Every adult dog needs two core vaccines, rabies and distemper-parvo (DHPP), and lifestyle vaccines such as leptospirosis, Bordetella (kennel cough) and canine influenza depend on where your dog goes each week. Mecklenburg County dog parks require rabies, DHLPP and Bordetella. Petfolk SouthPark is a veterinary clinic in Charlotte, North Carolina, where our veterinarian in SouthPark matches the vaccines to your dog's routine.
This page covers adult dogs. Puppies follow a series every few weeks, laid out on the puppy vaccines page.
Call (980) 580-8079 or book online.
Which vaccines does an adult dog need?
At Petfolk SouthPark, "core" means every dog should have it and "lifestyle" means the need depends on exposure, the same split the American Animal Hospital Association uses in its canine vaccine guidance.
Rabies (core). A nerve virus spread by wildlife bites, required by North Carolina law.
DHPP (core). Distemper, adenovirus hepatitis, parvovirus and parainfluenza. Written DHLPP when leptospirosis is added. Parvo lingers in soil and on shoes.
Leptospirosis (lifestyle). A bacterial infection that can damage the kidneys and liver. Raised by creek and greenway walks, puddles and yards wildlife visit.
Bordetella (lifestyle). One of the main causes of kennel cough. Raised by boarding, daycare, grooming, classes and dog parks.
Canine influenza and Lyme (lifestyle). Added for some dogs based on group settings and tick exposure.
Which lifestyle shots do SouthPark dogs usually get?
At Petfolk SouthPark, from October 2025 to September 2026, beyond the core shots:
59% of dog vaccine visits included Bordetella (kennel cough).
56% included leptospirosis.
About 1 in 7 (15%) included canine influenza.
About 1 in 17 (6%) included Lyme.
Puppies who start with us tend to keep coming: 89% of puppies who began their vaccine series at Petfolk SouthPark came back for at least a second distemper-parvo booster.
What vaccines do Mecklenburg County dog parks require?
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation requires every dog in its dog parks to be current on rabies (with the tag number), DHLPP and Bordetella. Because DHLPP includes leptospirosis, a dog with only DHPP may not meet the rule. Boarding kennels and daycares set their own lists, and some want Bordetella given several days before a stay, so check before you book.
Does a city dog in Charlotte need the leptospirosis vaccine?
Often, yes. North Carolina's public health disease note on leptospirosis says it spreads through the urine of infected animals and through water or mud contaminated by it, and it flags infection in pet dogs. Raccoons, opossums and rats carry it in the city too, so a dog who drinks from puddles on walks in Dilworth or sniffs along fence lines has a real exposure. Lepto can also spread to people.
How often are dog vaccines due?
At Petfolk SouthPark, each due date comes from the product given and your dog's history.
Rabies. In North Carolina, the first booster is due one year after the first shot, then every one or three years depending on the vaccine label (10A NCAC 41G .0101). North Carolina also requires dogs to wear the rabies tag at all times (G.S. 130A-190). The rabies vaccine page has more.
DHPP. Every 3 years for many adults, after the puppy series and a 1-year booster.
Leptospirosis. Yearly, because protection fades faster.
Bordetella. Every 6 to 12 months; given as a nose drop, mouth drop or injection.
A dog adopted with no records usually gets a short restart series.
What happens at a dog vaccine visit at Petfolk SouthPark?
Exam first. A dog with a fever, vomiting or a new cough should usually wait.
Routine check. You talk through daycare, trips, trails and other dogs at home.
Vaccines. Given with Gentle Handling: slower pace, treats if allowed, breaks when needed.
Records. You leave with a rabies certificate and the date for each next dose.
I didn’t want to board my baby without his bordatella, so we had to go. Angie A., Google review
How much do dog vaccines cost at Petfolk SouthPark?
At Petfolk SouthPark, dog vaccines are given at a wellness exam that starts at $99 (or is included with a PetfolkCare plan), and each vaccine is priced on top. You'll see the total first.
Which vaccine reactions need a 24-hour hospital?
Soreness, a lower appetite or a sleepy evening is normal after shots; call Petfolk SouthPark if your dog is still off after a day or two. Go to a 24-hour emergency hospital right away for facial swelling, hives, repeated vomiting, weakness or collapse within hours of a vaccine. Petfolk SouthPark is open 8 AM to 6 PM, seven days a week, with no overnight care.
Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - SouthPark is at 4914 Old Sardis Rd, Unit C5, Charlotte, NC 28211. Call (980) 580-8079 or book online.
Book a visit at Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - SouthPark, or see all veterinary services in SouthPark.
Dog shot questions, answered by our SouthPark team
On Old Sardis Road, west of Sharon Amity