What Vaccines Do Dogs Need for Grooming in Virginia?

If you are booking your dog's first grooming appointment, you may be wondering what paperwork you need to have ready. It is a fair question, and the answer is simpler than most people expect.

Here is what Virginia law requires, how long a vaccination stays valid, and what to do if your dog cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.

What Vaccines Do Dogs Need for Grooming?

In Virginia, the rabies vaccine is the only vaccine required by law. Under the Code of Virginia, owners of all dogs four months of age and older must keep their dog currently vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian.

Rabies is what grooming appointments center on. Other vaccines such as DHPP and Bordetella are commonly asked about, but they are not legally mandated in Virginia. If you are booking with us and have questions about what to bring, just ask when you schedule.

Why Rabies Specifically?

Rabies is the only vaccine Virginia mandates for dogs, and for good reason. It is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, and it can be transmitted to people. That combination is why the state treats it differently from every other canine vaccine.

Your veterinarian will give you a rabies vaccination certificate when the shot is administered. Virginia requires that the certificate include your dog's name, age, sex, color, breed, and spay or neuter status, along with the vaccination number, expiration date, and the veterinarian's signature.

That certificate is worth keeping somewhere easy to find, whether that is a folder at home or a photo saved on your phone.

How Long Is a Rabies Vaccination Good For?

It depends on the vaccine used and whether it is your dog's first one. An initial rabies vaccination is generally valid for one year. Booster shots after that can provide protection for up to three years, depending on the specific product your veterinarian uses.

The expiration date printed on your certificate is what matters. If it has passed, your dog is due for a booster, and it is worth scheduling it with your veterinarian.

What About Other Vaccines Like Bordetella and DHPP?

Many grooming salons ask for additional vaccines such as DHPP, which covers distemper and parvovirus, or Bordetella, which covers kennel cough. These are commonly requested but not required by Virginia law.

Salons often ask for them because multiple dogs share the same space, which creates opportunities for airborne and surface transmission. Kennel cough in particular spreads easily in enclosed environments with several dogs present.

Mobile grooming works differently. Your dog is the only dog in our van, there is no kennel time, and there is no contact with other animals. That significantly reduces the transmission risk, making those additional vaccines important in a salon setting.

That said, DHPP and Bordetella are both worth discussing with your veterinarian as part of your dog's overall care, especially if your dog visits dog parks, boarding facilities, or daycare.

What If My Dog Cannot Be Vaccinated?

Virginia does allow a medical exemption. Under the Code of Virginia, the Board of Health may grant an exemption if a dog has an underlying medical condition that makes vaccination likely to cause a life-threatening reaction and granting the exemption would not pose a public health risk.

Exemptions are approved by your local health department and are valid for 1 year. In Loudoun County, for example, applications go through the Loudoun County Health Department along with supporting medical documentation from your veterinarian.

If your dog has an approved exemption, mention it when you book so we know your dog's situation ahead of the appointment.

What If My Dog Has Never Been to a Groomer?

A first appointment goes more smoothly with a little preparation. Tell us in advance that it is your dog's first groom so we can take a gentler, more patient approach and allow extra time.

Puppies can typically start grooming around 12 to 16 weeks, after their initial vaccination series is complete. Starting young helps a great deal. Dogs introduced to grooming as puppies are noticeably calmer about it as adults.

Getting Your Records Together

If you are not sure whether your dog's rabies vaccination is current, your veterinarian's office can confirm it and send you a copy of the certificate. Most practices can email it the same day.

If your dog is due for a booster, Virginia requires that every county and city hold a rabies vaccination clinic at least once every two years, and these clinics are often lower-cost than a regular office visit. Your local health department can tell you when the next one is scheduled.

Ready to Book?

If you have questions about your dog's vaccination status or what to expect at the appointment, just ask when you book. MobileDog serves dog owners across Reston, Herndon, Ashburn, Vienna, Sterling, and throughout Northern Virginia.

Give us a call or fill out our contact form to book your appointment, and we will come to you. You can also see everything included in our grooming packages on our services page.