When pet owners ask what they should expect when vaccinating their dogs or cats, the answer is reassuring and straightforward. A vaccination visit typically includes a brief exam, vaccine recommendations based on your pet’s age and lifestyle, quick administration of the vaccines, and clear aftercare guidance. At SNiP Vet in Phoenix, AZ, our goal is to make the process efficient, transparent, and supportive while helping protect your pet and the wider community.
This Article Will Address
- What is included in a standard vaccination appointment
- What vaccines are required for dogs and cats
- How vaccines are administered
- How to prepare your pet for a vaccination visit
- What to look for after your pet’s vaccination
- When vaccine schedules start and how boosters work
- Core versus non-core vaccines and how lifestyle affects recommendations
Why Are Vaccinations Important for Dogs and Cats?
Vaccinations play a critical role in protecting dogs and cats from serious, and sometimes fatal, diseases. Core vaccines help prevent illnesses that spread easily and can affect large numbers of pets in Phoenix, including community cats and multi-pet households. Vaccines also protect vulnerable pets such as puppies, kittens, senior animals, and those with weaker immune systems.
Some vaccines, like rabies, are required by law, while others are strongly recommended for your pet’s health and safety. Veterinary guidance is essential because the timing, type of vaccine, and overall health screening all matter when building a safe and effective vaccination plan.
What’s Included in a Standard Vaccination Appointment?
A vaccination appointment is more than just a quick shot. At SNiP Vet, pet owners can expect a structured and thoughtful visit that prioritizes safety and clarity.
A standard vaccination appointment typically includes:
- A brief review of your pet’s history and lifestyle, such as indoor versus outdoor exposure or contact with other animals
- A physical exam to check overall health before vaccination
- Vaccine recommendations based on age, risk factors, and prior records
- Administration of the vaccines
- Aftercare instructions, including what to watch for at home
- Guidance on booster timing or future visits
If you have questions at any point, our team is happy to walk through the reasoning behind each recommendation.
What Vaccines Are Required for Dogs and Cats?
When people ask which vaccines are required, it helps to understand that requirements fall into two categories: legally required vaccines and medically recommended core vaccines.
For dogs:
- Rabies is legally required
- Distemper and parvovirus combination vaccines are considered core
- Bordetella is often recommended for dogs that visit groomers, boarding facilities, or dog parks
For cats:
- Rabies is strongly recommended
- FVRCP is a core vaccine that protects against several common feline diseases
- FeLV may be recommended based on lifestyle and exposure risk, with testing required before vaccination
Not every pet needs every vaccine. Recommendations are based on lifestyle, age, and health rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
How Vaccines Are Administered
Most pet vaccines are given as injections just under the skin. Some vaccines, such as certain kennel cough vaccines, may be administered orally. The process is quick, and most pets experience only brief discomfort.
Our team uses gentle handling and comfort-focused techniques to reduce stress. Depending on your pet’s needs, vaccines may be given individually or combined, and in some cases spaced out to support safety and comfort. After vaccination, pets may be monitored briefly before heading home.
How to Prepare Your Pet for a Vaccination Visit
Preparing ahead of time can help make your pet’s vaccination visit smooth and stress-free.
Helpful preparation tips include:
- Bring any vaccination records you have, even if they are incomplete
- Keep cats in secure carriers and cover the carrier if it helps them stay calm
- Use a leash and harness for dogs, and avoid retractable leashes when possible
- Arrive on time and plan for a short visit, often less than 10 minutes
- Keep your pet’s normal feeding routine unless instructed otherwise
- If your pet is anxious or reactive, call ahead for handling tips
At SNiP Vet, we aim to keep visits efficient while still giving pet owners the information and support they need.
What to Look for After Your Pet’s Vaccination?
Most pets recover quickly after vaccinations, but it is normal to see mild, temporary side effects.
Common mild reactions include:
- Sleepiness or lower energy for up to 24 hours
- Mild soreness at the injection site
- A slight decrease in appetite
- A small lump at the injection site that resolves on its own
Contact a veterinarian if you notice:
- Facial swelling, hives, vomiting, or trouble breathing
- Collapse or extreme lethargy
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Symptoms lasting longer than 48 hours
- Injection site swelling that worsens or becomes painful
Clear aftercare guidance helps pet owners know what is normal and when to seek help.
When Should I Get My Dog or Cat Vaccinated?
Vaccination schedules generally begin early in life. Puppies and kittens usually start receiving vaccines around 6 to 8 weeks of age. These vaccines are given in a series every few weeks until about 16 weeks of age.
Adult dogs and cats receive boosters based on the specific vaccine, their health, and lifestyle risks. Your veterinarian can help determine the appropriate schedule for ongoing protection.
Why Do Puppies and Kittens Need a Vaccine Series?
Young pets receive antibodies from their mothers, which can interfere with early vaccines. Because these maternal antibodies fade at different rates, a series of vaccines increases the chance that immunity develops at the right time.
Ending the series around 16 weeks helps protect puppies and kittens during this vulnerable stage and supports long-term immunity.
Core vs Non-Core Vaccines, How Do Vets Decide?
Core vaccines are recommended for nearly all pets, while non-core vaccines depend on lifestyle and exposure risk.
Examples include:
- Dogs that board, attend daycare, or visit dog parks may need additional vaccines
- Cats that go outdoors or live in multi-cat homes may require broader protection
Veterinary guidance helps balance protection with safety based on how your pet lives.
Why Choose SNiP Vet for Pet Vaccinations
At SNiP Vet, pet vaccinations are provided with veterinary oversight, efficiency, and clear communication. Dr. Deanna Gazzerro and the SNiP Vet team focus on making preventive care accessible while tailoring vaccine recommendations to each pet’s age, health, and lifestyle.
Pet owners choose SNiP Vet because we offer:
- Veterinary-guided vaccine recommendations
- Transparent, affordable pricing with no hidden fees
- Efficient visits that respect your time
- Clear explanations of what vaccines your pet is receiving and why
- A community-focused clinic supporting both owned pets and local animal welfare efforts
Schedule Pet Vaccinations in Phoenix, AZ at SNiP Vet
Pet owners in Phoenix can expect a clear, efficient, and supportive experience when vaccinating their dogs or cats at SNiP Vet. From the initial exam to personalized recommendations and aftercare guidance, our team focuses on safety, transparency, and community-minded care.
To schedule a vaccination appointment, contact SNiP Vet. We are here to help keep your pets healthy and protected.
