Before your dog or cat checks in to any boarding facility in El Paso, there is one step that cannot be skipped: verifying that vaccinations are current. This requirement is not bureaucratic red tape. It is one of the most important safeguards that keeps every animal in the facility healthy — including yours.

Understanding which vaccines are required, why they matter, and how to prepare your records in advance will make drop-off day smoother and give you genuine confidence that your pet is entering a safe environment.

A boarding facility brings together dogs and cats from dozens of different households. Even in a well-managed, clean environment, animals share air, surfaces, and proximity in ways that do not happen at home. Vaccines create a layer of protection that benefits every guest, not just the individual animal receiving them.

Facilities that verify vaccination records are doing their job. A boarding operation that accepts animals without checking records is cutting a corner that puts every pet at risk. When you see a facility take this seriously, it is a sign that they take the rest of their care standards seriously, too.

Rabies is required by Texas state law for all dogs. Your veterinarian will provide a certificate showing the vaccine date and expiration. Most adult dogs receive a three-year rabies vaccine after their initial series, though some receive annual boosters depending on their health history.

DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) is a core combination vaccine that protects against four serious and potentially fatal diseases. This vaccine is typically given as a puppy series and then boosted every one to three years in adult dogs.

Bordetella, commonly called the kennel cough vaccine, is required at My Pet Motel and at most reputable boarding facilities. Bordetella is a highly contagious respiratory infection that spreads easily in group settings. The vaccine must be administered at least five days before boarding begins — it needs time to build protection. An intranasal version takes effect more quickly than the injectable form, so discuss timing with your veterinarian if your boarding date is approaching.

Rabies is required for cats as well, for the same legal and safety reasons as dogs.

FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) is the core combination vaccine for cats. It protects against upper respiratory infections and a serious gastrointestinal disease. Like the canine DHPP, it is given as a kitten series and then boosted periodically in adult cats.

Most veterinary practices can provide a printed vaccination certificate or a digital record that you can show at check-in. The record should include your pet's name, the vaccine administered, the date given, and the expiration or due date.

Keep a digital copy on your phone. If your paper records are lost or left at home, having a photo or PDF accessible means check-in can still proceed without delay.

If your pet's records are stored at a veterinary clinic you have not visited recently, call ahead to request an updated copy. Some clinics take a day or two to process record requests, so do not wait until the morning of drop-off.

The Bordetella requirement — administered at least five days before boarding — is the most common source of last-minute complications. Pet owners who discover their dog's Bordetella is expired or was never given often find themselves scrambling to get a same-day appointment, which is not always possible.

A simple habit: check your pet's vaccination records four to six weeks before any planned boarding stay. That window gives you time to schedule a vet appointment, allow vaccines to take effect, and confirm that all records are current before drop-off day arrives.

If your pet is due for any other vaccines at the same time, combining appointments is efficient and reduces the number of vet visits needed.

Facilities that take vaccination requirements seriously will not make exceptions at the door, even for long-standing clients. If records are incomplete or a required vaccine is expired, the animal cannot be admitted until the issue is resolved.

This is not a punitive policy. It protects every other animal currently in the facility. A single unvaccinated dog with an active Bordetella infection can expose an entire kennel within hours.

If you arrive at drop-off and discover a gap in your records, your options are typically to contact your veterinarian for emergency documentation, reschedule the boarding stay, or arrange alternative care while the vaccination is updated.

Some dogs and cats have documented medical conditions that make certain vaccines inadvisable. If your pet has a veterinarian-documented exemption, bring that documentation to check-in. Facilities handle exemptions on a case-by-case basis, and a written letter from your veterinarian explaining the medical reason is typically required.

Exemptions are not the same as simply being behind on vaccines. A pet that is healthy but overdue does not qualify for an exemption — they need to be vaccinated before boarding.

The easiest way to avoid vaccination stress before a boarding stay is to maintain a simple record system at home. A folder — physical or digital — with your pet's vaccination certificates, vet contact information, and a note of upcoming due dates takes minutes to set up and saves significant time when you need it.

Many veterinary practices now offer client portals where you can access your pet's records at any time. If your clinic offers this, take a few minutes to set up your account and confirm that your pet's records are visible and current.

At My Pet Motel, we are happy to answer questions about vaccination requirements before your pet's stay. Call us at (915) 751-8817 or visit 10050 McCombs Street, El Paso, TX 79924. We want drop-off day to be smooth, confident, and stress-free for you and your pet.