccine prevents every respiratory infection, but vaccination reduces risk and helps keep the whole group healthier.
Parasite prevention: the other half of the requirement
Vaccines are not the only requirement. We also ask that every dog be on regular flea, tick and intestinal parasite prevention.
Houston's warm, humid climate means fleas, ticks and mosquitoes are active for much of the year, not just in summer. In group settings, one dog with fleas or intestinal parasites can quickly become several. Your vet can recommend a prevention plan that fits your dog's age, size and health.
Why we may turn a dog away
Pawliday Inn may refuse service to pets that do not meet our requirements or that show signs of illness or a contagious condition, such as coughing, vomiting, diarrhea or unusual lethargy. It is never fun to hear, but it protects every dog in the building, including yours on the days another dog is the sick one. If your dog seems unwell, call your vet first and reschedule with us.
Getting your records ready
A few simple steps make your first visit smooth:
- Ask your vet for current records. Many clinics can email them or share them through an online portal. Make sure the records show the dates given and when each vaccine is next due.
- Check the due dates against your plans. If you are booking boarding for a trip, the vaccines should be current on the dates of your stay, not just on the day you book.
- Schedule boosters early. Vet appointments fill up around the holidays, just like boarding. Read our guide on booking holiday dog boarding early if you are planning year-end travel.
- Mention recent shots. If your dog was vaccinated in the last few days, tell us when you book.
Where these rules apply
The same requirements apply across all our services, whether your dog comes for daycare, overnight boarding or grooming. If your dog is starting daycare, our post on your dog's first day of daycare walks through the rest of the process, starting with a free meet and greet.
Full details are on our policies page, and current rates are on our homepage.
Frequently asked questions
Which vaccines does my dog need for boarding or daycare?
Current Rabies, DHPP and Bordetella vaccinations, plus regular flea, tick and intestinal parasite prevention.
My dog never goes to dog parks. Do they still need Bordetella?
Yes, for daycare, boarding and grooming at Pawliday Inn. Respiratory germs spread wherever dogs share space, so every dog needs it.
Can my puppy come before finishing their shots?
Every dog needs current Rabies, DHPP and Bordetella vaccinations. Ask your vet when your puppy's vaccine series will be complete, and plan their first visit after that.
What happens if my dog's vaccine expires during a stay?
Check due dates before booking. Vaccines should be current for the whole stay, so schedule any booster with your vet ahead of time.