And why we ask for vaccination records for daycare and boarding
As dog owners, we all want the same thing: for our pets to live long, healthy, and happy lives. One of the most important responsibilities we have is making sure they receive consistent, preventive veterinary care. This isn’t just about checking off a few appointments. It’s about ensuring their well-being. You can prevent illness, and are proactive rather than reactive. When it comes to boarding your dog, that care becomes even more crucial.
Why routine vet care matters
Veterinary visits shouldn’t be reserved only for when something goes wrong. In fact, regular wellness exams help catch issues early. Often before they turn into serious (and expensive) problems. Dogs are naturally skilled at hiding discomfort or pain. So something like dental disease, arthritis, or even early kidney trouble might go unnoticed without a vet's trained eye.
These routine checkups are also your opportunity to make sure your dog is protected through updated vaccinations and parasite prevention. From fleas and ticks to heartworm, many of the threats dogs face are preventable with the right care. Skipping vet visits might seem harmless in the short term. Over time it increases the risk of health complications that could have been avoided.
Early detection can be life-changing
Preventive care isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s about ensuring your dog has the best possible quality of life. Something as simple as a heart murmur or a shift in bloodwork values can be an early warning sign of bigger issues. With the yearly visits you can ask for a bloodwork test. When caught early, many of these conditions can be managed effectively. It’ll give your dog more happy, comfortable years by your side.
When you take your dog for regular vet visits, you’re also building a health history. This makes it easier for your veterinarian to spot changes over time. Something that’s especially valuable as your dog ages.
Why vet care is mandatory before boarding
When you board your dog, you’re temporarily placing them in a shared environment with other animals. That means health standards matter. Not just for your dog, but for everyone else’s too. Reputable boarding facilities require proof of veterinary care for exactly this reason.
Vaccines protect dogs from contagious diseases like distemper, parvo, and kennel cough. If even one dog arrives at a facility without proper vaccination, it puts every other dog at risk. Similarly, untreated parasites like fleas or intestinal worms can spread rapidly in a shared space. To prevent outbreaks, facilities require dogs to be on current flea and tick prevention and to test negative for intestinal parasites.
These requirements aren’t just rules. They’re also safeguards. They protect your dog, the staff caring for them, and the other dogs who may be elderly, immune-compromised, or more vulnerable to illness.
The role of the boarding facility
It’s important to understand that while a quality boarding facility will provide supervision, enrichment, and personalized care, their role is not the same as your veterinarian’s. If a dog arrives with an undiagnosed ear infection, a contagious illness, or an internal issue, it can quickly worsen. Especially under the stress of being away from home.
A recent vet checkup gives everyone peace of mind. It tells the us that your dog is healthy and ready to stay. And it ensures they’re not unintentionally bringing in a risk to other dogs. It also helps the staff respond quickly and appropriately if anything unexpected arises during your dog’s stay. We can have an accurate understanding of your dog’s current medical status.
Easing stress for both dog and owner
One of the often-overlooked benefits of regular vet care is the emotional reassurance it brings: both for you and your dog. Knowing that your dog is healthy and up to date on everything helps you feel more confident about boarding them. You won’t have to worry about whether they’re safe, protected, or vulnerable to illness during their stay.
Your dog benefits from this preparation too. Healthy dogs are better equipped to handle changes in routine and environment. They settle in more quickly, eat and sleep better, and are more likely to enjoy their stay rather than stress about it. Being in optimal health sets them up for a more positive boarding experience overall.
How to prepare before boarding
If it’s been a while since your dog’s last vet visit, don’t wait until the last minute to get everything in order. Try to schedule a wellness check at least two weeks before their stay. This gives your vet time to administer any needed vaccinations, run any required tests (like a fecal exam), and ensure your dog is fit for boarding. It also gives your dog time to recover from any mild side effects from vaccines, so they feel their best when you drop them off. You’ll want to bring proof of up-to-date care with you to the facility. Most will request documentation ahead of time to ensure all dogs in their care meet the same health standards.
Keep our dogs healthy
At the end of the day, your dog deserves the best care you can give them. That includes both regular vet visits and a safe, well-run boarding experience. These two go hand in hand. A healthy dog is a happy guest, and we rely on the cooperation of every pet owner to keep all dogs safe. Making vet care a priority doesn’t just benefit your dog during a boarding stay. It’s part of a larger commitment to their lifelong health, happiness, and well-being.
