University of Georgia

starting strong with your new best friend

Golden retriever puppy walking through lobbyWelcoming a new puppy or kitten into your home is one of the most exciting and rewarding times as a pet owner! Alongside the cuddles, playtime, and photo-ops comes an important responsibility: protecting your pet’s health.

When Should Vaccinations Begin?

One of the most critical steps in giving your furry friend a healthy start in life is ensuring they receive the appropriate vaccinations. While each patient will be assessed individually, we generally recommend starting vaccines for both puppies and kittens around 6-8 weeks old. Vaccines for kittens and puppies are performed as a booster series with visits occurring approximately 2-4 weeks apart until the patient is at least 16 weeks of age.

What vaccines does my puppy/kitten need?

Puppy Vaccines
  • DHPP/DHLPP: Protects against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza +/- Leptospirosis.
  • Leptospirosis: Protects against bacterial disease that can affect your dog’s liver or kidneys.
  • Rabies: Required by law and essential for public and pet health.
  • Bordetella: Helps prevent kennel cough, important for pups that frequent daycares, dog parks, or groomers.
  • Fecal float: Screens for internal parasites.
  • Dewormer: Puppies are commonly born with intestinal parasites which can managed with routine deworming.
Kitten Vaccines
  • FVRCP: Protects against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia.
  • FeLV/FIV Testing: A blood test to screen for feline leukemia and immunodeficiency virus.
  • FeLV: Recommended for kittens and cats who go outside or have exposure to cats with positive or unknown FeLV status.
  • Rabies: Required by law and essential for public and pet health.
  • Fecal float: Screens for internal parasites.
  • Dewormer: Kittens are also commonly born with intestinal parasites which can managed with routine deworming.

Why are vaccine series so important?

Young puppies and kittens receive some immunity from their mothers, but this natural protection wears off around 6–16 weeks of age. That’s why the vaccine booster series is so important as it helps build strong, lasting immunity during this transitional period. Skipping or delaying boosters can leave your pet unprotected.

Discuss Preventative Care Early

In addition to vaccines, we’ll also discuss:

  • Nutrition and feeding recommendations
  • Microchipping
  • Spay/neuter timing
  • Parasite prevention (fleas, ticks, heartworms)
  • Socialization and behavior tips

We’re here to support you through every step of raising a healthy, happy pet and can’t wait to meet your newest family member!

Emergencies

For animal emergencies, contact our Veterinary Teaching Hospital at (706) 542-3221.

Looking for vet-approved pet health resources and tips?

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going beyond the expected