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Vaccinations

Protect your pet from preventable diseases with customized vaccine schedules for every life stage.

Pet Vaccinations: Protecting Your Pet from Preventable Illnesses

Keeping your pet healthy starts with strong prevention—and vaccinations are one of the most important tools we have. Vaccines protect your dog or cat from a range of contagious, sometimes life-threatening diseases. Whether you’ve just brought home a new puppy or kitten or your adult pet is due for boosters, staying current on vaccines is essential to their lifelong health.

Why Are Pet Vaccines Important?

Vaccinations work by preparing your pet’s immune system to fight off specific diseases before they ever come into contact with these diseases. Some of these illnesses—like rabies or parvovirus—can be fatal if left untreated. Others can cause chronic discomfort, extended treatment, or put other animals at risk.

Vaccines don’t just protect your pet—they help protect the broader pet community by reducing the spread of disease.

What Vaccines Does My Pet Need?

Vaccine needs vary based on your pet’s species, age, lifestyle, and local disease risks. Here’s a general breakdown:

For Dogs:

  • Core Vaccines: Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus, Leptospirosis

  • Lifestyle-Dependent Vaccines: Bordetella (kennel cough), Canine Influenza

For Cats:

  • Core Vaccines: Rabies, FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)

  • Lifestyle-Dependent Vaccines: Feline Leukemia (FeLV), especially for outdoor or multi-cat households

Your veterinarian will help you build a tailored vaccine schedule based on your pet’s needs and environment.

What to Expect During a Vaccination Appointment

  • Wellness Exam: We start with a head-to-tail checkup to ensure your pet is healthy enough for vaccines.

  • Personalized Plan: Based on age, health, and lifestyle.

  • Quick and Gentle Shots: Most pets tolerate vaccines well. The process is quick and performed with care.

  • Post-Vaccine Monitoring: Mild soreness or sleepiness is normal. We’ll guide you on what to watch for and when to follow up.

We keep detailed vaccine records to ensure your pet stays on track—and help with things like boarding, grooming, or travel documentation.

When Should My Pet Be Vaccinated?

Puppies and kittens typically begin vaccinations at 6–8 weeks of age, with boosters every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks. Adult pets need regular boosters based on the vaccine type—some are annual, others are every 3 years.

Staying on schedule is the best way to keep your pet protected.


Vaccinations are a simple step with a big impact. They prevent illness, reduce long-term costs, and support a longer, healthier life for your pet.

🐾 Looking to keep your pet healthy and happy? Visit us—we’re here to support every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no question too big or too small for our veterinary team.

Cottage Pet Hospital only sees cats and dogs.

Cottage Pet Hospital accepts debit cards, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express) checks, and cash. All cards must be signed by the owner of the card. We also accept CareCredit and Scratchpay. To learn more about our payment options, please visit our payment options page.

Cottage Pet Hospital is open 7 days a week! Monday - Friday: 7:30 am to 7:00 pm Saturday: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Sunday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Cottage Pet Hospital accepts booking on Mondays through Fridays, we prefer to see patients by appointment, which allows us to efficiently schedule a special time for you and your pet. Our receptionists and team will attempt to accommodate all requests to the best of our ability. Appointments are required every day of the week, but can accept walk-ins Monday-Friday upon availability. We also offer convenient drop-off appointments at no extra charge, please call for details! Emergencies are accepted anytime our clinic is open. If you feel you have an emergency with your pet, please call us or come to the hospital immediately. If possible it is best to call before coming in so that a staff member can advise you on your particular emergency. Please understand that we do see pets based on urgency, so if an emergency situation arises at the time of your appointment, please be patient, as you will also receive our undivided attention as soon as possible!

At Cottage Pet Hospital Your veterinarian will start the exam by asking you questions about your pet's lifestyle, diet, and health history. It is important to mention any unusual behavior such as: - Excessive urination - Excessive drinking of water - Excessive panting - Eating more or less than usual - Vomiting - Diarrhea - Excessive scratching - Coughing - Weight gain - Difficulty walking, running, or getting up in the morning In some circumstances, Dr. Sahai, DVM will refer you to a specialist who has advanced expertise in areas such as internal medicine or surgery. Having a healthy pet can provide you peace of mind and a very happy four-legged buddy. Regular wellness exams will allow both you and your pet to live a long life together!

Keeping your pet healthy starts with you and a visit to your veterinary doctor for a wellness exam. Here at Cottage Pet Hospital Regular wellness exams can help detect problems in its early stages, which is especially important with older patients. A typical wellness exam can include a physical exam, vaccinations, blood tests, urinalysis, and a parasite screening. These wellness checks and vaccinations can help prevent life-threatening diseases. Without prevention, your pet could become very sick and can be very expensive to treat. Only a professional can provide a proper evaluation of your furbaby's overall health. Your veterinarian can offer recommendations for your pet based on their age, sex, and breed. Regular exams can offer suggestions specifically made for your pet's diet, playtime, and lifestyle based on their health and risk factors.