cat and dog vaccinations logo

Slowing the Spread of Disease
with Cat and Dog Vaccinations in Clifton Park, NY

Perhaps you feel unsure about vaccinations. Are they truly safe? Do they really work? At Cornerstone Veterinary Hospital of Clifton Park, our veterinarians strongly recommend vaccines for all patients, but we also believe that each pet must be treated as an individual with their own unique needs.

Cat and dog vaccinations in Clifton Park, NY help protect pets from serious contagious diseases, including rabies, distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis, Lyme disease, feline leukemia, and respiratory infections. Vaccines work by training your pet’s immune system to recognize certain viruses or bacteria so their body can respond more effectively if they are exposed.

Has your pet had their vaccinations for the year? If not, give us a call today at (518) 383-6254 or make an appointment online.

Make an Appointment

Our Vaccines for Cats and Dogs

Pet vaccinations must be given on a regular schedule to remain effective. Puppies and kittens usually begin their first vaccine series at approximately 6 to 8 weeks old, followed by boosters as their immune systems develop. Adult dogs and cats also need ongoing vaccine boosters to help maintain protection throughout their lives.

At Cornerstone Veterinary Hospital of Clifton Park, we offer core vaccines that are recommended for most pets, along with lifestyle-based vaccines that may be recommended depending on your pet’s daily routine and risk of exposure.

pet vaccinations in clifton park

Dog Vaccines

  • Rabies
  • Distemper/Parvo combo (DHPP)
  • Lyme
  • Leptospirosis
  • Bordetella
  • Canine influenza

Cat Vaccines

  • Rabies
  • Feline Distemper (FVRCP)
  • Feline Leukemia (FeLV)

What Happens During My Pet’s Vaccination Appointment?

A vaccination appointment is also an opportunity to check in on your pet’s overall health. Before giving vaccines, our veterinarians will examine your pet and review their history to make sure they are healthy enough for vaccination that day.

During the visit, we may discuss:

  • Your pet’s vaccine history
  • Their lifestyle and exposure risks
  • Travel, boarding, daycare, grooming, or dog park plans
  • Your pet’s age and long-term health needs
  • Any past vaccine reactions or health concerns

After your pet receives their vaccines, we’ll let you know when they are due for their next boosters. If your pet is starting a puppy or kitten vaccine series, we’ll help you plan each visit so they stay on schedule.

Make an Appointment
female staff member smiling while cuddling small fluffy brown dog

What to Expect After Your Pet Has Been Vaccinated

Most pets return to their normal routine shortly after receiving vaccines. Some dogs and cats may seem a little tired, have mild soreness where the vaccine was given, or develop a slight decrease in appetite for a short time. These mild reactions are common and usually improve within a day or two.

After your pet’s appointment, give them a quiet place to rest and keep an eye on how they are feeling. If you notice facial swelling, repeated vomiting, trouble breathing, hives, extreme weakness, or symptoms that seem unusual for your pet, call us right away. While serious vaccine reactions are rare, our team wants to know about any concerns so we can help you decide what to do next.

We’ll also let you know when your pet is due for their next booster or vaccine visit, especially if they are a puppy, kitten, or newly vaccinated adult pet starting a series.

The Importance of Regular Vaccination for Pets

Vaccines help reduce the risk of serious diseases that can spread between pets, wildlife, and in some cases, people. Some diseases can cause severe illness, long-term health problems, or become life-threatening. Rabies vaccination is also required by law for pets.

Regular vaccination helps protect your pet, but it also helps limit the spread of disease in the larger Clifton Park pet community. This is especially important for pets who spend time in shared spaces, such as boarding facilities, grooming salons, dog parks, training classes, veterinary hospitals, or multi-pet households.

female staff member kissing and cuddling small golden retriever puppy

Choosing the Right Vaccines for Your Pet’s Needs

During your appointment, we'll help you decide which vaccines will be needed to protect your pet from diseases that may be present in their environment. By understanding your pet's lifestyle, we can plan their vaccination schedule accordingly and give them a greater chance of living the longest, healthiest life possible.

If you have any questions about our vaccines or need to make an appointment, let us know at (518) 383-6254.

Make an Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions About Cat and Dog Vaccinations

Does Pet Insurance Cover Vaccines?

Most pet insurance plans do not cover routine vaccines under standard accident and illness coverage. However, some companies offer optional wellness or preventive care add-ons that may help reimburse the cost of vaccines, wellness exams, and other routine services.

Which Vaccines Do Dogs Absolutely Need?

Core vaccines are recommended for most dogs because they protect against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. These typically include rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus. Your dog may also need lifestyle-based vaccines, such as Bordetella, leptospirosis, Lyme, or canine influenza, depending on their age, health, travel habits, boarding plans, and exposure risk.

Do Indoor Cats Need Vaccines?

Yes, indoor cats still need vaccines. Even cats who never go outside can be exposed to certain illnesses through open doors, screened windows, other pets, boarding, grooming visits, or accidental escapes. Core vaccines, including rabies, feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia (FVRCP), help protect cats from serious diseases.

What Age Should Puppies and Kittens Get Their First Vaccine?

Puppies and kittens usually begin their first vaccines around 6 to 8 weeks of age. They then need a series of booster vaccines every few weeks until they are about 16 weeks old to build strong protection as their immune systems develop. Because timing matters, we recommend scheduling your puppy or kitten’s first wellness visit early so our veterinary team can start them on the right vaccine schedule.