Bringing a new puppy or kitten home is exciting—and it also brings up important questions about vaccinations. Which shots does your pet need? How often? What diseases do they prevent? Understanding your pet’s vaccination needs reduces anxiety and can help you make informed decisions about keeping your new pet healthy.
Book your appointment today with Portland Vet.
How Vaccines Prepare Your Pet’s Immune System
A vaccine gives your pet’s immune system a head start. It introduces a harmless version of a virus or bacteria so the body can learn to recognize it. If your pet is ever exposed to the real thing, their immune system is ready. Not every pet needs the same vaccines, though. Some are recommended for all dogs and cats, while others depend on your pet’s lifestyle, environment, and risk of exposure. Your veterinarian can help you figure out what’s right for yours.
Core Vaccinations
Core vaccines are the ones every pet needs. They protect against diseases that are common, serious, or (in some cases) can spread to people. When you bring home a new puppy or kitten, your veterinarian will set up a vaccine schedule to get them protected early, followed by boosters every few years to keep that protection up.
Dog Core Vaccinations
- DAPP/DHPP (DA2PP): Protects against serious diseases like distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvovirus
- Leptospirosis: Bacteria spread through the urine of infected wildlife of many different species; all dogs are at risk, even those in city environmentsRabies : Highly dangerous disease; vaccination required by law
Cat Core Vaccinations
- Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV): A deadly cat disease
- Feline calicivirus (FCV): Highly infectious respiratory disease
- Feline Rhinotracheitis Virus/Herpesvirus 1 (FVR/FHV-1): Contagious upper respiratory infection
- Rabies: Highly dangerous disease; vaccination required by law
Lifestyle Vaccinations
Lifestyle vaccines are a little more personal. They’re based on where your pet goes and what they’re exposed to. A dog who frequents the dog park or boarding facility has different needs than one who mostly stays home, and the same goes for cats who spend time outside or get boarded. Your veterinarian will help you figure out which ones make sense based on your pet’s day-to-day life.
Dog Lifestyle Vaccinations
- Bordetella: Respiratory infection; easily spread in boarding facilities
- Canine influenza: A highly contagious respiratory infection in dogs
- Lyme disease: Can cause lameness, swollen lymph nodes, joint swelling, fatigue, loss of appetite, and in severe cases, kidney complications
Cat Lifestyle Vaccinations
- Feline leukemia (FeLV): Attacks the immune system and is deadly; spreads through cats’ saliva
- Bordetella: Respiratory infection; easily spread in boarding facilities
The Vaccination Timeline
Newborn puppies and kittens receive passive immunity from maternal antibodies, but this protection fades as your young pet’s immune system develops. Vaccinations begin at 6-8 weeks of age, repeated 3-4 weeks apart, with the final dose around 16-20 weeks. Your veterinarian will maintain vaccine records and send reminders when boosters are due. Staying on schedule is critical for protecting your pet.
Here’s what to expect at different life stages:
- Puppies/Kittens: Initial series at 6-8, 10-12, 14-16 weeks, 18-20 weeks; boosters at one year, then per veterinary recommendation.
- Adult pets: Rabies boosters per schedule, other core vaccines per protocol, and lifestyle vaccines based on individual risk.
Maintaining Your Pet’s Protection with Booster Shots
Vaccine immunity isn’t permanent—it fades over time. Booster shots are essential for maintaining your pet’s protection. For most dogs and cats, rabies vaccination every three years (after the initial dose) is standard. Other core vaccines are typically boosted every one to three years, depending on the specific vaccine and veterinary protocol.
Delaying boosters could lead to your pet’s protection dropping below effective levels, leaving them vulnerable to preventable diseases that could create a veterinary emergency.
Book your appointment today with Portland Vet.
Making Vaccinations Accessible with CareCredit
Vaccinating puppies or kittens, maintaining schedules for adult pets, and managing lifestyle vaccines throughout life require multiple vet visits. The CareCredit health and pet care credit card provides flexible financing for veterinary care,* including vaccinations and associated exams, allowing you to maintain your pet’s vaccination schedule without delaying care due to budget concerns.
If approved, you can use your CareCredit credit card to help you pay over time for your pet’s care needs. Visit carecredit.com to see if you prequalify with no impact to your credit score.
*Subject to credit approval.
This content is subject to change without notice and offered for informational use only. You are urged to consult with your individual advisors and/or medical providers with respect to any information presented. Synchrony and any of its affiliates, including CareCredit, (collectively, “Synchrony”) makes no representations or warranties regarding this content and accepts no liability for any loss or harm arising from the use of the information provided. Your receipt of this information constitutes your acceptance of these terms and conditions.