BARK BLVD requires all dogs participating in Boarding, Daycare, or Bathing services to be current on required vaccinations. This ensures a safe and healthy environment for all guests.
Required vaccinations (dogs 6 months & older)
All vaccines must be administered by a licensed veterinarian. Vaccines from breeders, rescues, or shelters may be considered case-by-case.
- Rabies
- DA2PPV
- Bordetella
- Canine Influenza
Timing requirements
- Rabies & DA2PPV: Must be current. If expired, must be given at least 14 days before arrival.
- Bordetella, intranasal: Current or given 7 days before arrival.
- Bordetella, oral/injectable (SubQ): Current or given 14 days before arrival.
- Bordetella must be updated every 12 months.
Bordetella recommendation
We recommend the intranasal Bordetella vaccine (including parainfluenza and adenovirus-2) for broader and faster protection against common canine cough strains.
While combination vaccines (DHPP/DAPP) include some protection, intranasal Bordetella offers quicker and more complete coverage. Please consult your veterinarian to determine the best option for your dog.
Canine influenza vaccination policy
- Required at BARK BLVD.
- Two doses required, 2–3 weeks apart.
- Annual booster after the first year.
Puppies under 6 months
- Must be at least 16 weeks old to schedule a Meet & Greet phone interview.
- Typically considered fully vaccinated around 16 weeks.
- Usually receive 3–4 distemper/parvo (DA2PPV) vaccines.
Please review our Spay & Neuter policy for requirements after 6 months, including the Solo Play boarding option for eligible unaltered dogs.
Vaccine exemptions
- Rabies: No exemptions. Titers are not accepted under state law.
- DA2PPV: An exemption may be allowed with a written veterinarian waiver. If a waiver is permitted, titer testing is required.
- Bordetella: No exemptions.
- Canine Influenza: No exemptions.
Medical & behavioral updates
Please inform staff at reservation or check-in of any new or significant changes, including:
- New medical diagnoses.
- Chronic conditions, such as seizures, tumors, Addison’s, diabetes mellitus, or Cushings.
- Digestive issues, including vomiting or loose stool.
- New lumps or bumps.
- Recent surgeries or procedures.
We will review vet-recommended restrictions or medications. Dogs with medical needs can often be accommodated. Please call ahead to discuss.
Please also tell us about behavioral changes, including:
- Any altercations with other dogs outside BARK BLVD.
- Resource guarding or possessive behaviors.
- Increased fearfulness.
- Aggression toward dogs or people, including bite risk.
Monitoring & communication
While your dog is with us, we monitor eating habits, bathroom habits, and behavior.
If urgent concerns arise, we will contact you immediately. Non-urgent concerns are discussed at pickup. We value open communication with pet parents.
Senior & special care dogs
For elderly dogs or those with serious conditions, we may discuss a Rainbow Protocol to prepare for emergencies or end-of-life situations.
Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC)
Commonly called Canine Cough, CIRDC is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by multiple viruses and bacteria.
It spreads through:
- Air, through coughing and sneezing.
- Direct dog-to-dog contact.
- Contaminated objects, including bowls, toys, bedding, and people.
Vaccines help, but do not guarantee 100% protection. They are designed to reduce illness severity and lower pneumonia risk.
Common symptoms include:
- Dry, hacking cough or soft “huffing”.
- Gagging or foamy phlegm.
- Nasal discharge, clear, yellow, or green.
- Sneezing or eye discharge.
- Changes in energy levels.
Many dogs still eat, drink, and act normally.
BARK BLVD CIRDC policy
Staff are trained to recognize and respond to symptoms. Dogs with symptoms may not attend until they are symptom-free for 14 days and have finished all prescribed medications.
