Keeping your pet current on immunizations and booster shots is a highly effective way to prevent many common diseases and infections like distemper and rabies. We recommend that all dogs and cats get the core vaccines recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Non-core vaccines may be recommended based on your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors.
Core vaccines include:
- Rabies (dogs and cats)
- DA2PPV-Distemper, Hepatitis, Adenovirus 2, Parvo and Parainfluenza (dogs)
- FVRCP-Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia (cats)
Other non-core but highly suggested cat vaccinations include FIV for feline immunodeficiency virus and FeLV to protect against feline leukemia. For dogs, bordetella and canine influenza shots are recommended if they frequent dog parks, boarding kennels, or any place where they socialize with other canines, and Lyme and leptospirosis might be recommended as well.
Your veterinarian can advise you on which vaccinations are required or recommended for your pet based on age, health, and lifestyle.