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.
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
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
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
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
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