Before Your Visit
Your dog must have:
- Bordetella
- DHPP / Distemper-Parvo
- Leptospirosis
- Canine Influenza
- Rabies (if over 16 weeks)
- Current Flea & Tick Prevention
Not Eligible Yet?
Your dog may need additional time if:
- They are a puppy completing a vaccine series
- Their vaccines have expired
- They are receiving a vaccine for the first time
- They recently received a vaccine and have not completed the required waiting period
If you’re unsure, send us your records and we’ll review them for you.
Keeping Every Dog in Our Care Safe
At Best Friends Fur Ever, our health requirements are designed to help protect not only your dog, but our entire dog community. Vaccinations and preventatives are among the most effective tools available for reducing illness and supporting safe social experiences for dogs.
All vaccine requirements are established based on veterinary recommendations and industry best practices to help maintain a healthy environment for every dog in our care.
Includes required vaccines, preventative requirements, vaccine timing guidelines, and record submission instructions.
| Vaccine | Required |
|---|---|
| Canine Influenza (H3N2/H3N8) | Yes |
| Bordetella | Yes |
| Distemper/Parvo (DHPP) | Yes |
| Leptospirosis | Yes |
| Rabies (16 weeks+ only) | Yes |
Required Preventatives
All dogs must be maintained year-round on:
- Flea & Tick Prevention.
- Heartworm Prevention.
How Do I Submit My Records?
- Option 1: Gingr Pet Parent Portal Upload records directly through your Pet Parent Portal.
- Option 2: Email Your Home Location.
Cockeysville
cockeysville@bestfriendsfurever.com
Vaccine Timing Matters
Our vaccination requirements are designed to help protect not only your dog, but our entire dog community. While no vaccine can eliminate all risk, vaccination remains one of the most effective tools available for preventing serious illness and supporting safer social experiences for dogs.
Must be administered at least 7 days before arrival. To ensure your dog develops proper immunity, the following timing requirements apply:
Bordetella (Canine Cough Prevention)
Must be administered at least 7 days before arrival.
Distemper / Parvo (DHPP)
For puppies, first-time vaccinations, or lapsed vaccinations:
- Requires a 2-dose series
- Doses are typically administered 3–4 weeks apart
- Final dose must be given at least 7 days before arrival
Leptospirosis
For puppies, first-time vaccinations, or lapsed vaccinations:
- Requires a 2-dose series
- Doses are typically administered 3–4 weeks apart
- Final dose must be given at least 7 days before arrival
Canine Influenza
For puppies, first-time vaccinations, or lapsed vaccinations:
- Requires a 2-dose series
- Doses are typically administered 2–4 weeks apart
- Final dose must be given at least 7 days before arrival
Rabies
Required for all dogs 16 weeks of age and older.
Must remain current according to your veterinarian’s schedule and Maryland state law.
Vaccine Records
To be accepted, vaccine records must:
- Be provided by a licensed veterinarian.
- Include vaccine administration dates.
- Include expiration dates.
- Be legible and current.
Please note: We reserve the right to deny services if vaccine records are incomplete, expired, or missing.
Newly Adopted Dogs
Dogs adopted from a shelter or rescue organization must be in their new home for 30 days before participating in:
- Daycare
- Boarding
- Grooming
- Bathing Services
This adjustment period helps reduce stress and allows time for your dog to settle into their new environment before entering a social setting.
FAQs
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can affect both dogs and people. It is spread through contaminated water, soil, wildlife, and infected urine.
Because dogs in our care spend time outdoors and interact in shared environments, we require Leptospirosis vaccination to help protect:
- Your dog
- Other dogs in our care
- Our team members
- Visiting pet parents
This vaccine plays an important role in reducing the risk of a serious and potentially life-threatening illness.
Many veterinarians tailor vaccine recommendations to a dog’s individual lifestyle. Because Best Friends Fur Ever cares for dogs in a shared social setting, we follow a consistent set of vaccination requirements for all guests.
Leptospirosis vaccination helps support the health and well-being of our entire pack and is required for all dogs participating in our services.
Vaccines do not provide immediate protection. Dogs need time to develop an immune response after vaccination.
Requiring vaccines to be completed at least 7 days before arrival helps ensure your dog has adequate protection before entering a social environment.
If a vaccine has lapsed, your dog may need to restart the initial vaccination series depending on veterinary recommendations. We recommend contacting your veterinarian as soon as possible so they can advise on the appropriate schedule.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is happy to help. Call (410) 773-7529.
Before calling, please review the information above, as most vaccine and preventative questions can be answered here.
