Cat Vaccines
- Rabies — Rabies is a deadly, incurable viral disease transmitted by bite wounds from infected pets or wildlife. Because rabies is zoonotic (i.e., transmissible from animals to people), the disease is a public health threat and vaccination is required by state law.
- Feline leukemia (FeLV) — FeLV is spread through close contact with an infected cat—common in shelter and outdoor settings—and results in significant immunocompromise and chronic illness.
- FVRCP — FVRCP (i.e., a combination vaccine that includes feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia) is a core vaccine for cats that combines the feline respiratory complex and panleukopenia (i.e., feline distemper), which is a highly contagious and rapidly fatal parvovirus that attacks the bone marrow and intestines.
Dog Vaccines
- Rabies — Rabies is a deadly and incurable virus that attacks the nervous system and is transmitted through direct contact with infected wildlife—most often racoons, skunks, bats, and foxes—or pets. Because rabies is transmissible to humans, the disease is considered a public health risk and vaccination is required by state law.
- DHPP (i.e., combination vaccine—distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza) — The distemper combination protects dogs against common intestinal and respiratory viruses. The DHPP is a core vaccine and an essential part of the puppy vaccine series.
- Lyme Disease — Transmitted by the infected black-legged tick (i.e., deer tick), Lyme disease is characterized by painful inflamed joints, and can also affect the lymphatic system and kidneys. Unlike humans, dogs do not experience a bulls-eye rash.
- Leptospirosis — Leptospirosis is a spiral-shaped bacteria shed in infected wildlife or pet urine and commonly transmitted through contaminated soil or water (e.g, puddles, streams). “Lepto” can range from mild to severe, and may cause acute kidney or liver failure in dogs.
- Bordetella (kennel cough) — Bordetella is a self-limiting respiratory virus that can quickly spread through facilities where dogs are kept in close quarters (i.e., boarding, day care).
- Canine influenza (canine flu, H3N2) — The “dog flu” is a highly contagious respiratory infection spread through aerosolized droplets that can be mild or severe. Some dogs develop pneumonia.
Vaccine Requirements
To prevent disease outbreaks, vaccinations are typically required for the following pet activities:
- Grooming
- Boarding
- Day care
- Dog parks
- Training classes
- Special events (e.g., parades, races, pet festivals)
Because vaccine requirements vary, you should contact each pet-related business or event host for the most updated information before scheduling your pet’s vaccine appointment.
Vaccine Requirements
To prevent disease outbreaks, vaccinations are typically required for the following pet activities:
- Grooming
- Boarding
- Day care
- Dog parks
- Training classes
- Special events (e.g., parades, races, pet festivals)
Because vaccine requirements vary, you should contact each pet-related business or event host for the most updated information before scheduling your pet’s vaccine appointment.