Pet Vaccination FAQ

Your puppy needs DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza) given as a series of 3 shots between 6-16 weeks, plus a rabies shot at 12-16 weeks (legally required in all US states). Bordetella (kennel cough) is recommended if your puppy will attend daycare or boarding. A booster round happens at 1 year.

Core vaccines typically cost $20-40 per shot. A full puppy or kitten series runs $100-300 at a private vet. Many animal shelters and low-cost clinics offer vaccines for $10-20 per shot, making preventive care affordable even on a budget.

Mild reactions are normal — slight swelling at the injection site, drowsiness, or a low fever for 1-2 days. Serious allergic reactions (facial swelling, vomiting, difficulty breathing) are rare but require immediate veterinary attention. Always monitor your pet for 24 hours after vaccination.

DHPP is commonly boostered every 3 years after the initial 1-year booster. Rabies boosters follow state law — some states require annual vaccination while others allow 3-year vaccines. Bordetella is annual if your dog boards, attends daycare, or visits dog parks.

No. Rabies vaccination is legally required in all US states regardless of lifestyle. Indoor pets can escape or encounter wildlife (bats are a common indoor exposure). Failure to maintain rabies vaccination can result in fines and quarantine requirements.

Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Most pets can be caught up with an accelerated schedule. However, if too much time has passed, some vaccines may need to be restarted from the beginning of the series. Do not wait — the gap in protection puts your pet at risk.

Puppies receive maternal antibodies from their mother's milk that can neutralize a vaccine before it takes effect. These antibodies fade between 6-16 weeks of age. Multiple doses ensure that at least one dose reaches the puppy after maternal immunity wanes, building lasting protection.

The schedule is essentially the same for all breeds. However, some veterinarians recommend separating combination vaccines into individual shots for small breeds to reduce the risk of adverse reactions. Always discuss your specific dog's needs with your vet.

Titer testing measures existing antibody levels to determine if a booster is needed. It can be useful for DHPP but is not accepted as a substitute for rabies vaccination under state law. Ask your vet whether titer testing is appropriate for your dog.

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After the initial kitten series and 1-year booster, FVRCP is typically given every 3 years. Some vets recommend annual boosters for cats with outdoor access or multi-cat households. Discuss your cat's risk level with your veterinarian.

FeLV (feline leukemia) is generally optional for indoor-only cats since the virus spreads through close contact like grooming and shared food bowls. However, if your cat has any chance of escaping or if you plan to add new cats, vaccination is recommended.

The FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) vaccine is controversial and not routinely recommended in the US. It can interfere with standard FIV testing, making it hard to distinguish vaccinated cats from infected ones. Discuss the risks and benefits with your vet.

Kittens should receive their first FVRCP vaccine at 6-8 weeks of age, with boosters every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks old. Rabies is typically given at 12-16 weeks. The series ensures protection as maternal antibodies wane.

Yes. Rabies vaccination is legally required for cats in all US states, just as it is for dogs. Even indoor cats must be vaccinated — bats can enter homes, and cats can escape. Check your local jurisdiction for specific timing requirements.

A new kitten entering a multi-cat home needs the full FVRCP series, rabies, and FeLV vaccination. FeLV spreads easily through grooming and shared bowls. Test the kitten for FeLV/FIV before introduction, and quarantine for 2 weeks as a precaution.

It depends on your region. In parts of Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, rabbit vaccines for myxomatosis and RHD are standard. In the US, availability varies by state — RHDV2 vaccines are becoming more available in affected areas. Ask an exotic-pet vet about local disease risk.

Myxomatosis is a fatal viral disease spread by mosquitoes and direct contact. It is prevalent in Europe and Australia but rare in most of the US. Vaccination is standard in endemic regions. In the US, focus on mosquito prevention (indoor housing, screens) and consult your exotic-pet vet.

RHDV2 vaccines are becoming more available in the US as the virus has been detected in wild and domestic rabbits in several states. Ask your exotic-pet veterinarian about availability in your area. The vaccine requires an initial shot and booster, then annual boosters.

No rabies vaccine is currently licensed for rabbits. Prevention relies on keeping rabbits indoors and away from wildlife. If your rabbit bites someone, local health authorities may require quarantine but will not require rabies vaccination since no approved product exists.

No. Hamsters, gerbils, rats, and guinea pigs do not have standard vaccination protocols. Focus instead on proper husbandry: clean bedding, fresh water, appropriate cage size, and a balanced diet. Quarantine new arrivals for 2 weeks before introducing to existing pets.

Keep the new animal in a separate cage in a different room for at least 2 weeks. Watch for signs of illness — sneezing, discharge, lethargy, or appetite changes. Wash your hands between handling different pets. This prevents spreading respiratory infections or parasites.

Annual wellness exams are recommended — your vet will check weight, teeth, nails, skin, and overall condition. Rodents and rabbits have continuously growing teeth that need monitoring. Watch for respiratory signs (especially in rats), mites (guinea pigs, hamsters), and overgrown teeth.

There are no commercially available vaccines approved for hamsters, gerbils, or guinea pigs. Unlike dogs and cats, these species are not commonly exposed to vaccine-preventable diseases in domestic settings. Disease prevention relies on good hygiene, quarantine, and prompt veterinary care.