What Vaccines Does My Dog Need?

Vaccinating your dog is one of the most important steps you can take to protect their long‑term health. Vaccines help prevent serious, contagious, and sometimes fatal diseases—and knowing which vaccines your dog needs (and when) is just as important as knowing why vaccines matter.

Below is a simple, complete breakdown of core vaccines, optional lifestyle-based vaccines, puppy shot schedules, and where to get your dog vaccinated in Tempe.

1. Core Vaccines All Dogs Need

These vaccines are recommended for every dog because they protect against widespread, severe diseases.

✔ Rabies

• Required by law in most states

• Protects against a fatal viral disease that can affect humans

✔ DHPP (also called DAPP or DA2PP)

This is a combination vaccine that protects against:

• Distemper

• Adenovirus (Canine Hepatitis)

• Parvovirus

• Parainfluenza

These diseases spread easily and can be life-threatening, especially in puppies.

2. Lifestyle / Optional Vaccines

Your vet may recommend additional vaccines based on your dog’s activities, environment, boarding habits, and exposure risks.

✔ Bordetella (Kennel Cough)

Recommended if your dog:

• Goes to dog parks

• Attends daycare

• Visits groomers

• Stays at boarding facilities

✔ Canine Influenza (Dog Flu)

Recommended for:

• Boarding

• Grooming

• Daycare

• Dogs in contact with large groups of animals

✔ Lyme Disease

Recommended if your dog:

• Travels to tick-heavy areas

• Camps or hikes frequently

3. Puppy Vaccination Schedule

Puppies need a structured vaccine series because their immune systems are still developing.

📅 Puppy Shot Timeline

• 6–8 weeks: First DHPP

• 10–12 weeks: DHPP booster + optional Bordetella

• 14–16 weeks: Final DHPP + Rabies

• Every 1–3 years: Adult boosters

4. Where to Get Your Dog Vaccinated in Tempe (Local, Verified Options)

📍 VCA University Animal Hospital

2500 S Hardy Dr, Tempe, AZ
Full‑service veterinary hospital offering vaccinations and wellness care.
[vetcoclinics.com]

📍 Topaz Veterinary Clinic

1804 E Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ
Provides all core vaccines and creates personalized vaccination plans for each pet.
[petsandpuppy.com], [weatheronthisday.com]

📍 Tempe Pet Clinic (Low‑Cost Walk‑In Vaccines)

1425 W Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ
Offers affordable walk‑in vaccine clinics Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings — no exam fee required.
[Veterinari...mal Clinic], [weather.com]

📍 Tempe Lake Veterinary Clinic & Pet Resort

2130 E University Dr, Tempe, AZ
Open seven days a week, offering vaccinations plus boarding, daycare, and grooming.
[a.msn.com]

📍 VETCO Mobile Clinics at Petco (Low‑Cost)

Located inside local Petco stores
Provides low‑cost dog vaccination clinics with no exam fees, offered on weekends and select weeknights.
[usatoday.com]

5. Final Thoughts

Vaccinations are essential—not just important—for preventing deadly diseases and keeping your dog healthy for years to come. By staying current with core vaccines, discussing lifestyle vaccines, and keeping up with regular boosters, you’re giving your dog the best protection possible.

And with several excellent, affordable options right here in Tempe, keeping your dog vaccinated has never been easier.