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What does my kennel need?

Answer three quick questions and get a personalised checklist of the vaccinations, timings and paperwork UK boarding kennels, catteries, daycare and home boarders normally ask for.

Last reviewed: September 2026

  • Core dog vaccination up to date (DHP)Distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus — usually part of the annual booster visit.
  • Leptospirosis up to dateNormally given every 12 months in the UK; almost always required for boarding.
  • Kennel cough (Bordetella / parainfluenza)Required by most kennels and daycare. Usually intranasal or oral, given at least 14 days before arrival.
  • Booster given at least 14 days before arrivalBook the appointment early — if the booster has lapsed the primary course may need restarting, which takes several weeks.
  • Vaccination card or certificate, stamped by your vetDates and batch numbers must be visible. Take a photo as a backup.
  • Flea and worming treatment currentMost establishments ask for treatment within the last month and may ask for the product name.
  • Microchip and contact details correctCheck the chip database has your current phone number before you travel.
  • Medication in original packaging with written instructionsInclude dose, frequency and what it is for so staff can administer it safely.
  • Vet contact details and emergency consentYour practice name, phone number and who can authorise treatment while you are away.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. Vaccination protocols vary by country, brand of vaccine and your pet's individual risk. Always follow the schedule your own vet recommends. Pawfile is an admin tool for keeping those records and reminders organised — it does not diagnose or treat.

Email me the checklist and the printable record card

We'll send this checklist plus the free printable vaccination record card you can take to drop-off. No account needed.

We only use your email to send the pack and occasional pet-admin tips. Unsubscribe any time · Privacy notice

Common questions

What vaccinations do kennels require in the UK?
Boarding kennels normally require an up-to-date dog vaccination covering distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and leptospirosis, and most also require kennel cough (Bordetella/parainfluenza). Catteries normally require cat flu and feline panleukopenia, and often feline leukaemia for cats with outdoor access.
How far in advance do vaccinations need to be done?
A common rule is at least 14 days before arrival, and some kennels ask for kennel cough at least 14 to 21 days in advance. If a booster has lapsed and the course has to be restarted, allow four weeks or more.
What paperwork do I need to bring?
Bring the vaccination card or certificate stamped by your vet showing dates and batch numbers. Many kennels will not accept a verbal assurance or a photo of an unstamped card, so check before drop-off.
Can I board a pet whose booster has lapsed?
Usually not. Most establishments treat a lapsed booster as unvaccinated and will refuse the booking, so speak to your vet as soon as you spot a gap.

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Pop in your email and we'll send the printable vaccination record cards plus our plain-English UK schedule guides. No account needed.

We only use your email to send the pack and occasional pet-admin tips. Unsubscribe any time · Privacy notice

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