Keeping your pet’s vaccinations current is one of the most important things you can do for their long-term health. Here in Las Vegas, where dogs visit busy parks and cats can encounter wildlife even in suburban yards, the right schedule matters. At West Charleston Animal Hospital, we have been building those schedules with local families since 2003, and we want to make the process easy to understand.
Why Vaccination Timing Matters for Las Vegas Pets
Puppies and kittens receive protective antibodies through their mothers’ milk, but that passive immunity fades after weaning. Once it’s gone, vaccines become the primary line of defense. Las Vegas pets interact daily with other animals at dog parks, grooming facilities, and boarding locations, all of which increase exposure to contagious diseases. Staying on schedule keeps your pet protected and ensures they can safely participate in those activities.
Nevada law adds another layer: all residents of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, and Henderson are required by law to license their pets, and a current rabies certificate is required to obtain that license.
Dog Vaccination Schedule: Core Vaccines First
For puppies, veterinarians typically begin the vaccine series at six to eight weeks of age. Core vaccines, which are recommended for every dog regardless of lifestyle, cover canine parvovirus, distemper, adenovirus, and rabies. The 2022 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines (updated 2024) also include leptospirosis as a recommended core vaccine for all dogs, given its potential to occur in any environment and its zoonotic risk to humans. Booster doses are scheduled every three to four weeks, with the final puppy dose given no earlier than 16 weeks of age.
After that initial series, annual wellness visits keep adults current. Our team will discuss lifestyle-based vaccines, such as Bordetella for dogs that board or attend group training, at those visits.
Cat Vaccination Schedule: Indoor Cats Need Vaccines Too
Cats need vaccinations even when they live entirely indoors. Certain viruses spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, other animals, or even clothing brought in from outside. Core feline vaccines include rabies and the FVRCP combination: feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. Kitten series typically begin at six to eight weeks, with boosters every two to four weeks and a final dose at 16 weeks or older.
Non-core vaccines, including feline leukemia virus (FeLV), are worth discussing for cats with any outdoor exposure. Your vet will walk through the risk factors with you at your visit.
What to Bring to Your First Visit
During your first visit with us, our team reviews your pet’s medical history, performs a full physical exam, and builds a vaccination plan that fits their age, lifestyle, and history. If you have existing records from another clinic, you can have them faxed to (702) 363-0034 or brought in on the day of your visit. We see patients six days a week, Monday through Saturday, 7 AM to 5 PM, and accept walk-ins so there is no need to wait to get your pet protected.
Ready to Get Your Pet’s Vaccines on Track?
The team at West Charleston Animal Hospital has been protecting Las Vegas pets since 2003. Walk in Monday through Saturday, 7 AM to 5 PM, at 7891 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89117, or call us at (702) 362-7387. You can also find us on Google Maps to get directions or leave a review. We partner with you to keep your pet healthy at every stage of life.