What New Jersey boarding facilities typically require
New Jersey kennels and boarding facilities are regulated under the state's N.J.A.C. 8:23A (Kennel Regulations) (accessed Aug 28, 2026). While specific facility requirements vary, virtually every licensed boarding operation in New Jersey requires the following before accepting your pet:
Rabies vaccination (required by law)
New Jersey law requires all dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies (NJ Department of Health — Rabies, accessed Aug 28, 2026). No licensed boarding facility will accept a pet without proof of a current rabies vaccination. You need the actual certificate from your vet — not just a note or a verbal confirmation.
DHPP / Distemper combo (dogs)
Proof of current DHPP vaccination (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus). Most facilities require this to be current — meaning administered within the last 1–3 years depending on the vaccine schedule your vet follows.
Bordetella / kennel cough (dogs)
This is the one that catches people off guard. Bordetella vaccination protects against kennel cough — a highly contagious respiratory infection that spreads easily in group housing. Almost every New Jersey boarding facility requires it, and many require it to have been administered within the last 6 months (not just annually).
If your dog hasn't had a Bordetella vaccine recently, call the facility before booking — some require it at least 48 hours before check-in to give the vaccine time to build protection.
FVRCP (cats)
If you're boarding a cat, most facilities require proof of current FVRCP vaccination (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia). This is the feline equivalent of the dog's distemper combo.
Canine influenza (increasingly required)
A growing number of New Jersey boarding facilities — particularly in the northern counties near New York City — now require proof of canine influenza vaccination (H3N2/H3N8). This isn't universal yet, but it's becoming standard, especially after regional outbreaks. Check with your specific facility.
Documents you should bring
- Vaccination certificate from your vet showing current rabies, DHPP (dogs) or FVRCP (cats), and Bordetella (dogs).
- Medication list and instructions if your pet takes any medications.
- Emergency contact information — your cell phone plus a backup contact.
- Your vet's contact information — name, clinic, phone number. Facilities need to reach a vet if something comes up.
- Feeding instructions — brand, amount, frequency. Most facilities ask you to bring your pet's food to avoid digestive upset.
New Jersey–specific rules to know
- Kennel licensing: New Jersey requires all boarding kennels to be licensed by the municipality. Under N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.8 (accessed Aug 28, 2026), a licensed kennel must maintain health records for all animals in its care. A reputable facility will ask for your records — it's a sign they're following the law.
- No state-mandated vaccination list for boarding: New Jersey doesn't publish a statewide checklist of required boarding vaccines. Each facility sets its own requirements beyond the rabies mandate. Always confirm directly with the facility when you book.
- Holiday and summer surcharges: Many NJ facilities charge premium rates during holidays and summer weeks. Book early — popular facilities in Bergen, Essex, and Morris counties fill up weeks in advance during the summer.
Last verified: August 28, 2026. Boarding requirements vary by facility — always confirm directly when you book. This guide covers common New Jersey requirements; your facility may have additional policies.