Cats and dogs come into contact with more than most pet owners realize — through the air, shared spaces, wildlife, and even routine outings. Cat and dog vaccinations help protect against common, preventable diseases and reduce the risk of serious illness for both pets and people.
At Furever Family Veterinary Care Center in East Moline, IL, we provide vaccination plans tailored to your pet’s age, lifestyle, and risk factors. Whether you have a new puppy or kitten, an adult pet, or a senior companion, we’ll help you stay on track with the right protection at the right time.
When Do Pets Need Vaccines?
Vaccinations begin early in life, but they remain important throughout adulthood. Your pet may need vaccines if they are:
- A new puppy or kitten starting their first vaccine series
- Due for booster vaccinations
- Visiting boarding facilities, groomers, or dog parks
- Traveling or being exposed to new environments
- Spending time outdoors or around other animals
- At risk for region-specific diseases like Lyme or leptospirosis
Even indoor pets benefit from routine cat and dog vaccinations, since some viruses can spread through indirect contact.
What Happens During a Pet Vaccination Visit?
Vaccination appointments are designed to be straightforward while still allowing time for a full health check.
During your visit, we will:
- Perform a physical exam to ensure your pet is healthy enough for vaccination
- Review your pet’s medical history and lifestyle
- Recommend core and lifestyle vaccines based on risk
- Administer vaccines with as little stress as possible
- Discuss timing for boosters or future visits
We’ll also answer any questions you have so you feel confident about your pet’s care plan.
What Do Cat and Dog Vaccinations Protect Against?
Vaccines help prevent diseases that can spread quickly and become serious without treatment.
Core Vaccines for Dogs
Vaccines recommended for most dogs:
- Rabies
- Distemper
- Adenovirus (hepatitis)
- Parvovirus
- Parainfluenza
- Leptospirosis
Rabies: State statutes dictate rabies vaccine protocols. In Illinois, puppies should receive one dose as early as 4 months, plus a one-year booster. After that, your dog may transition to three-year vaccination intervals. Unvaccinated adults receive a single dose, a booster after a year, and boosters every three years thereafter. Boosters must be done close to the original administration date or your pet will require a one-year booster.
DAPP: We recommend that all puppies receive three doses between 6-16 weeks of age, administered three to four weeks apart, plus a one-year booster. Unvaccinated adults require two doses, three to four weeks apart. Annual vaccination is not recommended in adult dogs, which is why we use a three-year vaccination interval at Furever Family.
Leptospirosis: Puppies should receive two doses between the ages of 12 to 16 weeks, administered three to four weeks apart. All puppies should receive a one-year booster. Adult dogs should receive two doses, three to four weeks apart. Annual vaccinations are recommended thereafter.
Core Vaccines for Cats
Vaccines recommended for most cats:
- Rabies
- Feline viral rhinotracheitis
- Calicivirus
- Panleukopenia
Rabies: The frequency of the rabies vaccine varies by state. In Illinois, a single dose is required as early as 12 weeks of age. All kittens should receive a one-year booster. Adult cats should receive one vaccine and a booster 12 months later. Thereafter, adults can receive rabies vaccinations in three-year intervals, provided it is given on a schedule. Otherwise, another one-year booster will be required.
FVRCP: All kittens should receive this vaccine as early as 6 weeks and then at three- to four-week intervals until 16 weeks of age, in addition to a one-year booster. Adult cats should receive two doses, three to four weeks apart. At Furever Family, we do not recommend yearly vaccinations; rather, we vaccinate every three years.
Lifestyle (Non-Core) Vaccines for Dogs
Based on exposure risk, dogs may benefit from:
- Bordetella (kennel cough)
- Lyme disease
Bordetella (Kennel Cough): Puppies and adults should receive one dose intranasally. Thereafter, annual boosters are recommended for high-risk dogs.
Lyme Disease: Puppies should receive two doses, the first at 9-12 weeks and the second three to four weeks later. Adult dogs should receive two doses at three- to four-week intervals. Annual boosters are recommended afterward. Vaccination is recommended for dogs that live in or visit areas where exposure to tick vectors is high or where the disease is considered to be endemic.
Lifestyle (Non-Core) Vaccines for Cats
Cats may benefit from:
- Feline leukemia (FeLV)
- Select vaccines for multi-cat environments
Feline Leukemia: Feline leukemia testing and vaccination is strongly recommended for all kittens and for individuals whose health is compromised. Two doses are administered as early as 8 weeks of age and three to four weeks later. Only cats that are at risk (such as those who go outdoors) should be vaccinated at two-year intervals.
Feline Chlamydophila and Bordetella: These are only recommended when the diseases are present in multi-cat environments.
What Should I Expect After My Pet’s Vaccinations?
Most pets return to normal quickly after receiving vaccines.
You may notice:
- Mild tiredness for a day
- Slight soreness at the injection site
- Temporary decrease in appetite
These effects typically resolve within 24–48 hours. If your pet has had a reaction in the past, we can adjust future vaccine plans to reduce the chance of recurrence.
Personalized Vaccine Plans Built for Your Pet
Vaccination is not one-size-fits-all. Our approach focuses on thoughtful, individualized care.
- Customized vaccine schedules based on lifestyle and risk
- Careful spacing of boosters to avoid over-vaccination
- Up-to-date protocols based on current veterinary guidelines
- A team that takes time to explain recommendations clearly
If your pet needs their vaccinations updated, contact us at (309) 281-7026 or online for an appointment.