Vaccines for Cats & Dogs

Vaccines are an important part of preventative care because they protect against infectious diseases that can cause serious illness or even death. They also are key in promoting public health by preventing the spread of certain zoonotic diseases, which can be transmitted from animals to humans.

Core vaccines protect against diseases that are widespread, highly contagious, and/or pose a significant risk to an animal’s health. With a few exceptions, they are recommended for all pets. Examples of core vaccines include:

• Rabies – cats and dogs
• DAPP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) – dogs
• FVRCP (Panleukopenia, Calicivirus, Herpesvirus) – cats

Noncore vaccines protect against diseases that are less common or have a lower risk of transmission. They are recommended for pets with specific risk factors, such as lifestyle, geographic location, and exposure to certain environments or animals. Examples of noncore vaccines include:

• Bordetella (“kennel cough”) – dogs
• Lyme – dogs
• Leptospirosis – dogs
• Influenza – dogs
• Feline Leukemia Virus – cats

It’s important to discuss your pet’s lifestyle and potential risk factors with your veterinarian so they can provide guidance on which vaccines are needed to help protect your pet’s health and prevent the spread of disease.