Vaccines Needed for Dog Boarding and Grooming

Which vaccines McClure Veterinary Clinic requires for boarding and grooming, what each one protects against, and how to plan ahead.

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The Short Answer: Rabies, Bordetella and DA2PP

To board or be groomed at McClure Veterinary Clinic, dogs need current rabies, Bordetella (kennel cough) and distemper/parvo combination (DA2PP or DA2PP-L4) vaccines, and must be free of fleas and ticks. Boarding dogs also need a negative intestinal parasite (fecal) exam within the past year and current flea and tick prevention. Cats need rabies and FVRCP vaccines.

These rules are not paperwork for its own sake. Boarding runs, daycare play groups and grooming rooms bring many dogs into the same space, and some of the most contagious canine diseases spread through the air, on shared surfaces or through close contact. Current vaccines protect your dog and every other dog in the building.

Below, we explain what each vaccine covers, how far ahead to plan and what to do if your dog is behind.

McClure’s Boarding and Grooming Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Dog boarding	Dog grooming	Cat boarding
Rabies	Required	Required	Required
Bordetella (kennel cough)	Required	Required	—
Distemper/parvo (DA2PP or DA2PP-L4)	Required	Required	—
FVRCP	—	—	Required
Negative fecal exam (past year)	Required	—	Required
Flea and tick free	Required, plus current prevention	Required	Required, plus current prevention

Proof of vaccination is required before grooming appointments. Exotic pets have species-specific requirements, so call (417) 731-4071 and press 2 to go over them.

What Each Vaccine Protects Against

Rabies: a viral disease that attacks the nervous system, is almost always fatal once signs appear and can spread to people. McClure requires every pet to be current on rabies.
Bordetella: Bordetella bronchiseptica is one of the main causes of canine infectious respiratory disease, often called kennel cough. It spreads easily where dogs share air and surfaces, which is why boarding facilities and groomers require it.
DA2PP (distemper/parvo combination): protects against canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus type 2 (which also protects against infectious canine hepatitis), parainfluenza virus and parvovirus. Distemper and parvo can be deadly, especially for puppies.
DA2PP-L4: the same combination plus protection against four strains of leptospirosis, a bacterial disease spread through the urine of infected wildlife and water that can also infect people.

For cats, FVRCP protects against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia.

Timing: Plan Ahead, Not the Week Before

Vaccines need time and, for some dogs, more than one dose. A few planning tips:

Bordetella comes in several forms. The American Animal Hospital Association’s 2022 guidelines list intranasal and oral versions as single-dose vaccines, while the injectable version needs two doses 2 to 4 weeks apart for a dog’s first series.
Puppies need a series. AAHA recommends at least three doses of the distemper/parvo combination between 6 and 16 weeks of age, given 2 to 4 weeks apart.
Leptospirosis needs two initial doses 2 to 4 weeks apart.
Boosters keep protection current. Rabies, Bordetella and the distemper/parvo combination are each boostered on a schedule your veterinarian will set.

If your dog is a puppy, has never been vaccinated against Bordetella or is overdue, call us several weeks before your trip so we can recommend timing. Learn more about our vaccination services.

What If My Dog Is Behind on Vaccines?

You have options:

Book a vaccine visit at our Ozark clinic or through our mobile vet service.
Update during the stay. If your dog is boarding with us and is due for vaccines or a fecal exam, we can take care of it during the stay (additional fees apply).
Send records from another clinic. If your dog was vaccinated elsewhere, ask that clinic to send proof, or bring a copy to drop-off.

McClure clients can view vaccine records and get reminders in the free McClure Vet Clinic app.

Do Not Forget Fleas, Ticks and Parasites

Boarding dogs and cats must be on current flea and tick prevention and arrive flea-free, and groomed dogs must be free of fleas and ticks. If we find fleas or ticks, you will be charged for flea/tick medication, because one infested pet can affect everyone in the building. Boarding pets also need a negative intestinal parasite exam within the past year. Our parasite testing and pharmacy can help you stay current.

Ready to Book?

Once your pet is up to date, reservations are easy:

Pet boarding and dog boarding near Springfield: complete the boarding form.
Cat boarding: same boarding form, with a quiet feline room away from the dogs.
Grooming and dog grooming near Nixa: complete the grooming form.

Questions about requirements? Call (417) 731-4071 and press 2.

Boarding and Grooming Vaccine FAQs

What vaccines does my dog need to board at McClure?

Dogs need current rabies, Bordetella and distemper/parvo (DA2PP or DA2PP-L4) vaccines, a negative intestinal parasite exam within the past year, and current flea and tick prevention.

What vaccines does my dog need for grooming?

Dogs need current rabies, Bordetella and distemper (DA2PP or DA2PP-L4) vaccines and must be free of fleas and ticks. Proof of vaccination is required before the appointment.

What vaccines does my cat need for boarding?

Cats need current rabies and FVRCP vaccines, a negative intestinal parasite exam within the past year, and flea prevention, and must be flea-free at arrival.

Is the Bordetella vaccine required for grooming?

Yes. McClure requires Bordetella (kennel cough) for both grooming and boarding because it spreads easily where dogs share air and surfaces.

Can my dog get vaccines during a boarding stay?

Yes. If your dog is due for vaccines or a fecal exam, we can take care of it during the stay. Additional fees apply.

How far ahead should I update vaccines before boarding?

Plan several weeks ahead, especially for puppies or dogs that have never had a Bordetella vaccine, because some vaccines need more than one dose. Call (417) 731-4071 and we will recommend timing.

Related Care at McClure Veterinary Clinic

Get Your Pet Up to Date

Request a vaccine appointment at our Ozark clinic or through our mobile service, and we will make sure your pet is ready for boarding or grooming.

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