COMPREHENSIVE VACCINATIONS FOR DOGS & CATS

What it protects against: DAPP is a combination vaccine that shields your dog from four serious diseases in a single shot:

• Distemper — A severe viral illness affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It's often fatal and has no cure.

• Adenovirus (Hepatitis) — Causes infectious canine hepatitis, which can lead to liver failure, eye damage, and death in severe cases.

• Parainfluenza — A contagious respiratory virus and a leading contributor to kennel cough.

• Parvovirus — A highly contagious viral illness that attacks a dog's digestive system and immune cells, causing severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. It can be fatal, particularly in puppies.

Why your dog needs it: Each of these diseases is serious on its own. The DAPP vaccine is considered a core vaccine because the diseases it covers are widespread, preventable, and can be life-threatening. Combining them into one shot also makes the vaccination process easier on your dog.

When it's given: DAPP is typically started at 6–8 weeks of age, given in a series every 3–4 weeks through 16 weeks, with a booster at 1 year and then every 1–3 years in adulthood.

What it protects against: Rabies is a fatal viral disease that attacks the brain and nervous system. It can affect all mammals — including humans — and is almost always transmitted through the bite of an infected animal.

Why your dog needs it: There is no cure for rabies once symptoms appear. Vaccination is the only reliable protection and, in most U.S. states, it's required by law for all dogs. Beyond legal compliance, keeping your dog current on rabies protects your entire household and community.

When it's given: Puppies typically receive their first rabies vaccine between 12–16 weeks of age, with boosters given at 1 year and then every 1–3 years depending on the vaccine type used and local regulations.

What it protects against: Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by Leptospira bacteria, which live in soil and water — particularly in areas frequented by wildlife such as raccoons, deer, and rodents. It can cause kidney failure, liver damage, and in severe cases, death. Importantly, leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from dogs to humans.

Why your dog needs it: Dogs can be exposed through contact with contaminated water, puddles, mud, or the urine of infected animals — even in suburban and urban environments. Because of its zoonotic risk, keeping your dog protected also helps protect your family.

When it's given: This vaccine is typically given as a two-dose initial series, 3–4 weeks apart, followed by annual boosters. It's often recommended for dogs with outdoor exposure, but your vet will assess whether it's appropriate based on your dog's reccomended and geographic location.

What it protects against: Bordetella bronchiseptica is the primary bacterial cause of kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory illness that spreads quickly wherever dogs congregate. Symptoms include a persistent honking cough, nasal discharge, and lethargy. While most healthy adult dogs recover, it can be more serious in puppies, seniors, or immunocompromised dogs.

Why your dog might need it: If your dog visits boarding facilities, groomers, dog parks, training classes, or dog-friendly events, they're at elevated risk of exposure. Many boarding and grooming facilities require proof of a current Bordetella vaccine before admission.

When it's given: The vaccine is available in injectable, oral, and intranasal forms. Initial vaccination typically involves one or two doses depending on the form used, followed by boosters every 6–12 months based on your dog's level of exposure. Your vet will recommend a booster frequency based on how often your dog is in high-contact environments.

What it protects against: Canine influenza (dog flu) is a contagious respiratory virus. Symptoms are similar to kennel cough and include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, fever, and reduced appetite. Most dogs recover fully, but severe cases can progress to pneumonia.

Why your dog might need it: Unlike human flu strains, dogs have no natural immunity to canine influenza, meaning virtually any exposed dog can become infected. Outbreaks tend to occur in areas with high dog-to-dog contact. If your dog frequents boarding facilities, dog parks, or dog shows, vaccination significantly reduces their risk of infection and the severity of illness if they do get sick.

When it's given: The vaccine is typically given as a two-dose initial series, 2–4 weeks apart, followed by annual boosters. Vaccination against both strains (H3N8 and H3N2) is available in a single combination vaccine. Your vet will assess your dog's exposure risk and local outbreak history before recommending this vaccine.

What it protects against: Lyme disease is a tick-borne bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted through the bite of infected black-legged ticks (commonly called deer ticks). In dogs, it can cause joint pain, lameness, fever, fatigue, and in serious cases, kidney disease.

Why your dog might need it: Tick populations have expanded significantly in recent years, and Lyme disease has been reported across a growing number of U.S. states — not just traditionally high-risk regions like the Northeast and upper Midwest. Dogs that spend time outdoors in wooded, grassy, or brushy areas are at the greatest risk. Vaccination, combined with year-round tick prevention, is the most effective way to protect your dog.

When it's given: The vaccine is given as a two-dose initial series, 2–4 weeks apart, followed by annual boosters timed before peak tick season when possible.
Your vet will evaluate your dog's geographic location, outdoor activity level, and tick exposure before recommending this vaccine. It's often used alongside — not instead of — regular tick preventatives.

What it protects against: FVRCP is a combination vaccine that protects your cat from three serious and highly contagious diseases in a single shot:

• Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) — Caused by feline herpesvirus, this upper respiratory infection produces symptoms similar to a severe cold: sneezing, nasal discharge, and eye inflammation. It can become a chronic, recurring condition with no cure.

• Calicivirus — Another leading cause of feline upper respiratory disease, calicivirus can also cause painful mouth ulcers and, in severe strains, systemic illness affecting multiple organs.

• Panleukopenia — Often called feline distemper, this highly contagious viral disease attacks cells in the digestive tract and bone marrow. It is frequently fatal, particularly in kittens.

Why your cat needs it: All three diseases spread easily between cats and can survive in the environment for extended periods. FVRCP is considered a core vaccine for all cats regardless of lifestyle because exposure risk is significant and the consequences of infection are serious.

When it's given: Kittens typically start the FVRCP series at 6–8 weeks of age, with booster doses every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks. Adult boosters are given at 1 year, then every 1–3 years depending on your cat's risk factors and the vaccine used.

What it protects against: Rabies is a fatal viral disease that attacks the brain and nervous system. It can affect all mammals — including humans — and is almost always transmitted through the bite of an infected animal.

Why your cat needs it: There is no cure for rabies once symptoms appear, making vaccination the only reliable protection. Rabies vaccination is required by law for cats in many U.S. states, regardless of whether your cat lives exclusively indoors. Even indoor cats can encounter bats or other wildlife that find their way inside.

When it's given: Kittens typically receive their first rabies vaccine at 12–16 weeks of age, with a booster at 1 year and then every 1–3 years depending on the vaccine type used and local regulations. Your vet will determine the right schedule based on your cat's age, local laws, and lifestyle.

What it protects against: Feline leukemia virus is one of the most serious infectious diseases affecting cats. FeLV suppresses the immune system, leaving cats vulnerable to secondary infections, and is a leading cause of cancer in cats. It spreads primarily through close contact between cats via saliva, grooming, shared food and water bowls, and bite wounds.

Why your cat needs it: FeLV is progressive and ultimately fatal — there is no cure. Cats who spend time outdoors, interact with unknown cats, or live in multi-cat households are at the highest risk of exposure. Because infected cats can appear healthy for years while still transmitting the virus, the risk isn't always visible. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect cats with any potential exposure.

When it's given: FeLV vaccination is typically started at 8–12 weeks of age with a two-dose initial series, 3–4 weeks apart, followed by a booster at 1 year. After that, your vet will assess whether annual or less frequent boosters are appropriate based on your cat's ongoing exposure risk.