--- title: How Far Ahead to Vaccinate Before a Stay | Happy Paws url: https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/timing-before-boarding/ 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 far ahead to vaccinate before a stay # How far ahead to vaccinate before a stay The kennel's test is the end date: every required vaccine must be current on your pick-up day, not only on drop-off. Canine flu is accepted after the first dose, with the booster 3 to 4 weeks later. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) Owners often ask how many days before boarding a shot must be given. The kennel's written rule is about the record, not a waiting period, and this page shows how to count. ## The rule The kennel's vaccination page asks for a record showing that the vaccines are up to date and will not expire during the stay. It does not set a minimum number of days between a shot and drop-off. What it sets is an end date: a pet whose rabies certificate expires on day three of a seven-night stay does not have a complete record. The only timing rule the kennel states is for canine influenza. It accepts a dog after the initial dose, and the booster follows in three to four weeks. ## How to count - Write down your drop-off and pick-up dates. - Find the expiration date for each required vaccine on the record. - Check that every date falls after your pick-up day. - Book a vet visit for anything that falls before it, and send the new record. - For canine influenza, confirm the first dose is dated and the booster is scheduled. ## What your veterinarian decides How far ahead of a stay to give a vaccine is a medical question. Veterinary groups such as the American Animal Hospital Association publish guidelines on vaccine types and intervals, and your vet applies them to your pet's age, health and history. Some owners like to schedule a shot well before a stay so a mild reaction does not fall on a travel day. That is a conversation to have with your vet, not a kennel rule. The kennel asks that a pet be in good health and that you call if you are unsure. Please call 707-678-6600 to confirm for your pet. ## Holidays and school breaks Ask early for holiday, spring break and summer dates, and book any vet visit early too. Check records when you first plan the trip, then again two weeks before drop-off. The [readiness checker](https://happypawskennels.com/tools/vaccine-readiness-checker/) and the [vaccine FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/vaccines/) help. Planning for the first time? The [new client plan](https://happypawskennels.com/new-clients/) lists everything in order. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [Happy Paws Kennels vaccination requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) - [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/) - [Canine influenza](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/canine-influenza/) - [How to send vaccine records](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/sending-vaccine-records/) - [Vaccine readiness checker](https://happypawskennels.com/tools/vaccine-readiness-checker/) - [New clients: first-stay plan](https://happypawskennels.com/new-clients/) - [Vaccines](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/vaccines/) ## 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 - [Titer tests and boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/titer-tests/) - [Rabies exemptions in California](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/vaccine-exemptions/) - [How to send vaccine records](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/sending-vaccine-records/) - [Dog licenses in Solano & Yolo counties](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/dog-licensing-solano-yolo/) - [Parvo in dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/parvo/) - [Rabies vaccine for dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/rabies-dogs/) - [Rabies vaccine for cats](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/rabies-cats/) - [DHPP (distemper/parvo) for boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/dhpp-distemper-parvo/) 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 many days before boarding should my dog get Bordetella? The kennel does not state a waiting period. The record just has to be current through pick-up day. Ask your veterinarian what timing suits your dog. ### Can I give the vaccine on the way to the kennel? The record is what counts, so send a signed record. Ask your vet about timing. ### Do I need the canine flu booster before drop-off? No, the first dose is enough to be accepted. Do not skip the booster. ### What if I forget and the shot expires mid-stay? Send an updated record as soon as the booster is given, and call 707-678-6600 if you are unsure.