If you’re planning a fun trip for your pup, one of the first questions that usually comes up is about dog vaccines. Vaccination requirements for boarding facilities are not just a formality. They play a major role in keeping dogs healthy and safe while they socialize, play, and relax around other furry friends.

At Williamsburg Pet Hotel, the health and safety of every dog in our care come first. That’s why we require dogs to be up to date on core vaccinations before joining us for boarding or daycamp. These requirements help prevent the spread of illness and create a clean, safe environment for all guests, whether they’re staying overnight or coming in for the day.

Below, we’ll break down which dog vaccines are required for boarding and daycamp, which ones are recommended, and why these policies matter for your pup and everyone else in our care.

Required Dog Vaccinations for Boarding & Daycamp

Keeping all dogs properly vaccinated allows everyone to enjoy their stay safely and comfortably. Before checking in for dog boarding or daycamp, all pups who book a stay at Williamsburg Pet Hotel must be current on the following vaccines:

• Rabies
• Bordetella
• Distemper
  

We also highly recommend the canine influenza vaccine, especially for dogs who regularly spend time around other dogs. While it’s not required, it adds an extra layer of protection in social settings.

These vaccine requirements are designed to protect dogs in group settings, where illnesses can spread more easily through shared spaces, play areas, and close contact.

Required: Rabies Vaccine

The rabies vaccine is one of the most important dog vaccines and is required by law in most states, including Missouri. Rabies is a serious viral disease that affects the nervous system and can be transmitted to both animals and humans through bites or saliva.

Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal, which is why prevention through vaccination is critical. Most dogs receive their first rabies vaccine as puppies, followed by booster shots at regular intervals recommended by a veterinarian.

At Williamsburg Pet Hotel, proof of a current rabies vaccination is required before your dog can participate in boarding or daycamp activities. This policy helps ensure a safe play space for every pup who walks through our doors.

Required: Bordetella Vaccine

The Bordetella vaccine protects dogs against Bordetella bronchiseptica, one of the primary bacteria responsible for kennel cough. Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory illness that spreads easily in places where dogs interact closely, including boarding facilities and dog daycares.

Dogs can contract kennel cough through:

• Direct contact with other dogs
• Shared air space
• Community surfaces like water bowls, toys, and play equipment
  

While kennel cough is not usually life-threatening, it can cause persistent coughing, lethargy, and discomfort. In group settings, even mild cases can spread quickly if dogs are not properly protected. For this reason, the Bordetella vaccine is required for all dogs staying at our pet hotel.

Required: Distemper Vaccine

The distemper vaccine protects dogs from canine distemper, a serious and potentially fatal viral disease. This illness affects a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems and is especially dangerous for puppies and unvaccinated dogs.

Canine distemper spreads through:

• Airborne exposure
• Respiratory secretions
• Close contact with infected animals
  

Because boarding and daycamp involve shared indoor and outdoor spaces, distemper vaccination is critical for preventing exposure in social environments. The distemper vaccine is commonly included in combination vaccines administered during puppyhood and reinforced with booster shots throughout a dog’s life.

Recommended: Canine Influenza Vaccine

The canine influenza vaccine protects against dog flu, a contagious respiratory illness that spreads quickly among dogs in close contact. While canine influenza is not always severe, it can cause coughing, nasal discharge, fever, and fatigue, and recovery may take several weeks.

Unlike core dog vaccines, the canine influenza vaccine is not required for pups staying at Williamsburg Pet Hotel. However, it is highly recommended, especially for dogs who:

• Attend day camp regularly
• Stay overnight for boarding
• Frequently visit dog parks or grooming facilities
  

Because canine influenza spreads easily in group settings, vaccination can provide additional peace of mind for pet parents and an added layer of protection for dogs who love to socialize.

Why Do Facilities Require Dogs To Be Vaccinated?

Dog boarding and daycamp hotels require vaccinations for one simple reason: shared environments increase the risk of illness spreading. When dogs play, nap, eat, and socialize together, viruses and bacteria can pass from one dog to another much more easily than they would at home.

Vaccination requirements help:

• Reduce the spread of contagious diseases
• Protect puppies, senior dogs, and immunocompromised pets
• Maintain a healthy environment for all dogs in care
• Provide peace of mind for pet parents

Even dogs that appear healthy can carry illnesses without showing symptoms. By requiring these core dog vaccinations, pet hotels create a safer setting where dogs can interact confidently without unnecessary health risks.

At Williamsburg Pet Hotel, these policies are part of our long-standing commitment to safety. With years of experience caring for pets, we understand how important preventative care is in group settings. Our vaccination requirements, combined with attentive staff and 24/7 surveillance, help ensure every pup has a fun and comfortable stay.

Where Can I Find Dog Boarding & Dog Daycare in Missouri?

If you’re looking for trusted dog boarding or dog daycare in Missouri, you’ve come to the right place. At Williamsburg Pet Hotel, our staff offers safe, reliable care for dogs across the St. Louis area. Whether it’s for daycamp or a week-long vacation, we make sure your furry friend has the time of their life.

Ready to schedule your pup’s next adventure? Get in touch today to book a luxury suite for your furry friend while you’re away. We’ll go over pricing for their stay as well as any other questions you may have. Their next stay-cation is just a call away.