Dog daycare vaccinations: what we need and why
Short answer: every dog in daycare or boarding at emBARK, including puppies, needs Core (DHLPP) every year, Bordetella every year, and Rabies every year or every 3 years depending on the vaccine. Bordetella must be given at least 7 days before your dog’s first visit. Upload the records to your dog’s profile in our client portal before you book the free assessment.
The three vaccines we require
| Vaccine | How often | Timing note |
|---|---|---|
| Core (DHLPP) | Annually | Keep it current year to year |
| Bordetella | Annually | At least 7 days before arrival |
| Rabies | Annually or every 3 years | Depends on the vaccine your vet uses |
Core (DHLPP)
DHLPP is a combination vaccine. The letters stand for distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus), leptospirosis, parainfluenza and parvovirus. Your vet may call it the “core” or “combo” shot. Clinics sometimes use a slightly different combination, so if your dog’s record shows different letters, send it over and ask us.
Bordetella
Bordetella is one of the common causes of kennel cough, a respiratory infection that spreads easily between dogs in close contact. We need it given at least 7 days before your dog’s first day, so plan ahead if your dog is due.
Rabies
Rabies vaccines are given either every year or every 3 years, depending on the product your vet uses. Either works for us as long as it’s current, so check the expiry date on your record.
Why daycares ask for vaccines
When a group of dogs plays together all day in one space, illness can travel quickly. Requiring up-to-date vaccines for every dog lowers that risk for the whole group. It also means you know every dog your dog plays with meets the same standard, which is part of the peace of mind daycare should give you.
Puppies: when can they start?
Puppies can join daycare from 4 months, once they’ve completed their full vaccination series, including Bordetella and Rabies. Puppy vaccines are given over a series of vet visits, so the exact timing depends on your vet’s schedule. Ask your vet when your puppy’s series will be finished, then count 7 days from the Bordetella shot before booking.
How to upload your dog’s records
- Go to Get Started and create your profile in our client portal. Already a client? Sign in through the client portal.
- Add your dog’s details and upload a copy of the vaccination records from your vet.
- Call 604-492-4993 or email [email protected] to book your free assessment.
When your dog gets a booster, upload the new record to the portal so your file stays current.
Keeping vaccines current
Each vaccine runs on its own schedule, so Bordetella might be due in spring and Rabies in the fall. Set a reminder a few weeks before each due date. Every dog in daycare or boarding has to meet all three requirements, so a lapsed vaccine means a pause until it’s renewed.
This matters most before the holidays. If you’re planning holiday boarding, check that every vaccine will still be valid on the last night of your dog’s stay, not just the first.
Talk to your vet
We’re a daycare, not a clinic. If your dog is a senior, has a health condition, or has had a reaction to a vaccine before, your vet is the right person to plan their vaccine schedule with you.
Quick answers
Does my puppy need Rabies before daycare? Yes. Puppies need their full series, including Bordetella and Rabies, before their first visit.
My dog had Bordetella yesterday. Can they come on Monday? Not yet. Bordetella has to be given at least 7 days before arrival.
Do boarding dogs need the same vaccines? Yes. Daycare and boarding have the same three requirements.
Where do I send the records? Upload them to your dog’s profile in our client portal.
Next step
emBARK is a dog daycare in Port Moody for small and medium dogs, 45 lb and under. Create your profile and book your free assessment, read more about our dog daycare, or see our full FAQ.