--- title: Is the Canine Flu Vaccine Required? | Happy Paws url: https://happypawskennels.com/questions/do-you-require-the-canine-flu-vaccine/ 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/) - [FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/) - Do you require the canine flu vaccine? # Do you require the canine flu vaccine? Yes. Canine influenza (H3N2 and H3N8) is one of the four vaccines dogs need. A dog can board after the first dose, as long as the booster follows three to four weeks later. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) One vaccine covers both strains, so it is a single shot and booster, then an annual shot. ## The schedule Do not miss the booster. Records must show the vaccine current through the last day of the stay. | Step | When | | --- | --- | | First dose | At least before the first day of the stay | | Booster | 3 to 4 weeks after the first dose | | Then | Yearly | ## Planning back from your trip If your dog has never had the flu vaccine, give your vet time. For a trip on April 20, a first dose in mid-March lets the booster fall inside the window. Boarding a dog on the first dose is accepted, but the second is still part of the plan. ## The other vaccines Dogs also need rabies, distemper/parvo and Bordetella. Cats do not need the dog flu vaccine; they need rabies and FVRCP. Read the full list on the [vaccination requirements page](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/). ## Why the kennel asks Dogs breathe the same air, so respiratory illness is the main health risk of boarding. Vaccines do not cover every illness, which is why the boarding agreement and vaccine page discuss kennel cough openly. See the [canine influenza page](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/canine-influenza/) for more. ## What it costs the stay The vaccine does not change your boarding rate. A three-night Economy stay is 3 x $52, or $156 on the 2026 rates, with or without a booster in progress. Book the vet visit first, then the kennel dates. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [Happy Paws Kennels vaccination requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) - [Happy Paws Kennels things to know](https://happypawskennels.com/things-to-know/) ### 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/) - [Vaccination requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) - [Vaccine readiness checker](https://happypawskennels.com/tools/vaccine-readiness-checker/) - [How far ahead to vaccinate before a stay](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/timing-before-boarding/) - [Which vaccines do you require?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/which-vaccines-do-you-require/) - [FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/) ## Read next - [Can I bring my dog's bed?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/can-i-bring-my-dogs-bed/) - [Can I bring toys?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/can-i-bring-toys/) - [Why do you ask me to leave my dog in the car at check-in?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/why-do-you-ask-me-to-leave-my-dog-in-the-car-at-check-in/) - [Why remove a prong collar?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/why-remove-a-prong-collar/) - [Can I tour without an appointment?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/can-i-tour-without-an-appointment/) - [Are the runs heated and air-conditioned?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/are-the-runs-heated-and-air-conditioned/) - [How big are the kennels?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/how-big-are-the-kennels/) - [How many runs do you have?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/how-many-runs-do-you-have/) 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 vaccine cost covered? Your vet gives the vaccine and can supply the dated record. ### What if my dog had the flu shot last year? Send the record. It must be current through the stay. ### Is there an exemption? Please call 707-678-6600 to discuss your dog's records.