The reason we give pets vaccinations is to prevent highly contagious and fatal diseases. But most of the time, it’s not a one-and-done deal. Pets usually need booster shots once a year, and keeping up with your pet’s vaccine schedule will help them live a longer, healthier life. If you’re curious about which diseases core vaccines prevent or why they’re necessary, let us tell you more.
Which Core Vaccines Do Dogs Need?
- DA2PP: This vaccine prevents four life-threatening diseases in one shot. It protects your dog from distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis) type 2, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. Puppies should get this vaccine around 8 weeks of age, followed by boosters every 3 weeks then every 1-3 years through adulthood.
- Rabies: The rabies vaccine is legally required for dogs in Arizona. Rabies is a fatal disease that spreads through an infected animal’s saliva. Because it can spread to humans, vaccines are mandatory. Puppies should get their first rabies vaccine at 12 to 16 weeks old, followed by booster shots every 1-3 years through adulthood.
- Leptospirosis: This bacterial disease gets transmitted through water or soil contaminated with the urine of an infected animal. Puppies should start this vaccine series around 12 weeks old, followed by annual boosters.
- Bordetella: Kennel cough is a contagious infection caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica, a type of bacteria. It’s an especially important vaccine for dogs that spend time at daycare or kennels. Puppies should get this vaccine at around 8 weeks of age, with boosters every 6 to 12 months.
Which Core Vaccines Do Cats Need?
- FVRCP: This vaccination prevents three highly contagious diseases: feline viral rhinotracheitis (FHV-1), calicivirus (FCV), and panleukopenia (distemper). Kittens should get this vaccine when they are 6 to 8 weeks old, with boosters every 1 to 3 years.
- Rabies: Although rabies vaccines are not required by law for cats, we still recommend it. Rabies is highly contagious and always fatal in cats. Kittens should get vaccinated at 12 to 16 weeks of age, and cats need a booster every 1 to 3 years.
- FeLV: This vaccine prevents another fatal, incurable disease: feline leukemia. Kittens should get this vaccine around 8 to 12 weeks old, followed by a booster every two to three years.
Why Do Dogs and Cats Need Vaccinations?
The number one reason to vaccinate your pet is to keep them safe and healthy. Vaccinations protect your pet from the most deadly, most contagious diseases. Yet many people decide to let their pets go without. Because of vaccine hesitancy, preventable diseases like parvovirus have begun to spread in Arizona. In fact, the Arizona Humane Society saw double the usual number of cases in 2025.
Another important reason for pet vaccinations is that they prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted between humans and animals. For instance, rabies, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, brucellosis, and rotavirus can all affect humans if pets are not vaccinated.
Dog and Cat Vaccinations in Gilbert, Arizona
If your dog or cat is due for a vaccine or their booster shots, bring them to East Valley Animal Hospital. We’re here to provide the care pets need to live long, healthy lives. Give us a call at 480-892-1577 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment today.
Photo by Mathew Smith on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 4/28/2026.