Vaccines, Titers, and Why Bordetella Is Different
When pet owners choose a boarding facility, they’re placing a great deal of trust in that decision. At Dunedin Animal Medical Center (DAMC), we understand that boarding is not just about a place to stay—it’s about medical oversight, prevention, and long-term health.
One of the most common questions we receive about boarding involves vaccines, particularly concerns about over-immunization and whether titer testing can replace certain vaccines. These are thoughtful questions, and they deserve clear, evidence-based answers.
We Agree: Over-Immunization Is a Valid Concern
Veterinary medicine has evolved significantly over the last several decades. Today, the goal is not to vaccinate more—but to vaccinate appropriately.
At DAMC, we agree that:
- Vaccines should be medically justified
- Each pet should be evaluated as an individual
- Vaccination decisions should reflect lifestyle and risk, not convenience
For pets that stay primarily at home, vaccine recommendations may differ from those for pets entering a shared boarding environment.
Why Boarding Environments Require a Different Standard
Boarding facilities are unique medical environments. Even with excellent sanitation and attentive staff, boarding pets:
- Share airspace
- Encounter unfamiliar animals
- Experience stress, which can temporarily suppress immune function
Because of this, boarding environments carry a higher risk of contagious disease, particularly respiratory infections.
This is where Bordetella becomes especially important.
Why Bordetella Is Treated Differently
Bordetella bronchiseptica is a leading cause of canine infectious respiratory disease (commonly called kennel cough). It spreads easily through:
- Airborne droplets
- Close contact
- Shared indoor spaces
Unlike many core vaccines, Bordetella immunity does not reliably last a full year in higher-risk settings. For dogs that board, attend daycare, or are frequently around other dogs, a 6-month Bordetella vaccination interval is widely recommended to reduce the likelihood of illness and outbreaks.
This approach is not about over-vaccinating—it’s about matching immunity to exposure risk.
Why Titer Testing Is Not a Substitute for Bordetella
Titer testing can be a useful tool for certain core vaccines, where antibody levels correlate well with long-term protection.
However, Bordetella behaves differently:
- There is no established protective titer level
- Antibody presence does not reliably predict protection
- Titers do not indicate whether a dog can still contract or transmit the illness
For these reasons, titer testing cannot safely replace Bordetella vaccination in a boarding environment. When multiple pets share space, DAMC must follow protocols that protect the entire boarding population, including seniors and pets with underlying health conditions.
Why a Physical Exam Is Required Before Vaccination
DAMC requires a current physical exam prior to administering vaccines. This is a medical safeguard—not a formality.
A brief exam allows our veterinary team to:
- Confirm a pet is healthy enough for vaccination
- Identify issues that may require postponement or adjustment
- Ensure vaccines are given responsibly and safely
This reflects our belief that vaccination decisions should always involve medical oversight.
Experience Matters in Boarding Care
DAMC has over 40 years of boarding experience, and our standards are shaped by decades of clinical outcomes—not trends or shortcuts.
Over time, we’ve learned that:
- Prevention is always preferable to treatment
- Respiratory illness spreads quickly in group settings
- Clear, consistent protocols protect pets and pet owners alike
Every boarding requirement we maintain exists for one reason: to keep pets healthy while they are in our care.
A Balanced, Medical Approach to BoardingA Balanced Approach to Boarding Care
At DAMC, boarding care is guided by balance:
- Respect for individual pet needs
- Evidence-based veterinary medicine
- Responsibility to the broader pet community
That balance means acknowledging concerns about over-immunization while also recognizing when additional protection is necessary due to environment and exposure.
If you ever have questions about boarding requirements, vaccine timing, or whether boarding is the right choice for your pet, we encourage open conversation. An informed pet owner is a better partner in care—and that partnership is at the heart of everything we do.