Why Vaccinations Are Important

Vaccines stimulate your pet’s immune system to recognize and fight off harmful diseases. With a proper vaccination schedule, you can prevent your pet from contracting illnesses that can cause long-term health issues or even be life-threatening. Vaccines also help protect other pets and people in your community by reducing the spread of contagious diseases.

Benefits of Pet Vaccinations

• Prevent dangerous illnesses like rabies, parvovirus, and distemper
• Avoid costly treatments for preventable diseases
• Meet boarding, grooming, and travel requirements
• Protect your family from zoonotic diseases (transmissible to humans)
• Boost your pet’s immune health

Core & Lifestyle Vaccinations We Offer

We provide core vaccines (recommended for all pets) and non-core vaccines (based on your pet’s environment and lifestyle). Our veterinarians will work with you to build the best vaccination plan for your pet.

Dog Vaccines

Core Vaccines:

• Rabies
• Distemper
• Parvovirus
• Adenovirus (Hepatitis)
• Parainfluenza

Lifestyle/Non-Core Vaccines:

• Bordetella (Kennel Cough) – Recommended for dogs that board, go to daycare, or socialize
• Leptospirosis – Especially important in Texas due to warm climate and wildlife exposure
• Canine Influenza (Dog Flu) – For dogs at risk of exposure in grooming or boarding settings
• Lyme Disease – For pets exposed to wooded or grassy environments

Cat Vaccines

Core Vaccines:

• Rabies
• FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)

Lifestyle/Non-Core Vaccines:

• Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) – Recommended for kittens and outdoor cats
• Bordetella – For cats in high-density or boarding environments

Puppy & Kitten Vaccine Schedule

Puppies and kittens require a series of vaccinations starting at 6–8 weeks of age. These boosters are essential for building strong immunity.

Puppy Vaccine Timeline:

• 6–8 weeks: DHPP (Distemper, Parvo)
• 10–12 weeks: DHPP booster, Bordetella
• 14–16 weeks: DHPP booster, Rabies, Lepto
• Annual boosters thereafter

Kitten Vaccine Timeline:

• 6–8 weeks: FVRCP
• 10–12 weeks: FVRCP booster
• 14–16 weeks: FVRCP booster, Rabies, FeLV (if needed)
• Annual boosters thereafter

Adult Pet Vaccine Schedule

• Rabies: Every 1 or 3 years (based on vaccine type and local law)
• DHPP & FVRCP: Every 1 to 3 years
• Bordetella, Lepto, Influenza, FeLV: Annually or as recommended

What to Expect During a Vaccine Visit

• A complete wellness exam to ensure your pet is healthy before vaccination
• Discussion of your pet’s lifestyle to determine which vaccines are appropriate
• Gentle, stress-free vaccine administration
• Vaccine records provided for travel, boarding, or daycare
• A reminder system to keep your pet on schedule

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Pet Vaccines

Are vaccines safe for pets?
Yes! Modern vaccines are extensively tested and very safe. Most pets experience little to no side effects.

What if my pet misses a booster?
If your pet is overdue, we’ll help restart the appropriate vaccine schedule to ensure continued protection.

Do indoor-only pets need vaccines?
Yes. Even indoor pets are at risk for certain diseases (like rabies and airborne viruses) and may require vaccinations for grooming or boarding.

Can vaccinations prevent all illnesses?
Vaccines significantly reduce the risk of serious illness, but no vaccine is 100%. Regular exams and prevention are still key to your pet’s health.

Schedule Your Pet’s Vaccinations Today!

Whether it’s your pet’s first round of shots or an annual booster, Hometown Animal Hospital in Frisco is here to provide safe, effective, and affordable vaccinations tailored to your pet’s needs. Our team is happy to answer your questions and build a custom vaccine plan to keep your furry friend healthy and protected.

Hometown Animal Hospital

Location: 16710 FM 423, Suite #600, Frisco, TX 75033

Call us today at (469) 827-7700

request an appointment