What Vaccines Are Needed for Dog Grooming?

Dr. Joe Alcorn, M.S., D.V.M.

Dr. Joe Alcorn is founder of Care Animal Hospital in Temecula, California. He has a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and his advice has been featured in large publications like Bustle and Martha Steward.

Home » Blog » What Vaccines Are Needed for Dog Grooming?

Most dog groomers require vaccinations, so you have to keep your dog’s vaccinations up to date. If you plan on putting your dog in for grooming, you should know what vaccines are needed for dog grooming, so you have everything prepared. 

What Vaccines Are Needed for Dog Grooming? 

Your dog needs vaccines against parvovirus, distemper, bordetella and rabies for most dog grooming services. Some may require more vaccines, like canine influenza. You should check the requirements beforehand, so the process is smooth.  

Yorkshire Terrier with brown, black and white coat showing its tongue while being groomed

If your puppy or dog hasn’t been vaccinated yet, make sure your dog has these core vaccinations administered annually :

  • Canine parvovirus 
  • Distemper
  • Canine hepatitis
  • Rabies

Non-core vaccines that may also be required in dog grooming services include

  • Bordetella 
  • Borrelia burgdorferi
  • Leptospira bacteria

Parvovirus and Distemper Vaccine

Canine parvovirus is a lethal viral infection that targets different parts of your dog’s body. Dogs usually get parvo through direct contact or indirect contact with an infected dog. It has a mortality rate of 91%. The same goes for the distemper virus, which also attacks the dog’s immune system and other systems. Similar to parvo, a dog’s life can be cut short with distemper when left undiagnosed and untreated.

Most states recommend getting vaccines for these viruses. They are usually administered together through the DHPP shot. 

DHPP Vaccine

DHPP vaccine is administered to your dog to protect it against distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus.

It’s a core vaccine you should administer to your dog within six to twelve weeks. It requires three shots for your dog to be completely protected against those diseases.

Your dog may also need booster shots years after. It usually is one year after completing the series of shots and then a booster every three years. 

A brown pomeranian getting checked by a veterinarian while her owner looks on

Rabies Vaccine

Rabies is a lethal virus that can affect both dogs and humans. This vaccination is required in all states for grooming. It’s one of the most basic and well-known vaccinations for dogs worldwide.

You can get your dog vaccinated as early as three months old (16 weeks) and then get a booster a year after. 

Canine Influenza

Canine influenza or dog flu is highly contagious. It’s transmitted through infected dogs in close contact with other dogs. That’s why some dog grooming services also require vaccination.

Your dog can get the shot when it’s around six to eight weeks old and then another dose two to four weeks after the initial shot. 

If your dog is over that age, you can take two shots around two to four weeks apart. 

Bordetella

Bordetella is highly contagious. It comes from a bacteria that can infect airborne through coughing and sneezing. 

It’s common for groomers to require bordetella vaccinations because of its high infection rate.

Extra Rules in Dog Grooming

  • Follow the groomer’s instructions: your groomer may need assistance with your dog, especially if it’s uncomfortable being left with strangers. Hence, you should make some time during that day or consult with the groomer beforehand. 
  • Provide information: ensure you prepare the necessary information that groomers may ask you. They will usually ask if your dog gets easily nervous, whether they’re comfortable in large crowds or loud noises, calming techniques, and stress triggers. 

Dog Vaccination Laws in States

Here is some helpful information regarding dog vaccination laws throughout the states in the U.S.A:

Yorkshire Terrier with brown, black and white coat having its hair combed by a groomer
  • Ohio and Hawaii do not have any statewide vaccination laws.
  • Eight states require rabies vaccination only for imported dogs. They are: 
    • Idaho
    • Montana
    • North Dakota
    • South Dakota
    • Minnesota
    • Kansas
    • Utah
    • Georgia
  • States that require rabies vaccinations yet allow exceptions:
    • Oregon
    • Nevada
    • California
    • Colorado
    • Wisconsin
    • Illinois
    • Alabama
    • Virginia
    • Pennsylvania
    • New Jersey
    • New York
    • Connecticut
    • Massachusetts
    • New Hampshire
    • Florida
    • Maine
  • Any states not mentioned above require rabies vaccination for pets, with no exceptions.

Related Questions

Which Dog Vaccines Are Absolutely Necessary?

The absolutely necessary dog vaccines are what I call the core vaccines. Core vaccines include canine parvovirus, distemper, canine hepatitis, and rabies.

How Long After Vaccines Can a Dog Be Groomed?

Your dog should rest at least 48 hours after vaccines before it can be groomed. This is to eliminate vaccines as a cause of discomfort. 

Conclusion

Groomer’s require vaccines. It’s necessary to vaccinate your dog since dog grooming services in Temecula or nearby cities can have groups of dogs together in a small space. Your dog should be protected against infectious diseases.