Required Vaccines
Effective April 1st, 2026, we are updating our required vaccine policy. At Howling Peaks, we believe it is our responsibility to reduce the risk of communicable diseases to the greatest extent of our ability. While some illnesses (Leptospirosis and Canine Influenza) have not presented a large risk in Alaska, there have been reported cases. Dogs at greatest risk are dogs in social settings or in places where other dogs frequent (daycare, boarding, training classes, grooming). It is our responsibility to protect the dogs in our care and be prepared for known illnesses.
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Some of these vaccines are Core Vaccines meaning: they are part of your dog's regular vaccine cycle. These include: Parvo/Distemper, Rabies and Leptospirosis.
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Some are NON Core Vaccines, meaning: they are advised dependent on your dog's lifestyle. Dogs in social settings are advised to receive these types of vaccines including: Bordetella and Canine Influenza (CIV).
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Please see the following resources for more information.
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​Howling Peaks DOES accept Titer Tests (except Rabies). This is a blood test done by your veterinarian to establish maintained antibodies in lieu of vaccination. Please note that Rabies is not allowed to be a Titer. Rabies must be administered as a vaccination.
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**Please note: our Puppy Play Day is designed for puppies 10-16 weeks of age. Puppies attending who are 10-12 weeks of age are only required to have one round of Parvo/Distemper administered at least one week prior to attending. Parents acknowledge the inherent risk of an incomplete vaccination series in a group setting. This program is designed to safely socialize puppies in a clean environment during a critical social development stage. Attendees understand the benefit outweighs the risk. If a puppy attending is over 12 weeks old, they are required to be current on all age appropriate Howling Peaks vaccines.**
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1
Parvo/Distemper
(DHPP, DHLPP, Da2PP) | protection from Parvo Virus, Distemper, Adenovirus (Hepatitis) and Parainfluenza.
This is considered a Core Vaccine. Your puppy will receive 3 boosters, then will receive boosters every 1 year or 3 years. Vaccines will be administered between 6-8 weeks, 10-12 weeks, 14-16 weeks, then annually or every 3 years. The schedule may vary slightly based on when your first vaccine was administered. We require puppies under 16 weeks to have at least 2 rounds of this vaccine before attending daycare. By 16 weeks they should have all 3 (based on their vaccination schedule). Some of these vaccines include Leptospirosis so you may not need a separate Leptospirosis vaccination. Talk to your veterinarian.
2
Rabies
Rabies is a Core Vaccine and is required by law. All dogs MUST have this vaccine by 16 weeks of age. We need a Rabies certificate on file. This vaccine is boosted annually or every 3 years.
3
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is now considered a Core Vaccine by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). It is advised that dogs attending boarding and daycare receive this vaccine. Puppies should get an initial vaccine at 12 weeks of age followed by a booster 4 weeks later. This is an annual vaccine thereafter. Leptospirosis is a very serious disease that is also contagious to people.
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VCA Leptospirosis
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AAHA Leptospirosis
4
Bordetella
Bordetella is considered a Non Core Vaccine, but is required by Howling Peaks as we are a social setting. This is a vaccine you will need to request from your veterinarian. All dogs 12 weeks and older are required to have this vaccine annually to protect against respiratory illness.
5
Canine Influenza (CIV)
Canine Influenza is a respiratory illness. This is considered a Non Core Vaccine, but is required by Howling Peaks as we are a social setting. The initial vaccine is a 2-dose series that can be started as young as 8 weeks followed by a booster 3 weeks later. This is then an annual vaccine. We require dogs to have this by 12 weeks of age.
While we have not had many cases of this illness in Alaska, this is a relatively new respiratory illness (appearing over the last 20 years) that is highly contagious and has spread and maintained its presence in the United States. You can read more about it here
