--- title: Leptospirosis Vaccine for Dogs: Recommended | Happy Paws url: https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/leptospirosis/ 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/) - Leptospirosis vaccine # Leptospirosis vaccine for dogs Happy Paws Kennels recommends the leptospirosis vaccine for dogs but does not require it. Whether your dog should have it is a decision to make with your veterinarian. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) Leptospirosis sounds unfamiliar, yet it is one of the three recommendations on the kennel's list. Here is what it is and how to decide. ## Recommended, not required The kennel's vaccination page lists leptospirosis, heartworm prevention and flea prevention as services it recommends. Dogs must have rabies, distemper/parvo, Bordetella and canine influenza; leptospirosis is the extra step some owners choose. The page says the vaccine may also come combined with the distemper/parvo shot, so check your record to see whether it is already included. ## What the disease is The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that leptospirosis is caused by Leptospira bacteria spread in the urine of infected animals. People and animals usually get infected through contaminated water or soil, especially after floods or heavy rain. Dogs are among the many animals that can carry the bacteria, and infected animals may show a wide range of signs or none at all. Early treatment with antibiotics helps, so a dog that seems ill should see a veterinarian promptly. ## What the guidelines say The American Animal Hospital Association's 2022 canine vaccination guidelines list leptospirosis among the core vaccines, meaning vaccines suggested for all dogs unless there is a medical reason not to give them. Other veterinary sources and clinics still treat it as a lifestyle vaccine, so recommendations vary by clinic. AAHA describes a first series of two doses a few weeks apart and then an annual booster. Your veterinarian decides what suits your dog, where you live and how much time your dog spends around standing water, wildlife or farm animals. ## In Dixon country If your dog spends time around ditches, ponds or farm animals, leptospirosis is worth asking about. That is a reason to raise the topic with your vet at the next visit, not a reason for alarm. If you decide to add the vaccine, send the updated record along with your booking request on the [booking page](https://happypawskennels.com/book/). At Happy Paws the vaccine stays on the recommended list, alongside heartworm and flea prevention. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [Happy Paws Kennels vaccination requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) - [CDC: About leptospirosis](https://www.cdc.gov/leptospirosis/about/index.html) - [AAHA 2022 Canine Vaccination Guidelines](https://www.aaha.org/resources/2022-aaha-canine-vaccination-guidelines/recommendations-for-core-and-noncore-canine-vaccines/) ### 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 - [Vaccination requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) - [Leptospirosis](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/leptospirosis/) - [DHPP (distemper/parvo) for boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/dhpp-distemper-parvo/) - [Adult dog vaccine schedule](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/adult-dog-vaccine-schedule/) - [Vaccines](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/vaccines/) - [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.com/book/) ## Is my pet ready? Who is staying? Dog Cat Both Pick-up date Dog vaccines (required) Rabies Good until Distemper/Parvo (DHPP) Good until Bordetella (kennel cough) Good until Canine Influenza (H3N2 - H3N8) 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 - [Heartworm prevention in the Delta](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/heartworm-prevention/) - [Flea & tick prevention before boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/flea-and-tick-prevention/) - [Kennel cough](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/kennel-cough/) - [Kennel cough symptoms](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/kennel-cough-symptoms/) - [How long is kennel cough contagious?](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/how-long-is-kennel-cough-contagious/) - [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/) 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 leptospirosis vaccine required at Happy Paws? No. It is recommended. Rabies, distemper/parvo, Bordetella and canine influenza are required. ### Can people get leptospirosis from dogs? The CDC says the bacteria spread in animal urine and that people usually get infected from contaminated water or soil. See a doctor if you are concerned. ### Is it part of the distemper shot? Sometimes. The kennel's page notes it may be combined with the distemper/parvo shot, so look at the label on your record. ### How do I know if my dog should have it? Ask your veterinarian.