Vaccinations

Pet vaccines are one of the best ways to safeguard your pet’s health. Vaccines are designed to protect your pets and family from a variety of dangerous and highly contagious diseases – some of which are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted between animals and humans. At Southeast Hospital, pet vaccines are an essential component of our preventative care services.

In New York State the rabies vaccination is required by law. All puppies and kittens should receive their first rabies shot between 3-4 months of age. They also must get a booster shot one year later and then every 1-3 years after depending on the vaccine used.

Southeast Animal Hospital requires your pet to be rabies vaccinated to treat, this includes but is not limited to nail trims, anal gland expressions and any grooming request.

Rabies is a deadly disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans. The rabies vaccine is the most effective way to protect your pet and your family from rabies.

Vaccines are considered to be incredibly safe for pets, and the benefits far outweigh the potential risks. Although there is some risk of allergic reactions, actual adverse events are rare. Upon administering a vaccine, our veterinarians will make you aware of the signs of adverse reactions to look for. Additionally, we will only administer the vaccines deemed necessary for your pet’s health.

Core vaccinations
Core vaccines include those that are required by local law and those that are strongly recommended for all pets. Some core vaccines protect pets from diseases like rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and lyme.

Non-core vaccinations
Non-core vaccines are entirely elective and recommended on a case-by-case basis. Even though these vaccinations are labeled as non-core, most of them are still very important for your pet. Some non-core vaccines protect pets from contracting diseases like leptospirosis, bordetella, feline leukemia, and canine influenza.

While core vaccines are strongly recommended or required by law for all dogs and cats, non-core vaccines are administered on a case-by-case basis. Our veterinarian works with each patient and client to recommend a schedule of core and non-core vaccinations that will best protect your pet.

These recommendations are based on the pet’s lifestyle and exposure risk. For example, pets living in certain areas, pets that could potentially come into contact with wildlife, and pets that encounter lots of other cats and dogs at parks, boarding facilities, or even at the groomers might require additional vaccinations.

Our veterinarian will explain our non-core vaccine recommendations with you to determine the best course of preventative treatments for your cat or dog.

Puppies and kittens begin receiving immunizations between six and eight weeks of age, and they remain on a more frequent vaccination schedule for the first 6 months of life. In adulthood, cats and dogs typically require vaccination boosters annually or every three years, depending on the type of vaccinations administered.

Vaccinations

Pet vaccines are one of the best ways to safeguard your pet’s health. Vaccines are designed to protect your pets and family from a variety of dangerous and highly contagious diseases – some of which are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted between animals and humans. At Southeast Hospital, pet vaccines are an essential component of our preventative care services.

In New York State the rabies vaccination is required by law. All puppies and kittens should receive their first rabies shot between 3-4 months of age. They also must get a booster shot one year later and then every 1-3 years after depending on the vaccine used.

Southeast Animal Hospital requires your pet to be rabies vaccinated to treat, this includes but is not limited to nail trims, anal gland expressions and any grooming request.

Rabies is a deadly disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans. The rabies vaccine is the most effective way to protect your pet and your family from rabies.

Vaccines are considered to be incredibly safe for pets, and the benefits far outweigh the potential risks. Although there is some risk of allergic reactions, actual adverse events are rare. Upon administering a vaccine, our veterinarians will make you aware of the signs of adverse reactions to look for. Additionally, we will only administer the vaccines deemed necessary for your pet’s health.

Core vaccinations
Core vaccines include those that are required by local law and those that are strongly recommended for all pets. Some core vaccines protect pets from diseases like rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and lyme.

Non-core vaccinations
Non-core vaccines are entirely elective and recommended on a case-by-case basis. Even though these vaccinations are labeled as non-core, most of them are still very important for your pet. Some non-core vaccines protect pets from contracting diseases like leptospirosis, bordetella, feline leukemia, and canine influenza.

While core vaccines are strongly recommended or required by law for all dogs and cats, non-core vaccines are administered on a case-by-case basis. Our veterinarian works with each patient and client to recommend a schedule of core and non-core vaccinations that will best protect your pet.

These recommendations are based on the pet’s lifestyle and exposure risk. For example, pets living in certain areas, pets that could potentially come into contact with wildlife, and pets that encounter lots of other cats and dogs at parks, boarding facilities, or even at the groomers might require additional vaccinations.

Our veterinarian will explain our non-core vaccine recommendations with you to determine the best course of preventative treatments for your cat or dog.

Puppies and kittens begin receiving immunizations between six and eight weeks of age, and they remain on a more frequent vaccination schedule for the first 6 months of life. In adulthood, cats and dogs typically require vaccination boosters annually or every three years, depending on the type of vaccinations administered.

Canine Vaccines FAQs

Vaccines are vital in keeping your dog healthy and safe from dangerous diseases. By vaccinating, you protect not only your pet but also other animals and even yourself from preventable illnesses. Without vaccines, dogs are at risk of severe illness, expensive treatments, and potentially fatal outcomes. Core vaccines include:
  • Rabies: A fatal virus transmissible to humans. This vaccine is required by law and protects both pets and people.
  • Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza (DHPP): This essential combination vaccine shields dogs from multiple deadly viruses affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
  • Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection that can cause kidney and liver failure and can also spread to humans.
  • Bordetella (Kennel Cough): Essential for dogs who go to groomers, dog parks, or boarding facilities to prevent contagious respiratory infections.
  • Lyme Disease: Protects against tick-borne disease that can lead to long-term joint and kidney issues.
  • Canine Influenza: Helps safeguard your dog from contagious canine flu, which can cause severe respiratory illness.

Most dogs experience mild and temporary side effects, such as slight soreness at the injection site, mild fever, or decreased appetite. These typically resolve within 24-48 hours. Serious reactions are rare but require immediate medical attention.

  • Swelling of the face, muzzle, or around the eyes
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Difficulty breathing or excessive coughing
  • Hives or redness on the skin
  • Collapse, extreme lethargy, or seizures

If mild symptoms appear, monitor your pet and call South East Animal Hospital (SAH) for guidance. If your dog shows severe symptoms (facial swelling, breathing difficulties, collapse), seek emergency veterinary care immediately if our hospital is unavailable.

Yes! Vaccines protect pets of all ages. However, if your pet has a health condition, we may adjust their vaccine schedule based on their specific needs.

  • Rabies: 1st vaccine is given at 14-16 weeks old, followed by a booster every 1 or 3 years depending on the vaccine given.
  • DHPP: 1st vaccine is given at 6-8 weeks old, you will repeat boosters every 4 weeks until the puppy reaches 14/16 weeks old, followed by boosters every 1-3 years depending on the vaccine given.
  • Bordetella: 1st vaccine is given at 8 weeks old and then booster annually.
  • Influenza: 1st vaccine is given at 12 weeks old, followed by a booster in 4 weeks, followed by an annual booster.
  • Leptospirosis and Lyme: 1st vaccine is given at 8 weeks old, you will repeat boosters every 4 weeks until the puppy reaches 14/16 weeks, followed by an annual booster.

If your pet is overdue, schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Depending on how long it’s been, booster shots may be needed to restore full immunity.

Skipping vaccines puts your dog at risk for life-threatening diseases. Protect their health with regular vaccinations!

Feline Vaccines FAQs

Vaccines are a key part of keeping your cat healthy. Even indoor cats can be exposed to harmful diseases through contact with humans, other animals, or objects brought into the home. Without vaccination, these diseases can cause serious illness, long-term health issues, and even death. Core vaccines include:
  • Rabies: A deadly virus that is required by law to protect both pets and people.
  • Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (FVRCP): Shields cats from severe respiratory infections and feline distemper, which can be fatal.
  • Feline Leukemia (FeLV): Recommended for outdoor cats or those in contact with other felines; protects against a virus that weakens the immune system and causes chronic illness.

Most cats tolerate vaccines well, with occasional mild side effects such as slight fever, temporary loss of appetite, or tenderness at the injection site. Severe reactions are rare but require immediate attention.

  • Facial swelling, hives, or excessive drooling
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or severe coughing
  • Lethargy beyond 24 hours or collapse

Monitor for mild symptoms and call South East Animal Hospital (SAH) for guidance. If severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or collapse occur, seek emergency veterinary care immediately our hospital is unavailable.

  • Rabies: 1st vaccine at 12-16 weeks old, then booster every 1 or 3 years
  • FVRCP: 1st vaccine at 8 weeks, then booster every 4 weeks until the cat is 14/16 weeks old, followed by booster every 1-3 years
  • FeLV: 1st vaccine at 12 weeks old, then booster in 4 weeks, followed by an annual booster.

Yes, vaccines are important for cats of all ages. If your cat has a medical condition, we will tailor their vaccine schedule accordingly.

Schedule a visit as soon as possible. If too much time has passed, booster shots may be required to restore full immunity.

Vaccinating your cat is the best way to ensure a long, healthy life. Don’t wait—schedule your cat’s vaccinations today!

Keeping your pet up to date on vaccines is essential for their well-being and disease prevention. Contact us with any questions or to book an appointment!