Vaccines are one of the simplest, most effective things you can do for your pet's long-term health. They protect against diseases that are not only serious — some of them fatal — but largely preventable.

• Stop diseases before they start. Vaccines prepare your pet's immune system to recognize and fight off specific illnesses — things like rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and feline leukemia — before your pet is ever exposed.

• Protect the whole community. A vaccinated pet is a safer companion for every dog or cat they meet — at the park, at a boarding facility, or just on a walk around the neighborhood.

• Start protection early. Puppies and kittens are especially vulnerable because their immune systems are still developing. Vaccines give them critical protection during that window.

• Keep your family safe, too. Certain diseases, like rabies, can spread from animals to people. Keeping your pet vaccinated is part of keeping your household safe.

There's a set of core vaccines that we recommend for nearly every dog and cat, because the diseases they protect against are serious, common, and in some cases, preventable in no other way.

Think of core vaccines as a safety net — for your pet, and for the people and animals around them.

For Dogs:

• DAPP — This combo vaccine covers distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. These are highly contagious viruses that can spread quickly between dogs and cause severe illness. Parvo alone can be fatal, particularly in puppies.

• Leptospirosis — Lepto is caused by bacteria found in standing water and wildlife, and it's more common in urban areas than many people realize. It can seriously damage the kidneys and liver — and it can spread to humans, too.

• Rabies — Required by law in most states, and for good reason. Rabies is fatal, and there's no treatment once symptoms appear. Keeping your dog vaccinated protects them, you, and your community.

• Bordetella — If your dog spends time around other dogs — at parks, daycares, or boarding facilities — Bordetella (kennel cough) is a real risk. This vaccine helps prevent a contagious respiratory infection that spreads easily in social settings.

For Cats:

• FVRCP — This one covers several common feline viruses that affect the respiratory tract and GI system. Even indoor cats can be exposed, which is why we recommend it broadly.

• FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) — FeLV weakens the immune system over time, making cats vulnerable to other infections and illness. It spreads through close contact between cats and is unfortunately common.

• Rabies — Yes, even for indoor cats. Cats can slip outside, and in most states, rabies vaccination is legally required regardless of lifestyle.

If you have questions about which vaccines are right for your pet, our team is always happy to talk it through at your next visit.

We keep our vaccine prices accessible because preventive care shouldn't be out of reach.

• Rabies — $25

• FVRCP — $25

• DAPP — $25

• Bordetella — $30

• Leptospirosis — $35

Before we recommend any vaccines, our veterinary team will talk through what makes sense for your pet based on their age, lifestyle, and health history.

We administer vaccines on a walk-in basis between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Please check our schedule for our locations.

It's normal for your pet to feel a little off after their vaccines — a bit tired, maybe tender at the injection site.

Mild reactions typically show up within a few hours and resolve on their own within a day or two. Here's what that might look like:

• Swelling or warmth where the vaccine was given

• Extra sleepiness or a desire to rest

• A temporary dip in appetite

• A low-grade fever

• Light sneezing or coughing after intranasal vaccines

The best thing you can do is give your pet a quiet place to rest, fresh water, and a little extra comfort from you.

If symptoms last beyond 48 hours, or you notice anything more concerning — facial swelling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing — please seek veterinary care right away. Serious reactions are rare, but they can happen.