What Vaccination Records Should Boarding Facilities and Groomers Ask Owners to Provide?

Boarding and grooming businesses need proof of protection before a pet arrives. Here is what to ask for and how to keep it on file.

Julien Jimenez

September 3, 2026 · 3 min read

Ask for proof, not a verbal yes

A record on paper or from the vet is very different from an owner saying the dog is up to date. Ask for documentation that shows the vaccine and the date it was given.

That date lets you confirm the record is current for the stay, not just current at some point in the past.

Know which vaccines your service requires

Requirements vary by service and location. Decide which vaccines you require for boarding or grooming and state them clearly before booking.

Common expectations include rabies and other core vaccines, but confirm what applies in your area rather than assuming.

Collect records before arrival

Gathering proof at booking, not at drop-off, avoids a stressful standoff with a pet already in the lobby.

It also gives the owner time to get an updated record if theirs has lapsed.

Store it with an expiration in view

Keep the record on file with the date and the next due date visible, so a repeat client's status is obvious next time.

That turns a one-time check into an ongoing record you can trust.

Key takeaways

Require documented proof with the date given, not a verbal claim
Define which vaccines your service requires for your area
Collect records at booking rather than at drop-off
Store proof with the next due date visible for repeat clients

Written by

Julien Jimenez

Julien Jimenez is an independent software builder based in Paris. He designs, ships, and operates focused SaaS products for small businesses and independent professionals. Read the full author page.