Vaccinations for Dogs and Cats

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Sometimes having a pet is like having a child—it can seem like a never-ending job to keep them healthy and happy. Vaccinations are a relatively inexpensive but essential way to prevent many illnesses and diseases that can be life-threatening and may even be zoonotic, meaning they can be passed to humans.   Lifestyle Vaccines It’s also important to administer vaccinations when pets are puppies and kittens because their young immune systems are still developing and need protection to stay healthy. Even pets who live primarily indoors should be vaccinated, as they can still be exposed to disease.

While any medical treatment involves some degree of risk, in the case of vaccinations the benefits far outweigh any potential side effects. Adverse reactions are rare and usually mild and short-term when they do occur. At Fremont Animal Hospital, we will tailor vaccinations to your pet’s lifestyle, and not based on what’s available in the market.
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Core vs. Non-Core Which vaccines should your pet have? “Core” vaccines are those recommended—and possibly mandated by law—for most pets. Core vaccines include:
  • Rabies (dogs and cats)
  • Distemper, Hepatitis, Adenovirus 2, Parvo, Lepto, and Parainfluenza (dogs)
  • Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia (cats)
Another non-core, but highly suggested vaccine for cats is 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’re socializing with other canines. A woman in a mask, likely the vet, kneels to greet two small, fluffy white dogs on leashes in a cozy room. The dogs eagerly sniff her hand. Another person holds the leashes while cushions adorn a wooden bench in the background.

You might also talk to your veterinarian about a leptospirosis vaccine if your dog is like so many in our area that go on hikes into rural areas or spend a lot of time outdoors where there’s wildlife.

We can advise you on which vaccinations are required or recommended for your pet based on age, health, and lifestyle—for questions or to schedule an appointment, request a visit online or call us at 206-593-2442. Veterinarian Advice Abstract image featuring large, overlapping green heart shapes on a black background, reminiscent of the compassion and care found in a veterinarian's touch. The hearts vary in size and orientation, creating a playful and dynamic design. Three veterinary staff in black scrubs and masks are preparing to administer treatment. Two women veterinarians handle a small black and white dog on a table, while another woman is readying a syringe.