Puppy Vaccines
A puppy isn't protected after the first shot. Protection builds across a series given every few weeks until about 16 weeks old. The team at our Midlothian clinic, on Steam Avenue off Midlothian Turnpike, maps out every date at the first visit so nothing slips.
Call (804) 603-9509 or book online. Bring any records from the breeder or shelter.
When it's an emergency: Go to a 24-hour emergency hospital if your puppy is vomiting, has bloody or watery diarrhea, won't eat, or seems weak. In an unvaccinated or partly vaccinated puppy, those are signs of parvovirus. Our Midlothian clinic is open 8 AM to 6 PM, seven days a week, and we don't provide overnight care.
Why It Takes a Series
Puppies get antibodies from their mother that fade at an unpredictable age. Those antibodies can block a vaccine, so doses are repeated every three to four weeks until the window has passed, usually around 16 weeks. The AKC's guide to puppy shots walks through the typical timeline.
A Typical Schedule
6 to 8 weeks: first distemper-parvo combination dose and first exam.
10 to 12 weeks: second dose; leptospirosis series starts; Bordetella if the puppy will be around other dogs.
14 to 16 weeks: final combination dose and rabies.
About one year: boosters, then the adult schedule.
The doctor adjusts this for your puppy's age, history, and lifestyle. Deworming and a fecal check usually happen at the same visits.
"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…"
— Debo D., Petfolk client.
If Your Puppy Already Had Shots
Breeder and shelter puppies often arrive with one or two doses. Bring the records, including product names and dates. We'll pick up where they left off rather than starting over. One dose doesn't mean protected, though; the series still needs finishing.
Boarding, Daycare, and Classes
Most boarding facilities and daycares want the full core series finished, plus Bordetella given ahead of drop-off. Puppy classes often accept puppies partway through the series. If you're planning holiday travel, book the series early so the last dose lands before the trip.
Parvo in Central Virginia
Parvo hasn't gone away. In October 2024, the Richmond SPCA held a free parvo and distemper vaccine clinic after cases rose across central Virginia, and shelters in Petersburg and Dinwiddie temporarily closed because of outbreaks. The virus survives in soil and on surfaces for a long time.
Until the series is finished, skip dog parks, pet store floors, and busy sidewalks where unknown dogs go. Socialize your puppy with healthy, vaccinated dogs in a clean yard, and carry small puppies through public spaces.
What Puppy Vaccines Cost
Each puppy visit includes a wellness exam ($99, or included with PetfolkCare at $199 a year), with vaccines priced individually. Members save 10% on vaccines, and PetfolkCare also puts $200 toward a future spay or neuter. You get an estimate before each visit's shots.
Map the Whole Series at Visit One
Book your puppy's first exam at our clinic on Steam Avenue, and leave with every date on the calendar. Call (804) 603-9509 or book online.