--- title: Canine Influenza | Happy Paws Kennels Glossary url: https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/canine-influenza/ 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/) - Canine influenza # Canine influenza Canine influenza, or dog flu, is a contagious respiratory virus with two strains in the United States, H3N2 and H3N8. Happy Paws Kennels recommends the vaccine for dogs but does not require it to board. The series is a first dose, a booster 3 to 4 weeks later, then yearly. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) Dog flu is a different disease from the human flu, and it spreads where dogs gather. ## How the vaccine rule works One vaccine covers both strains. The first dose starts the series, and a booster follows in 3 to 4 weeks. Happy Paws recommends the vaccine but does not require it to board. A dog that has started the series is accepted after the initial dose, and the booster should not be missed. After the series, it is given once a year. The record must stay current through the last day of the stay. See [do you require the canine flu vaccine](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/do-you-require-the-canine-flu-vaccine/). ## Why a kennel cares Canine influenza spreads by droplets and shared objects, and any place where dogs meet is a place it can travel. Signs resemble kennel cough: cough, sneezing, nasal discharge, fever and tiredness. A dog can spread it before showing signs. A kennel therefore recommends the vaccine for every guest, which also protects your dog from other guests. ## Planning the timeline Because of the booster gap, start early. If your first dose is three weeks before a trip, the booster falls just before the stay. Ask your vet for dates in writing, and send the record when you book. The [how far ahead to vaccinate](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/timing-before-boarding/) page has a simple calendar. ## More information Read [canine influenza](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/canine-influenza/), [CIRDC](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/cirdc/) and [boarding and kennel cough risk](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/boarding-and-kennel-cough-risk/). The AVMA has a pet owner page on the disease. ## Signs and what to do Watch for a cough that lasts, nasal discharge, sneezing, a fever and low energy. Some dogs have a mild illness and others develop pneumonia, so call your vet if breathing changes. A dog that shows signs should stay home from boarding and day care until the vet says he is clear. The vaccine does not guarantee that a dog will not catch the flu but it reduces the illness. Keep the vaccine record with your other paperwork. Because the booster is part of the rule, ask your vet to write both dates on the record when the first dose is given. ## Dog parks, day care and travel Any outing with other dogs is a chance to meet the virus, which is why vets often suggest the vaccine for dogs that visit day care, boarding, shows or dog parks. If your dog travels, ask your vet whether the destination has had outbreaks. Keep the proof of both doses in your phone so you can send it on the day you book. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [AVMA, canine influenza](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/canine-influenza) - [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 - [Canine influenza](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/canine-influenza/) - [Do you require the canine flu vaccine?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/do-you-require-the-canine-flu-vaccine/) - [How far ahead to vaccinate before a stay](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/timing-before-boarding/) - [Bordetella](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/bordetella/) - [Vaccination requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) ## Read next - [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/) - [Spay and neuter](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/spay-and-neuter/) - [Brachycephalic](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/brachycephalic/) - [Double coat](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/double-coat/) - [Undercoat](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/undercoat/) 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 the flu shot the same as Bordetella? No. They protect against different germs. Bordetella is required and canine influenza is recommended. ### Can my dog board after the first dose? Yes, but the booster 3 to 4 weeks later must not be missed. ### Does my cat need it? No. Cats need rabies and FVRCP. ### Is dog flu the same as human flu? No. Canine influenza viruses are separate from the viruses that cause human flu.