Are you a dog owner looking for a reliable place to get your dog vaccinated? As a responsible pet owner, ensuring that your dog is up-to-date with their vaccinations is important for their health and wellbeing.

That’s where Petco, one of the largest pet retailers in the United States, comes in. But the question on your mind might be, does Petco vaccinate dogs? The answer is yes, Petco offers vaccination services for dogs and other pets.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at Petco’s vaccination services and what you need to know to keep your friend healthy. So, let’s get started!

Is Petco a bad place to get my puppy’s first vaccine shots?.

If you’re a new pet owner, you might be wondering where to take your puppy for their first set of vaccine shots. Petco, a popular pet retailer, is one option that comes to mind.

However, you may have heard some negative things about Petco’s vaccination services and are wondering if it’s a bad place to take your puppy.

While there have been some concerns in the past about the quality of Petco’s vaccination services, it’s important to note that they have made significant changes to address those concerns.

In 2018, Petco partnered with VIP Petcare, a leading provider of preventative veterinary services, to offer high-quality, affordable vaccinations to pets at all Petco stores nationwide.

VIP Petcare’s licensed veterinarians and trained staff provide a range of vaccinations, including the core vaccines that are essential for your puppy’s health, such as rabies, distemper, and parvo.

Additionally, Petco and VIP Petcare have implemented safety protocols to ensure the health and safety of pets and their owners during the vaccination process.

What vaccinations do dogs need?

As a responsible pet owner, it’s essential to keep your dog up-to-date on their vaccinations to protect their health and prevent the spread of disease.

Here are some of the most important vaccinations that dogs need:

1. Rabies:

This vaccine is required by law in most states and protects dogs from the rabies virus, which can be fatal.

2. Distemper:

This vaccine protects against several highly contagious diseases, including canine distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus.

3. Bordetella:

Also known as kennel cough, this vaccine protects against a respiratory infection that is highly contagious among dogs, especially in places like boarding facilities, dog parks, and grooming salons.

4. Leptospirosis:

This vaccine protects against a bacterial infection that can cause severe kidney and liver damage in dogs.

5. Lyme disease

This vaccine protects against a tick-borne illness that can cause joint pain, fever, and fatigue in dogs.

The specific vaccinations that your dog needs may depend on factors such as their age, lifestyle, and risk of exposure to certain diseases.

Your veterinarian can help you determine which vaccinations are necessary for your dog and create a customized vaccination schedule to ensure their ongoing health and wellbeing.

How often do dogs need vaccines?

The frequency of vaccines for dogs depends on several factors, such as the type of vaccine, the dog’s age, lifestyle, and overall health. Some vaccines require yearly boosters, while others are given every three years or even less frequently. Here are some general guidelines for how often dogs need vaccines:

1. Rabies:

Rabies vaccine is typically required by law and is usually given every one to three years, depending on the state’s laws and the vaccine used.

2. Distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus:

These vaccines are typically given as a series of puppy shots, with boosters given every one to three years.

3. Bordetella:

This vaccine is typically given every six to twelve months, especially for dogs who frequently visit boarding facilities or interact with other dogs.

4. Leptospirosis:

This vaccine is typically given annually or every three years, depending on the dog’s risk of exposure.

5. Lyme disease:

This vaccine is typically given annually or every three years, depending on the dog’s risk of exposure.

It’s important to work with your veterinarian to develop a customized vaccination schedule for your dog based on their individual needs and risk factors. Regular vaccinations are an essential part of keeping your dog healthy and protecting them from serious illnesses.

Can I vaccinate my own dog?

While it may be tempting to save money by administering vaccines to your dog yourself, it’s not recommended. Vaccinations are medical procedures that should only be performed by a licensed veterinarian or under the direct supervision of a veterinarian. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Accuracy:

Administering a vaccine incorrectly can result in an ineffective vaccination or, in some cases, harm your dog.

2. Safety:

Vaccinations are medical procedures that come with some degree of risk. A licensed veterinarian is trained to recognize and manage any potential complications that may arise.

3. Legal requirements:

In many states, it’s illegal to administer vaccines to your own dog without a veterinary license.

Additionally, vaccines must be properly stored and handled to remain effective. A licensed veterinarian will have the necessary equipment and knowledge to properly store and handle vaccines, ensuring that they remain effective.

It’s best to leave vaccinations to the professionals. Schedule regular appointments with your veterinarian to keep your dog up-to-date on their vaccinations and to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about their health and wellbeing.

How much do puppy shots cost at Petco?

The cost of puppy shots at Petco can vary depending on the specific vaccines required, as well as your location.

The cost of vaccinations for puppies typically ranges from $19 to $45 per vaccine, with packages available for multiple vaccines. For example, Petco may offer a package of multiple vaccines for puppies for around $69.

It’s important to note that additional fees, such as exam fees or environmental fees, may apply. Prices may also vary based on the individual location of the Petco store.

Conclusion

Does Petco vaccinate dogs? Yes, Petco does offer vaccination services for dogs, making it a convenient option for you to keep your friend up-to-date on their vaccines. Petco partners with VIP Petcare to provide a range of vaccines for pets, including essential core vaccines like rabies, distemper, and parvo.

It’s important for pet owners to keep their dogs up-to-date on their vaccinations to ensure their health and wellbeing, and Petco can be a great option for many pet owners.

However, while it may be tempting to save money by administering vaccines yourself, it’s recommended to only have vaccinations performed by a licensed veterinarian or under their direct supervision.

Overall, by working with your veterinarian and utilizing the services provided by Petco, you can ensure your dog stays healthy and protected from serious illnesses.

Before you go, you can also read: What are the Pros and Cons of Rattlesnake vaccine for dogs?