Dog Vaccination Requirements for Boarding in Kerala

These are non-negotiable in Kerala and India-wide:

Rabies: India has endemic rabies. A single exposure is potentially fatal. Vaccination is legally required and every boarding facility will verify it. First vaccination at 12–16 weeks, booster at 12 months, then every 3 years. For Kerala boarding, current rabies status is absolute.

DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza): The core vaccine against four viral diseases. Puppies need three doses at 3-4 week intervals (6–8 weeks, 10–12 weeks, 14–16 weeks). Adult dogs need a booster at 12 months, then every 1–3 years depending on the vaccine. In Kerala's warm, humid climate, these viruses are endemic year-round.

Leptospirosis: Often bundled with DHPP as DHPPLi. This is particularly important in Kerala because leptospirosis is transmitted through water contaminated by infected animal urine, and Kerala's monsoon flooding creates perfect transmission conditions. Annual booster is recommended.

Beyond core vaccines, Kerala's climate and disease environment make additional vaccines valuable:

HeartWorm Prevention (monthly medication, not vaccine): Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes and is endemic in Kerala. Unlike vaccines, heartWorm prevention is a monthly medication (oral or injectable). Discuss with your vet whether your dog's boarding profile justifies this.

Kennel Cough (Bordetella/parainfluenza): While included in DHPP, some facilities recommend a separate bordetella booster 2 weeks before boarding, as kennel cough spreads rapidly in boarding settings. Discuss with your vet.

Ringworm vaccination: Ringworm is a fungal infection endemic in Kerala's humidity. A vaccine exists but is controversial (some vets recommend against it as effectiveness is variable). Instead, prevention through hygiene and tick prevention is more reliable.

Critical: Do not board a dog within 7 days of vaccination. The immune system is busy processing the vaccine and the dog's stress response to boarding can compromise immune response.

Ideal timeline for a puppy's first boarding: • 6–8 weeks: First DHPP + Rabies • 10–12 weeks: Second DHPP • 14–16 weeks: Third DHPP + Rabies booster • 2+ weeks after final vaccine: First boarding visit is now safe • Age 6+ months: Dog is ready for regular boarding with current vaccinations

Adult dog vaccination before boarding: • If vaccines lapsed: A single booster is sufficient for adults if they have been previously vaccinated. However, if lapsed more than 3 years, some vets recommend a two-step approach (booster, wait 2–4 weeks, then booster again). • If vaccinated on schedule: Only a booster is needed before boarding. • Timing: Complete vaccination at least 7 days before boarding.

Vaccination records: Bring the original vet certificate or a certified copy. Boarding facilities in Kerala are increasingly stringent about physical documentation, not verbal confirmation.

Understanding what you are protecting against helps explain the vaccination requirements:

Dogmute virus (distemper): Highly contagious, often fatal in puppies, causes neurological damage in survivors. Vaccination is 95%+ effective.

Canine infectious hepatitis: Viral liver disease, can be fatal. Vaccination is 95%+ effective.

Canine parvovirus: Highly contagious viral enteritis, often fatal without intensive treatment. Vaccination is 95%+ effective and is perhaps the most important vaccine due to parvovirus's severity.

Parainfluenza: Contributes to kennel cough. Vaccination is 70–80% protective (less effective than other core vaccines, but valuable in boarding settings).

Rabies: Universally fatal once clinical symptoms appear. Vaccination is 99%+ effective and is legally required.

Leptospirosis: Bacterial disease causing kidney and liver failure. Vaccination is 80–90% effective and is particularly important in Kerala's wet climate.

Kennel cough (bordetella): Respiratory infection, not life-threatening but highly contagious. Vaccination is 50–80% effective — better than nothing but not a guarantee.

If your dog's vaccinations have lapsed:

Small lapse (under 12 months): • Single booster for DHPP • Single booster for rabies • Allow 7 days, then board

Large lapse (over 3 years): • Consult your vet for a modified protocol • May require two boosters, 2–4 weeks apart • Allows time to re-establish immunity

No vaccination history: • Treat as a puppy — full series required • Wait minimum 14–16 weeks before boarding

Important: Do not attempt to board while waiting for vaccination. A dog without current immunity is a risk to every dog in the facility.

Every boarding facility should request and verify:

• Original vaccination certificates or certified copies • Current rabies tag (visible, not just on certificate) • Date of last booster (within the applicable period) • Vet contact information for verification if needed

Neolokam's policy: Current vaccinations (DHPP, rabies, leptospirosis) with proof. Tick prevention required within 3 days of boarding. Any dog without documentation is not accepted — no exceptions. This stringency protects all dogs on the property.