What Vaccines Does My Pet Really Need? A Vet’s Honest Take
With so much online noise, it’s hard to know which vaccines your pet truly needs — and which ones they can skip. At VetPlayas, we break it down with honesty, not hype.
💉 The “Core” Vaccines – These Are Non-Negotiable
Core vaccines are recommended (and often legally required) for every pet, regardless of lifestyle:
🐶 For Dogs:
- Rabies – Required by law, protects against a fatal virus
- DHP/DHPP – Protects against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza
🐱 For Cats:
- Rabies – Also required in most regions
- FVRCP – Protects against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia
These are the big ones. Skipping them puts your pet — and other pets — at serious risk.
🔄 How Often Are Core Vaccines Given?
- Initial series as puppies/kittens (every 3–4 weeks starting at 6–8 weeks old)
- Booster at 1 year
- Then every 1 to 3 years, depending on vaccine type
We track this for you — no guesswork, no over-vaccination.
🎯 Optional (But Helpful) “Non-Core” Vaccines
Based on your pet’s lifestyle, travel, exposure to other animals, and region:
🐶 Dogs may need:
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough) – For boarding, daycare, grooming
- Leptospirosis – For dogs near water, wildlife, or rats
- Lyme – If you travel to tick-heavy areas
🐱 Cats may need:
- FeLV (Feline Leukemia) – For outdoor cats or multi-cat homes
We don’t upsell these — we explain the pros and let you decide.
🧠 Common Vaccine Myths — Busted
- “Indoor pets don’t need shots.” → Viruses and pests can still sneak in
- “Vaccines cause more harm than good.” → Severe reactions are extremely rare
- “Natural immunity is enough.” → Not for Rabies or Distemper, which are deadly
We follow the latest veterinary science — and never recommend more than necessary.
🇲🇽 Vaccination in Mexico vs the U.S.
At VetPlayas, we use **high-quality vaccines** sourced from trusted providers. Our vaccine protocols are aligned with international standards — but far more affordable than in the U.S.
- U.S.-trained vets
- Clean, modern facilities
- Full vaccine record provided (digital + paper)
✅ Conclusion: Protect Without Overdoing It
Vaccines are a simple, affordable way to prevent major illness — but not all pets need the same ones. At VetPlayas, we customize your pet’s vaccine plan based on real life, not a checklist.
Book your pet’s vaccine consultation today — and get honest, balanced advice from a trusted team that puts your pet’s health (and your budget) first.
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