--- title: How Long Is Kennel Cough Contagious? | Happy Paws Kennels url: https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/how-long-is-kennel-cough-contagious/ 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/) - [Vaccines](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/) - How long is kennel cough contagious? # How long is kennel cough contagious? A dog with kennel cough can spread it before the cough starts and for a period after it ends, and the length varies by germ and by dog. Ask your veterinarian when your dog is clear before it mixes with other dogs again. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) Owners ask this after a cough, a day care sniffle or a kennel notice. There is no single number that fits every dog, and here is why. ## Contagious before the cough Kennel cough spreads in droplets in the air from a coughing dog to a healthy dog nearby, and sources describe dogs shedding germs before they show any sign. That is why an outbreak can move through a group before anyone notices. The kennel's own page says that it is spread through a variety of airborne viruses and bacteria. ## After the cough stops American Humane says most dogs recover within 7 to 10 days, and the AKC says most recover within one to three weeks, with severe cases taking longer. Some dogs can still shed the bacteria after the cough clears, so the AKC advises keeping a dog away from other dogs while it is coughing and for at least two weeks after the coughing stops. Different veterinarians use different rules, which is why the right person to ask is the one who examined your dog. ## Why there is no single answer Kennel cough is a group of illnesses, and each germ behaves a little differently. A dog's age, health and vaccine history also play a part. For that reason the kennel does not quote a day count. It asks owners to follow their veterinarian's direction and to tell the staff if their dog has been coughing before a stay. ## Practical steps - Call your veterinarian at the first cough, and ask when your dog can mix again. - Keep a coughing dog away from day care, dog parks and boarding until the vet says it is fine. - If you have a booking, call 707-678-6600 to change the dates. - After a stay, watch for a cough in the next several days and report it. ## More reading Start with the basics on [what kennel cough is](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/kennel-cough/), the [signs to watch for](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/kennel-cough-symptoms/) and [boarding and kennel cough risk](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/boarding-and-kennel-cough-risk/). ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [Happy Paws Kennels vaccination requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) - [American Humane: kennel cough](https://www.americanhumane.org/public-education/kennel-cough/) - [AKC: Kennel cough in dogs](https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/kennel-cough-in-dogs/) ### Before your first stay - [Vaccination records](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) current through pick-up day - A signed [boarding agreement](https://happypawskennels.com/boarding-contract/) - Pets 16 weeks or older - [Bring nothing but your pet](https://happypawskennels.com/what-to-bring/) ### 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 - [Kennel cough](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/kennel-cough/) - [Kennel cough symptoms](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/kennel-cough-symptoms/) - [Canine respiratory illness outbreaks](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/dog-respiratory-illness/) - [Boarding and kennel cough risk](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/boarding-and-kennel-cough-risk/) - [Vaccination requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) - [Vaccines](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/vaccines/) ## Is my pet ready? Who is staying? Dog Cat Both Pick-up date Dog vaccines (three required, one recommended) Rabies Good until Distemper/Parvo (DHPP) Good until Bordetella (kennel cough) Good until Canine Influenza (H3N2 - H3N8) - recommended, not required Good until Cat vaccines (required) Rabies Good until FVRCP Good until Tick each vaccine your pet has had. Add the date it runs out to check it against your pick-up day. This checks our boarding requirements, not your pet's health. Your veterinarian decides which vaccines your pet should have and when. Upload records to your [ProPetware account](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin), email them, or bring a copy at check-in. ## Read next - [Canine respiratory illness outbreaks](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/dog-respiratory-illness/) - [Puppy vaccine schedule](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/puppy-vaccine-schedule/) - [Adult dog vaccine schedule](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/adult-dog-vaccine-schedule/) - [Kitten vaccine schedule](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/kitten-vaccine-schedule/) - [Which vaccines does a cat need for boarding?](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/cat-vaccines-for-boarding/) - [How far ahead to vaccinate before a stay](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/timing-before-boarding/) - [Titer tests and boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/titer-tests/) - [Rabies exemptions in California](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/vaccine-exemptions/) 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/). ### How long should a dog stay away from other dogs after kennel cough? Ask your veterinarian. The AKC advises at least two weeks after the coughing stops, but it depends on the dog and the germ. ### Can a dog spread kennel cough without coughing? Sources say dogs can shed germs before they show signs. ### Can people catch kennel cough? Kennel cough is a dog illness. Ask your doctor if you have a health concern. ### What does the kennel do if a dog is coughing? Please call 707-678-6600 and speak with staff.