Puppy Vaccines in Wake Forest, NC, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Wake Forest is a vet in Wake Forest, NC, that gives puppy vaccines from about 6 to 8 weeks of age. Boosters follow every 3 to 4 weeks until your puppy is about 16 weeks old, with rabies near the end of the series.

A new puppy brings a lot of questions. The first visit is where the vet maps out every shot, deworming and prevention step so you know what's coming.

Call (919) 891-6444 or book online. Walk-ins are welcome, and the clinic is open weekends.

When should my puppy get the first shots?

Most puppies start vaccines at Petfolk Wake Forest at 6 to 8 weeks old. If your puppy is older when you bring them home, the series starts at the first visit. Across Petfolk, puppies typically start their vaccines with us at about 11 weeks old (Oct 2025 to Jun 2026), so a later start is common and easy to catch up.

What is the puppy vaccine schedule?

A typical plan at Petfolk Wake Forest looks like this. The vet adjusts it to your puppy's age and history.

1. 6 to 8 weeks: First DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvo). Exam, stool check and first deworming.

2. 10 to 12 weeks: Second DHPP. Kennel cough or lepto may start here, based on lifestyle.

3. 14 to 16 weeks: Third DHPP and the rabies vaccine. Lepto booster if started.

4. About one year later: Adult boosters, then a yearly visit.

Finishing matters. Across Petfolk, about 8 in 10 puppies who start their series with us (79%) come back for at least a second booster. That last booster is what gives full protection against parvo.

Is my puppy safe at the dog park yet?

Not until the vet says the series is done, usually about two weeks after the last DHPP booster. Until then, skip busy dog spots like Flaherty Dog Park and avoid ground where lots of unknown dogs go. Short walks on quiet streets, play with vaccinated dogs you know, and puppy classes that check vaccine records are good ways to keep socializing.

North Carolina law requires a rabies vaccine once a puppy is over four months old, so the rabies shot is timed to land before then.

Not even sure he knew he got a shot, he was plenty distracted!

Daniel S., Google review

Puppy-friendly visits

Fear Free handling at Petfolk Wake Forest is especially helpful for puppies, because early vet visits shape how they feel about the vet for life. The team uses lots of small treats, lets your puppy explore and keeps the shots quick. Bring your puppy hungry so treats work well, and bring a favorite toy.

What to bring to the first visit

• Any records from the breeder or shelter, with dates of past shots and deworming

• A fresh stool sample in a bag

• A list of questions about food, potty training, biting and crate time

• The brand and amount of food your puppy eats now

The team will also talk about heartworm, flea and tick prevention, which most puppies start in their first months. See heartworm prevention in Wake Forest and spay and neuter timing.

What do puppy shots cost?

Each puppy visit at Petfolk Wake Forest is priced by the exam, vaccines and tests given that day. A wellness exam starts at $99. You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit. A PetfolkCare membership starts at $199 a year and is popular with new puppy families.

When a puppy needs help fast

Parvo can make an unvaccinated puppy very sick, very quickly. Call the clinic the same day if your puppy is vomiting, has diarrhea or stops eating. If your puppy is weak, cold or can't stand, go to a 24-hour emergency hospital such as BluePearl Pet Hospital on Paragon Park Rd in Raleigh.

See you at the first visit

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Wake Forest is at 3600 Rogers Branch Rd, Suite 103, Wake Forest, NC 27587, a short drive from downtown Wake Forest. Call (919) 891-6444 to book the first puppy exam.

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