Preventive care

Vaccinations

Personalized vaccine plans for dogs and cats at every stage of life — built around age, lifestyle, and real exposure risk.

Vaccinations at Prince Charles Animal Hospital Vaccinations
Vaccinations at a glance
Puppies & kittens
Booster series from 6–8 weeks
Core vaccines
Dogs: Rabies, DHPP, Leptospirosis
Cats: Rabies & FVRCP
Approach
Lifestyle-based, not one-size-fits-all

Why vaccines matter

Vaccines are one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your pet from serious, often preventable diseases.

Puppies and kittens begin with a series of boosters that build early immunity, and adult and senior pets stay protected with well-timed updates.

Vaccines we provide

Core and lifestyle vaccines for dogs and cats, recommended based on your pet's needs.

Rabies

Legally required core vaccine for dogs and cats in Ontario.

DHPP (dogs)

Distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza in one core vaccine.

FVRCP (cats)

Core feline vaccine against rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia.

Leptospirosis

Protects dogs against a bacterial disease spread through exposure to infected wildlife like raccoons and rodent and contact with stagnant or slow-moving water.

Bordetella

Kennel-cough protection for dogs that board, are groomed, or socialize.

Lyme disease

Recommended for dogs with tick exposure across the Niagara region.

Feline leukemia (FeLV)

Advised for cats that go outdoors or live with other cats.

Boosters & reminders

Scheduling and reminders so protection never lapses.

Starting out

Puppy & kitten vaccines

The first few months are when vaccines matter most. Here's when to start and which ones your new pet needs.

Puppies

Start at 6–8 weeks old

Puppies need a series of boosters every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks of age. This builds lasting protection as the immunity from their mother fades.

  • DHPP — first dose at 6–8 weeks, then boosters around 12 and 16 weeks (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza).
  • Rabies — a single dose at 12–16 weeks, as required by Ontario law.
  • Lifestyle vaccines — Bordetella, Lyme, or leptospirosis added when your puppy's routine calls for it.

Kittens

Start at 6–8 weeks old

Kittens follow the same pattern — a booster series every 3–4 weeks until roughly 16 weeks of age — to build strong early immunity.

  • FVRCP — first dose at 6–8 weeks, then boosters around 12 and 16 weeks (rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia).
  • Rabies — a single dose at 12–16 weeks, as required by Ontario law.
  • Feline leukemia (FeLV) — a two-dose series, especially recommended for cats that will spend time outdoors.

Until the series is finished, keep new puppies and kittens away from unvaccinated animals and high-traffic areas. We'll map out exact dates for your pet at the first visit.

How a vaccination visit works

Vaccines are always paired with a health check.

  1. 1

    Wellness check

    We examine your pet to confirm they're healthy enough to be vaccinated that day.

  2. 2

    Lifestyle review

    We talk through travel, boarding, and outdoor time to decide which vaccines fit.

  3. 3

    Vaccines given

    Your veterinarian administers the recommended core and lifestyle vaccines.

  4. 4

    Records updated

    We update your pet's file and provide documentation. We can also give up a copy for boarding or travel.

  5. 5

    Booster reminders

    We set your next due dates and send reminders so nothing is missed.

Frequently asked questions

How often does my pet need them?

It depends on the vaccine and your pet's history — some are yearly, others every three years. We'll map out a schedule at your visit.

Do indoor cats really need vaccines?

Yes. Core vaccines like rabies and FVRCP are still recommended, since indoor cats can be exposed and rabies is required by law.

What if I've lost my pet's records?

No problem — bring whatever you have and we'll review it, and where needed we can restart or update the schedule safely.

Ready to update your pet's vaccines?