Dog Vaccines

Veterinarian giving dog vaccine injection to mixed-breed dog in Midlothian clinic

Every dog needs the core vaccines. Beyond that, the right plan depends on where your dog goes: daycare, boarding, the dog park, or mostly the backyard. The team at our Midlothian clinic, on Steam Avenue off Midlothian Turnpike, matches the plan to your dog's real routine.

Call (804) 603-9509 or book online. Vaccines are usually given at the wellness exam.

When it's an emergency: Mild soreness or sleepiness after vaccines is common. Go to a 24-hour emergency hospital if your dog's face swells, hives spread, or your dog vomits repeatedly, collapses, or has trouble breathing after a vaccine. Our Midlothian clinic is open 8 AM to 6 PM, seven days a week, and we don't provide overnight care.

Core Vaccines for Every Dog

Rabies, required by Virginia law.
Distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis), and parvovirus, usually combined in one shot.
Leptospirosis, which AAHA's canine vaccination guidelines added as a recommended core vaccine for all dogs in 2024.

After the puppy series and a one-year booster, many core vaccines are given every few years rather than annually. The doctor sets the schedule by product and your dog's history.

Close-up of puppy receiving vaccine injection at Midlothian veterinary clinic

Lifestyle Vaccines

Bordetella (kennel cough): for dogs who board, go to daycare or grooming, or take group classes.
Canine influenza: for dogs in boarding, daycare, or shows.
Lyme disease: for dogs with tick exposure, discussed alongside tick prevention.

Many boarding and daycare facilities require Bordetella and sometimes influenza a set number of days before drop-off. Check their rules before you book travel.

Healthy golden retriever with current vaccines waiting in a Midlothian vet clinic exam room

When Your Dog Is Already Current

If your adult dog's records show current core vaccines and nothing in your dog's lifestyle has changed, you don't need extra shots this year. Bring the records. We'll only give what's due.

Owner completing dog rabies license paperwork at home near Midlothian

A Calmer Vaccine Visit

You go straight to an exam room, stay with your dog, and the team uses treats instead of heavy restraint. If your dog has reacted to vaccines before, tell us; the doctor may split vaccines across visits or adjust the plan.

"My dog gets very anxious at the vet and they were so supportive and caring."
— Hannah D., Petfolk client.

Canine Flu Has Hit Richmond Before

In June 2023, canine influenza (H3N2) was confirmed at Richmond Animal Care & Control, and the shelter closed for two weeks while the Richmond SPCA quarantined dogs it had taken in. Dog flu spreads where dogs share air and space: shelters, boarding kennels, daycares, and grooming salons.

If your dog spends time in any of those places, ask about the influenza vaccine. It takes two doses a few weeks apart to protect fully, so plan ahead of holiday boarding.

What Dog Vaccines Cost

Vaccines are given at the wellness exam ($99, or included with PetfolkCare at $199 a year) and priced per vaccine. Members save 10% on all vaccines. You get an estimate before any shots are given.

Bring the Records, Leave With a Plan

Book a wellness exam at our clinic on Steam Avenue and tell us about your dog's week. Call (804) 603-9509 or book online.