Protecting Your Pets from Disease with Cat and Dog Vaccinations in Saratoga Springs, NY

Vaccines are one of the most reliable ways to help protect dogs and cats from contagious diseases that can affect their comfort, health, and quality of life. Cornerstone Veterinary Hospital offers cat and dog vaccinations in Saratoga Springs, NY, with recommendations tailored to your pet’s age, lifestyle, medical history, and risk of exposure.

While we strongly recommend vaccines for all pets, we also understand that every dog and cat has their own needs. A puppy beginning their first vaccine series, an indoor cat due for boosters, a dog who hikes or boards, and a senior pet with changing health concerns may all need different levels of protection. Our team can help you make informed decisions and create a vaccine schedule that supports your pet through every stage of life.

Need to make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date? Call us at (518) 691-3300 or make an appointment online.

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Cat and Dog Vaccines We Offer

At our animal hospital in Saratoga Springs, NY, we provide vaccines for cats and dogs throughout their lives, from early puppy and kitten visits through adult and senior preventive care. Vaccines help protect pets from diseases that can spread through other animals, shared environments, wildlife, standing water, outdoor spaces, boarding facilities, grooming salons, and daily community exposure.

Some vaccines are considered core because they are recommended for most pets. Others are based on lifestyle and risk. During your pet’s visit, our veterinarians will help you understand which vaccines are recommended and why.

We offer the following vaccines:

Dog Vaccines

Rabies
Distemper/Parvovirus combo (DHPP)
Lyme
Leptospirosis
Bordetella
Canine influenza

Cat Vaccines

Rabies
Feline Distemper (FVRCP)
Feline Leukemia (FeLV)

What Happens During My Pet’s Vaccination Appointment?

A vaccination visit starts with a conversation about your pet’s health, lifestyle, and vaccine history. Before giving vaccines, our veterinary team will examine your pet and make sure they are healthy enough to receive them that day.

During the appointment, we may ask about:

Boarding, daycare, grooming, dog parks, or training classes
Travel plans or time spent outdoors
Tick, wildlife, or standing water exposure
Contact with other pets
Past vaccine reactions
Your pet's age, medical history, and current medications

If your pet is due for vaccines, we’ll explain which ones are recommended and when future boosters may be needed. For puppies and kittens, we’ll help schedule the full vaccine series so they build protection at the right time.

What to Expect After Your Pet Has Been Vaccinated

Most pets feel normal after vaccines and return to their regular routine the same day. Some dogs and cats may seem a little tired, have mild soreness at the injection site, or eat less than usual for a short time. These signs are usually mild and improve within a day or two.

Keep an eye on your pet after their visit and call us if you notice symptoms that seem unusual for them. Facial swelling, repeated vomiting, hives, trouble breathing, severe weakness, or symptoms that worsen after vaccination should be addressed right away.

Our team will also let you know when your pet should return for their next vaccine booster. Staying on schedule is especially important for puppies, kittens, pets with overdue vaccines, and pets who need protection before boarding, travel, or group activities.

Why Vaccination Schedules Matter

Whether your pet is starting their first vaccine series, due for annual boosters, or needs updated protection before boarding or travel, Cornerstone Veterinary Hospital of Saratoga Springs is here to help.

Vaccines work best when they are given at the right time. Puppies and kittens need a series of vaccines because their immune systems are still developing. Adult pets need regular boosters to help maintain protection over time.

Your pet’s vaccine schedule may change as they age or as their lifestyle changes. A dog who starts daycare, a cat who begins boarding, or a pet who travels more often may need updated recommendations. Our veterinarians can help you keep your pet current without overcomplicating their care.

If you have any questions about our vaccines or need to make an appointment, let us know at (518) 691-3300.

Make an Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions About Cat and Dog Vaccinations

Which Dog Vaccines are Absolutely Necessary?

The vaccines your dog needs most depend on their age, health, lifestyle, and exposure risk. At Cornerstone Veterinary Hospital of Saratoga Springs, common dog vaccines include rabies, distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, Lyme, leptospirosis, Bordetella, and canine influenza. Rabies, distemper, adenovirus, and parvovirus are often considered core vaccines for many dogs, while vaccines such as Lyme, leptospirosis, Bordetella, and canine influenza may be recommended based on your dog’s environment, boarding/daycare needs, and risk of exposure.

What are The Side Effects of Cat and Dog Vaccines?

Most pets do very well after vaccines, though some may have mild, short-term side effects such as soreness at the injection site, tiredness, a low-grade fever, or a slight decrease in appetite. These signs usually improve within a day or two. More serious reactions are uncommon, but if your pet develops facial swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, hives, trouble breathing, or severe weakness after a vaccine, contact a veterinarian right away.

Are Cat Vaccines Really Necessary?

How Often Do I Vaccinate My Pet?

Your pet’s vaccine schedule depends on their age, vaccine history, lifestyle, and which vaccines they need. Puppies and kittens typically start vaccines around 6–8 weeks of age and receive a series of boosters 3-4 weeks apart until they reach 15-16 weeks. Adult pets need regular vaccine updates (every 1 or 3 years) to maintain protection, though timing can vary by vaccine and your pet’s individual risk.