Vaccinations are important for your pet's health

We want your pet to live a long and healthy life. For that reason, ARC offers low-cost vaccines and prevention alongside our surgical services and at our regularly scheduled Vaccine Clinics.

How do pet vaccines work?

Pet vaccines work in the same way as human vaccines. Pet vaccines contain antigens, causing a mild stimulus, allowing your pet’s immune system to identify and fight off the actual disease either entirely or decrease the severity of the illness if/when your pet comes into contact with the live disease.

There are a set of core vaccines considered essential for all pets.

Non-core vaccines are given depending on the pet’s exposure risk. To properly vaccinate your pet it is extremely important to complete the entire vaccine protocol. Factors that should influence your vaccine protocol will include age, medical history, environment, and lifestyle.

Core Vaccines for Dogs:

(Vaccines considered essential)

Rabies
DHPP (Canine Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvovirus)

Core Vaccines for Cats:

(Vaccines considered essential)

Rabies
FVRCP (Feline Distemper)

Non-Core Vaccines for Dogs:

The following are vaccines which are administered based on the following exposures:

Bordetella – Prevents kennel cough. Recommended for dogs that are frequently exposed to dogs boarded, go to dog parks etc.
Leptospirosis – Combats bacteria found in wildlife. It can be transmitted from animals to humans. Highly recommended for dogs who are outside, even just to go to the bathroom.
Canine Influenza – This vaccines can reduce the risk of a dog contracting “dog flu.” It may not altogether prevent an infection but may reduce the severity and duration of illness.

Non-Core Vaccines for Cats:

The following is a vaccine which is given depending on pet’s exposure to risk:

Feline Leukemia Virus – recommended for indoor/outdoor cats or cats who are exposed to unvaccinated cats.

Timing & Frequency

Puppies and Kittens

Puppies and kittens need to receive a series of vaccinations starting at six to eight weeks of age, with the second set to follow 3-4 weeks and then a final set to be given in another 3-4 weeks.

Adult Dogs and Cats

Adult dogs and cats need to receive annual vaccines. Some vaccines will be available in 3-year intervals once your pet is a year old and received all their vaccines when they were younger. To receive the benefit of 3-year intervals, it is important to keep your pet up-to-date on their vaccines.