- Rabies required by VA Code § 3.2-6521 — Virginia law mandates current rabies vaccination for all dogs and cats four months and older; no licensed boarding facility will waive this.
- Lyme disease risk in Northern Virginia — NoVA counties (Fairfax, Loudoun, Arlington) are high-Lyme-risk areas; many facilities with outdoor play areas recommend or require Lyme vaccination.
- Bordetella is the standard for all facilities — most Virginia kennels require kennel cough vaccination, typically within the last 6 months, and some require it at least 48 hours before check-in.
What Virginia boarding facilities typically require
Rabies vaccination (required by state law)
Virginia law requires all dogs and cats four months and older to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian (VA Code § 3.2-6521, accessed Aug 28, 2026). No licensed boarding facility in Virginia will accept a pet without proof of a current rabies vaccination. You need the actual certificate from your vet — not just a verbal confirmation.
DHPP / Distemper combo (dogs)
Proof of current DHPP vaccination (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus). Standard across virtually all Virginia boarding facilities. Must be current — meaning within the 1–3 year window set by your vet's protocol.
Bordetella / kennel cough (dogs)
Bordetella is the most frequently required non-core vaccine for boarding in Virginia. Kennel cough spreads rapidly in group housing. Most Virginia facilities require it, and many require administration within the last 6 months (not just annually). Some facilities require it at least 48 hours before check-in.
FVRCP (cats)
For cats, most Virginia boarding facilities require proof of current FVRCP vaccination (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia).
Canine influenza (growing requirement)
Canine influenza vaccination is increasingly required by Virginia boarding facilities, particularly in the Northern Virginia corridor (Fairfax, Loudoun, Arlington, Prince William counties) and the Hampton Roads area. Not universal yet, but worth checking when you book.
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 plus a backup
- Your vet's contact information — name, clinic, phone number
- Feeding instructions — brand, amount, frequency. Most facilities ask you to bring your pet's own food
- Dog license tag number — some Virginia facilities record this at check-in
Virginia-specific rules to know
- State-mandated rabies clinics: Virginia law requires every county and city to host a public rabies vaccination clinic at least once every two years (VA Code § 3.2-6521(B), accessed Aug 28, 2026). These clinics issue valid certificates — a cost-effective way to stay current if your rabies is about to expire before a boarding reservation.
- Lyme disease risk: Virginia is a high-risk state for Lyme disease, especially in the western and northern regions. Some Virginia boarding facilities, particularly those with outdoor play areas or nature trails, recommend or require a Lyme vaccine. Ask when you book.
- Holiday demand in Northern Virginia: The NOVA corridor (Fairfax, Loudoun, Arlington) has extremely high boarding demand around federal holidays. Government workers and military families travel simultaneously. Book 4–6 weeks in advance for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and spring break periods.
Last verified: October 15, 2026. Boarding requirements vary by facility — always confirm directly when you book. This guide covers common Virginia requirements; your facility may have additional policies.