--- title: Bordetella | Happy Paws Kennels Glossary url: https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/bordetella/ business: Happy Paws Kennels address: 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 phone: 707-678-6600 hours: drop-off and pick-up every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2:00-5:00 PM type: Dog and cat boarding kennel on about 10 country acres; caring for pets in Dixon since 1971 rates: 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026 (dogs from $52 a night, cats $35 a night) --- - [Home](https://happypawskennels.com/) - [Glossary](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/) - Bordetella # Bordetella Bordetella is shorthand for Bordetella bronchiseptica, a bacterium that is a common cause of kennel cough, and for the vaccine against it. Happy Paws Kennels requires the Bordetella vaccine for every dog, by injection, intranasal or oral form. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) The vaccine reduces the risk and severity of kennel cough but cannot prevent every cause of it. ## What it is The AKC describes kennel cough as a highly contagious canine respiratory illness with several possible causes. Bordetella bronchiseptica is a common one, but mycoplasmas and viruses such as parainfluenza and adenovirus type 2 can also be involved. A harsh cough is the main sign, appearing 2 to 14 days after exposure, and most dogs recover within one to three weeks. ## The vaccine Bordetella vaccines come in injection, intranasal and oral forms; your vet decides which fits your dog. The AKC notes boosters are typically given every 6 to 12 months. A vaccinated dog can still catch a cough from another organism. The kennel's own wording is that the vaccine does not cover every respiratory illness, and that occasional outbreaks happen and usually clear in a few days. ## What Happy Paws needs on file Your dog's record must show Bordetella current through the last day of the stay, with the others: rabies and distemper/parvo; canine influenza is recommended. Upload to your online account, email it or bring a copy to the first check-in. Ask your vet about timing; the [timing before boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/timing-before-boarding/) page helps. ## Learn more See [the Bordetella vaccine page](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/bordetella/), [intranasal vs oral Bordetella](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/intranasal-vs-oral-bordetella/) and [CIRDC](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/cirdc/), the modern name for the whole group of kennel cough diseases. ## Timing and records Ask your vet how far ahead of a stay to give the vaccine, and make sure the date on the record is clear. Vaccination records must show the vaccine is current and will not expire during the stay. For a long stay, check the expiry date before you book. Send updated records after boosters. The [sending vaccine records](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/sending-vaccine-records/) page lists the ways to do it. ## What to do if a cough appears If your dog coughs after a stay, keep him away from other dogs and call your vet. The AKC advises that dogs with kennel cough avoid other dogs while symptomatic and for at least two weeks after coughing stops. Tell the kennel too. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [AKC, kennel cough in dogs](https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/kennel-cough-in-dogs/) - [Happy Paws Kennels vaccination requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) ### 2026 nightly rates - First Class kennel $72 - Business Class kennel $59 - Economy Class kennel $52 - Cat condo $35 All-inclusive: food, medications and walks. 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026. [All 2026 rates](https://happypawskennels.com/rates/) ### Visit or call 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) | Drop-off and pick-up, every day | 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM | | --- | --- | | Tours, every day (no appointment) | 9:00 to 11:00 AM and 2:00 to 4:00 PM | [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin) ### Related - [Bordetella vaccine](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/bordetella/) - [Kennel cough](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/kennel-cough/) - [CIRDC](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/cirdc/) - [Intranasal vs oral bordetella](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/intranasal-vs-oral-bordetella/) - [Vaccination requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) ## Read next - [CIRDC](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/cirdc/) - [DHPP](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/dhpp/) - [FVRCP](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/fvrcp/) - [Canine influenza](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/canine-influenza/) - [Leptospirosis](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/leptospirosis/) - [Titer test](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/titer-test/) - [Rabies certificate](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/rabies-certificate/) - [Intact](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/intact/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) (every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2-5 PM) or see the [boarding FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/). ### Is Bordetella the same as kennel cough? No. It is one cause of kennel cough, and the name of its vaccine. ### How long does it last? Boosters are typically given every 6 to 12 months. Follow your vet's schedule. ### Is it required for cats? No. The cat requirements are rabies and FVRCP. ### Does a vaccinated dog still get kennel cough? Sometimes, because other organisms can cause it. The vaccine lowers the risk and severity.