Vaccines are one of the most important tools we have for protecting dogs and cats from serious, contagious, and sometimes life-threatening diseases. At Cliffdale Animal Hospital, we understand that vaccine recommendations can feel confusing, especially when different pets have different lifestyles, ages, health needs, and exposure risks. Some pets stay mostly indoors. Others go to boarding, grooming, daycare, dog parks, training classes, or outdoor spaces where they may come into contact with other animals. Because of these differences, vaccine protocols are designed to protect each pet based on both medical need and real-life risk.

A vaccine protocol is not just a checklist. It is a preventive care plan. It helps protect your pet, other pets in the community, veterinary staff, grooming teams, boarding facilities, and families. It also helps reduce the spread of preventable diseases in the larger pet population.

At Cliffdale Animal Hospital, our vaccine recommendations include vaccines that are required for certain services and vaccines that are highly recommended based on your pet’s lifestyle and exposure risk. During your pet’s exam, our team can review their medical history, vaccine status, age, environment, and daily routine to help determine the best plan.

Why Vaccines Matter for Dogs and Cats

Vaccines help the immune system recognize and fight specific diseases before a pet becomes seriously ill. Some diseases, such as rabies, carry major public health concerns. Others, such as canine parvovirus or feline panleukopenia, can spread quickly and cause severe illness, especially in young, unvaccinated, or medically fragile pets.

Vaccination is especially important because some contagious diseases can be spread before symptoms are obvious. A pet may seem healthy but still be at risk if they have been exposed to infected animals, contaminated environments, or shared spaces.

Vaccines also matter for services such as boarding, grooming, dental procedures, surgery, and drop-off appointments. These services may involve pets being around other animals or spending time in a hospital or care environment. Keeping vaccines current helps reduce risk for everyone.

Core vs. Lifestyle-Based Vaccines

Veterinary vaccines are often grouped into two broad categories: core vaccines and non-core or lifestyle-based vaccines.

Core vaccines are recommended for most pets because they protect against diseases that are widespread, serious, highly contagious, or legally required. Lifestyle-based vaccines are recommended depending on the pet’s environment and exposure risk. For example, a dog that boards, goes to daycare, visits dog parks, or is groomed regularly may need additional protection compared to a dog with very limited outside exposure.

This is why vaccine conversations should happen during regular wellness visits. Your pet’s needs may change over time. A puppy who rarely leaves home may later become an adult dog who travels, boards, hikes, or attends daycare. A kitten may grow into an indoor-only adult cat, or they may have outdoor exposure. Your veterinarian can help adjust the vaccine plan as your pet’s lifestyle changes.

Canine Vaccine Protocol

Dogs are social, curious, and often exposed to other dogs in shared spaces. Even quick interactions can create opportunities for exposure. At Cliffdale Animal Hospital, canine vaccine recommendations include required vaccines for certain services and highly recommended vaccines based on risk.

Rabies Vaccine for Dogs

Rabies is one of the most important vaccines for dogs. It is a fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system and can spread to people and other animals through bites or saliva exposure. Because of its seriousness and public health risk, rabies vaccination is required by law in many areas.

At Cliffdale Animal Hospital, rabies vaccination is required for dogs receiving services such as exams, grooming, drop-offs, dental procedures, surgery, and boarding. Keeping your dog’s rabies vaccine current is essential for their protection and for compliance with safety requirements.

Even indoor dogs need rabies protection. Dogs can accidentally get outside, encounter wildlife, or be exposed unexpectedly. Rabies prevention is not only about lifestyle. It is about protecting your pet, your family, and the community.

DAPP Vaccine for Dogs

DAPP is a combination vaccine that helps protect dogs against several serious diseases. It commonly includes protection against:

Distemper virus
Adenovirus, also known as infectious hepatitis
Parvovirus
Parainfluenza

Canine distemper is a serious viral disease that can affect the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Adenovirus can cause infectious hepatitis and other illness. Parvovirus is a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease that causes severe vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and weakness. Parainfluenza is associated with contagious respiratory disease.

At Cliffdale Animal Hospital, DAPP is required for dogs in certain service situations, including grooming, drop-offs, dental procedures, surgery, and boarding. It is also highly recommended as part of routine preventive care.

Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza

Because DAPP includes several important protections, it is helpful for pet owners to understand what each component covers.

Distemper can cause fever, nasal discharge, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and long-term neurologic complications. Adenovirus can affect the liver and other body systems. Parvovirus is especially dangerous for puppies and unvaccinated dogs and can survive in the environment for extended periods. Parainfluenza contributes to respiratory illness, particularly when dogs are around other dogs.

Together, these vaccines help reduce the risk of serious and contagious disease. They are especially important for puppies, newly adopted dogs, dogs with unknown vaccine histories, and dogs who spend time in shared environments.

Leptospirosis Vaccine for Dogs

Leptospirosis, often called lepto, is a bacterial disease that can affect dogs and may also pose a risk to people. Dogs can be exposed through contaminated water, soil, urine from wildlife, or outdoor environments. Leptospirosis can affect the kidneys, liver, and other organs.

At Cliffdale Animal Hospital, lepto vaccination is highly recommended for dogs based on exposure risk. Many pet owners assume only rural or hunting dogs are at risk, but suburban and urban dogs can also be exposed through puddles, standing water, wildlife, and shared outdoor spaces.

Because leptospirosis can be serious, our team may recommend this vaccine for dogs who go outdoors, walk in common areas, travel, spend time near wooded areas, or may encounter wildlife.

Bordetella Vaccine for Dogs

Bordetella is commonly associated with canine infectious respiratory disease, often referred to as kennel cough. It can spread in places where dogs are near one another, such as boarding facilities, grooming salons, daycare, training classes, dog parks, shelters, and veterinary settings.

At Cliffdale Animal Hospital, Bordetella is required for boarding and may be required or highly recommended for dogs receiving grooming, drop-off services, dental procedures, or surgery, depending on the situation. It is especially important for dogs who are regularly around other dogs.

Symptoms of respiratory illness may include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, gagging, or lethargy. If your dog is coughing or showing respiratory signs, contact Cliffdale Animal Hospital before bringing them inside so our team can guide you on the safest next steps.

Canine Influenza Vaccine

Canine influenza is a contagious respiratory disease that can spread quickly among dogs in shared environments. Dogs that board, attend daycare, visit dog parks, go to grooming facilities, travel, or participate in social activities may be at greater risk.

At Cliffdale Animal Hospital, canine influenza vaccination is part of the protocol for boarding and may be highly recommended for dogs with increased exposure risk. Like other respiratory diseases, canine influenza can cause coughing, fever, nasal discharge, tiredness, and reduced appetite.

If your dog is frequently around other dogs, ask our team whether the influenza vaccine is appropriate.

Vaccine Requirements for Dog Exams

For canine exams, rabies vaccination is required. Additional vaccines such as DAPP, lepto, Bordetella, and others may be discussed based on your dog’s age, health, lifestyle, and vaccine history.

A wellness exam is the best time to review your dog’s preventive care plan. During the visit, our team can check your dog’s vaccine records, discuss any overdue vaccines, and recommend what is needed to keep them protected.

Vaccine Requirements for Dog Grooming, Drop-Offs, Dentals, and Surgery

For grooming, drop-off appointments, dental procedures, and surgery, Cliffdale Animal Hospital requires dogs to be current on rabies and DAPP. Depending on the service and risk level, Bordetella, lepto, and canine influenza may also be highly recommended.

These requirements are in place because pets receiving these services may spend time in the hospital environment or near other animals. Vaccines help reduce the chance of disease transmission and support a safer experience for all pets in our care.

If a dog is sick and not up to date on vaccines, isolation may be required. This precaution helps protect other patients and allows our team to manage illness concerns safely.

Vaccine Requirements for Dog Boarding

For boarding, Cliffdale Animal Hospital requires dogs to be current on rabies, DAPP, Bordetella, and canine influenza. Lepto is also highly recommended.

Boarding creates a higher exposure environment because pets may be near other animals for extended periods. Even with careful cleaning, monitoring, and safety practices, vaccines are an important layer of protection.

Before boarding your dog, make sure vaccine records are current. If your dog needs boosters, contact Cliffdale Animal Hospital ahead of time so our team can help you plan appropriately.

Feline Vaccine Protocol

Cats need vaccine protection too, even if they live indoors. Indoor cats can still be exposed through open doors, screened porches, new pets, visiting animals, wildlife encounters, boarding, grooming, or emergency situations. Kittens, senior cats, outdoor cats, and cats with unknown vaccine histories may have additional needs.

At Cliffdale Animal Hospital, feline vaccine recommendations include required vaccines for exams and services, along with highly recommended vaccines based on risk.

Rabies Vaccine for Cats

Rabies vaccination is required for cats at Cliffdale Animal Hospital. Like dogs, cats can be exposed to rabies through wildlife or unexpected outdoor contact. Even indoor cats may slip outside or encounter bats or other wildlife.

Rabies is fatal and carries serious public health concerns, so keeping your cat current is essential. Rabies vaccination is required for feline exams, grooming, drop-offs, dental procedures, surgery, and boarding.

Feline 3 Vaccine

The Feline 3 vaccine, often associated with the FVRCP vaccine, helps protect cats against important contagious diseases. It typically includes protection against:

Feline viral rhinotracheitis, associated with feline herpesvirus
Calicivirus
Panleukopenia

Feline viral rhinotracheitis and calicivirus are associated with upper respiratory illness. Signs may include sneezing, nasal discharge, eye discharge, fever, mouth ulcers, and decreased appetite. Panleukopenia is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease, especially in kittens and unvaccinated cats.

At Cliffdale Animal Hospital, Feline 3 is required for cats receiving grooming, drop-off services, dental procedures, surgery, and boarding. It is also part of routine feline preventive care.

FeLV Vaccine for Cats

FeLV stands for feline leukemia virus. This virus can weaken the immune system and contribute to serious illness in cats. FeLV can spread through close contact, shared bowls, grooming, bites, and exposure to infected cats.

At Cliffdale Animal Hospital, FeLV vaccination is highly recommended for cats based on age, exposure risk, and lifestyle. It is especially important to discuss FeLV vaccination for kittens, cats who go outdoors, cats who live with FeLV-positive cats, or cats who may be exposed to unknown cats.

Your veterinarian may also recommend FeLV testing before vaccination or when a cat’s history is unknown.

Vaccine Requirements for Cat Exams

For feline exams, rabies vaccination is required. Feline 3 is also part of the recommended preventive care conversation and may be required depending on your cat’s service needs and vaccine status.

Regular exams are important for cats because they often hide signs of illness. Even if your cat seems healthy, a wellness visit gives the veterinary team a chance to review vaccines, check weight, evaluate dental health, discuss behavior changes, and screen for early health concerns.

Vaccine Requirements for Cat Grooming, Drop-Offs, Dentals, and Surgery

For feline grooming, drop-off appointments, dental procedures, and surgery, Cliffdale Animal Hospital requires rabies and Feline 3. FeLV may be highly recommended depending on the cat’s lifestyle and exposure risk.

If a cat is sick and not up to date on vaccines, isolation may be required. This helps protect other feline patients and allows the team to handle potential contagious disease concerns carefully.

Cats can be very sensitive to stress, so planning ahead for vaccines and required care can make appointments smoother for both the pet and the owner.

Vaccine Requirements for Cat Boarding

For boarding, Cliffdale Animal Hospital requires cats to be current on rabies and Feline 3. FeLV is highly recommended based on lifestyle and risk.

Boarding can increase exposure risk because cats are away from their normal environment and may be housed near other animals. Current vaccines help provide protection and support a safer boarding experience.

If you are planning to board your cat, contact Cliffdale Animal Hospital ahead of time to confirm vaccine requirements and make sure records are up to date.

Puppies and Kittens: Starting Protection Early

Puppies and kittens need a series of vaccines because their immune systems are still developing. They also receive temporary protection from their mother, but that protection fades over time. A vaccine series helps build their own immunity during this vulnerable stage.

Young pets are especially at risk for diseases such as parvovirus in puppies and panleukopenia in kittens. Because these diseases can be severe, staying on schedule is important.

If you have a new puppy or kitten, bring any vaccine records you received from the breeder, shelter, rescue, or previous owner. Cliffdale Animal Hospital can review the records and help determine what vaccines are still needed.

Adult Pets and Booster Vaccines

Adult dogs and cats need ongoing vaccine care throughout their lives. Some vaccines may be given annually, while others may be given on a different schedule depending on the vaccine type, local requirements, health status, and risk factors.

If your pet is overdue, do not panic. Schedule an appointment so our team can review their records and recommend the safest way to get them protected again. In some cases, boosters may be needed. In other cases, the vaccine plan may depend on how long it has been since the last dose.

Senior Pets and Vaccines

Senior pets still need preventive care, but their vaccine plans should be reviewed carefully. Age alone does not mean a pet should stop receiving vaccines. However, senior pets may have medical conditions that need to be considered.

During a senior wellness visit, the veterinary team can evaluate your pet’s overall health, lifestyle, exposure risk, and medical history before making vaccine recommendations. The goal is to protect your pet while making thoughtful decisions based on their individual needs.

What Happens If Your Pet Is Not Up to Date?

If your pet is not current on required vaccines, certain services may need to be delayed until vaccines are updated. For sick pets who are not up to date, isolation may be required to protect other animals and staff.

This does not mean your pet will not be cared for. It means extra precautions may be needed. If your pet is ill, coughing, vomiting, having diarrhea, lethargic, or showing any signs of contagious disease, call Cliffdale Animal Hospital before arriving so our team can advise you.

Bringing Vaccine Records to Your Appointment

If your pet has received vaccines elsewhere, please bring records to your appointment or ask the previous clinic, shelter, rescue, or boarding facility to send them to us. Vaccine names, dates, expiration dates, and manufacturer information can all be helpful.

Accurate records help prevent unnecessary repeat vaccines and make it easier to determine what your pet needs next.

Required vs. Highly Recommended at Cliffdale Animal Hospital

Cliffdale Animal Hospital uses vaccine requirements to help protect pets during exams, grooming, drop-offs, dental procedures, surgery, and boarding.

For dogs, rabies is required for exams. Rabies and DAPP are required for grooming, drop-offs, dentals, and surgery. For boarding, dogs need rabies, DAPP, Bordetella, and canine influenza. Lepto is highly recommended, and other lifestyle-based vaccines may be discussed based on risk.

For cats, rabies is required for exams. Rabies and Feline 3 are required for grooming, drop-offs, dentals, surgery, and boarding. FeLV is highly recommended depending on age, lifestyle, and exposure risk.

Because each pet is different, the final vaccine plan should always be reviewed with the veterinary team.

Schedule Your Pet’s Vaccine Visit

Vaccines are a simple but powerful way to protect your pet’s health. Whether you have a new puppy, a newly adopted kitten, an adult pet, or a senior companion, Cliffdale Animal Hospital is here to help you understand what vaccines are required, what is highly recommended, and what makes sense for your pet’s lifestyle.

If you are unsure whether your dog or cat is current, schedule a visit with Cliffdale Animal Hospital. Our team can review your pet’s records, answer your questions, and help create a vaccine plan that supports long-term health and safety.

Cliffdale Animal Hospital
6416 Brookstone Lane
Fayetteville, NC 28314

Phone: 910-487-5013
Website: cliffdaleanimalhospital.com

Protecting your pet starts with prevention. Let us help you keep your dog or cat healthy, safe, and ready for every stage of life.

Source basis: AAHA’s canine vaccination guidance lists core canine vaccines including distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, leptospirosis, and rabies, with parainfluenza included in many combination protocols. The 2020 AAHA/AAFP feline guidance identifies core feline protections including FHV-1, FCV, FPV, rabies, and FeLV for cats younger than one year, while also emphasizing individualized risk assessment. AVMA notes that vaccine schedules may be adjusted by the veterinarian based on a pet’s needs and history. 

• AAHA: https://www.aaha.org/resources/2022-aaha-canine-vaccination-guidelines/
• NLM: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11135662/
• AVMA: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/vaccinations