Vaccinations protect your pet from highly contagious and/or deadly diseases and improve your pet's overall quality of life. Experts agree that the widespread use of vaccinations within the last century has prevented death and disease in millions of animals.

Vaccination can prevent many pet illnesses and avoid costly treatments for preventable diseases. Vaccination also prevents diseases that can be passed between animals and from animals to people. Many local and state laws require that household pets—including indoor-only pets—be vaccinated against certain diseases.

Does vaccination ensure protection?

For most pets, vaccination is effective in preventing future disease—especially when vaccines are given as recommended, at the appropriate time points. Vaccines help teach your pet’s immune system how to recognize and fight off certain disease-causing agents. Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system's production of antibodies that identify and destroy these agents—before they can cause disease. This helps prevent or lessen the severity of future diseases. It’s important to follow the vaccination schedule recommended by your veterinarian to reduce the possibility of a gap in protection.

Vaccination helps protect your pet against these and other highly contagious or deadly diseases.

Canine distemper

Canine influenza

Canine parvovirus

Feline panleukopenia

Leptospirosis

Rabies

Which vaccinations does my pet need?

"Core" vaccines are recommended for all dogs and cats, unless there’s a medical need not to vaccinate. There are some vaccinations that are non-core, like Bordetella and canine influenza, but may be required by pet resorts due many pets being in close contact with each other. Your veterinarian will consider these and other factors in recommending the vaccines and vaccination schedule that will provide your pet with the best possible protection throughout their life.

How often will my pet need to be vaccinated?

After the initial puppy or kitten vaccine series is complete, many vaccines provide adequate immunity when given every few years. Others need to be given more often to maintain a level of immunity that will continually protect your pet. Your veterinarian can recommend a vaccination schedule that best meets your pet’s needs.

Are there risks to vaccinating my pet?

Like other types of medical treatment, vaccination carries some risk of side effects. These side effects typically are minor, and they’re far outweighed by the benefits of protecting your pet, your family, and your community from potentially fatal diseases.

Always consult with your veterinarian!