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Vaccinations

Protect your pet from preventable diseases with customized vaccine schedules for every life stage.

Pet Vaccinations: Protecting Your Pet from Preventable Illnesses

Keeping your pet healthy starts with strong prevention—and vaccinations are one of the most important tools we have. Vaccines protect your dog or cat from a range of contagious, sometimes life-threatening diseases. Whether you’ve just brought home a new puppy or kitten or your adult pet is due for boosters, staying current on vaccines is essential to their lifelong health.

Why Are Pet Vaccines Important?

Vaccinations work by preparing your pet’s immune system to fight off specific diseases before they ever come into contact with these diseases. Some of these illnesses—like rabies or parvovirus—can be fatal if left untreated. Others can cause chronic discomfort, extended treatment, or put other animals at risk.

Vaccines don’t just protect your pet—they help protect the broader pet community by reducing the spread of disease.

What Vaccines Does My Pet Need?

Vaccine needs vary based on your pet’s species, age, lifestyle, and local disease risks. Here’s a general breakdown:

For Dogs:

  • Core Vaccines: Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus, Leptospirosis

  • Lifestyle-Dependent Vaccines: Bordetella (kennel cough), Canine Influenza

For Cats:

  • Core Vaccines: Rabies, FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)

  • Lifestyle-Dependent Vaccines: Feline Leukemia (FeLV), especially for outdoor or multi-cat households

Your veterinarian will help you build a tailored vaccine schedule based on your pet’s needs and environment.

What to Expect During a Vaccination Appointment

  • Wellness Exam: We start with a head-to-tail checkup to ensure your pet is healthy enough for vaccines.

  • Personalized Plan: Based on age, health, and lifestyle.

  • Quick and Gentle Shots: Most pets tolerate vaccines well. The process is quick and performed with care.

  • Post-Vaccine Monitoring: Mild soreness or sleepiness is normal. We’ll guide you on what to watch for and when to follow up.

We keep detailed vaccine records to ensure your pet stays on track—and help with things like boarding, grooming, or travel documentation.

When Should My Pet Be Vaccinated?

Puppies and kittens typically begin vaccinations at 6–8 weeks of age, with boosters every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks. Adult pets need regular boosters based on the vaccine type—some are annual, others are every 3 years.

Staying on schedule is the best way to keep your pet protected.

Vaccinations are a simple step with a big impact. They prevent illness, reduce long-term costs, and support a longer, healthier life for your pet.

🐾 Looking to keep your pet healthy and happy? Visit us—we’re here to support every step of the way.

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FAQs

Answers to Common Questions

If there is an emergency during business hours, simply call Lazy 3 Animal Care's office 254-232-5693 ahead of time so we know what to expect when you arrive with your pet. If there is an emergency after hours, please call our office 254-232-5693 and listen to the complete answering machine message. It will give you the on call Doctor's phone number.

Lazy 3 Animal Care welcomes all breeds of dogs, cats, pocket pets, rabbits, birds, snakes, goats, sheep, pigs, cattle, horses, llamas, alpacas, deer, & exotics.

Simply call your previous vet and have medical records faxed or emailed to our office. Should you have copies, you are welcome to drop them by our office. Records can be faxed to 254-631-0780 or emailed to Lazy3animalcareoffice@gmail.com

At Lazy 3 Animal Care, scheduled appointments are the preferred and recommended way to see a veterinarian. Walk-in appointments are also welcome and will be worked in and seen by a veterinarian as quick as possible. In the event of an emergency during office hours, all appointments are temporarily put on hold until a veterinarian is available.

Lazy 3 Animal Care recommends that dogs be vaccinated annually with a version of a combo (Distemper, Parvo, Canine Influenza, Canine Hepatitis, Corona and Leptospira) and a Rabies vaccine. We recommend that cats be vaccinated annually with a feline viral respiratory combo and Rabies vaccine. Puppies can begin receiving their combo shots as early as 6 weeks old, receiving booster shots every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks old. Likewise, kittens can receive their combo shots as early as 6 weeks old but only require a single booster 3-4 weeks later. Both dogs and cats should be at least 12 weeks of age to receive a Rabies vaccine.

Bad breath, inflamed gums, plaque and tartar buildup, and loose teeth are all of great concern when it comes to the health of your animal's mouth. If you notice any of these signs, Lazy 3 Animal Care recommends that you bring your pet in for a dental checkup or schedule a dental cleaning. If your pet's teeth are not in need of a cleaning at the time of the checkup, we can give you recommendations to help maintain your pet's overall mouth health such as helpful treats/toys, teeth brushing, and other pet safe dental products. Suppose your animal is at greater risk of complications during anesthesia. In that case, we have products that can help improve mouth health and remove plaque and tartar buildup without performing a dental cleaning.