The short version: most kennels require a completed DHPP series, a Rabies vaccine, and Bordetella before they will accept a puppy — and many set a minimum age of around 4 to 6 months on top of that. Plan the vaccine timeline several weeks ahead of any boarding date, because the series takes time and some vaccines need days to count.
Vaccines kennels require
The complication with puppies is that these are not single-shot vaccines — the DHPP series runs from about 6 to 8 weeks through 16 weeks of age. The final dose must be complete, not just started. Plan ahead: if you have a boarding date in mind, work backward from it with your vet.
| Vaccine | Puppy timing & notes | Required |
|---|---|---|
| DHPP series | Distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza. Series starts at 6–8 weeks with boosters every 2–4 weeks through ~16 weeks. Final dose must be done. | Complete series |
| Rabies | Given at 12–16 weeks; legally required in most areas and non-negotiable at drop-off. | Required |
| Bordetella | Kennel cough; spreads fast in shared facilities. Give it at least a week before boarding to count. | Required before boarding |
| Minimum age & completed series | Most kennels set a floor of around 4–6 months and confirm the full series is done. Confirm the specific policy with your facility before booking. | Varies by kennel |
Bring dated certificates for every vaccine, not just "the series is done." Kennels keep a copy on file, and a missing final booster record is enough to turn a puppy away at drop-off.
The check-in checklist
What the facility needs from you at drop-off:
- Completed vaccine records with dates — DHPP final dose, Rabies, and Bordetella at minimum.
- Feeding plan — puppy food, exact portions, and the schedule (puppies often eat 3× a day).
- Medications — names, doses, timing, and what they are for.
- Vet contact — clinic name, phone, and your puppy’s file number if you have it.
- Emergency contact — someone reachable who can authorize care.
- Behavior notes — any known fears, bite history, or how your puppy is with other dogs.
Skip the folder of screenshots
PetPacket turns this checklist into one Boarding Packet — vaccine records, feeding, meds, and contacts on a single page you can text, AirDrop, or print.
What to pack
Keep it simple and labeled. Puppies do not need much beyond the basics — and most kennels prefer you keep it minimal:
- Food, pre-portioned — bagged per meal, including the correct puppy formula; do not let the kennel guess the amount.
- Medication, labeled — in the original container with a written schedule.
- Collar with an ID tag and a well-fitted harness if your puppy pulls.
- One comfort item — a worn t-shirt or a familiar blanket with a scent from home.
- Nothing irreplaceable — favorite toys get lost in group environments; leave them home.
Questions worth asking the kennel
- What is the minimum age you accept? Policies vary; some set 16 weeks, others 4 or 6 months regardless of vaccine status.
- Are puppies grouped with adult dogs? A puppy in general population with large adults is a different risk than a puppy-only run.
- How many times a day are puppies let out? Young puppies need more frequent bathroom breaks than adult dogs.
- Can I send a care packet ahead? Many kennels are happy to receive feeding and health details before drop-off day.
Frequently asked
How old does a puppy have to be to board?
Most kennels require a puppy to be fully vaccinated and around 4 to 6 months old. The exact minimum varies by facility, so confirm before you book — but the vaccine series finishing around 16 weeks is usually the real gate, not a calendar age alone.
What vaccines does a puppy need before boarding?
A completed DHPP series (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza), a Rabies vaccine given around 12 to 16 weeks, and Bordetella. The full DHPP series runs from about 6 to 8 weeks through 16 weeks with boosters every 2 to 4 weeks — the final dose must be done, not just started.
Can I board an unvaccinated puppy?
No. Boarding facilities are high-exposure environments, and a puppy whose series is not complete faces real risk of parvovirus and kennel cough. Finish the series first. No responsible kennel should accept an under-vaccinated puppy, and none should be asked to.
How far ahead should I plan puppy vaccines for boarding?
Several weeks at minimum. The DHPP series wraps up around 16 weeks of age, and some vaccines need a few days to take effect before they count. If you have a boarding date in mind, work backward from it with your vet to make sure the final booster lands in time.
