What does a cattery need before my cat can board in Australia?
Most Australian catteries need an F3 given within 12 months, a vet certificate and a flea-free cat. The full checklist, timing rules and what to pack.
Published
Most Australian boarding catteries need three things before your cat can stay: an F3 vaccination given within the last 12 months, a vet certificate that proves it, and a cat that arrives free of fleas. Many also want the vaccination given at least two weeks before check-in. Rules vary by cattery, so confirm the list with yours when you book.
The quick checklist
- F3 vaccination, given within the last 12 months.
- A vaccination certificate from your vet showing the vaccine, the date given and the date due.
- At least two weeks between the vaccination and check-in, at many catteries.
- Current flea (and often worm) treatment.
- Medications in their original packaging with the vet's prescription label.
- Your vet and emergency contact details.
What is the F3 vaccine?
The F3 is the core cat vaccine in Australia. It protects against three diseases: feline enteritis (feline panleukopenia, or parvovirus) and the two main causes of cat flu, feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus. The Australian Veterinary Association and the WSAVA 2024 vaccination guidelines both treat these as core vaccines, meaning every cat should have them.
Why do catteries want the F3 done within 12 months?
Because a cattery puts a lot of cats under one roof, and boarding is stressful. The RSPCA Knowledge Base says "a cat should have a vaccination within 12 months of entering a boarding facility", and notes that almost all catteries require a booster in that window. Stress can lower a cat's resistance to infection, and cat flu spreads easily between cats sharing air.
In the ACT this is written into law. The Animal Welfare (Overnight Animal Boarding Establishments) Mandatory Code of Practice 2021, in force since 1 August 2021, says boarded cats must be vaccinated within the past 12 months (F3) and owners must supply a current certificate before admission.
How long before boarding should my cat be vaccinated?
At least two weeks before check-in, and earlier is safer. Pet Resorts Australia requires vaccinations "a minimum of two weeks (14 days) prior to boarding", and Vetwest recommends pets are fully vaccinated 2 to 4 weeks before a stay. A booster given the day before you fly out may not count.
| Situation | What usually happens | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| F3 given 3 to 11 months ago | Accepted at most catteries | Bring the certificate |
| F3 given more than 12 months ago | Usually refused until boosted | Book a vet visit at least 2 weeks before the stay |
| F3 given less than 2 weeks ago | Often refused at catteries with a 14-day rule | Ask the cattery before you book |
| Kitten still finishing the course | Often refused until the course is done | Pet Resorts Australia asks for 2 weeks after the final kitten vaccine |
Does my cat need flea and worm treatment?
Usually, yes. Catteries expect cats to arrive free of fleas, and many ask for current worming too. At Hamilton Veterinary Clinic's boarding facility in Newcastle, for example, a cat that arrives with fleas is treated at the owner's cost. Treat your cat a few days before the stay and note the product and date.
What else should I pack for the cattery?
Less than you think. Many catteries supply bedding and food, and some discourage personal belongings because they cannot guarantee they come back. Bring:
- Medications, labelled with your vet's prescription label. Hamilton Veterinary Clinic, for one, only accepts medications with that label.
- Special food, if your cat is on a prescription or sensitive diet, with written feeding instructions.
- Contact details for your vet and someone who can make decisions if you are unreachable.
How do I stop hunting for the certificate every time?
Keep one copy you can share. Most owners find the F3 certificate in an old email, then do it again for the next cattery, the groomer and the vet.
That is what Tend Pass is for. You add your cat's records once, keep the original certificate attached, and share them with the cattery by link or QR code. If the cattery uses Tend Connect, the details drop into the booking and the F3 date is checked against its policy before you arrive.
Boarding a dog as well? Read what a boarding kennel needs and how long before boarding your dog should be vaccinated.
Sources
- RSPCA Knowledge Base, What vaccinations should my cat receive?
- ACT Legislation Register, Animal Welfare (Overnight Animal Boarding Establishments) Mandatory Code of Practice 2021
- Australian Veterinary Association, Vaccination of dogs and cats
- WSAVA, 2024 Guidelines for the Vaccination of Dogs and Cats
- Pet Resorts Australia, Confirmation conditions
- Vetwest, Boarding your dog or cat and vaccinations
- Hamilton Veterinary Clinic, Cat boarding
*General guidance, not veterinary advice. Always confirm requirements with your veterinarian and your chosen cattery.*