Customized Pet Vaccination Schedule

All animals are different; therefore, vaccine decisions are made on an individual basis for each of your animals. We take into consideration the age, breed, lifestyle, and travel habits of your companion animal, as well as your needs and plans. We work with you to tailor a unique immunization program that incorporates all of these factors and will give your animals optimum protection from disease.

Dogs

We may recommend these types of vaccines for dogs:

• Distemper/Adenovirus/Parainfluenza/Parvovirus (DAPP)—3-year vaccine.
• Rabies—3-year vaccine.
• Leptospirosis—Annually, as needed based on exposure to livestock or wildlife. Rodents are carriers of leptospirosis, so when you live on acreage or rurally, the unavoidable field mice, voles, and rats put you and your pet at risk. Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that is zoonotic, meaning it can infect humans.
• Bordetella (kennel cough)—Every 6 months, as needed based on requirements of kennel or other high-exposure environments.

Puppy Series—Typical vaccines may include:

• DAPP—Start at 6-8 weeks, then a booster every 3-4 weeks, usually 3 doses.
• DHPP (Distemper/Hepatitis/Parainfluenza/Parvovirus)—Start at 6-8 weeks, then a booster every 3-4 weeks, usually 3 doses.
• Rabies—At 16 weeks, which is required by California law.
• Leptospirosis—After 12 weeks if puppy has high exposure to livestock or run-off of grazing land or potential exposure to rodents (see “Dogs” above).
• Rattlesnake—Given after 4 months of age, boosters are 1 month apart. There are 2-3 boosters, depending on the size of your dog, and then a booster each year in March. Even if your pet finished the last booster in September, you would still booster in March, to ensure a high antibody titer in May and June when rattlesnake encounters are most frequent. Bring your pet to a veterinarian immediately after being bitten to receive pain medications, antibiotics, and a complete blood count.
• Canine influenza—This is a new disease and is a more serious version of kennel cough. We do not routinely offer this vaccine, but some boarding kennels in the country are requiring it be given to board at their facility. So stay tuned!

Cats

We may recommend these types of vaccines for cats:

• Feline Distemper/Upper Respiratory (FVRCP)—3-year vaccine.
• Rabies—3-year vaccine, after the 1-year kitten booster vaccine.
• Feline Leukemia (FeLV)—We recommend testing for FeLV/FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus). If negative for FeLV, we give the kitten two vaccine series, then the annual booster. After 1 year, if the cat is absolutely not an “escape” outdoors cat — totally indoors — then we discontinue the leukemia booster. There is not a vaccine for FIV at this time.

Kitten Series—Typical vaccines may include:

• FVRCP—At 6 weeks, then a booster every 3-4 weeks, at least three doses.
• Rabies—At 16 weeks. It is not a law in California to vaccinate cats against rabies. They are classified by the state as wild animals. However, the State of California Veterinary Medical Board encourages veterinarians to vaccinate all pet cats for rabies.
• FeLV—If kittens go outside, at 8-9 weeks — never earlier! — with a booster 4 weeks later (see “Cats” above).

This vaccine schedule is a basic guideline and we tailor the vaccines needed for your companion animal, based on age, habits, and lifestyle. Discuss your vaccine questions and concerns with us at your next visit.

For more information about pet vaccines, view the American Animal Hospital Association website.