Vaccinations

FAQs

1. Why are vaccines important for my dog or cat?

Vaccines are one of the safest and most effective ways to protect your pet from serious, and often life-threatening, diseases. They work by preparing your pet’s immune system to recognize and fight infections before they can cause illness. Vaccination not only protects your own pet but also helps reduce the spread of contagious diseases within the community.

2. Which vaccines does my pet actually need?

Every pet is different. We customize vaccine recommendations based on your pet’s age, lifestyle, travel habits, exposure to other animals, and overall health.

Core vaccines are recommended for nearly every pet because they protect against widespread and serious diseases.

Non-core vaccines may be recommended depending on your pet’s risk factors. For example, dogs that visit boarding facilities, dog parks, or hiking trails may benefit from additional vaccines, while outdoor cats may require different protection than indoor-only cats.

During your pet’s wellness exam, we’ll discuss which vaccines are appropriate and why.

3. How often does my pet need vaccines?

Puppies and kittens require a series of vaccinations during their first few months of life because immunity from their mother gradually wears off. After completing their initial vaccine series, they receive booster vaccines to maintain long-term protection.

Depending on the vaccine, boosters may be recommended annually or every three years. We follow current veterinary guidelines while tailoring recommendations to your individual pet.

4. Are vaccines safe?

Yes. Vaccines undergo extensive testing to ensure they are both safe and effective. Most pets experience no side effects beyond mild soreness at the injection site or slight tiredness for a day.

Serious vaccine reactions are uncommon, but they can occur. Signs may include facial swelling, vomiting, hives, difficulty breathing, or collapse. If you notice any concerning symptoms after your pet receives a vaccine, contact your veterinarian immediately.

5. Can my indoor pet skip vaccinations?

Even pets that spend most or all of their time indoors still benefit from routine vaccinations. Diseases can be carried into the home on clothing, shoes, or other pets, and unexpected situations—such as escaping outdoors, emergency boarding, or travel—can expose your pet to infectious diseases.

We’ll help determine which vaccines are most appropriate based on your pet’s actual level of risk.

6. Can my pet receive vaccines if they aren’t feeling well?

We generally recommend vaccinating only healthy pets. If your dog or cat has a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or another illness, it may be better to postpone vaccines until they have recovered. During your appointment, we’ll perform a thorough physical examination to make sure your pet is healthy enough to be vaccinated safely.

7. What happens during a vaccine appointment?

A vaccine visit is much more than simply giving injections. Your veterinarian will perform a comprehensive physical examination, discuss any health or behavior concerns, review your pet’s weight and body condition, assess parasite prevention, answer questions, and recommend any additional preventive care your pet may benefit from. Vaccines are an important part of your pet’s wellness visit, but they’re only one component of keeping your pet healthy throughout every stage of life.