Puppy Vaccines
A puppy isn't fully protected until the whole vaccine series is finished, usually around 16 weeks. Petfolk Johns Creek, at Medley in Johns Creek Town Center, sets up the series, weighs and examines your puppy at each visit, and tells you when it's safe to meet other dogs.
Book the first visit 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
Go to a 24-hour emergency hospital if a puppy has vomiting, bloody diarrhea, or stops eating and becomes lethargic. Parvo is a medical emergency in unvaccinated or partly vaccinated puppies. Call ahead, because it's highly contagious.
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.
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.
The Puppy Series
Distemper, adenovirus, and parvovirus (the core combination): starting around 6 to 8 weeks, repeated every few weeks until at least 16 weeks old.
Rabies: at 12 weeks or older, as Georgia law requires.
Leptospirosis: usually two doses a few weeks apart.
Lifestyle vaccines, like Bordetella or canine influenza, if your puppy will go to daycare, boarding, or group classes.
Repeat doses matter because a mother's antibodies can block a vaccine for weeks, and no one can tell exactly when they fade, which is why the series continues to at least 16 weeks. The AKC's guide to common puppy illnesses explains parvo and distemper, the diseases the series protects against.
When Your Puppy Can Visit Newtown Dog Park
Newtown Dog Park, inside Newtown Park on Old Alabama Road, doesn't allow puppies under four months old, and every dog must wear a collar with a valid license and current vaccinations. Four months lines up with the end of the core series, so plan your first park visit for after the last puppy shots.
Until then, socialize safely: puppy classes that require vaccine records, and play with healthy, vaccinated dogs you know, in places unvaccinated dogs don't frequent.
What Happens at Each Visit
Your puppy is weighed and examined. Our Gentle Handling team uses treats and floor time, so the first visits build a puppy who likes the vet.
The vet gives the vaccines that are due and checks for parasites. Deworming is often part of these visits.
You get the next date and a reminder in the Petfolk app.
“The staff was very nice to our pup socks as it was her first time ever in the vet. They answered all questions and got her vaccinations up we are highly appreciative and can't wait to see you guys next time in 3 weeks.”
— Debo D., Petfolk client
When You May Not Need Every Shot
If your puppy came from a breeder or rescue with documented vaccines, bring the records. The vet will count valid doses and may not need to repeat them. Lifestyle vaccines are only recommended if your puppy's life calls for them.
What Puppy Vaccines Cost Depend On
How many visits the series takes, based on your puppy's age at the first visit
Which lifestyle vaccines your puppy needs
Parasite testing, deworming, and prevention at the same visits
You'll get an estimate before anything is given. PetfolkCare members get exams covered up to $99 per visit and 10% off vaccines.
Finish Strong
Book your puppy's first visit at Petfolk Johns Creek or call (470) 964-6691, and leave with the whole series mapped out.