Vaccines and Routine Medical

What vaccines and routine medical does your foster need?

PIPs Vaccine Schedule
(Aligned with 2022 AAHA Core Vaccine Guidance + North Carolina Law)

CORE VACCINES FOR ALL PIPS DOGS

DHPP (Distemper / Hepatitis / Parvovirus / Parainfluenza)
• Puppies: Start at 6–8 weeks
• Continue every 4 weeks until 3–4 doses are completed
• May shorten interval to 3 weeks only when combining vet visits
• Booster 1 year later, then every 3 years

Leptospirosis (4-serovar)
• Start at 12 weeks of age or older
• 2-dose series, given 4 weeks apart
• Annual booster required
• Often given as a DHPP + Lepto combination

Rabies
• Must be given between 14–16 weeks — this is law in NC
• Delaying beyond 16 weeks may result in mandatory state confinement if a bite occurs
• Booster 1 year later, then every 1–3 years (based on vaccine)

ADDITIONAL REQUIRED MEDICAL CARE

• Deworming: Follow PIPs deworming protocol
• Heartworm & Flea/Tick Prevention: Begin at 8 weeks; continue monthly
• Spay/Neuter: Usually 4–5 months old
(Large breeds may delay to 5–6 months if vet recommends)
• Microchip: As soon as they come in to the rescue
• Heartworm Test: Required for adults without known prevention history

Boarding Requirements
Before entering a boarding facility or similar setting:

 • Bordetella and influenza
• Rabies must be completed within the required legal timeframe
• DHPP must be actively in progress or complete
• Lepto vaccine series must be started (preferably completed)

You will be notified on where your foster is medically when you get them. Tip: add any medical that will be due on your calendar so you don't forget.

Please be pro-active in your dog's medical care! We will do the best we can to remind you when something is due but we rely on you to reach out as well. 

PLEASE NOTE: Unless the pup has a medical issue, they cannot be adopted out over 6 months without having every vaccine and medical procedure outlined above.