Vaccines

Vaccines are an important health benefit for our pets, due to the presence of numerous viruses in our area that present a significant risk.  Our veterinarians design their vaccine protocol according to each individual animal and the risks they encounter.

Puppies & Kittens: Generally, a puppy or kitten will receive its first set of vaccines at 8 weeks of age.  At this age they are (hopefully) weaned from their mother's milk, which had provided immunities up to this point.  They receive a second set of booster vaccines 3-4 weeks after the first, and puppies receive a third vaccine booster at 16 weeks of age.  Their rabies vaccine is required by law, and is given between 4 and 6 months of age. We commonly give it at 6 months along with the spay/neuter for convenience for county licensing.

Adults: Dogs and cats need to be re-vaccinated at 1.5 years of age, 2.5 years of age, and then again every three years thereafter.  Two exceptions exist, and those are for Bordetella and Feline Leukemia vaccines:
Bordetella is only given if the dog is going to be staying at a boarding kennel or is in frequent contact with strange dogs.  Its immunity expires within 1 year, and it should be given at least 2 weeks prior to boarding.
Feline Leukemia is given yearly if a cat is outdoors at all.  This is due to the high risk of transmitting this virus.