Safe and Effective Pet Vaccinations in the Phoenix Area
Vaccines play an important role in protecting your pet from preventable illness. Our veterinary teams work with you to build a vaccine plan based on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and individual needs.
When Should I Get My Dog or Cat Vaccinated?
Vaccines help protect pets during some of the most vulnerable stages of life. Puppies and kittens usually begin vaccines around 6–8 weeks of age, followed by boosters over the next several months. As pets get older, vaccine schedules are adjusted based on age, lifestyle, health, and exposure risk.
When to Start
Puppies and kittens typically begin vaccines around 6–8 weeks of age. Boosters are then given every 3–4 weeks until they are about 16 weeks old to help build strong protection.
Booster Vaccines
Booster vaccines help maintain protection as your pet grows and their lifestyle changes. Many pets need a booster about one year after their initial vaccine series, followed by ongoing vaccines as recommended by your veterinarian.
Not Sure What Your Pet Needs?
If your pet is overdue, newly adopted, or missing records, don’t worry. Our veterinary teams can help you create a safe, personalized plan to get back on track.
What to Expect at a Vaccine Visit
If it has been a while since your pet’s last vaccines, or this is your puppy or kitten’s first visit, we’ll help guide you through the process and answer your questions along the way.
Physical Exam
Before vaccines are given, your pet receives a nose-to-tail physical exam to make sure they are healthy enough for vaccination. This is also a chance to talk through any concerns you may have noticed at home.
Lifestyle & Vaccine Review
Your veterinarian will review your pet’s age, lifestyle, medical history, and vaccine records to help determine which vaccines are recommended.
A Personalized Plan
Before you leave, you’ll know which vaccines were given, when boosters may be due, and what to expect moving forward.
Our Fear Free certified teams work to make vaccine visits calmer and less stressful for pets whenever possible.
Why Vaccines Should Be Given by a Veterinarian
Vaccines are an important part of preventive care, but they are not one-size-fits-all. A veterinary exam helps ensure your pet receives the right vaccines at the right time based on their age, lifestyle, health, and risk factors.
A Physical Exam Matters
Before vaccines are given, your veterinarian checks your pet’s overall health to help ensure they are healthy enough for vaccination.
Vaccine Handling and Storage Matter
Vaccines must be stored and handled properly to remain effective. Veterinary hospitals follow strict guidelines designed to protect vaccine quality and safety.
Every Pet Has Different Needs
Lifestyle factors like boarding, grooming, travel, outdoor exposure, medical conditions, and age all help determine which vaccines are recommended.
Ongoing Guidance Matters
Your veterinary team helps you stay on schedule, monitor boosters, and answer questions as your pet’s needs change over time.
Vaccines are an important part of preventive care, but they are not one-size-fits-all. A veterinary exam helps ensure your pet receives the right vaccines at the right time based on their age, lifestyle, health, and risk factors.
Full Schedule for Dog Vaccinations
Following the right vaccine schedule helps protect your dog during the early months of life and throughout adulthood. Your veterinarian will personalize this plan based on your dog’s lifestyle, health, and risk factors.
Core Vaccines for Puppies
Core vaccines are recommended for all puppies to help protect against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. These commonly include DHPP and Rabies vaccines.
| 8 Weeks | DHPP |
| 12 Weeks | DHPP booster |
| 16 Weeks | DHPP booster + Rabies vaccine |
| 1 Year | DHPP + Rabies booster |
| Ongoing | Boosters every 1–3 years, as recommended by your veterinarian |
Non-Core Vaccines for Puppies
Non-core vaccines are recommended based on your puppy’s lifestyle, exposure risk, travel, boarding, grooming, and social activity. Your veterinarian will help determine which vaccines are appropriate.
| 8 Weeks | Bordetella may be recommended in some puppies |
| 12 Weeks | Bordetella + Leptospirosis if appropriate |
| 16 Weeks | Bordetella booster + Leptospirosis booster if appropriate |
| Ongoing | Boosters based on lifestyle and exposure risk |
Dogs Older Than 16 Weeks
If your dog is starting vaccines later than 16 weeks of age, your veterinarian will create a catch-up vaccine plan based on your dog’s age, health, lifestyle, and previous vaccine history.
Regular vaccines are one of the best ways to support your dog’s long-term health. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Full Schedule for Dog Vaccinations
Here’s a breakdown of a dog’s vaccination schedule and how it keeps your puppy or dog healthy. When you choose 1st Pet Vet, you’ll gain access to experienced and knowledgeable vets who want the best for your pet.
Core Vaccinations for Phoenix Puppies
The core vaccines for dogs are Rabies and DHPP (4-in-1: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza).
8 weeks: DHPP
12 weeks: DHPP Booster
16 weeks: DHPP booster & Rabies vaccine
After the initial series of vaccines, both the DHPP and Rabies vaccines require a booster 1 year after the last vaccine. After the 1-year booster, dogs should receive additional boosters every 3 years.
Non-Core Vaccinations for Puppies
The common non-core vaccinations for dogs are Bordatella and Leptospirosis.
8 weeks: Non-core vaccines are not typically recommended at this age due to the pet’s sensitivity
12 weeks: Bordatella & Lepto
16 weeks: Bordatella booster & Lepto booster
After the initial series of vaccines, the Bordatella vaccine can be boostered every 6-12 months, depending on your boarding or grooming facility’s requirements. The Lepto vaccine requires yearly boosters starting one year from the last vaccine.
Core and Non-Core Vaccinations for Dogs Older than 16 Weeks
If you have recently adopted a new dog that is older than 16 weeks and are unsure of their vaccine history, it is recommended that they receive the DHPP, Rabies, Bordatella, and Lepto vaccines.
After that, they should receive an additional booster 3–4 weeks after all of the vaccines except Rabies.
From there, your dog can proceed with the next booster in a year for all four vaccines and then annual boosters (Bordatella & Lepto) or 3-year boosters (DHPP & Rabies) moving forward.
Full Schedule for Dog Vaccinations
Here’s a breakdown of a dog’s vaccination schedule and how it keeps your puppy or dog healthy. When you choose 1st Pet Vet, you’ll gain access to experienced and knowledgeable vets who want the best for your pet.
Core Vaccinations for Phoenix Puppies
The core vaccines for dogs are Rabies and DHPP (4-in-1: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza).
8 weeks: DHPP
12 weeks: DHPP Booster
16 weeks: DHPP booster & Rabies vaccine
After the initial series of vaccines, both the DHPP and Rabies vaccines require a booster 1 year after the last vaccine. After the 1-year booster, dogs should receive additional boosters every 3 years.
Non-Core Vaccinations for Puppies
The common non-core vaccinations for dogs are Bordatella and Leptospirosis.
8 weeks: Non-core vaccines are not typically recommended at this age due to the pet’s sensitivity
12 weeks: Bordatella & Lepto
16 weeks: Bordatella booster & Lepto booster
After the initial series of vaccines, the Bordatella vaccine can be boostered every 6-12 months, depending on your boarding or grooming facility’s requirements. The Lepto vaccine requires yearly boosters starting one year from the last vaccine.
Core and Non-Core Vaccinations for Dogs Older than 16 Weeks
If you have recently adopted a new dog that is older than 16 weeks and are unsure of their vaccine history, it is recommended that they receive the DHPP, Rabies, Bordatella, and Lepto vaccines.
After that, they should receive an additional booster 3–4 weeks after all of the vaccines except Rabies.
From there, your dog can proceed with the next booster in a year for all four vaccines and then annual boosters (Bordatella & Lepto) or 3-year boosters (DHPP & Rabies) moving forward.
Cat Vaccination Schedule for Each Stage of Life
Vaccines help protect cats and kittens from preventable illness throughout every stage of life. Your veterinarian will recommend a vaccine schedule based on your cat’s age, lifestyle, health, and exposure risk.
Core Vaccines for Kittens
Core vaccines are recommended for all kittens to help protect against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. These commonly include FVRCP and Rabies vaccines.
| 8 Weeks | FVRCP |
| 12 Weeks | FVRCP booster |
| 16 Weeks | FVRCP booster + Rabies vaccine |
| 1 Year | FVRCP + Rabies booster |
| Ongoing | Boosters every 1–3 years, as recommended by your veterinarian |
Non-Core Vaccines for Kittens
Non-core vaccines are recommended based on your kitten’s lifestyle, environment, and exposure risk. Your veterinarian will help determine which vaccines are appropriate.
| 8 Weeks | FeLV may be recommended in some kittens |
| 12 Weeks | FeLV booster if appropriate |
| 16 Weeks | Rabies vaccine if not previously given |
| Ongoing | Boosters based on lifestyle and exposure risk |
Cats Older Than 16 Weeks
Keeping your cat current on vaccines helps protect against preventable diseases throughout every stage of life. Your veterinarian will recommend a schedule based on your cat’s lifestyle, health, and individual risk factors.
Cat Vaccination Schedule for Each Stage of Life
Following this schedule minimizes the risk of your cat contracting preventable diseases. Meet one of our experienced veterinarians to discuss where your pet is on the schedule.
Core Vaccinations for Kittens
The core vaccine for cats is the combination FVCRP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia).
8 weeks: FVRCP
12 weeks: FVRCP booster
16 weeks: FVRCP booster
After the initial vaccination series, FVRCP requires a booster one year from the last vaccine. After the booster, cats should receive additional boosters every 3 years.
Vaccination planning is a key part of your kitten’s first wellness exam at 1st Pet Vet.
Non-Core Vaccinations for Kittens
The non-core vaccines for cats are FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) and Rabies.
8 weeks: Non-core vaccines are typically not recommended at this age due to the pet’s sensitivity
12 weeks: FeLV
16 weeks: FeLV booster & Rabies
Schedule for Core and Non-Core Cat Vaccinations for Cats Older than 16 Weeks
If you’ve recently adopted a new cat that is older than 16 weeks and are unsure of their vaccine history, it’s recommended that they receive the FVRCP, FeLV, and Rabies vaccines.
They can then receive an additional booster 3–4 weeks after that for FVRCP and FeLV.
From there, your cat can proceed with the next booster in a year for all three vaccines, and boosters every year (FeLV & Rabies) or three years (FVCRP) moving forward.