Vaccination Requirements for Dog Walking and Boarding on TruePath

TruePath's vaccination requirements exist to protect dogs on the platform — not just yours, but every dog your walker handles or that shares a space during boarding. Understanding what each vaccination certificate covers and why the requirements differ by service type will help you make sure your booking isn't blocked at the last minute.

What C5 Covers

The C5 vaccination is the Australian standard for dogs in social settings. The "5" refers to five diseases covered:

1. Canine distemper — a viral disease affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems; high mortality in unvaccinated dogs
2. Infectious canine hepatitis (adenovirus type 1) — affects the liver; can be fatal in puppies
3. Canine parvovirus — a highly contagious and frequently fatal viral disease, particularly in younger dogs; the virus is stable in the environment for months
4. Parainfluenza virus — a respiratory virus contributing to kennel cough; spread via respiratory droplets
5. Bordetella bronchiseptica — the primary bacterial cause of kennel cough; highly contagious via aerosol transmission and direct contact

C5 vs C3 — What's the Difference

A C3 vaccination covers only the first three diseases listed above: distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus. C3 is sometimes called the "core" vaccination because these three diseases are considered the most serious and are the baseline recommended by the Australian Veterinary Association.

The critical gap with C3 in a social dog context is the absence of Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza protection — the two main components of kennel cough.

Why Bordetella Matters in Group Settings

Bordetella bronchiseptica is the pathogen that makes kennel cough a genuine concern for social dogs — not just an inconvenience. In group walks or boarding environments:

• Transmission is via aerosol: an infected dog can spread Bordetella simply by breathing near other dogs
• Environmental survival: Bordetella can survive in the environment for several weeks without a host, meaning an infected dog that visited a space can leave behind viable bacteria
• Incubation period: dogs can be infectious for days before showing symptoms (coughing, nasal discharge, lethargy), meaning an apparently healthy dog can spread the disease
• Severity spectrum: in healthy adult dogs, kennel cough is usually self-limiting. In puppies, elderly dogs, immunocompromised dogs, or brachycephalic breeds with pre-existing respiratory issues, it can progress to pneumonia and become life-threatening

For these reasons, TruePath requires C5 for any service where a dog comes into contact with other dogs or spends time in a walker's or sitter's home.

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TruePath's Specific Requirements by Service Type

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Vaccination Timing: The 14-Day Rule

A freshly administered booster does not provide immediate immunity. The immune system requires time to mount a response.

TruePath requires that a dog be more than 14 days past their most recent C5 booster before participating in group walks or boarding. If your dog's annual C5 was given 8 days ago, they cannot join a group walk until day 15 or later.

This rule applies to:

• First-time C5 vaccinations (primary course)
• Annual boosters
• Any booster administered after a lapse in the vaccination schedule

For solo walks and drop-in visits (C3 minimum), the same 14-day window applies to the relevant vaccination components.

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Annual Boosters and 3-Year Schedules

The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) and most Australian vets recommend:

• Annual C5 boosters as the standard schedule for dogs in social environments
• 3-year schedules are sometimes recommended for specific vaccine components (parvovirus and distemper have long-lasting immunity in some dogs), but this is a vet-guided individual decision

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Titre Testing as an Alternative

Some dogs cannot tolerate vaccination — due to prior anaphylactic reactions, autoimmune conditions, or other medical factors assessed by a vet. For these dogs, a titre test (sometimes written "titer test") can assess the level of existing antibody protection without administering a vaccine.

TruePath accepts titre test results as an alternative to a standard vaccination certificate, subject to:

1. A supporting letter from a registered Australian veterinarian confirming:
   • The reason vaccination is contraindicated
   • The titre test result and interpretation
   • The vet's opinion that the dog has sufficient protection
2. The titre test having been conducted within the past 12 months

Titre testing is not cheaper than vaccination (tests cost $100–$300 at most Australian vet clinics), but it is a valid option for dogs with genuine medical reasons.

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How to Show Proof of Vaccination on TruePath

1. Upload your dog's vaccination certificate to your dog's profile in the TruePath app:
   • Go to My Dogs → select your dog → Health Records → Add Vaccination Certificate
   • Upload a photo or PDF of the certificate from your vet
2. Verification: TruePath verifies uploaded certificates within 1–2 business days. You'll receive a notification once your dog's profile shows as vaccinated.
3. Expiry reminders: the app tracks expiry dates for C3 and C5 components and sends a reminder when renewal is approaching.

Most Australian vet clinics issue vaccination certificates in one of two formats:

• A printed certificate with the vet's clinic stamp and the date and type of vaccination recorded per component
• A digital record through software like Vetsure or AVS (ask your vet if they can email a PDF)

Either format is accepted by TruePath as long as the issuing vet's name and practice details are visible.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I book a group walk with a C3-only dog?

What if my dog has a medical exemption from vaccination?

How do I show proof of vaccination on TruePath?

My dog was just vaccinated — can they join a group walk this week?

Does my dog need vaccination for a drop-in visit where the walker comes to my home?

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