What Your Pet Actually Needs
Vaccines generally fall into two groups. Rabies and distemper-type vaccines (DHPP for dogs, FVRCP for cats) are considered essential for nearly every pet, since Florida law requires rabies vaccination and the diseases involved are serious and preventable. Beyond that, there’s a second set — Bordetella, leptospirosis, feline leukemia, and a few others — that only make sense depending on how your pet actually lives: whether they’re around other dogs, spend time outdoors, or board or go to daycare.
- Puppies and kittens need a series of vaccines a few weeks apart, since their immunity from their mother wears off gradually rather than all at once
- Adult pets typically need boosters on a set schedule — some annual, some every three years, depending on the vaccine
- Senior pets still need to stay current, though we’ll factor in their overall health when deciding what’s necessary versus optional
- Boarding, grooming, or daycare often require proof of specific vaccines like Bordetella — worth checking before you book if your pet needs one first
Why We Keep This Personalized
A blanket vaccine schedule works fine on paper, but an apartment cat that never goes outside and a dog that’s at the dog park twice a week don’t need identical protection. We ask about your pet’s actual routine before recommending anything beyond the basics, so you’re not paying for coverage against exposure your pet doesn’t realistically have.