Quick Answer
The kennel cough vaccine (also called the bordetella vaccine) protects against the most common cause of infectious tracheobronchitis. Any dog that interacts with other dogs — groomers, boarding, daycare, dog parks — should be vaccinated. Cost: $20-$45. Boosters every 6-12 months.
Table of Contents
What Is the Kennel Cough Vaccine?
The kennel cough vaccine protects dogs against Bordetella bronchiseptica, the primary bacterium responsible for kennel cough (infectious tracheobronchitis). Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory illness that causes a persistent, forceful cough often described as a “honking” sound.
Kennel cough spreads through:
- Airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing dogs
- Direct contact between dogs (nose-to-nose, shared water bowls)
- Contaminated surfaces in shared environments like grooming tables, kennels, and play areas
While kennel cough is rarely life-threatening in healthy adult dogs, it can be serious in puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with weakened immune systems. The persistent cough is also uncomfortable and can last 2-3 weeks without treatment.
Which Dogs Need the Kennel Cough Vaccine?
The kennel cough vaccine is classified as a “non-core” vaccine, meaning it is recommended based on your dog's lifestyle rather than required for all dogs. However, the following dogs should absolutely be vaccinated:
Strongly Recommended
- • Dogs that visit grooming salons
- • Dogs that board at kennels or pet hotels
- • Dogs in daycare or play groups
- • Dogs that frequent dog parks
- • Dogs in training classes
- • Dogs that compete in shows or agility
May Not Be Needed
- • Dogs with no contact with other dogs
- • Dogs that stay exclusively at home
- • Dogs that only walk in quiet neighborhoods
- • Dogs with severe immune-mediated diseases (consult vet)
If there is any chance your dog will be around other dogs — even occasionally — the vaccine is worth the modest cost for peace of mind.
Types: Oral, Intranasal & Injectable
The kennel cough vaccine comes in three delivery methods, each with distinct advantages:
| Type | How Given | Speed of Protection | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intranasal | Squirted into nostrils | 48-72 hours | Fastest protection, quick boarding prep |
| Oral | Given by mouth | 48-72 hours | Dogs that resist nasal administration |
| Injectable | Subcutaneous injection | 1-2 weeks | Dogs with respiratory issues, needle-tolerant dogs |
Timing Tip
If you need the vaccine quickly before a grooming appointment or boarding stay, ask for the intranasal or oral form. These provide local immunity within 48-72 hours, while the injectable form takes 1-2 weeks. Most boarding facilities require vaccination at least 48 hours before arrival.
How Often Does My Dog Need It?
| Dog's Situation | Recommended Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puppies (first-time) | Initial dose at 8+ weeks | Injectable requires a booster 2-4 weeks later; intranasal/oral does not |
| High-exposure dogs | Every 6 months | Boarding, daycare, regular grooming, dog parks |
| Moderate-exposure dogs | Annually | Occasional grooming, infrequent dog contact |
Check with your local groomer for their specific vaccination timeline requirements. Some require the vaccine to be current within 6 months, while others accept annual proof.
Kennel Cough Vaccine Cost
| Provider | Intranasal / Oral | Injectable |
|---|---|---|
| Private veterinarian | $25-$45 | $20-$35 |
| Low-cost clinic | $15-$25 | $15-$20 |
| Pet store vet | $20-$35 | $15-$25 |
Many vets bundle the bordetella vaccine with annual wellness exams or include it in puppy packages. If your dog needs the vaccine for grooming, factor this modest cost into your regular grooming budget.
How Effective Is the Kennel Cough Vaccine?
The kennel cough vaccine is effective but not 100% preventive — and understanding why requires knowing how kennel cough works.
Kennel cough is not caused by a single organism. It can be triggered by multiple bacteria and viruses, including Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine parainfluenza virus, canine adenovirus, and mycoplasma. The standard vaccine targets Bordetella (and sometimes parainfluenza), which covers the most common cause.
What the Vaccine Does
- • Significantly reduces the risk of Bordetella infection
- • Dogs that do get kennel cough despite vaccination have milder symptoms and shorter illness duration
- • Reduces the shedding of bacteria, limiting spread to other dogs
- • Does not guarantee 100% protection against all causes of kennel cough
Think of it like the flu vaccine in humans — it does not prevent every possible respiratory infection, but it significantly reduces the severity and risk of the most common cause.
Kennel Cough Vaccine Side Effects
Intranasal / Oral Form
- • Mild sneezing for 1-3 days
- • Slight nasal discharge
- • Mild, brief cough (not kennel cough itself)
- • Reduced appetite for a day
Injectable Form
- • Soreness at injection site
- • Mild lethargy for 24-48 hours
- • Small lump at injection site (resolves in 1-2 weeks)
- • Slight decrease in appetite
Serious allergic reactions (facial swelling, difficulty breathing, vomiting) are very rare. If your dog shows any of these signs, contact your vet immediately. For a comprehensive overview, see our dog vaccine side effects guide.
Is the Kennel Cough Vaccine Required for Grooming?
In most cases, yes. The vast majority of professional grooming salons require proof of bordetella (kennel cough) vaccination before accepting dogs. This policy protects every dog in the salon from outbreaks.
Groomer Vaccine Requirements (Typical)
- • Rabies — always required (it's the law)
- • Bordetella / Kennel cough — required by most groomers
- • DHPP/DA2PP — required by many groomers
- • Canine influenza — sometimes required in outbreak areas
Before booking your next grooming appointment, confirm the vaccine requirements with your groomer. Most require vaccination at least 48 hours to 2 weeks before the appointment, depending on the vaccine type.
Find a groomer near you and check their specific vaccine policies before booking.
Kennel Cough Vaccine vs. Bordetella Vaccine
These are the exact same vaccine. The two names cause confusion, but they refer to the same product:
| Term | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Kennel cough vaccine | Named after the disease it prevents (kennel cough / infectious tracheobronchitis) |
| Bordetella vaccine | Named after the bacterium it targets (Bordetella bronchiseptica) |
Your groomer, boarding facility, or vet may use either term interchangeably. For a deeper look at the bordetella vaccine specifically, see our bordetella vaccine guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the kennel cough vaccine the same as bordetella?+
How much does the kennel cough vaccine cost?+
Do dogs need the kennel cough vaccine for grooming?+
How often does my dog need the kennel cough vaccine?+
Can my dog still get kennel cough after vaccination?+
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