Health overview

Vaccinations & titer testing

Use this page to prepare questions for your veterinarian and to understand why facility requirements and individual medical advice are not always identical.

This is not veterinary advice

Vaccination decisions should be made with a licensed veterinarian who knows your dog's age, health history, lifestyle, local disease risks, and travel plans.

Modern guidelines distinguish broadly recommended core protection from vaccines selected for particular lifestyles or geographic risks. Timing and boosters depend on the product, the dog's history, and the veterinarian's assessment.

Individual risk

Core protection and lifestyle choices

Global veterinary guidance recommends core vaccination for dogs, with additional vaccines considered according to local disease prevalence and lifestyle. Dogs attending classes, daycare, boarding, travel, shows, or other group settings may have different exposure considerations than dogs who rarely meet others.

A question for your veterinarian

What can a titer test tell you?

A titer test measures antibodies in a blood sample. For some diseases, veterinarians may use results as one part of a discussion about existing immunity and revaccination. A titer is not interchangeable with every vaccine or every legal requirement, so ask what the result would mean for your dog.

Jollytails attendance requirements

Daycare and Puppy Socials have different requirements

Vaccination requirements depend on the service and the dog’s age. Review the requirements for the activity your dog will attend.

Doggy daycare

Dogs must be at least 14 weeks old and current on their core vaccines and annual Bordetella vaccine, or have accepted titre testing.

Review all daycare requirements
Puppy Socials

Socials are generally for puppies from 7 weeks to approximately 16 weeks old. Puppies must have at least their first set of vaccinations and must be visibly well.

Review all Puppy Social guidelines

Early puppy socialization and vaccination

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior support safe, well-managed socialization during a puppy’s critical early months, before the initial vaccine series is complete. Ask your veterinarian about the right timing and precautions for your puppy.