Health Requirements for Boarding Kennels and Catteries in Ireland: Is Your Pet Ready?

eastlkvets
Jun 26
3 min read

Planning a holiday is exciting, but if your dog or cat is staying in a boarding kennel or cattery, a little preparation can help ensure everything goes smoothly.

Boarding facilities have health and welfare requirements to protect the animals in their care. While admission policies vary between kennels and catteries, there are some common health checks and preventative measures that owners should consider well before their pet's stay.

Here's what you need to know.

1. Check your pet's vaccinations

Most boarding kennels and catteries require pets to have up-to-date vaccinations before admission. The exact requirements vary between facilities, so always check with your chosen boarding provider before making a booking.

For dogs, core vaccinations generally protect against:

Canine parvovirus
Canine distemper
Infectious canine hepatitis (adenovirus)
Leptospirosis

Many boarding kennels also require vaccination against kennel cough (infectious tracheobronchitis/Bordetella) because it spreads easily where dogs mix closely together.

For cats, core vaccinations generally protect against:

Feline panleukopenia (feline enteritis)
Feline herpesvirus
Feline calicivirus

Your veterinary surgeon can advise which vaccinations are appropriate for your pet based on its age, lifestyle and health.

2. Don't leave vaccinations until the last minute

Some vaccines require time to provide protection after they are administered.

Many boarding kennels ask owners to ensure the kennel cough vaccine has been given before admission, often at least one to two weeks in advance. However, the exact timeframe depends on the boarding facility's policy and the vaccine used.

If your pet's vaccinations have lapsed, they may require a different vaccination schedule. Booking an appointment several weeks before your holiday gives you plenty of time to prepare.

3. Bring your vaccination record

Most boarding facilities will ask for proof that your pet's vaccinations are up to date.

Keeping your vaccination card or veterinary record readily available can make check-in much easier.

4. Ensure your dog's microchip details are correct

In Ireland, every dog must be microchipped and registered on a database approved by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Owners are also responsible for ensuring their contact details remain up to date if they move house, change telephone number or transfer ownership. Accurate records are essential if a lost dog needs to be reunited with its owner.

Official guidance is available from the Department of Agriculture here.

5. Keep flea and worm prevention up to date

Many boarding kennels and catteries ask owners to ensure pets have received appropriate parasite prevention before admission.

Preventative treatment helps reduce the risk of fleas and intestinal worms spreading between animals living in close proximity.

Your veterinary practice can recommend a parasite control programme appropriate for your pet.

6. Tell the boarding facility about any medical conditions

If your pet takes medication or has ongoing health issues, discuss this with the boarding facility before confirming your booking.

Provide clear written instructions and enough medication for the entire stay, together with emergency contact details and your veterinary practice's information.

7. Consider a pre-boarding health check

If your pet hasn't visited the vet recently, a health check before boarding can provide reassurance for both you and the boarding facility.

During the appointment, your vet can:

Check your pet's general health
Review vaccination status
Check parasite prevention
Scan your dog's microchip
Refill any long-term medication
Answer any questions you have before your holiday

Preparing now means a more relaxing holiday

Boarding kennels and catteries work hard to provide a safe environment for every animal in their care.

By making sure your pet's vaccinations, preventative healthcare and identification are up to date before they stay, you'll help protect not only your own pet, but the other animals sharing the facility.

If you're planning a holiday and would like to make sure your dog or cat is ready for boarding, the team at East Limerick Vets will be happy to help.