Vaccinations: What Every Dog and Cat Needs (and When)

Vaccines are one of the most powerful tools in modern veterinary medicine—and one of the simplest ways to protect your furry family member. At Northeastern Veterinary Care Center, we help dogs and cats in Stonington, CT stay healthy and safe through smart, customized vaccination plans based on age, lifestyle, and health history.

Whether you’re raising a new puppy or kitten or keeping your senior companion on track, our team is here to guide you through this essential part of pet wellness.

Why Vaccines Matter

Vaccines work by preparing your pet’s immune system to fight off dangerous diseases. They either prevent illness entirely or reduce its severity. For social pets, active pets, and even those who live primarily indoors, protection is crucial—many diseases are spread through the air, on clothing, or by insects.

Benefits of vaccines:

• Protect your pet from fatal diseases like rabies and parvovirus
  
• Reduce transmission of infectious diseases
  
• Satisfy boarding, grooming, and travel requirements
  
• Prevent costly emergency treatment
  
• Protect vulnerable animals in the community
  

And in Connecticut, rabies vaccination isn’t just smart—it’s legally required.

Core and Non-Core Vaccines for Pets

Veterinarians classify vaccines as either core (recommended for all pets) or non-core (based on risk). At Northeastern Veterinary Care Center, we assess your pet’s needs individually.

Core Vaccines

For dogs:

• Rabies
  
• Distemper
  
• Adenovirus (hepatitis)
  
• Parvovirus (often given as DAPP combo)
  

For cats:

• Rabies
  
• Feline panleukopenia (distemper)
  
• Feline herpesvirus
  
• Calicivirus (given as FVRCP combo)
  

Non-Core Vaccines

Dogs may also need:

• Leptospirosis (especially in outdoor or water-loving dogs)
  
• Bordetella (kennel cough)
  
• Canine influenza
  
• Lyme disease (especially important in tick-heavy areas like Connecticut)
  

Cats may also need:

• Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) – recommended for kittens and cats with outdoor access
  

Not sure what your pet needs? We’ll walk you through the plan that makes the most sense for your pet’s lifestyle.

Dog and Cat Vaccine Schedule

Timing is everything. Puppies and kittens need a series of vaccines for proper immune protection, followed by boosters as adults.

Puppies and Kittens

• 6–8 weeks: First core vaccine
  
• 10–12 weeks: Second round
  
• 14–16 weeks: Final core + rabies
  
• 16+ weeks: Non-core vaccines based on risk
  

Adult Pets

• Annual or 3-year boosters depending on the vaccine
  
• Optional non-core vaccines as needed for travel, boarding, or seasonal exposure
  

Senior Pets

• Adjusted vaccine schedules based on health and immune response
  
• Additional screening to ensure safety and effectiveness
  

Our Stonington team keeps precise records and reminds you when boosters are due—so nothing falls through the cracks.

What to Expect After a Vaccine

Most pets tolerate vaccines just fine. Mild side effects may include:

• Slight swelling at injection site
  
• Mild fever or lethargy
  
• Temporary loss of appetite
  

These typically resolve in a day or two.Immediate attention is required for rare but serious reactions, including vomiting, hives, or collapse.

Always let us know if your pet has had a reaction before. We can adjust the plan or pre-treat with medication if needed.

Vaccine Safety and Effectiveness

All vaccines we administer are rigorously tested and approved by veterinary regulatory bodies. We use vaccines appropriate to your pet’s age, species, and medical history to minimize side effects and maximize immunity.

Our goal is to protect without adding stress to your pet’s system.

FAQ

Do indoor pets really need vaccines?
Yes. Diseases like rabies and distemper can be transmitted through wildlife, people, or brief exposure to infected animals. Rabies is legally required—even for indoor pets.

Can vaccines be delayed?
Delays reduce effectiveness and increase risk. If your pet is behind, we can help you catch up safely.

Are vaccine reactions common?
Mild reactions are uncommon but usually harmless. Serious reactions are rare and manageable with medical support.

Is it safe to vaccinate senior pets?
Yes—vaccines are adjusted based on health and age. Your vet will guide you through the safest approach.

What’s a vaccine titer?
A titer is a blood test that measures existing immunity. In some cases, it may replace the need for certain boosters. Ask your vet for more information.

Protection Starts in Stonington, CT

Vaccines are a small investment in a long, healthy life. At Northeastern Veterinary Care Center, we provide comprehensive, compassionate vaccine services for dogs and cats in Stonington, CT and the surrounding community. Whether you need a full puppy plan or a quick booster for a senior pet, we’re here to make the process easy and stress-free.