Vaccinations are an essential preventive care measure for keeping your pets healthy. Through vaccination, dogs and cats can now be protected from numerous disease risks, including rabies, distemper, hepatitis, and leukemia among others. Widespread use of vaccines in the last century has prevented the spread of disease and death of millions of animals. Some of these diseases are zoonotic, meaning that they can be passed from pets to people. Therefore,  vaccinating your pet also benefits public health.

Pets need the following vaccinations to keep them healthy:
 
Dogs: 6 in 1 vaccination (DHLPP: Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus) and Bordetella every 12 months. Rabies vaccination every 3 years.
 
Puppies: 6 in 1 vaccination (DHLPP: Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus) and Bordetella at eight weeks of age and then once every three to four weeks until the puppy reaches 4 months of age. After 4 months, vaccinate once each year. Rabies vaccination is given at 4 months of age, then again within 12 months, then every 3 years.

Cats: FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) and Chlamydophila every 12 months. Rabies every 1-3 years depending on vaccination.
 
Kittens: FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) and Chlamydophila at eight weeks of age, then once every 3 to 4 weeks until the kitten reaches 4 months of age. After 4 months, vaccinate once each year. Rabies is due at 4 months, then again within 12 months, then every 1-3 years depending on vaccination.
Your veterinarian may suggest additional vaccinations for your pet.

 NOTE: Proof of a current rabies vaccination is required to license your dog.  California state law requires that all dogs be inoculated against rabies.

Low-cost vaccination clinics are offered year-round at locations throughout the city. Clinics provide inoculations against rabies and other dog and cat diseases. For 24-hour information, call (213) 473-4744 or click on the Vaccination Clinics link on this page.

Click here for the Low Cost Vaccination Schedule

What you should know about vaccinations

Dog diseases and vaccination

Feline diseases and vaccination

Vaccination protocols for dogs, cats, and other animals