Pet Vaccination

Keep Your Pet Protected: Vaccinations at Petvise Animal Hospital in McKinney, TX

Why Your Dog or Cat Needs Vaccines

Vaccination is the safest, most cost-effective way to shield pets from contagious—and often fatal—diseases. Modern vaccines prime the immune system before exposure, reducing or eliminating clinical signs if your pet encounters the pathogen later. Beyond individual protection, widespread immunization builds “herd immunity,” lowering disease pressure in our community and in high-risk settings such as boarding, grooming, dog parks, and multi-pet households. Regular boosters also keep you compliant with Texas state rabies regulations and many boarding facility requirements.

Canine Vaccines

Core Dog Vaccines | Why It Matters

Rabies
Required by Texas law; uniformly fatal once symptoms appear.

DA2PP (Distemper, Adenovirus-2, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
Protects against four highly contagious viruses that cause severe respiratory, neurologic, or gastrointestinal illness.

Non-Core Dog Vaccines
Ideal Candidates

Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
Dogs that board, attend day care, grooming, training classes, or dog parks.

Leptospirosis
Dogs with access to standing water, wildlife, or rural properties; zoonotic risk to people.

Canine Influenza (H3N8/H3N2)
Frequent travelers, show dogs, or pets in large group settings where outbreaks occur.

Lyme (Borrelia burgdorferi)
Dogs that hike, camp, or live where ticks are prevalent.

Rattlesnake Toxoid
Dogs in rural North Texas or those that accompany owners on outdoor adventures.

Feline Vaccines

Core Cat Vaccines | Why It Matters

Rabies
Protects cats and their families from a universally fatal virus; required in many municipalities.

FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)
Guards against severe respiratory disease and “feline distemper.”

Non-Core Cat Vaccines
Ideal Candidates

Feline Leukemia (FeLV)
Kittens, outdoor cats, or indoor cats exposed to newcomers or community cats.

Chlamydophila felis
Multi-cat households or shelters with chronic eye/respiratory infections.

Bordetella
Cats housed in catteries, shelters, or that travel frequently.

Tailored Vaccination Schedules
At Petvise Animal Hospital we follow AAHA and AAFP guidelines but individualize every protocol based on age, breed, lifestyle, medical history, and risk of exposure. During your pet’s wellness exam we’ll review current immunity, discuss any changes in routine, and design a schedule that provides maximum protection with the fewest injections.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should my pet be vaccinated?
Puppies and kittens need a series every 3–4 weeks until at least 16 weeks old. Adult boosters range from annually to every three years, depending on the vaccine and risk factors.

Are vaccines safe?
Yes. Adverse reactions are uncommon and usually mild (brief soreness, lethargy). We use high-quality, AAHA-recommended products and monitor your pet closely.

What if my pet is overdue?
Don’t worry—call us. We’ll update the most critical vaccines first and restart any series only when truly necessary.

Do indoor-only cats still need vaccines?
Absolutely. Airborne viruses can enter through open windows, and rabies exposure can occur if a bat or other wildlife gets inside.

Can vaccines cause the disease they protect against?
Modern killed or recombinant vaccines cannot cause the illness. Modified-live vaccines are rigorously tested for safety before approval.
Will my pet need every non-core vaccine?
Not necessarily. We recommend non-core vaccines only when the lifestyle and environment warrant extra protection.

Ready to Schedule a Vaccination Visit?

Book online or call (469991-5171 to protect your best friend today. Petvise Animal Hospital—keeping McKinney’s pets healthy, one vaccine at a time.