Pet Vaccinations in Dedham, MA
Vaccinations are the cornerstone of preventative veterinary care — protecting your pet from serious, often life-threatening infectious diseases at a fraction of the cost of treating them. At Castlerock Veterinary Hospital in Dedham, MA, we design individualized vaccination schedules tailored to your pet’s species, age, lifestyle, and risk factors. Whether you have a new puppy or kitten, or an adult pet due for boosters, we’re here to keep them protected. Call (781) 329-5333 to schedule your pet’s vaccination appointment.
Core Vaccines for Dogs
Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs, regardless of lifestyle, because the diseases they prevent are widespread, severe, or transmissible to humans. At Castlerock Veterinary Hospital, core canine vaccines include:
Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus (DHPP/DAP): This combination vaccine protects against canine distemper virus, parvovirus (a highly contagious and often fatal gastrointestinal disease), adenovirus type 1 (hepatitis), and adenovirus type 2 (respiratory disease). This series begins at 8 weeks of age for puppies and is boostered throughout the first year, then given every 1–3 years in adulthood.
Rabies: Rabies vaccination is required by law in Massachusetts and most other states. Rabies is a fatal neurological disease that can affect all mammals, including humans. Puppies receive their first rabies vaccine at approximately 12–16 weeks, with regular boosters thereafter.
Lifestyle Vaccines for Dogs
Lifestyle vaccines are recommended based on a dog’s individual risk exposure. Our veterinarian will assess your dog’s activities, environment, and health history to determine which of the following may be appropriate:
Bordetella (Kennel Cough): Recommended for dogs that visit boarding facilities, groomers, dog parks, training classes, or any setting with contact with other dogs. Bordetella is highly contagious and spreads easily in group settings.
Leptospirosis: Recommended for dogs with outdoor exposure, especially near standing water, wooded areas, or where wildlife is present. Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can cause severe kidney and liver disease — and is transmissible to humans.
Lyme Disease: Recommended for dogs in tick-endemic areas or those who spend time outdoors in wooded or grassy environments. Combined with year-round tick prevention as part of a parasite prevention program, Lyme vaccination provides the best protection.
Canine Influenza (CIV): Recommended for dogs with high social exposure, particularly those attending boarding or dog show events.
Core Vaccines for Cats
Core feline vaccines recommended for all cats include:
FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia): This combination vaccine protects against three serious feline diseases — feline herpesvirus (a major cause of upper respiratory infection), calicivirus (another common respiratory and oral disease pathogen), and panleukopenia (feline distemper, a highly fatal viral disease). The series begins at 8 weeks for kittens and is boostered through the first year and then every 1–3 years.
Rabies: Required by law in Massachusetts. All cats — including those kept exclusively indoors — should be vaccinated against rabies.
Lifestyle Vaccines for Cats
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): Recommended for cats with outdoor access or exposure to other cats whose FeLV status is unknown. FeLV is one of the leading infectious causes of death in cats and is spread through close contact. We also recommend FeLV testing for any new cat before vaccination.
Puppy and Kitten Vaccine Schedules
Young pets require a series of vaccinations during the first months of life to build proper immunity. The timing is designed to bridge the gap as maternal antibodies fade. We’ll map out a complete schedule during your pet’s first visit as part of their puppy or kitten care program. Adult pets require regular boosters, and our team will track your pet’s vaccination history and send reminders when they are due. Contact Castlerock Veterinary Hospital at (781) 329-5333 to schedule a vaccination appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions — Pet Vaccinations
Are vaccinations required for my pet by law?
In Massachusetts, rabies vaccination is legally required for both dogs and cats. While other vaccines are not mandated by law, many boarding facilities, groomers, dog parks, and training programs require proof of up-to-date core vaccinations as a condition of participation. Beyond legal requirements, vaccinations are strongly recommended by veterinary organizations as a core component of responsible pet ownership.
Can my indoor cat skip vaccines?
No — even strictly indoor cats are recommended to receive core vaccines, including rabies (which is legally required regardless of lifestyle) and FVRCP. Indoor cats can escape, be exposed to airborne pathogens, or encounter wildlife. Rabies vaccination also protects you and your family in the unlikely event of a bite incident. Our veterinarian will discuss which vaccines are appropriate for your individual cat’s lifestyle.
How do I know which vaccines my pet actually needs?
Our veterinarian will assess your pet’s species, age, health history, and lifestyle during a wellness exam to determine which core and lifestyle vaccines are appropriate. We don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach — your pet’s vaccination plan is individualized based on their actual risk factors, not a generic protocol.
Are there risks associated with vaccinations?
Vaccines are very safe, and serious adverse reactions are rare. Mild side effects — such as temporary soreness at the injection site, low-grade lethargy, or mild fever — may occur in some pets and typically resolve within 24–48 hours. Severe allergic reactions are uncommon but possible; we monitor your pet after vaccination and can discuss any concerns. The risk of the diseases vaccines prevent is far greater than the risk of the vaccine itself.
How often does my adult pet need to be vaccinated?
Vaccination frequency depends on the specific vaccine and the product used. Some vaccines (like rabies) are given annually or every 3 years depending on the product. Core combination vaccines may be given every 1–3 years in adult pets following the initial series and one-year boosters. Our veterinarian will maintain your pet’s vaccination records and keep you informed when boosters are due.
What happens if my pet is overdue for vaccines?
If your pet has missed scheduled boosters, they may need to restart a series for some vaccines depending on how long they’ve been overdue. It’s never too late to get back on schedule — the first step is to call (781) 329-5333 and schedule an appointment. We’ll review your pet’s vaccination history and create an appropriate plan to restore protection.
How do I schedule vaccines for my pet at Castlerock Veterinary Hospital?
Call (781) 329-5333 or request an appointment online. We recommend scheduling vaccine appointments as part of your pet’s annual or semi-annual preventative care visit so we can assess their overall health at the same time. We serve pet owners in Dedham, MA and throughout the surrounding area.
