dog vaccinations in melrose, ma
cat on a counter

Personalized Protection With Pet Vaccinations

When it comes to cat and pet vaccinations, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all protocol. We understand that there are a number of factors that affect your pet's level of risk to certain diseases. At Melrose Animal Clinic, we want your pet fully protected without being over-vaccinated. Our veterinarians regularly review ongoing research, as well as your pet’s changing lifestyle, and adjust their vaccine protocol accordingly.

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Guided by the experts

To avoid over-vaccination, we follow the guidelines set by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, and the American Association of Feline Practitioners. Additionally, we take your pet’s unique needs into account and consider several lifestyle factors including:

  • Where and how often your pet travels
  • If you take your dog to the dog park, kennels, or groomers
  • Whether your cat goes outdoors or lives with another cat that does

Vaccines We Recommend

Your pet’s health and well-being always come first. The pet vaccinations we recommend for them are what they need to live a long and healthy life. Many of the boosters they'll need throughout their lives also correspond to the timing for preventive care services such as disease and parasite screening tests. If you have any questions or concerns about our vaccines, we’re always happy to talk to you about them!

The vaccines we may recommend include:

Kitten Vaccinations

Kitten Vaccinations

HCP
protects against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia (distemper)

Rabies 
required by law

Feline Leukemia
recommended for all kittens as a form of protection in case they accidentally get outdoors or you later decide that they will be indoor/outdoor cats.

Adult Cat Vaccinations

Adult Cat Vaccinations

HCP
your cat will need boosters every three years after their initial series as a kitten

Rabies
required by law; annual boosters after the initial kitten series

Feline Leukemia
annual booster for cats who venture outdoors, or are in contact with another cat who does

Puppy Vaccinations

Puppy Vaccinations

DA2PP 
protects against distemper, adenovirus 2, parvovirus, and parainfluenza

Rabies 
required by law

Leptospirosis 
protects against this zoonotic bacterial infection

Bordetella 
protects against “kennel cough,” a contagious bronchitis

Lyme
recommended if there's a high risk of encountering ticks

Canine Flu 
recommended for all puppies due to the highly contagious nature of this viral disease

Adult Dog Vaccinations

Adult Dog Vaccinations

DA2PP
your dog will need boosters every three years after the initial series as a puppy

Rabies
required by law; triennial boosters

Leptospirosis and Lyme
we may recommend one or all of these based on your dog’s lifestyle and risk factors

Canine Flu and Bordetella
many boarding facilities and groomers require these vaccines, and a social lifestyle puts your pet at risk, too