Vaccine Info

Legally Required
Vaccines are an important part of protecting all pets from severe illnesses.  Some vaccines, like the Rabies vaccine, are required by law for all dogs and cats in the state of Washington.

Strongly Recommended
Other vaccines are strongly recommended for all pets, but not legally required.
* For dogs, the combination vaccine DHPP (Distemper, Adenovirus/Hepatitis, Parvo, Parainfluenza) covers the most major and life-threatening illnesses that can be passed from one dog to another.
*The FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotrachetis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) vaccine does the same job for cats.

Lifestyle Based Recommendations
Certain other vaccines are not always required, but are recommended for your pet individually based on their lifestyle.
*The Bordetella Vaccine for dogs helps prevent or lessen the severity of certain forms of Kennel Cough, similar to the way a human flu vaccine functions. Many boarding and daycare facilities will require this vaccine to be done once or twice each year.
*The Canine Influenza Vaccine is also available, and has multiple forms like a human flu vaccine. These are recommended for dogs that go to dog parks, boarding places, or grooming facilities.
*The Leptospirosis Vaccine for dogs is recommended for pets that spend time camping, hiking, drinking out of water puddles, or that live near a large raccoon population.
* The Feline Leukemia Vaccine (FeLV) is recommended for any cats that spend time outdoors, or cats who live with an indoor/outdoor cat. Feline Leukemia is spread through fluid contact, so any cats who are exclusively indoors usually do not need this vaccine.

Protocol for New Dogs and Cats
We at the West Seattle Animal Hospital recommend the following schedule for your new family addition.