Pet Vaccinations

Pet shots are one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your furry family member from diseases. Our team at Foland Veterinary Services helps your pet stay protected at every stage of life with custom-fit pet vaccinations for dogs and cats in Weatherford, TX, and beyond.

Keeping Your Pet Protected with the Right Vaccines

Vaccines work by preparing your pet’s immune system to recognize and fight specific infectious diseases. When your pet is vaccinated, their body builds a defense against that disease—so if they’re ever exposed, they’re far better equipped to fight it off. Without that protection, even a brief encounter with an infected animal or contaminated environment can put your pet’s health at serious risk.

At Foland Veterinary Services, we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach to pet vaccinations. We take the time to understand your pet’s lifestyle, environment, and health history before recommending a vaccine protocol that’s right for them specifically. Whether your dog spends time at the dog park or your cat ventures outdoors, we’ll make sure their protection matches their real-world risks.

Core and Lifestyle Vaccines for Dogs and Cats

Pet vaccines generally fall into two categories: core vaccines, which are recommended for all pets regardless of lifestyle, and lifestyle vaccines, which are recommended based on your pet’s specific risk factors and activities.

Core Vaccines for Dogs

Core dog vaccines protect against diseases that are widespread, highly contagious, or pose a serious public health risk. These typically include:

  • Rabies
  • Distemper
  • Parvovirus
  • Adenovirus (Hepatitis)

Lifestyle Vaccines for Dogs

Depending on your dog’s activities and exposure risks, our veterinarians may also recommend:

  • Bordetella (kennel cough) — especially important for dogs who board, visit groomers, or interact with other dogs
  • Leptospirosis — recommended for dogs with outdoor exposure or access to standing water
  • Lyme disease — for dogs in tick-prone environments
  • Canine influenza — for dogs frequently in contact with other dogs

Core Vaccines for Cats

Core cat vaccines protect against the most common and serious feline infectious diseases, including:

  • Rabies
  • Feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia (FVRCP)

Lifestyle Vaccines for Cats

  • Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) — recommended for cats with outdoor access or exposure to other cats
Our veterinarians will walk you through each recommendation, explain why it’s appropriate for your pet, and answer any questions you have before we proceed. You’ll always know exactly what your pet is receiving and why.
A black dog with white markings on its face is lying on a blue towel as a person gently holds its paw.

What to Expect at Your Pet’s Vaccination Appointment

Vaccination appointments at Foland Veterinary Services are straightforward, low-stress, and typically quick, usually as part of a full wellness exam and other preventative care like parasite control and dental care. Here’s what you can generally expect:

A Health Assessment First

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Before administering any vaccines, your veterinarian will perform a brief physical examination to make sure your pet is healthy enough to receive their scheduled shots. Vaccines are most effective — and safest — when given to a pet who is feeling well.

Vaccine Administration

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Most vaccines are given as a small injection under the skin or into the muscle. The process is fast, and many pets barely notice it. Our team works gently and patiently to keep your pet as calm and comfortable as possible throughout the visit.

Post-Vaccine Monitoring

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Mild soreness at the injection site, low energy, or a slight decrease in appetite in the day or two following vaccination can occur in some pets. Serious reactions are rare, but our team will discuss what to watch for and when to call us. We're always here if you have concerns after your pet's visit.

A Personalized Vaccine Schedule

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Before you leave, we'll make sure you know exactly when your pet's next vaccines are due so nothing falls through the cracks. Staying on schedule is key to maintaining consistent protection.

Why Staying Current on Pet Vaccinations Matters

Skipping or delaying vaccines—even for pets that spend most of their time indoors—can leave them vulnerable to diseases that are far more common than many pet owners realize. Parvovirus, for example, is extremely hardy and can survive in the environment for months. Rabies is not only fatal to pets but also poses a public health risk and is required by law in Texas.
Keeping your pet’s vaccinations current is one of the most responsible and cost-effective things you can do for their health. Treating a vaccine-preventable disease is almost always far more expensive—and far more difficult—than preventing it in the first place.

Vaccinations also play an important role in the health of the broader pet community. When more pets are vaccinated, the risk of disease spreading through neighborhoods, dog parks, boarding facilities, and veterinary clinics decreases for everyone.

Pet Vaccination FAQs

How often does my pet need vaccines?

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Vaccine frequency depends on the specific vaccine and your pet's age and health status. Some vaccines, like rabies, are required annually or every three years, depending on the product used. Others, like Bordetella, may be recommended every 6–12 months for at-risk dogs. Our team will build a schedule that's tailored to your pet's specific needs.

Are vaccines safe for my pet?

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Yes, vaccines are rigorously tested for safety and efficacy before they're approved for use in pets. Mild, temporary side effects can occur in some animals, but serious adverse reactions are rare. The risks of leaving your pet unvaccinated far outweigh the small risk of a vaccine reaction.

My pet is older and has been vaccinated before. Do they still need boosters?

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Yes. Vaccine immunity can wane over time, and booster shots help maintain your pet's protection. Senior pets, in particular, benefit from staying current on vaccines as their immune systems may not be as robust as they once were.

Can my cat be vaccinated if they stay indoors?

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We generally recommend core vaccines for all cats, including indoor cats. Cats can escape, be accidentally exposed to other animals, or encounter risks during emergency veterinary visits. Rabies vaccination is also required by law in Texas, regardless of lifestyle.

My puppy or kitten just came home. When should they start vaccines?

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Puppies and kittens typically begin their vaccine series between 6 and 8 weeks of age and receive a series of boosters every 3–4 weeks until they're around 16 weeks old. If you've just brought a new pet home, we'd love to see them soon to get their protection started on the right track.

Individualized Protection for Every Pet

Protecting your pet from preventable disease is one of the most important parts of keeping them healthy for the long haul. At Foland Veterinary Services, our vaccine recommendations are always grounded in your pet’s individual lifestyle, health status, and risk factors — never a generic protocol applied across the board. Vaccination is just one part of the broader preventive care picture; many of our clients pair their pet’s annual shots with a full wellness exam and parasite prevention plan to make the most of every visit. Dogs and cats across the greater Weatherford area count on our team for honest, thoughtful guidance — and we take that trust seriously.