
Importance of Vaccinating Your Pet
Just like humans, pets deserve proper healthcare and nutrition. One of the fundamental health care routines that you should provide your pet is vaccination. Regular vaccinations not only protect your pet from diseases and boost their immune system, but they also prevent the spread of infectious diseases to other animals within your locality.

What Are The Benefits Of Vaccinating Your Pet?
Pets are susceptible to dangerous diseases such as rabies, feline leukemia, hepatitis, parvovirus and distemper among many others. Infections such as rabies are fatal and can be passed on to humans as well. The only viable way you can protect your family and pets from these life-threatening infections is through regular vaccinations.
Vaccination helps your pets live longer and happier lives. The fact that vaccinated pets don’t have to go through miserable treatment procedures is a sigh of relief for both the animals and the pet owners.
What Vaccines Does My Dog Need?
The process of vaccination starts at a very early age when your dog is still a puppy. The puppy vaccination schedule ensures all puppies are protected by having their core vaccines by the time they are 16 weeks old. Here’s a guideline for different vaccinations for dogs:
- 6 to 8 weeks – Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus (DHPP) and Bordetella
- 10 to 12 weeks – Bordetella, DHPP, Leptospirosis, +/- Lyme disease (depending on lifestyle)
- 14 to 16 weeks – DHPP, Leptospirosis, Rabies
- Yearly – DHPP, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Rabies
In case you purchased an older dog from a breeder or adopted one from a shelter, then you should let a vet have a look at your dog to ascertain whether it has undergone all essential vaccinations. If you have a dog that spends most of its time outside, then you should consider additional vaccines for kennel cough, canine influenza and Lyme disease.
Schedule Your Pet’s Vaccination Appointment

What Vaccines Does My Cat Need?
Kittens should receive vaccinations at least once every three to four weeks. The process of immunizing kittens goes on until they are four months old. Adult cats also require vaccinations but not as regularly as kittens. For example, the Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis Calicivirus and Panleukopenia vaccine should be administered yearly for adult cats. Some of the core cat vaccinations include:
- Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis Calicivirus and Panleukopenia (also known as Feline Distemper)
- Rabies
Non-core cat vaccines are optional immunizations and are recommended for cats who spend most of their time outside the house. These include:
- Feline Leukemia
Where Can I Take My Pet For Vaccinations?
At University Animal Clinic, we offer wellness plans that will suit the vaccination needs of your pet. Whether you have a cat or a dog, you can rest assured that our dedicated staff will take care of your furry loved one in our AAHA-Accredited animal clinic.

For more information on the best vaccination schedule for your pet, give us a call at 941-355-7707 today.
Schedule Your Pet's Vaccination AppointmentThe very best of care, the entire staff always gives their all and truly cares about both patient and parents! You won’t find a better clinic in Sarasota.
It is very difficult to find an avian vet who is kind while not sugar coating what can be bad news. I had no idea conures get cataracts as they get older, helped me understand my bird’s actions. The Dr. is wonderful!
Most caring and helpful Vet ever . The staff are amazing and are so wonderful with all pets . They take amazing care of my two fur babies . I wouldn’t trust my two pups with anyone else . You can really tell how much the love animals . Do your pets the biggest favor and take them to this vet clinic .
Incredibly grateful to the staff of University Animal Clinic. We have been a customer for over 20 years. They were able to take care of our dog Duke today for an unscheduled appointment for UTI. Couldn’t imagine going to anybody else.
Awesome reptile vet! I thought there was a problem with my bearded dragon so I made an app to bring him in. Dr. Sara was knowledgeable, professional, and down to earth. UAC is clean and doesn’t smell like urine whatsoever. I love coming here and will continue to bring my pets here. I highly recommend this vet. A+ service. Thanks!!!
Dr Sam and staff are friendly, knowledgeable and truly care about your pets health and happiness! We wouldn’t trust our babies with any one else.
I took my galah Rosie for a general physical. The staff and vet took the time to show me (as a new bird owner) how to clip nails and wings and what to look for as far as outward signs of her health. Can’t say enough good things about this clinic and would recommend them without any hesitation!
Thank you to Doctor Simonson, Casey, Dr. Sam and the rest of the team for taking care of Wrangler! You all treated him like a pet of your own and made me feel so comfortable leaving him with you to watch over after such a scary incident. Everyone at your office is so knowledgeable and caring. Wrangler is feeling so much better and back to normal. Thank you for all your help, you have an amazing team.
Vets and staff are knowledgeable and efficient. Clean and friendly Vet office. My dog now goes in to see her Vet with out balking.
My dogs, Max and Leo, always have a very positive experience at UAC. The staff is friendly and professional. The office is efficient and clean. I appreciate the ability to check on the dogs’ vaccinations, etc., on the pet portal. Great vet practice.
We’ve always had a great experience at University Animal Clinic. The doctors and team are all very knowledgeable and friendly. They get back to you in a timely manner and work with you when it comes to scheduling appointments. They even follow up with you after your visit to make sure that your pet is ok. The office is always clean and they are AAHA accredited. Your pets are in great hands here.
Dr Sam was very sweet, knowledgable and took the time to explain everything to me. The nurses and front desk staff were wonderful.
Very nice and welcoming entree, king and professional vet and nurse. Thank you very much, I will come back and be happy to recommend you