The legal baseline: what Florida requires
Florida law mandates rabies vaccination for all dogs, cats, and ferrets four months and older. Under Florida Statute §828.30 (accessed Aug 26, 2026), pet owners must keep their animals' rabies vaccinations current and be able to present the vaccination certificate upon request. This is the absolute minimum — no boarding facility in Florida will accept an animal without it.
Florida also regulates commercial boarding operations through the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Facilities must meet standards for sanitation, ventilation, and animal care under Chapter 828 of the Florida Statutes (accessed Aug 26, 2026). Reputable facilities go well beyond the minimums — and their intake requirements reflect that.
What most Florida boarding facilities require
Dogs
| Vaccination / Record | Required? | How recent |
|---|---|---|
| Rabies | Yes — by state law | Must be current (not expired) |
| DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, Parainfluenza) | Yes — nearly universal | Within the last 1–3 years |
| Bordetella (kennel cough) | Yes — nearly universal | Within the last 6–12 months |
| Canine influenza (H3N2/H3N8) | Common — especially South Florida | Within the last year |
| Fecal exam (negative) | Some facilities | Within the last 6–12 months |
| Flea/tick/heartworm prevention | Most facilities — critical in Florida | Current monthly treatment |
| Spay/neuter proof | Required for group play at most daycares | N/A |
Cats
| Vaccination / Record | Required? | How recent |
|---|---|---|
| Rabies | Yes — by state law | Must be current |
| FVRCP | Yes — standard | Within the last 1–3 years |
| FeLV test (negative) | Some facilities | Within the last year |
| Flea treatment | Most facilities | Current monthly treatment |
Florida-specific considerations
Heartworm prevention is year-round
Florida's mosquito population is among the worst in the country, and heartworm transmission occurs year-round — there is no "off season." Many Florida boarding facilities require proof of current heartworm prevention (and sometimes a recent negative heartworm test) in addition to the standard vaccination requirements. This is particularly common in Central and South Florida, where mosquito pressure is highest.
Canine influenza outbreaks
South Florida has seen multiple canine influenza outbreaks in recent years. Facilities in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties increasingly require canine influenza vaccination — often both H3N2 and H3N8 strains. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) (accessed Aug 26, 2026) tracks animal health issues statewide. If you're boarding in South Florida, assume canine flu vaccination will be required and check with the facility.
Hurricane season planning
Florida pet owners face a unique boarding consideration: hurricane season (June–November). If you board your pet during this window, confirm your facility's evacuation plan and ensure your pet's records are digitally accessible. Paper records in a facility that loses power or floods don't help anyone. Having your pet's complete health history in a digital system that goes everywhere you do is genuine peace of mind during storm season.
County-level variation
Florida's 67 counties each have their own animal control ordinances. Some counties — like Miami-Dade and Orange County — have additional requirements beyond state law, including mandatory pet registration. These county rules can affect what boarding facilities in those areas require at intake. When in doubt, check both your county's animal services website and your specific facility's requirements.
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.