Dog vaccinations required for boarding in Auckland
Almost every dog boarding facility in Auckland requires proof of current vaccinations before accepting a booking. The specific vaccines required, and how "current" is defined, vary between facilities. This guide explains what's typically required, what the C3 vs C5 distinction means, and what to do if your dog's records aren't up to date.
The core vaccines: DHP (C3)
The standard core vaccination for dogs in New Zealand is the C3, which covers three diseases: Distemper, Hepatitis (Adenovirus), and Parvovirus — collectively abbreviated DHP. These are serious, highly contagious diseases; Parvovirus in particular can be fatal and survives in the environment for months.
Most boarding facilities require C3 as a minimum. Your vet will issue a vaccination certificate that shows the dates and vaccines given. Bring the original or a scanned copy when you enquire — facilities are unlikely to take your word for it.
Kennel Cough (Bordetella): the boarding-specific requirement
Kennel Cough (infectious tracheobronchitis, caused primarily by Bordetella bronchiseptica) spreads easily in any environment where dogs are in close contact. Because of this, many boarding facilities require the Bordetella vaccine in addition to C3. The C5 vaccination includes C3 plus protection against the two most common strains involved in Kennel Cough.
The Bordetella component of the C5 is typically given annually. Some facilities require it to have been administered at least 1–2 weeks before a stay, so the dog has time to develop immunity. If your dog is only on C3, ask your vet to add the Kennel Cough component before booking.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis (Lepto) is a bacterial disease spread through the urine of infected animals, including rats and possums. It's less universally required than DHP or Bordetella, but some rural and semi-rural Auckland facilities — particularly those near water or with access to paddocks — ask for Lepto vaccination.
If you're booking at a rural property in areas like Clevedon, Whitford, or Kumeu, ask specifically whether they require Lepto. The vaccine is a separate injection from C3/C5 and requires two doses 2–4 weeks apart initially.
What to do if records are out of date
If your dog's vaccinations have lapsed, your vet will usually need to restart the series rather than simply top up. For C3, this typically means two vaccines 2–4 weeks apart. This means you need to plan well ahead — you can't vaccinate a week before a December booking and expect to be covered.
Contact your vet as soon as you know you need boarding. If time is tight, ask whether titer tests (blood tests that measure immunity) are acceptable to the facility — some will accept a titer showing adequate immunity in lieu of a recent vaccination.
Kennel Cough timing: the two-week rule
Many facilities specify that the Kennel Cough vaccine must be given at least 7–14 days before a stay. This is because the intranasal form works quickly (a few days) while the injectable form takes 7–14 days to provide good protection. Either way, booking the vaccine the week before travel is cutting it too close.
If your dog has never had Kennel Cough vaccination, add two to three weeks to your preparation timeline to be safe.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between C3 and C5?
C3 covers Distemper, Hepatitis, and Parvovirus. C5 includes those plus protection against the two main strains of Kennel Cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica and Parainfluenza). Many boarding facilities require C5 rather than C3 alone.
How long before boarding does my dog need the Kennel Cough vaccine?
Most facilities ask for the vaccine to be given at least 7–14 days before a stay, to allow time for immunity to develop. The injectable form takes longer than the intranasal form. Build in at least two weeks to be safe.
My dog's vaccinations have lapsed — what should I do?
Contact your vet and let them know you need boarding. Lapsed vaccinations usually require restarting the series, which takes 2–4 weeks. If time is short, ask both your vet and the boarding facility whether a titer test showing adequate immunity is acceptable.
Do I need a Leptospirosis vaccine for boarding?
Not always. It's more commonly required by rural facilities, especially those near water. Ask the specific facility you're booking with — if they require it, note that Lepto needs two initial doses 2–4 weeks apart.