Dog Vaccines
Every adult dog needs core boosters; the rest depends on where your dog goes and who it meets. Petfolk Johns Creek, at Medley in Johns Creek Town Center, matches vaccines to your dog's life, from couch and backyard to daycare, boarding, and dog parks.
Book at our Johns Creek clinic.
Call (470) 964-6691 or book online. Open 8am–6pm, seven days a week.
When to go to a 24-hour emergency hospital
Mild soreness, sleepiness, or a low appetite for a day after vaccines is common. Go to a 24-hour emergency hospital if your pet has facial swelling, hives, repeated vomiting, trouble breathing, or collapses within hours of a vaccine.
A dog with a sudden cough plus fever, lethargy, or fast breathing after boarding or daycare should be seen soon, and needs emergency care if breathing is labored.
Petfolk Johns Creek is open 8am to 6pm, seven days a week. We don't provide overnight care, so anything that can't wait until morning belongs at a 24-hour emergency hospital.
Core Vaccines for Every Dog
Distemper, adenovirus, and parvovirus: boosted a year after the puppy series, then usually every three years.
Rabies: required by Georgia law, every one or three years depending on the vaccine.
Leptospirosis: a bacterial disease spread through wildlife urine and standing water. AAHA updated its guidelines in 2024 to make it a core vaccine for all dogs, and it's boosted yearly.
AAHA's canine vaccination guidelines list which vaccines are core and which depend on lifestyle.
Lifestyle Vaccines
Bordetella (kennel cough): for dogs who board, go to daycare or grooming, or attend classes. Many facilities require it.
Canine influenza: for dogs who spend time around many other dogs. It takes two doses a few weeks apart the first year.
Lyme: sometimes recommended for dogs who travel to the Northeast or upper Midwest. Lyme is less common in Georgia than other tick-borne diseases.
Canine Flu in Fulton County
In December 2022, a canine influenza outbreak at Fulton County Animal Services closed the shelter, and some dogs died. The shelter wasn't cleared until June 8, 2023. Fulton officials warned that dogs at dog parks, boarding, and daycare face the highest risk.
If your Johns Creek dog boards, goes to daycare, or visits Newtown Dog Park, ask about the canine influenza vaccine. Plan ahead: the first-year series needs two doses before full protection, so start several weeks before a boarding stay.
What Happens at the Visit
The vet asks about your dog's routine: daycare, boarding, parks, hiking, and travel.
An exam confirms your dog is healthy for vaccines.
Our Gentle Handling team uses treats and a calm pace, and splits vaccines across visits for dogs who have had reactions before.
You get updated records and reminders in the Petfolk app, and paperwork for boarding or daycare.
“They are friendly, patient and knowledgeable. All of my questions were answered and they were great with both of my dogs.”
— Jennifer A., Petfolk client
When Your Dog May Not Need a Vaccine
A dog who never boards, rarely meets other dogs, and doesn't travel may not need Bordetella, canine flu, or Lyme. Core boosters don't need to be given more often than the guidelines call for. The vet will tell you what's due and what isn't.
What Dog Vaccines Cost Depend On
Which core boosters are due
Which lifestyle vaccines your dog needs
Whether vaccines are given at a wellness visit
You'll get an estimate before anything is given. PetfolkCare members get exams covered up to $99 per visit and 10% off vaccines.
Vaccines That Fit Your Dog's Routine
Book a vaccine visit at Petfolk Johns Creek or call (470) 964-6691, and leave knowing what's due and why.