
Cat & Dog Vaccinations in Columbus, OH
Vaccinations are well known to us in human medicine, so it makes sense that our pets would need them, too. Cat and dog vaccinations have been developed to protect our pets from some of the most common and dangerous diseases out there. At North Kenny Veterinary Hospital in Columbus, OH, we take a custom approach to vaccines that puts your pet’s unique needs at the forefront of our protocol.
Why We Recommend Cat & Dog Vaccinations
Vaccinations play a crucial role in protecting your pet’s health. Here are some reasons we recommend routine vaccinations:
- After they are weaned off their mother’s milk, puppies’ and kittens’ antibodies to certain diseases begin to drop. With their initial vaccination series, we’re able to give them a needed boost to protect them from infections.
- As your pet ages, they’ll need routine boosters to maintain a high immunity to diseases. Pets with social lives such as dogs who frequent the dog park and outdoor cats may need lifestyle vaccines to protect them, on top of their core vaccines.
- Older pets are more vulnerable to disease and illness, but they also may not lead such an active lifestyle. We’ll reassess your pet’s needs every year to determine which vaccines they really need.
- Some diseases pets can catch are zoonotic, meaning they can be transferred to humans, as well as other cats and dogs. Vaccinations protect your family as well as the greater pet community from infections.


Vaccines We Offer
While there are some vaccines we highly recommend for every pet based on the prevalence and the severity of the disease, many more are only recommended for pets who lead lifestyles that put them at risk.
Here’s a look at our vaccines and in what situations we recommend them:
- Rabies – required by law for all dogs in Ohio
- DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza) – highly recommended for all dogs
- Leptospirosis – for a relatively common bacterial infection; recommended for most dogs who venture outdoors
- Lyme disease – a tick-borne illness; recommended for dogs who hike in wooded areas with their owners
- Bordetella – “kennel cough;” recommended for dogs who board often, are groomed, or participate in dog shows
- Canine influenza – a highly contagious flu-like disease; recommended for dogs who are social and visit dog parks, participate in group training, or go to daycare
- Rabies – required by law for all cats in Ohio
- FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia) – highly recommended for all cats
- Feline leukemia – a highly contagious disease that spreads easily from cat to cat; recommended for only outdoor cats
Have questions about our cat and dog vaccines, or need to make an appointment? Schedule your visit online, or call us at (614) 451-1204!