Vaccines & Vet Visits: What You Should Know
We know vaccines and vet appointments might not sound exciting—but trust us, they’re a huge part of helping your new pet thrive. Whether you're bringing home a tiny kitten or welcoming a senior dog into your home, staying on top of their health gives them the best chance at a long, happy life (and gives you some peace of mind, too).
This guide will walk you through what vaccines your pet needs, when they need them, and why routine vet care is way more important than just getting shots. Let’s make it simple and stress-free.
What Are Core and Non-Core Vaccines?
Think of core vaccines as the must-haves—they protect against the most serious diseases. Non-core vaccines depend on your pet’s lifestyle and where you live. Your vet can help you decide what’s best, but here’s a general breakdown:
For Dogs:
Core Vaccines:
Rabies – Required by law in most places; protects against a fatal virus that can spread to people.
DA2PP (also called DHPP) – Covers Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza.
Non-Core (but often recommended):
Bordetella – For pups who go to dog parks, boarding, grooming, or daycare.
Leptospirosis – If your dog hikes, swims, or encounters wildlife.
Lyme – If you live in a tick-heavy region.
For Cats:
Core Vaccines:
Rabies – Yes, even indoor cats should be protected.
FVRCP – Combines Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia.
Non-Core:
FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) – Great for cats that go outside or live in multi-cat homes.
Why Staying on Top of Vaccines Matters
Vaccines aren’t just a formality—they’re one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your pet from serious, preventable diseases. Many of the illnesses we vaccinate against—like parvo, distemper, or feline panleukopenia—can be fatal, especially in young or immune-compromised animals.
Even indoor pets benefit from vaccines. Some viruses can travel on your clothes or shoes, or get passed along by visiting pets or vet trips. And staying up to date also helps protect the broader community, especially for contagious diseases like parvo or kennel cough.
By keeping your pet on a regular vaccine schedule, you're giving them a strong foundation for lifelong health—and giving yourself peace of mind.
Puppy & Kitten Vaccine Schedules
Baby animals need a series of boosters to build strong immunity. Here's a general idea of what that looks like:
Puppies:
6–8 weeks: DA2PP
10–12 weeks: DA2PP booster, Bordetella
14–16 weeks: Final DA2PP, Rabies, and Lepto (if needed)
Kittens:
6–8 weeks: FVRCP
10–12 weeks: FVRCP booster, FeLV (if recommended)
14–16 weeks: Final FVRCP, Rabies
After their first year, most vaccines are boosted annually or every 3 years—your vet will guide you.
What About Adult Pets or Unknown Histories?
If you’re adopting an adult dog or cat and you’re not sure what vaccines they’ve had, your vet may recommend restarting their series just to be safe. Some vets may use a blood test called a titer to see if your pet already has immunity.
Vet Visits: Not Just for Sick Days
A yearly wellness exam is like a check-in on your pet’s overall health. It helps catch things early—like dental disease, weight gain, lumps, or mobility issues. And for senior pets or animals with chronic conditions, these checkups are even more important.
Even if they seem fine, regular visits are one of the best ways to keep your furry friend feeling their best.
Keep Those Records Handy
You never know when you’ll need vaccine records—boarding, traveling, or even a surprise vet visit. We recommend:
Keeping a physical copy in a safe place
Saving a digital copy on your phone or cloud storage
Pro tip: some vet clinics now offer apps where you can store and access your pet’s records anytime.
Questions? We’ve Got Your Back
If all this still feels overwhelming, take a breath. You don’t have to figure it out alone. Your vet is your best guide, and we at Murci’s Mission are always here to help too.
To make things even easier, we’ve created a simple downloadable vaccine tracker to help you stay organized:
Taking care of your pet’s health isn’t just a task—it’s one of the best ways to show them love. You’ve already given them a second chance. Keeping them healthy makes sure that second chance lasts a long, happy time.
Adoptable Spotlight: Ayo!
Ayo is a loyal and loving German Shepherd–Alaskan Malamute mix who’s been waiting over two years for the right person to find him. He’s about 75 pounds, rides great in the car, and loves swimming, playing ball, and soaking up quiet time with his human.
He’s seeking an atypical adopter—someone who might not be the average dog owner. Ayo is very much a one-person or one-family dog. He’d be the perfect match for a trucker, van lifer, traveler, or rural homebody who enjoys a quiet life and meaningful companionship. If you’re someone who enjoys a simple routine and peaceful surroundings, Ayo just might be your perfect co-pilot.
He’s crate trained, knows basic commands, and has a sweet, goofy personality—but he prefers to be the only pet in the home and would do best with adults or teens.
Interested? Click here to get started on your application
If Ayo’s no longer available, don’t worry—we’d love to help you find your perfect match!
