The legal baseline: what Georgia requires
Under O.C.G.A. §31-19-3 (accessed Aug 26, 2026), Georgia requires rabies vaccination for all dogs, cats, and ferrets. The vaccination must be administered by a licensed veterinarian using a USDA-approved vaccine. Puppies and kittens must receive their first rabies vaccination by three months of age, earlier than many states.
Georgia's Department of Agriculture, Animal Protection Division (accessed Aug 26, 2026) regulates animal shelters and commercial boarding operations. Licensed facilities must comply with state standards for sanitation, space, and veterinary oversight.
Individual counties in Georgia can — and often do — add local ordinances on top of the state requirements. Fulton County (Atlanta) and DeKalb County (accessed Aug 26, 2026) both enforce additional animal control rules including mandatory registration and proof of vaccination for any animal in a commercial boarding setting.
What most Georgia boarding facilities require
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 |
| Bordetella (kennel cough) | Yes — nearly universal | Within the last 6–12 months |
| Canine influenza (H3N2/H3N8) | Increasingly common in Atlanta metro | Within the last year |
| Fecal exam (negative) | Common, especially at daycares | Within the last 6–12 months |
| Flea/tick prevention | Yes — nearly universal in Georgia | Current monthly treatment |
| Heartworm test (negative) + prevention | Many Georgia facilities | Annual test; current monthly prevention |
| Spay/neuter proof | Required for group play at most daycares | N/A |
Cats
| Vaccination / Record | Required? | How recent |
|---|---|---|
| Rabies | Yes — by law | 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 | Yes — nearly universal | Current monthly treatment |
Year-round parasite pressure: Georgia is different
Unlike northern states with cold winters that knock back flea and tick populations, Georgia's mild climate means parasites are active twelve months a year. Heartworm-carrying mosquitoes don't take the winter off in Georgia, either. This is why many Georgia boarding facilities require not just flea/tick prevention but also proof of a current negative heartworm test and active heartworm prevention.
If you're moving to Georgia from a northern state or boarding here for the first time, check whether your dog's heartworm test and prevention are current. Most northern dogs get tested annually in the spring — Georgia facilities may want to see a test from the last 12 months regardless of season.
Atlanta's canine influenza awareness
The Atlanta metro has seen periodic canine influenza cases, and the city's dense network of dog parks and daycares creates transmission risk. While canine flu vaccination isn't universally required statewide, most Atlanta-area boarding facilities now require or strongly recommend it. If you're boarding in metro Atlanta, assume you'll need it.
What format do facilities accept?
- A printed vaccination record from your vet
- A digital copy emailed directly from your vet's office
- A PDF or screenshot from a health record app — showing vet name, vaccine dates, and expiration dates
What they usually won't accept: handwritten notes, verbal confirmations, or receipts without 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.