At Apollo Veterinary Hospital, we understand that keeping your pet healthy is a top priority. Vaccinations are a cornerstone of preventive care that protect your pets from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. Our team of experienced veterinarians, led by Dr. Gurjeet Pal S Gill, DVM, is committed to providing safe, effective vaccination protocols tailored to your pet’s specific needs, lifestyle, and risk factors.
Vaccinations
Understanding Pet Vaccinations
Pet vaccinations work by stimulating your pet’s immune system to recognize and fight specific disease-causing organisms. These vaccines contain antigens that mimic disease-causing organisms without actually causing the disease. When your pet is exposed to these antigens, their immune system develops protective antibodies that will recognize and combat these organisms if your pet encounters them in the future.
Vaccinations are categorized as core (recommended for all pets) and non-core (given based on your pet’s individual risk factors). Core vaccines for dogs typically include rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus, while core vaccines for cats include rabies, panleukopenia, herpesvirus, and calicivirus.
Benefits of Pet Vaccinations
Our Pet Vaccination Process
Your Pet’s First Evaluation with Dr. Gill
Your vaccination appointment begins with a thorough evaluation where Dr. Gurjeet Pal S Gill, DVM personally reviews your pet’s medical history and lifestyle factors. We’ll discuss your pet’s age, breed, health status, and daily activities to determine their specific risk factors for various diseases. During this conversation, we’ll answer any questions you have about vaccines and address any concerns about potential side effects or reactions.
Personalized Protection Strategy
Based on your pet’s individual needs, Dr. Gill will develop a customized vaccination schedule specifically for your four-legged family member. This targeted approach ensures your pet receives only the vaccines they truly need at the appropriate intervals for maximum effectiveness. Our team will clearly explain each recommended vaccine and why it’s important for your specific pet’s health and lifestyle.
Gentle Vaccine Administration
The vaccination process itself is quick and our techniques minimize discomfort for your pet. Our skilled veterinary team at Apollo Veterinary Hospital administers vaccines using methods designed to maximize comfort and safety throughout the procedure. We strategically place injectable vaccines in areas with loose skin, such as between the shoulder blades or in the hindquarters, and for sensitive pets, we may recommend splitting vaccine administration across multiple visits.
Post-Vaccination Care Instructions
After receiving vaccinations, most pets can resume normal activities right away, though some may experience mild lethargy or soreness at injection sites for a short time. Dr. Gill will provide you with clear information about potential side effects to watch for and exactly when to contact us with concerns. We recommend monitoring your pet for 24-48 hours following vaccination and keeping their vaccination records accessible for boarding, grooming, or travel needs.
Ongoing Protection Monitoring
We’ll schedule appropriate follow-up appointments based on your pet’s specific vaccination needs and health profile. Young puppies and kittens require a carefully timed series of vaccinations to build proper immunity, while adult pets need regular boosters to maintain their protection against diseases. Dr. Gurjeet Pal S Gill and our team will send timely reminders when your pet is due for their next vaccines, and we recommend annual wellness exams to reassess your pet’s vaccination needs as their lifestyle or health status evolves.
Why Choose Us for Pet Vaccinations
At Apollo Veterinary Hospital, our approach to vaccinations goes beyond simply administering shots. We follow a measured, evidence-based protocol that considers your pet’s individual needs. Dr. Gurjeet Pal S Gill, DVM and our team stay current with the latest research and guidelines from veterinary authorities to ensure we’re providing the most effective and safe vaccination protocols available.
Our practice uses high-quality vaccines and follows strict handling procedures to maintain their efficacy. We take the time to educate pet owners about the importance of each vaccine and possible side effects. Unlike some veterinary practices that may recommend a one-size-fits-all approach, we carefully evaluate each pet’s risk factors and only recommend vaccines that are truly beneficial for your companion. We also offer titers testing in appropriate cases to check immunity levels before automatically administering booster shots.
Protect Your Pet’s Health Today
Give your pet the gift of protection against preventable diseases with a personalized vaccination plan from Apollo Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Gurjeet Pal S Gill, DVM and our compassionate team are committed to making your pet’s vaccination experience positive and stress-free.
Call us today at 925-937-8387 to schedule your pet’s vaccination appointment, or connect with us on Facebook, Google Maps, and Yelp for more information about our services, hours, and patient stories. Taking this simple step now is one of the most important things you can do for your pet’s long-term health and wellbeing.
FAQs
Does pet insurance cover vaccines?
Most comprehensive pet insurance plans offer some coverage for vaccines, often as part of a wellness package or preventive care rider. These add-on options typically reimburse a portion of vaccination costs up to a specified annual limit. We recommend reviewing your policy details or contacting your insurance provider directly to understand exactly what vaccination costs are covered under your plan.
How often do pets need a rabies vaccine?
Rabies vaccination requirements depend on your location’s laws and the type of vaccine used. In most areas, the initial rabies vaccine is given when puppies and kittens are around 12-16 weeks old, followed by a booster one year later. After that, rabies vaccines are typically administered every 1-3 years, depending on the specific vaccine product used and local regulations.
How much do pet vaccinations cost?
The cost of pet vaccinations varies based on several factors, including the types of vaccines needed, your geographic location, and whether vaccines are administered individually or as part of a package. Core vaccines typically range from $15-$35 per vaccine, while non-core vaccines may have different price points. At Apollo Veterinary Hospital, we strive to keep vaccination costs reasonable while maintaining the highest quality standards.
How to get pet vaccination records?
The most direct way to obtain your pet’s vaccination records is to contact the veterinary clinic where the vaccines were administered. At Apollo Veterinary Hospital, we maintain detailed records of all vaccinations and can provide copies upon request. Many veterinary practices now offer digital access to vaccination records through client portals, making it easier to access this information when needed for boarding, grooming, or travel.
Are pet vaccinations necessary?
Yes, vaccinations are a crucial component of responsible pet care that protect your pet from serious and potentially fatal diseases that are still common in many areas. Without proper vaccination, pets remain vulnerable to preventable illnesses that can cause significant suffering and often require expensive treatment. At Apollo Veterinary Hospital, we take a balanced approach, recommending only those vaccines that are appropriate for your pet’s specific risk factors and lifestyle.
