How do cat and dog vaccinations work?

Pet vaccines contain antigens that stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies. These antibodies help your pet recognize and fight off future infections.

When should I vaccinate my puppy or kitten?

Puppies and kittens should begin their vaccines at 8 weeks of age, with boosters at 12 and 16 weeks. Rabies is typically administered around 15-16 weeks.

Do all pets need the same vaccination schedule?

No, pet vaccine schedules vary depending on the pet’s age, health status, and lifestyle. A veterinarian can recommend a tailored vaccination plan.

What vaccines do dogs need?

Dogs commonly need vaccines such as DHPP, Rabies, Bordetella, Leptospirosis, Lyme, and Canine Influenza.

What vaccines do cats need?

Cats typically need vaccines like FVRCP, Rabies, and Feline Leukemia, depending on their exposure risk.

Pet Vaccinations

Cat & Dog Vaccines Offer Essential Protection

While we can’t remove bacteria, parasites and pathogens from your cat or dog’s environment, we can keep them protected with cat & pet vaccinations. At Dundee Animal Hospital, we carry all of the pet vaccines your dog or cat will need to stay protected throughout their life. Furthermore, we can create a customized pet vaccine plan to suit their specific lifestyle. Once we have established a plan, we’ll explain your cat or dog vaccination schedule. Many pet vaccines must be given annually to remain effective. In addition, puppies and kittens will need to receive a series of boosters to “boost” their immunity levels.

Like children, pets are extremely vulnerable to illness when they are young. Starting them off on the right paw might seem daunting, but that’s why we’re here to help! From one year to the next, you can count on us to be there for you and your best friend.

How Do Pet Vaccines Work?

Pet vaccinations function similar to human vaccinations. Vaccines contain antigens, or disease-causing agents. Once injected, they trigger the immune system to respond and produce antibodies. Furthermore, these antibodies will attack and destroy the virus. Thus your pet’s immune system will be able to recognize and fight off the virus in the future. To sustain your pet’s immunity to various diseases, they will need to be vaccinated on a routine basis.

Pet Vaccinations We Offer

For every harmful disease that’s out there threatening your pet, we have a vaccine to keep them safe:

Dog Vaccinations

Cat Vaccinations

When Should You Vaccinate Your Pet?

Most pets will not have the same pet vaccination schedule, or need the same vaccinations. However, it is important to keep up with your pet’s annual visits. In addition, if they experience any lifestyle changes, they may need another vaccine added to their health plan.

Since young puppies and kittens are vulnerable to disease, we recommend starting their vaccinations at 8 weeks old, granted they’re healthy. Both should receive a series of 3 distemper vaccinations at 8, 12 and 16-week intervals. Rabies can be given when your puppy or kitten is about 15-16 weeks old. A year after their initial rabies vaccination, your dog can receive the 3-year rabies vaccine, to be given every 3 years thereafter. Vaccines including Bordetella, Lyme, Canine Influenza or Feline Leukemia may be recommended depending on your pet’s exposure to these viruses.

If you are uncertain about your pet’s vaccination schedule or need our help, we would be more than happy to sit down and talk with you. Just give us a call at either our Dundee, Elgin or Algonquin location to make an appointment.

Schedule Your Pet's Vaccine Appointment Today

Book an Appointment

Why People Trust Dundee Animal Hospital

For over 60 years, Dundee Animal Hospital has built a strong legacy of veterinary excellence, with each generation of staff passing down invaluable knowledge and experience. Today, that legacy empowers our skilled doctors and dedicated support team to deliver outstanding care for a wide variety of pets—including dogs, cats, birds, pocket pets, and exotic animals.

With a commitment to innovation and compassion, our hospitals in Dundee, Elgin, and Algonquin, IL, continue to raise the standard of care for both pets and their owners. We offer high-quality veterinary medicine, helpful educational resources, and exclusive promotions for our clients.

We invite you to learn more about us—and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call us at (847) 278-9942.

Over 60 Years of Veterinary Knowledge & Experience

24/7 Emergency Services Available

Committed to the Safety of Your Pets

STAY UP TO DATE

Read Our Blog

Real Stories from Real Owners

Excellent

Dundee Animal Hospital

Based on 733 reviews

See all reviews

review us on

KittiN

Our dogs are family! We’ve been so grateful to have an emergency room nearby during difficult moments.

Todd Hoger

I can't recommend this place any highly. The staff are awesome and the doctors are top notch. I trust nobody but them with my dog!

George Castro

I recently visited Dundee Animal Hospital of Elgin with my pup, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. Dr. Lupo was extremely knowledgeable and took the time to explain everything clearly. He created a thorough game plan for my pup’s diagnosis and made sure I felt comfortable every step of the way.

The entire staff was welcoming and professional. We’re excited to have found them and feel confident knowing our pup is in great hands here. Highly recommend!

Zane Kelly

All my girls go to the vet here and we always have such pleasant experiences with the staff and the doctors.

I really appreciate the doctors and staff that have taken care of my girls. You can tell they really care.