What Does Your Dog Need to Stay at a Boarding Kennel?
Vaccination card, current deworming, and what to pack: the complete checklist of requirements to board your dog at a pet hotel in Aguascalientes.
Written by
Hotel para mascotas Madagascar
Pet hotel in Aguascalientes since 1994
In this article
- What vaccines does your dog need to enter a boarding facility?
- How recent does deworming need to be?
- What documents do you need to present at check-in?
- What should you pack for the stay?
- What happens during the health check on arrival?
- Can you visit your dog during their stay?
- When should you start preparing?
- Ready for their first stay
If this is your first time leaving your dog at a boarding facility, it's natural to have questions: which vaccines are required? What paperwork should I bring? What do I pack? At Madagascar Pet Hotel we've been welcoming guests in Aguascalientes for over 30 years (since 1994), and in this guide we explain exactly what your dog needs to check in — with no surprises on arrival day.
What vaccines does your dog need to enter a boarding facility?
Your dog needs an up-to-date vaccination card showing rabies, the combination (DHPP or "sextuple") vaccine, and Bordetella. These three protect against the most relevant diseases in places where several dogs share space:
- Rabies: legally required in Mexico and essential for any stay.
- Combination vaccine (DHPP/sextuple): protects against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and leptospirosis.
- Bordetella: prevents kennel cough, the most common respiratory infection in multi-dog environments.
Our veterinary team, available 24/7, reviews these requirements carefully because every guest's health depends on every other guest arriving protected. If your dog is missing a vaccine, plan to get it well before the stay — ask your trusted vet how long each vaccine needs to build protection.
How recent does deworming need to be?
Internal and external deworming must be current, meaning applied within the last 3 months. This is a mandatory, non-negotiable entry requirement, because parasites (fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites) spread easily among pets sharing play and walking areas.
If you don't remember your dog's last deworming date, check their vaccination booklet or ask your vet. Applying it a few days before the stay is an easy way to make sure the requirement is covered.
What documents do you need to present at check-in?
You only need to present your dog's vaccination records if it's their first visit. For returning guests, records are already in our system — you only need to show the booklet again if any vaccines were renewed.
On the first visit you'll also complete a pet profile with the basics: emergency contact, medications, diet, and behavioral notes. The whole process takes 10–15 minutes the first time; returning guests check in within about 5 minutes.
What should you pack for the stay?
The essentials are your dog's regular food, any medications, and their vaccination card. We provide the rest: bedding, bowls, water, toys, and treats. This table sums up what to bring and what you can skip:
| Item | Do you bring it? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Regular food | Yes | One portion per day + 1 extra day as buffer |
| Medications | Yes (if applicable) | With written dosing instructions |
| Vaccination records | Yes (first visit) | Returning guests are already on file |
| Toy or blanket with your scent | Recommended | Significantly reduces anxiety |
| Bed and bowls | No | We provide them |
| Treats | No | Included, unless there's a dietary restriction |
Bringing their everyday food matters more than people think: switching kibble overnight can cause digestive upset. If your dog is on a specialized diet (hypoallergenic, renal, puppy, or senior), we prepare and serve it at no extra charge — you only need to provide the food.
What happens during the health check on arrival?
When you arrive, our staff performs a brief health assessment to confirm your dog is fit to board. We check their general condition, and anything noteworthy is discussed with you before admission. Pets with an active acute illness cannot be admitted, for the safety of all guests.
First-time dogs also go through a temperament assessment. We never reject by breed: every dog is evaluated individually, and mildly reactive dogs can stay in a private-only arrangement without group play.
Can you visit your dog during their stay?
Yes, visits are welcome during public hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. That said, our veterinary team recommends keeping visits limited, because repeated goodbyes can create separation anxiety rather than relieve it.
If it's your dog's first stay, a good practice is to skip visits for the first 48 hours so they have time to settle into their new routine. You won't be left wondering how they're doing: you'll receive photos and videos via WhatsApp every day, and if any medical situation arises we contact you immediately — before any treatment beyond basic first aid. Owners of boarded pets also receive a dedicated after-hours emergency line at check-in.
When should you start preparing?
Ideally, start 2–4 weeks before your trip if any vaccines are pending, and book 3–7 days ahead for regular stays. For high season — Easter week, summer, or December — we recommend booking at least 2–4 weeks in advance, because spots fill up quickly.
A simple plan: check the vaccination booklet today, schedule anything missing with your vet, reserve your dates through our online booking, and pack the day before. To see everything included in our cage-free stays, visit our dog boarding in Aguascalientes page.
Ready for their first stay
Meeting the requirements is simpler than it sounds: an up-to-date vaccination card, current deworming, and a small bag with their food. We have two locations in Aguascalientes — in Colonia Héroes (north) and Jardines del Sol (south) — and throughout the stay you'll receive daily photos and videos via WhatsApp.
Questions about your dog's specific case? Message us on WhatsApp at +52 449 448 5486 or book online. Our veterinary team will review the requirements with you and help you prepare a stress-free stay.