Vaccinations for Pets: Everything You Need to Know
Protecting your pet’s health through expert care, science, and prevention.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
Vaccines are essential for protecting your pet from dangerous and often deadly diseases. At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, we tailor vaccination protocols for dogs, cats, and other animals to their specific species, age, health status, and lifestyle. New Jersey requires rabies vaccination for cats and dogs, and all pets benefit from a structured vaccine schedule starting as early as 6–8 weeks of age.
Explain Like I’m Five (ELI5)
Vaccines are like superhero training for your pet’s body. They help your pet learn how to fight off harmful germs before they ever get sick. Some of these germs can make pets sick—or even hurt other animals and people—so getting your pet vaccinated is like giving them a shield to stay healthy.
Why Vaccines Matter: The Essential Points
- 🐾 Vaccines prevent deadly diseases like rabies, distemper, and parvovirus.
- 🏡 Some vaccines are legally required, like rabies in New Jersey.
- 📅 Vaccines follow a schedule, starting at 6–8 weeks of age.
- 👩⚕️ Each pet’s vaccination plan is tailored to their individual needs, taking into account age, species, risk factors, and lifestyle.
- 🔄 Boosters are necessary to maintain immunity over time.
- 🧪 Vaccines protect other pets and people, reducing the spread of dangerous diseases (herd immunity).
- 🏥 We provide all vaccinations in a safe, low-stress environment using the latest veterinary best practices.
Common Vaccines for Dogs: Names, Descriptions, and Why They Matter
1. Rabies
- Required in New Jersey? Yes, by law.
- What it protects against: Rabies is a fatal virus that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans. There is no cure.
- Why it’s important: Protects your pet, your family, and the public. It’s 100% preventable with a vaccine.
2. DHPP (Core Combo Vaccine)
- Covers: Distemper, Hepatitis (Adenovirus-2), Parvovirus, Parainfluenza
- What it protects against:
- Distemper: Often fatal, causes seizures, respiratory and digestive issues.
- Adenovirus-2 (Hepatitis): Attacks the liver and is potentially deadly.
- Parvovirus: Severe diarrhea and vomiting, often fatal without treatment.
- Parainfluenza: A Respiratory virus that contributes to kennel cough.
- Why it’s important: These diseases are highly contagious and can be fatal.
3. Leptospirosis
- Zoonotic? Yes (can spread to humans).
- What it protects against: A bacterial infection from contaminated water or soil, affecting kidneys and liver.
- Why it’s important: Common in the Northeast U.S. and can spread to humans.
4. Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
- What it protects against: One of the primary causes of infectious tracheobronchitis (kennel cough).
- Why it’s important: Required for boarding, grooming, and doggy daycare.
5. Lyme Disease
- What it protects against: Bacteria from deer ticks causing lameness, fever, kidney issues, and joint pain.
- Why it’s important: Ticks are prevalent in NJ’s wooded and coastal regions.
6. Canine Influenza (CIV)
- What it protects against: Dog flu viruses H3N8 and H3N2.
- Why it’s important: Highly contagious in places with frequent dog-to-dog contact.
Common Vaccines for Cats: Names, Descriptions, and Why They Matter
1. Rabies
- Required in New Jersey? Yes.
- Why it’s important: Protects both pets and humans from this fatal virus.
2. FVRCP (Core Combo Vaccine)
- Covers: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia
- What it protects against:
- Rhinotracheitis (Herpesvirus): Causes severe upper respiratory infections.
- Calicivirus: Can lead to mouth ulcers, respiratory issues.
- Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper): Highly contagious and often fatal.
- Why it’s important: Kittens are especially vulnerable.
3. FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus)
- Recommended for: Outdoor or multi-cat households.
- What it protects against: A contagious retrovirus that weakens the immune system and may lead to cancer.
- Why it’s important: There is no cure—prevention is key.
Vaccines for Other Pets
While cats and dogs are most commonly vaccinated, other animals may require protection depending on species and lifestyle:
Ferrets
- Rabies – same virus risk as dogs/cats
- Canine Distemper – highly lethal in ferrets
Rabbits
- RHDV2 (Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus) – emerging virus in North America; fatal in domestic rabbits
Pet Pigs
- Erysipelas – bacterial infection causing skin lesions and arthritis
- Leptospirosis – like in dogs, can affect kidneys and is zoonotic
Pet Birds & Exotics
Vaccination is not routine for reptiles, rodents, or most birds, but annual wellness exams are crucial for detection of other health concerns.
Vaccination Timeline
Puppy & Kitten Vaccine Schedule Overview
| Age | Dogs (DHPP, Bordetella, Lepto, Lyme) | Cats (FVRCP, FeLV) |
|---|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | DHPP, Bordetella (optional) | FVRCP |
| 9–12 weeks | DHPP, Lepto, Lyme (if needed) | FVRCP, FeLV (if needed) |
| 12–16 weeks | DHPP, Rabies, Lepto booster, Lyme booster | FVRCP, Rabies, FeLV booster |
| 1 year | DHPP, Rabies, Lifestyle vaccines as needed | FVRCP, Rabies, FeLV |
| Adult | Every 1–3 years depending on vaccine | Every 1–3 years depending |
New Jersey State Vaccination Requirements
Per the New Jersey Department of Health, the following regulations apply:
- Rabies vaccination is required by law for all dogs and cats aged 7 months or older.
- Booster rabies vaccinations must be given within the vaccine’s duration of immunity (usually every 1–3 years).
- Municipalities may require proof of rabies vaccination for pet licensing.
A licensed veterinarian must sign vaccination certificates, and many towns enforce strict leash and license laws tied to rabies compliance.
Summary
Vaccinations are a vital part of keeping your pet healthy and protected throughout its entire life. Whether you have a playful puppy, an independent cat, or an exotic companion, vaccines shield them from life-threatening diseases and help prevent the spread of illness within your home, community, and beyond. At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, our vaccination protocols are never one-size-fits-all—they’re thoughtfully tailored to your pet’s age, lifestyle, environment, and overall health.
Led by Dr. Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM, a highly skilled veterinarian with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University, one of the nation’s most prestigious veterinary schools, our hospital is committed to providing the highest level of preventive care. Dr. Pascetta’s extensive education, clinical experience, and passion for wellness ensure that every vaccine recommendation is grounded in science, compassion, and your pet’s best interest.
With advanced in-house equipment, a Fear Free Certified team, and a deeply personalized approach to medicine, Southern Ocean Animal Hospital is proud to be recognized as one of the top veterinary hospitals in New Jersey. We believe in lifelong wellness, and vaccinations are the first step.
📅 Ready to Protect Your Pet?
Schedule your pet’s vaccination appointment today with Southern Ocean Animal Hospital. Whether it’s their first set of puppy or kitten shots or annual boosters for your senior pet, we’ll create a personalized vaccination plan that fits their needs and keeps them safe.
👉 Call us today or book online to get started—because a healthier, longer life starts with prevention.