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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.

FAQs

Answers to Common Questions

We are open Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Sundays we are closed. We do walk-in hours every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM?

Yes, we do. Lafayette Animal Hospital carries Royal Canin products primarily, but we do have some Hill's Science Diet and Purina prescription diets on hand.

Lafayette Animal Hospital does have a few pages on our website dedicated to pet wellness, and on those pages, we explain what vaccinations are recommended for your pet's species and age group. Please feel free to click on the page below that fits your pet's description: Puppy and Kitten Care: puppies and kittens under 1 year of age. Wellness Care: Adult dog or cat over 1 year of age. Senior Pet Care: Senior dog or cat 7 years of age or older. If you have a question as to which vaccinations your pet is currently up to date on, please call our office.

The only payment plan that Lafayette Animal Hospital offers is through CareCredit. To learn more, please visit our CareCredit page.

Yes, Lafayette Animal Hospital does require payment at the time that services are rendered.

Cost varies depending on many different variables, including but not limited to, type of treatment needed, type of animal, etc. Please call Lafayette Animal Hospital for an estimate. Please keep in the mind that the estimate that you receive is just an estimation. The total cost is subject to decrease or increase depending on what the doctor concludes after examining your pet and talking with you. Feel free to ask your doctor or technician when you are in the exam room for a more accurate quote once the plan of action is determined.