The legal baseline: what California requires
California law requires all dogs four months and older to have a current rabies vaccination (CA Health & Safety Code §121690, accessed Aug 26, 2026). This is the floor — no legitimate boarding facility will accept a dog without proof of current rabies vaccination.
Beyond rabies, California's Animal Shelter Regulations under Food & Agricultural Code Division 14.5 (accessed Aug 26, 2026) set standards for facilities that house animals commercially, including adequate space, sanitation, and veterinary care. While these regulations focus on the facility's obligations, they're why reputable boarding operations are so strict about what comes through the door — an unvaccinated animal is a liability for every animal in the building.
What most California boarding facilities require
State law sets the minimum, but boarding facilities go further. Here's the standard set of requirements you'll encounter at most California kennels and doggy daycares:
Dogs
| Vaccination / Record | Required? | How recent |
|---|---|---|
| Rabies | Yes — by law | Must be current (not expired) |
| DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, Parainfluenza) | Yes — nearly universal | Within the last 1–3 years (depends on vaccine type) |
| Bordetella (kennel cough) | Yes — nearly universal | Within the last 6–12 months (facilities vary) |
| Canine influenza (H3N2/H3N8) | Increasingly common | Within the last year; some require both strains |
| Fecal exam (negative) | Some facilities | Within the last 6–12 months |
| Flea/tick prevention | Most facilities | Current monthly treatment |
| Spay/neuter proof | Required for group play at most daycares | N/A |
Cats
| Vaccination / Record | Required? | How recent |
|---|---|---|
| Rabies | Yes — by law (where county requires it) | Must be current |
| FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) | Yes — standard | Within the last 1–3 years |
| FeLV test (negative) | Some facilities | Within the last year |
| Flea treatment | Most facilities | Current monthly treatment |
The bordetella reality
Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccination is the one that catches most people off guard. Many vets don't include it in routine vaccination schedules because it's mainly relevant for dogs in group settings. But virtually every California boarding facility requires it, and some require it within the last six months — not twelve.
If you're booking boarding for the first time, check the facility's bordetella timeline. The intranasal version provides protection faster (within 3–5 days) than the injectable version (which can take up to two weeks). If your trip is soon, ask your vet about the intranasal option.
Canine influenza: the newer requirement
After outbreaks in Southern California and the Bay Area, many California facilities now require canine influenza vaccination — particularly for the H3N2 strain. The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) monitors animal disease outbreaks statewide (CDFA Animal Health Branch, accessed Aug 26, 2026). Large facilities and chains (Camp Bow Wow, Dogtopia, PetSuites) in metro areas like LA and San Francisco are most likely to require it. Smaller rural kennels may not — but the trend is toward requiring it everywhere.
What format do facilities accept?
Most California boarding facilities accept:
- A printed vaccination record from your vet (the gold standard)
- A digital copy emailed or texted directly from your vet's office
- A screenshot or PDF from your pet's health record app — as long as it shows the vet's name, vaccine dates, and expiration dates
What they usually won't accept: your handwritten notes, a verbal confirmation, or a receipt that doesn't specify the vaccine type and date.
Your boarding-ready checklist
Last verified: August 26, 2026. Individual facility requirements may exceed the minimums listed here. Always confirm with your specific boarding facility before your reservation date.