Vaccines

Vaccinations for Pets

Vaccines are very important for cats and dogs because they protect them from serious and sometimes deadly diseases. Just like people, pets can get infections from viruses and bacteria. Vaccines help their immune systems learn how to fight these diseases before they get sick.

Why Vaccines Are Important
  • Prevent serious diseases that can make pets very sick or cause death
  • Protect other animals by stopping the spread of disease
  • Protect humans from diseases that animals can pass to people (like rabies)
  • Save money by preventing expensive medical treatments later
  • Required by law in many places (especially rabies vaccine)
Pet Vaccinations
Border Collie

Basic Dog Vaccines and What They Prevent

Rabies
Prevents rabies virus which is spread through bites from infected animals. It almost always is fatal once symptoms appear. It is required by law in most states.
Distemper
Prevents canine distemper virus, which effects lungs, brain, and nervous system, causing coughing, seizures, and death.
Parvovirus
Prevents parvo, which causes severe vomiting and diarrhea, and is very dangerous for puppies.
Parainfluenza
Prevents respiratory infection, and is part of kennel cough complex. These are often given together in a DHPP vaccine.
Adenovirus (Hepatitis)
Prevents liver infection, and can affect kidneys, liver, and eyes.
Tabby Cat

Basic Cat Vaccines and What They Prevent

Rabies
Prevents rabies virus which is spread through bites from infected animals. It almost always is fatal once symptoms appear. It is required by law in most states.
Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia)
Causes severe diarrhea, vomiting, and weakness, and can be deadly in kittens.
Feline Herpesvirus
Causes upper respiratory infections, leads to sneezing, eye infections, and runny nose.
Calicivirus
Causes respiratory disease and mouth ulcers. These are often given together in an FVRCP vaccine.

Puppy and Adult Dog Vaccination Schedule

At the heart of our practice is the belief that quality veterinary care should never be out of reach. Vaccines are an important part of the annual care that your dog receives, and especially important if you have a new puppy in your home.

Puppy Vaccination Schedule
8 Weeks
  • DHPP (1st dose)
  • DHPP (2nd dose)
  • Leptospirosis (1st dose)
  • Lyme (1st dose)
  • Bordetella (if exposure risk)
  • Rabies (required by law in most places)
  • DHPP (3rd dose)
  • Leptospirosis (2nd dose)
  • Lyme (2nd dose)
  • Bordetella: (intranasal/injectable)
  • Canine influenza (if risk)
Adult Dog Vaccination Schedule
Core Vaccines
  • DAPP: every 3 years (starting at 1yr old)
  • Rabies: every 3 years (starting at 1yr old)
  • Bordetella: Every 6–12 months (boarding, grooming, dog parks)
  • Leptospirosis: Annually (dogs exposed to water, wildlife, rural/urban rodents)
  • Lyme: Annually (our area is endemic for Lyme)
  • Canine Influenza: Annually (after initial 2-dose series)
High-risk dogs
  • Boarding / daycare → Bordetella + influenza
  • Hiking / woods → Lyme + Leptospirosis
  • Exposure to creeks / ponds / rivers / standing water → Leptospirosis
Low-risk dogs
  • Indoor-only → core vaccines + minimal non-core
Dog Vaccinations

Important Notes for Puppies and Dogs

Every dog is unique, and we will guide you through what is best for your pet! Here are some important notes:

  • Puppies need multiple boosters due to maternal antibodies interfering early on
  • Avoid over-vaccination—core vaccines last 3+ years
  • Always follow local Rabies laws
  • Vaccine schedules should be tailored in conjunction with your veterinarian

Kitten and Adult Cat Vaccination Schedule

Our goal is to offer comprehensive care for your cat or kitten, including vaccines to keep them safe and healthy. From kittens to adult cats, we will custom tailor your vaccine plan together!

Kitten Vaccination Schedule
8 Weeks
  • FVRCP (1st dose)
  • FVRCP (2nd dose)
  • FeLV (1st dose — recommended for ALL kittens)
  • Rabies (required by law in most places)
  • FVRCP (final kitten dose)
  • FeLV (2nd dose)
  • Bordetella (multi-cat environments, shelters)
Adult Cat Vaccination Schedule
Core Vaccines
  • FVRCP: every 3 years (starting at 1yr old)
  • Rabies: every 3 years (starting at 1yr old)
  • FeLV: Annually for at-risk cats (outdoor cats, multi-cat homes, unknown exposure)
  • Bordetella: Rare; used in high-density housing
High-risk cats
  • Outdoor access → FeLV (essential in practice)
  • Multi-cat households → consider FeLV + respiratory vaccines
  • Shelter/rescue cats → broader non-core coverage
Low-risk cats
  • Indoor-only, single-cat → core vaccines only (FVRCP + Rabies)
Kitten Vaccines

Important Notes for Kittens and Cats

Vaccines are an important part of keeping your kitten or adult cat healthy. Here are some important notes for cat and kitten vaccines:

  • FeLV is considered “core for kittens” but “non-core for adults”
  • Always follow local Rabies laws
  • Avoid over-vaccination—core vaccines last 3+ years
  • Injection-site sarcoma risk is rare but influences vaccine placement and frequency
  • Vaccine schedules should be tailored in conjunction with your veterinarian

Call 440-428-5335 to schedule a visit

We are excited to serve you and your furry family members and look forward to meeting you soon!

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Corgi dog
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