Cat & Dog Vaccinations in Mint Hill, NC Promoting Long-Term Health for Pets

Cat and dog vaccinations protect your pet from dangerous diseases that are surprisingly prevalent in the environment. Diseases such as rabies, distemper, and parvovirus are not only easily spread between animals, but distemper and parvo can even live for a significant amount of time in the environment. At Mint Hill Animal Hospital, our ultimate goal is to give you and your pet as many good years together as possible, and vaccinations are essential to that mission!

Vaccines can extend your pet’s life by keeping dangerous diseases at bay.

Keep up their immunity
with booster shots!

make an appointment
...or call us at (704) 545-3422
yellow lab in grass in Mint Hill, NC

What Vaccines Does My Pet Need in Mint Hill, NC?

Our veterinarians will develop a custom vaccine protocol for your individual pet, however, there are some vaccines that are essential for every dog’s and cat’s well-being. The rabies vaccine for dogs and cats is required by law in the state of North Carolina. Rabies is a deadly disease that affects the nervous system. Once symptoms begin to show, it is almost always fatal. Additionally, this disease is zoonotic, meaning it can spread between species, including to your human family.

Canine distemper, parvovirus, and feline panleukopenia vaccines, while not required by law, are highly recommended by our vets. These diseases are highly contagious and potentially fatal for pets. Distemper and parvo are given to dogs in a combination vaccine (DHPP) that also includes hepatitis and parainfluenza. Cats also receive the panleukopenia vaccine in combination with feline viral rhinotracheitis and calicivirus (FVRCP).

kitten chewing on fingers

Lifestyle Vaccines

In addition to the core cat and dog vaccinations listed above, we also offer lifestyle vaccines including leptospirosis, Lyme disease, Bordetella, and canine influenza for dogs; and feline leukemia for cats. These are recommended based on your pet’s level of risk. To determine which of these vaccines your pet needs, we’ll consider the following:

  • Whether your pet travels with you at all and to what destinations
  • If your dog frequents the dog park, boarding and grooming facilities, or is in other social situations with other dogs
  • Whether your cat is indoor or outdoor
  • If your dog hikes with you in wildlife areas

When Does My Pet Need Vaccines?

Puppies and kittens start a vaccination series in their first year of life to build up their immunity. After the series is complete, your adult pet will need to receive routine vaccines throughout their lives in order to maintain their level of immunity. We’ll assess your pet’s needs every year to determine which vaccines they need. Most are given on a yearly basis, while others, like the DHPP vaccine for dogs, can be given triennially.

sleeping puppy with kitten