Getting your puppy or dog vaccinated is an important step for their long-term health. Dog vaccines help prevent numerous transmissible diseases—many of which are life-threatening.
While many pet parents are aware of the importance of the rabies vaccine for dogs, some of the other types of vaccines are not as widely known. The moment you step into a vet clinic in Denver, you may hear about DAPP or DHPP, Bordetella, Canine Influenza, and so on. You may wonder: which of these does your dog really need?
In this Sploot Vets guide, we talk about dog vaccines needed in Denver, CO, which ones are recommended for all dogs, and which ones are especially important for specific activities like visiting dog parks, swimming, dog boarding, and so on.
I. A Dog Vaccine for All Denver Canines [Legally Required]
According to the Revised Municipal Code of Denver, CO (Chapter 8), the rabies vaccination is required for both dogs and cats before they reach the age of 6 months.
The rabies vaccine for dogs helps protect against this deadly viral disease, which targets the central nervous system. Rabies has a 99.99 percent mortality rate; therefore, this dog vaccine is crucial for the safety of pets and the entire community.
In Colorado, wildlife, especially bats and skunks, regularly test positive for rabies, even in urban areas. There are also pets testing positive for rabies in Colorado, even as recently as 2026, highlighting the importance of timely rabies vaccination for dogs.
II. Newly Adopted Dogs & Puppies: Are They Already Vaccinated?
If you are adopting a dog or puppy in Denver, you may wonder whether they will already be vaccinated and if they will require additional vaccinations. In any case, dogs will likely need additional vaccinations after adoption, as there may be other core or recommended vaccines the shelter has not given to the dog yet.
But what vaccinations are adopted dogs and puppies starting with? The short answer to this is that it likely would be just the rabies vaccine, but this depends on the dog’s age:
- Puppies less than 4 weeks old – would likely not have been vaccinated for rabies yet, as this age range is too young to receive the rabies vaccine.
- Dogs or puppies more than 4 weeks old – the puppy or dog may have been given the rabies vaccine to comply with Denver’s Municipal Code or with the statewide rabies laws in Colorado.
Some dog shelters and rescue organizations do not publicly specify which vaccines their dogs and puppies get before adoption. Therefore, it’s important to clarify this upon adoption. We also recommend scheduling a pet wellness exam before or shortly after bringing your new dog home. Lastly, we recommend waiting for veterinary clearance and complete dog vaccinations before letting your new dog or puppy interact with other pets.
→ Whether you are thinking of adopting or have just recently adopted a new pup, we’re here to help. Get a complete wellness exam or puppy exam at Sploot Veterinary Care. We also provide personalized guidance on dog vaccines in Denver. Find the nearest Denver vet clinic to you or book a vet visit here.
III. Denver Dog Parks & Dog-Friendly Areas: Do They Require Vaccines?
According to Denver’s Dog Park Rules, dogs need to have a current rabies vaccination and a Denver dog license to use dog parks operated by the State and County of Denver. Puppies that are too young to get the rabies vaccine are generally not allowed in these dog parks.
As for dog-friendly parks, dog-friendly hikes near Denver, and other dog-friendly public areas, they are still covered by Colorado’s rabies laws. This includes dog-friendly restaurants in Denver, dog-friendly stores, and other public areas that welcome dogs.
So, does this mean the rabies vaccine is enough? Not necessarily. Shared dog-friendly spaces are high-risk for disease transmission. For complete safety, most veterinarians will recommend the following dog vaccines for dog parks and dog-friendly areas:
- Rabies vaccine – a core vaccine and legally required in Denver (as mentioned above); protects dogs and humans against rabies, a fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system.
- DAPP or DHPP vaccine – Core combination vaccine that protects against distemper, adenovirus/hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. Recommended before dog parks because these highly contagious viruses spread easily where dogs gather.
- Leptospirosis vaccine – a core vaccine that protects against leptospirosis, a bacterial disease spread through contaminated water or soil. Especially necessary before going to dog parks with water access, where exposure risks are higher.
IV. Pet Boarding & Daycare in Denver: Required Dog Vaccines [PACFA]
The Pet Animal Care Facilities Act (PACFA) sets regulations for licensed pet-care businesses and organizations, including dog boarding and daycare facilities in Colorado. One of the rules is that these establishments must have a record of current vaccinations for dogs, including the following:
- Rabies vaccine – legally required in Denver (as mentioned above); especially important in shared spaces like dog boarding establishments to protect dogs and the whole community from the spread of rabies.
- Distemper/parvovirus vaccine (i.e., DHPP dog vaccine) – while PACFA requires protection against distemper and parvo in dogs, these are commonly included in the DHPP or DAPP combination vaccine, along with adenovirus and parainfluenza, other common transmissible canine diseases.
The following additional dog vaccines may also be required by the boarding establishment or recommended by your veterinarian for pet boarding or daycare:
- Bordetella vaccine for dogs – protects against kennel cough in dogs, a respiratory infection that can spread easily in shared spaces like dog boarding facilities and kennels.
- Canine Influenza Vaccine – protects against dog flu, a contagious viral disease caused by Type A influenza viruses, which also spreads easily in shared spaces via close contact.
To find out the specific set of vaccines a dog daycare or dog boarding establishment in Denver requires, refer to their website or contact them directly for more information.
→ Whether your dog needs the rabies vaccine, DHPP vaccine, Bordetella vaccine, or Canine Influenza vaccine, we are here to help! Find a full-service Denver vet clinic near you today!
V. Dog-Friendly Pools: Are Vaccines Necessary? [PACFA]
Numerous dog-friendly swimming pools in Denver are also dog boarding or dog daycare establishments. For this reason, many of them are covered by PACFA’s regulations, requiring dogs to have the following vaccines, which protect against life-threatening canine diseases:
- Rabies vaccine
- Distemper/parvovirus vaccine (i.e., DHPP dog vaccine)
However, your dog may also need the following:
- Leptospirosis vaccine – a core vaccine typically recommended by veterinarians for all dogs; this is also highly beneficial if the dog will be swimming in a body of water (where it is very common to contract leptospirosis).
- Bordetella vaccine – protects against kennel cough, a respiratory infection commonly spread in shared spaces. This is typically required by boarding establishments and veterinarians for added safety, even if your dog is just visiting for a swimming session.
Even establishments with dog-friendly pools that are classified as canine rehabilitation or physical therapy centers will likely also require a nearly similar set of vaccines. In any case, we always recommend checking the establishment’s website or contacting them directly for updated information.
VI. Grooming & Self-Serve Dog Wash [PACFA]
According to Colorado’s Pet Animal Care Facilities Act (PACFA), “Boarding/training, grooming, and pet handler facilities must have a record of a current rabies vaccine for dogs [...] and current distemper, and parvovirus vaccine for dogs over 8 weeks old.”
Therefore, some groomers and self-serve dog washes in Denver may require a current rabies vaccination and DHPP vaccination.
To determine the specific set of vaccines a grooming establishment requires, please contact them directly or visit their website for the latest information.
→ Not sure which dog vaccines your pup needs for dog-friendly swimming spots and other pet-friendly establishments? Our experienced Denver vets can provide personalized recommendations based on your dog’s needs. Book a vet visit at Sploot today and experience next-level care!
VII. Dog Vaccines for Interstate Travel from Denver
Pet parents traveling with dogs from Colorado or to Colorado should ensure their canine companion has a current rabies vaccine, as many states require rabies vaccination.
Veterinarians commonly recommend keeping all core vaccines up-to-date (rabies, DHPP/DAPP, and Leptospirosis)—along with any recommended vaccines depending on the destination and planned activities. Many states also require a recently issued Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) from a USDA-accredited veterinarian.
How Much Do Dog Vaccines Cost in Denver?
Dog vaccines in Denver vet clinics typically cost around $45 to $65 per vaccine, depending on the type of vaccine you’re getting for your pup.
Final Thoughts: Our Vets’ Recommendations
Keeping dogs vaccinated is an important part of pet parenting in Denver and throughout Colorado. Rabies vaccination is the primary vaccine required in Denver, enforced by statewide and local laws. However, other core canine vaccines (DHPP, leptospirosis) and recommended vaccines (Bordetella and Canine Influenza) help protect dogs from highly contagious diseases commonly encountered in recreational spaces.
Staying current on core and recommended dog vaccines helps protect not only individual pups but also the broader pet community by reducing the spread of preventable illnesses.
Additionally, we also recommend staying current on your dog’s heartworm preventatives and yearly pet wellness exams.
Sploot Vets: All-in-One Vet Care, Including Dog Vaccines
Whether you need dog vaccines, a pet wellness exam, or other veterinary services to keep your pup thriving, we are always here to help!
Sploot Veterinary Care offers all-in-one care, with primary care, urgent care, and emergency vet services, all under one woof™! From puppyhood to your dog's senior years, we address more than 95 percent of their veterinary needs.
Plus, we offer convenient daily availability, 365 days a year, with extended vet clinic hours. Visit one of our Fear Free vet clinics in Denver today!
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