Most boarding facilities require two vaccinations for cats: the rabies vaccine and the FVRCP combination vaccine. Some facilities also require a feline leukemia vaccine, though this is less universal. You’ll need to provide proof of current vaccination from your veterinarian, and ideally your cat should receive any needed shots two to four weeks before the boarding date.
The Two Core Vaccines Nearly Every Facility Requires
The rabies vaccine is required by law in most states, and virtually every boarding facility lists it as mandatory. Even in the few areas where rabies vaccination isn’t legally required for cats, most kennels still won’t accept a cat without it.
The FVRCP vaccine is the other standard requirement. This is a three-in-one shot that protects against three highly contagious diseases: feline herpesvirus (which causes upper respiratory infections), calicivirus (another respiratory and oral disease), and panleukopenia (sometimes called feline distemper, a severe and often fatal intestinal illness). These diseases spread easily in close quarters, which is exactly why boarding facilities insist on this vaccine. In adult cats, the FVRCP is typically given every one to three years depending on your vet’s protocol.
Feline Leukemia and Other Non-Core Vaccines
Some boarding facilities require the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) vaccine, particularly if cats share communal play spaces or if the facility houses cats in rooms rather than individual enclosures. FeLV spreads through close contact, mutual grooming, and shared food bowls. Not all facilities require it, but it’s worth asking when you call to reserve a spot. A few facilities may also require a negative FeLV test result on file.
Bordetella, a vaccine that protects against a bacterial respiratory infection, is occasionally required by boarding facilities but far less commonly for cats than for dogs. If your cat has never had it, ask the specific facility whether they require or recommend it.
Timing Your Vet Visit
Vaccines don’t provide full protection the moment they’re injected. Your cat’s immune system needs time to build a response, which is why most boarding facilities and veterinarians recommend scheduling your vet visit two to four weeks before the boarding date. Showing up for shots the day before drop-off won’t meet most facilities’ requirements, and your cat won’t actually be protected yet.
If your cat is already up to date on vaccines, a booster seven to ten days before boarding can be beneficial. Boarding is stressful, and stress temporarily weakens the immune system. A recent booster helps ensure your cat’s defenses are at their strongest when exposure risk is highest. Your vet can advise whether this makes sense based on when your cat last received each vaccine.
What About Kittens?
Kittens follow a different schedule because their immune systems are still developing. The FVRCP series starts at six to eight weeks of age, with boosters every three to four weeks until the kitten is at least 16 weeks old. The rabies vaccine can be given as early as 12 weeks, depending on state law. A kitten isn’t considered fully vaccinated until they’ve completed the entire series.
Most boarding facilities won’t accept kittens who haven’t finished their full vaccine series, which typically means they need to be at least 16 weeks old and have received their final round of FVRCP plus a rabies shot. If you’re planning a trip with a young kitten at home, confirm the facility’s minimum age requirement when you book.
Flea and Tick Prevention
Vaccinations aren’t the only health requirement. Many boarding facilities require proof that your cat is current on flea and tick prevention. Staff will often check your cat for fleas or flea dirt (tiny black specks in the fur) at drop-off. If they find evidence of fleas, some facilities will treat your cat on the spot and add the cost to your bill. Others may refuse to accept your cat until the issue is resolved.
Some facilities also require a recent negative fecal test to screen for intestinal parasites. This is less universal than the flea policy, but common enough that it’s worth asking about in advance so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
What to Bring as Proof
You’ll need vaccination records from your veterinarian, not just your own memory of when shots were given. Most facilities accept either a printed health certificate or digital vaccination records emailed directly from your vet’s office. Call your vet a week or two before drop-off and ask them to prepare a copy of your cat’s current vaccination records. Many vet offices can email these directly to the boarding facility, which speeds up check-in considerably.
The records need to show the specific vaccines given, the dates they were administered, and when they expire. If any vaccine is past due, even by a day, most facilities will turn you away.
If Your Cat Can’t Be Vaccinated
Cats with certain health conditions, particularly older cats or those undergoing treatment for serious illnesses, sometimes can’t safely receive vaccines. If this applies to your cat, you’ll need a written medical exemption letter from your veterinarian explaining why the vaccine isn’t appropriate. Several states, including New York and Iowa, have formal provisions allowing boarding facilities to accept these exemptions in place of proof of vaccination.
Not every facility will accept a medical exemption, and policies vary. Some may ask your vet to run a titer test, which is a blood test that measures your cat’s existing antibody levels against specific diseases. If the titer shows adequate immunity from previous vaccinations, that can give the facility confidence to waive the requirement. Call ahead to discuss your situation before assuming a medical exemption will be honored.
A Quick Checklist Before You Book
- Rabies vaccine: current and not expired
- FVRCP vaccine: current and not expired (full kitten series completed if under one year)
- Feline leukemia vaccine: check whether the specific facility requires it
- Flea and tick prevention: applied and current, with proof
- Vaccination records: printed or digital, from your vet
- Vet visit timing: two to four weeks before the boarding date for any new vaccines
Every facility has slightly different policies, so the single most useful thing you can do is call the boarding facility directly and ask for their complete list of requirements. Most will have this information readily available and can tell you exactly what paperwork they need at drop-off.