Driving out Parvo

Join us and help us protect our dogs with FREE parvo vaccinations and microchipping.

Parvo is a serious and highly contagious virus that can make dogs very sick and can be costly to treat. The best way to protect your dog is through vaccination.

Bring your dog along, enjoy a free barbecue, dog product samples, giveaways, and special event-day discounts.

When and where

Saturday 26 September 2026, 10am to 2pm
Ngaaruawaahia Rugby League Club
Whatawhata Avenue, Ngaaruawaahia

Who can attend

This event is specifically for whaanau in genuine need who may not otherwise be able to afford these important services.

To receive a free parvo vaccination and microchip:

Your dog must be 6 weeks of age or older.
You must live within the Waikato District Council area.
You must provide proof of address (such as a rates notice, utility bill, or ID showing your address).
Your dog must not be sick or pregnant.
No booking is required – simply come along on the day.

Event Guidelines

For everyone's safety:

All dogs must be on a lead.
Some dogs may be required to wear a muzzle. Muzzles will be provided if needed.
Aggressive dogs cannot be accommodated at the event.

Have questions?

Direct Contact with an infected dog or their poo/vomit/salvia/urine.
Human clothes/skin/shoes that have been in contact with the virus.
The virus is not killed by most cleaning products/freezing/heating/humidity or drying.
Can survive months or even years in the environment - including in your home and outdoors!

Lethargy (lack of energy)
Depression
Dehydration
High fever or low temperature
Abdominal pain
Bloating
Vomiting
Diarrhoea – often bloody
Weakness
Shock
Loss of Appetite
Death (often within 48 – 72 hours of signs)

The virus targets

Bone marrow (inside their bones)
Lymphocytes
Small intestine
Heart

What does the small intestine do

Absorbs nutrients
Provides a barrier against fluid loss
Provides a barrier against bacterial invasion

The virus damages the bodies’ ability to repair the intestines lining so…

Nutrients are not absorbed properly
They lose fluid because the protective barrier is damaged
Bacteria can go from the gastrointestinal tract to the blood stream – causing infection to spread throughout the body (sepsis/”blood poisoning”)

Puppies and dogs with parvo virus can die due to dehydration and shock.

Parvo can be prevented with vaccinations.
Avoid bringing your puppy to public areas where there is lots of virus in the environment.
Avoid contact with unvaccinated dogs.
Continue to vaccinate against parvo even if they have had it – often have immunity after having the virus for several years but is not impossible for them to still get it.

Puppies less than 16 weeks (4 months):

We can start giving vaccinations against parvo from 6 weeks old.
Vaccines are given every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks old. The last vaccine in the puppy series needs to fall at or after 16 weeks of age for best protection.
The age of vaccines and spacing between is vital for protection rather than the number of vaccines.
Booster at or around 1 year of age, then every 3 years after that.

Puppies over 16 weeks

A single dose will likely protect most dogs with booster around 1 year of age and then every 3 years long term.

Dogs over 1 year old

A single dose will likely protect most dogs and then every 3 years long term.

Last updated 12 August 2026, 03:35 pm