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When is it safe for my puppy to go to Petco after vaccinations?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | unspayed | 2 months and 29 days old | 2 lbs

how old should my puppy be before i take her into petco/petsmart

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 5th, 2017

I would wait until at least 10 days after Daviana got her final series of vaccines to make sure she is fully vaccinated. The last serious is usually given between 14-16 weeks of age, so she won't be fully protected until she is a least 16-18 weeks of age.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on April 9th, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There is risk as long as there are or were other dogs in the vicinity. Otherwise, the risk would be very low. Ideally, you wait until 1 month after his last set of vaccines. Good luck and have a great day!
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 21st, 2019
Hello. The best thing you can do for the puppy is have her examined by a veterinarian now who will check her overall health & check her for intestinal & external parasites. If anything is found, she will be treated appropriately. Vaccinations start at 6-8 weeks & continue every 3-4 weeks until she is 16 weeks of age. Then she will receive booster vaccinations one year later. Spaying, so she does not have unwanted litters, should be done before her first heat cycle or before she is 6-8 months old. Lots of love & TLC will ensure she has a long & happy life. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Related Questions

Is my 10-week-old puppy safe to go out after two sets of shots?

I prefer she not be around other dogs until she’s 14 weeks old and has finished her vaccinations. You certainly can take her out and about as long as you minimize her contact with other dogs. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Mia.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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When can my 10-week puppy safely go to public places after shots?

Socialization in controlled environments is good (such as puppy classes where all puppies must show proof of vaccination) or with friends that you trust to have their dogs vaccinated. I would not recommend going to public parks or pet stores until 1 month after the last vaccination (usually at 16 weeks of age).

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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When is it safe for my puppy to get groomed if not fully vaccinated?

Thanks for visting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Coco is considered to be fully vaccinated 7 days after her 3rd round of vaccines, which is between 14-16 weeks of age. She currently isn't fully vaccinated, so it is best to wait a bit if possible. I would recommend doing puppy wipes or waterless shampoo until then, if you are not too keen on doing a full on bath right now. This can at least get some of the puppy dirt off until she is ideal age for a grooming appt. Another alternative is to have a mobile groomer do her bath or discuss with the grooming facility to see if they take any extra precautions for puppies that aren't fully vaccinated. Some facilities can help accomodate for these types of situations, so it never hurts to ask. I hope that this was helpful. Best wishes with your pet Coco moving forward. Take care!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

When can my puppy safely go to the park or dog park after shots?

I would wait a few days after the second vaccination to take her out. However I would wait until a few days after the third vaccination before going to a dog park. The body needs time to make antibodies, and that happens in the days after a vaccination.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Is Petco's dog wash safe for my unvaccinated 7-week-old puppy?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your puppy. It would be safest to bathe him at home until he is fully vaccinated. This would limit his risk of acquiring any infectious diseases. If you really want to take him, then I recommend carrying him into the facility. Place him in the tub, bathe him and then carry him out of the store. Do not allow him to interact with other dogs or go to the bathroom outside the store where other dogs go. Many infectious diseases are spread through the feces. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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Is my 3-month-old puppy safe at the dog park with incomplete shots?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! For his own safety and the safety of other dogs, it would be best to wait until he has received his complete first year round of vaccines including the second parvovirus vaccine which usually is given at around 4-5 months of age though that depends on when they received the first set of vaccines. This should be soon anyway so you should be able to take him to the park fairly soon. He is adorable!!! Good luck and have a great day!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

When is it safe for my puppy to go out after booster shots?

Vaccines take a little while to take full effect as the immune system must recognise and then produce protection against the specific illnesses vaccinated against. As the final booster is a top up to earlier injections, I usually recommend 5-7days before walking in parks/open places and preferably 10-14 days before boarding/kennelling in puppies. Annual/boosters in older adults do not require such a wait unless they had lapsed significantly

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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