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Pet Vaccinations in Denver & Chicago
Staying on top of vaccinations is an essential step to prevent serious transmissible diseases in cats and dogs and helps contribute to your pet’s long and healthy life.
Sploot offers a wide range of core and recommended* vaccines for cats and dogs. Our easy online booking, great appointment availability, and warm and modern clinics make taking care of your pet’s vaccinations easy and stress free.
*Recommended based on breed, lifestyle, and other risk factors.
WHICH VACCINES ARE CRITICAL FOR DOGS AND CATS?
It’s a misconception that core vaccines are the only vaccines that dogs and cats really need. Core vaccines are essential because they are recommended for pets in general. Other vaccines can also be recommended based on a pet’s specific needs and lifestyle.
Vaccination Schedule for Puppies and Dogs
(2 - 4 weeks apart with the last vaccine at or after 16 weeks)
(depending on vaccine history)
(Good for one year)
(depending on vaccine history and age)
(2-4 weeks apart)
(can vary based on DVM recommendation)
(2-4 weeks apart)
Or every 6 months if at high risk (i.e. boarding or daycare/dog parks)
(2-4 weeks apart)
Vaccination Schedule for Kittens and Cats
(Good for one year)
(depending on patient age and vaccine history)
(2 - 4 weeks apart, with the last vaccine at or after 16 weeks)
(depending on patient age and vaccine history)
(2-4 weeks apart)
MORE ABOUT DOG VACCINES
Core Dog Vaccines
Generally recommended for all dogs.
Dogs are most commonly affected, especially those exposed to rivers, lakes, or streams, roaming on rural properties, or having contact with wild or farm animals, rodents, or other dogs. Even suburban and urban dogs can be at risk due to potential exposure to infected rodents or animals.
Recommended* Dog Vaccines
*Recommended based on breed, lifestyle, location, and other risk factors.
Can’t get enough great information about dog vaccines? Learn more here:
Just got a new puppy? Download our handy guide!
MORE ABOUT CAT VACCINES
Core Cat Vaccines
Generally recommended for all cats.
Recommended* Cat Vaccines
*Recommended based on breed, lifestyle, location, and other risk factors.
Can’t get enough great information about cat vaccines? Learn more here:
Just got a new kitten? Download our handy guide!
WHY VACCINATE YOUR PET EARLY?
WHY VACCINATE YOUR PET REGULARLY?
Healthier Life
Your pet will be protected from diseases that have life-threatening symptoms or life-long complications.
Safer Socialization
Your pet will be safer while socializing with other animals or exploring the outdoors.
Avoid Transmission
Pet vaccines help keep you and your family safe because some diseases that vaccines keep away are transmissible to humans.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
VACCINATIONS APPOINTMENTS
New puppies and kittens typically don’t need to be checked for existing immunity. They all start with initial shots for all needed vaccines — which are scheduled by the vet depending on their age.
It is essential to follow the schedule for initial shots and their follow-up shots. Several vaccinations require one or more follow up shots, in a specific time frame, to achieve the recommended level of immunity.
If your pet has previously received vaccinations, the veterinarian will start with checking your pet's vaccination record. Checking for existing immunity may no longer be necessary.
For adult pets that have missed vaccinations or those that have unclear vaccination histories, restarting vaccines is a safe option. Another available option is to test the dog's or cat's blood for existing immunity and taking the next steps from there.
WHEN TO SEE A VET FOR CAT OR DOG VACCINATIONS
After getting a puppy or kitten, schedule your first puppy or kitten wellness exam as soon as possible. Our veterinarians will plan out the best vaccination schedule for your young furry friend.
As for adult pets and senior pets, whether you are unsure about your pet’s vaccine history or you know they are due for revaccination, we can help. You can conveniently set an appointment with Sploot in just a few clicks.
Sploot accepts scheduled, same-day, & urgent drop-off appointments for cats and dogs of all ages.
Vaccinations are important to protect dogs and cats from various diseases, some of which can have lifelong repercussions or can be fatal.
Some states, like Illinois, have statewide laws regarding rabies vaccination for dogs and cats. Other states, like California, only require dogs to be vaccinated for rabies.
As for states that do not have statewide laws for pet vaccinations, individual municipalities can still have ordinances on the matter. One example of such a state is Colorado (which does not have statewide laws regarding rabies vaccination) — but Denver, Colorado requires dogs and cats to get rabies shots.
When in doubt, make sure to check both the laws in your state and ordinances in your city of residence.
Some states and municipalities may allow exemptions to their vaccination requirements for medical reasons. However, these exemptions generally require a veterinarian's certification.
Dogs and cats require a series of core vaccinations, including vaccinations for rabies, distemper, and etc. Dogs and cats have separate sets of core vaccines that they need.
Depending on the risks that your pet is exposed to, our veterinarians may also recommend other vaccines for Bordetella, canine influenza, leptospirosis, and feline leukemia virus, respectively.
Each cat or dog vaccine follows a specific schedule for the initial shot, booster shot (if any), and revaccinations. Our veterinarians can recommend a vaccination schedule that is best suited for your pet.
Our veterinarians will keep a record of your pet’s vaccinations. And if you have questions about your pet’s pending vaccinations, you can easily get answers from our Pet Parent Concierge team. However, even with this reliable support system in place, we encourage pet parents to keep their own record of their pet’s vaccination in case they want their own personal reference.
The duration of protection provided by a vaccine depends on the vaccine. Some vaccines require booster shots to maintain their efficacy. The frequency of booster shots depends on the indications of the vaccine and the pet’s needs.
Vaccinations should be administered by a licensed veterinarian to ensure the proper storage, handling, and administration of the vaccines.
Similar to how human vaccines work, pets may exhibit lethargy and a slight fever after getting vaccinated. This happens while their immune system responds to the vaccine. This can last for a couple of days.
Vaccines are designed to stimulate the immune system. Therefore, it’s normal for cats and dogs to experience mild symptoms after getting vaccinated. The usual side effects of vaccines are decreased energy, mild fever, decreased appetite, and mild discomfort.
We don’t recommend vaccinating a dog or cat that is not healthy. If your furry companion is sick and exhibiting symptoms like fever, lethargy, sneezing, coughing, vomiting, and etc., it is best to bring them in for a veterinary check-up so they can be given appropriate treatment.
Vaccinations are safe for a majority of dogs and cats. However, there is still a small risk of adverse reactions.
In some rare cases, a cat or dog may react adversely to a vaccine. Reach out to our team immediately if you notice these symptoms:
- Itchy skin
- Development of hives or bumpy skin
- Facial swelling
- Persistent diarrhea or vomiting
- Severe coughing or breathing difficulties
- Collapse
For each vaccine, there is a recommended age when puppies and kittens can get them. It is best to vaccinate a pet as soon as it’s appropriate to avoid the transmission of disease from unvaccinated animals, wildlife, and other sources of infection.
It is important to note that some diseases cause lifelong changes in a pet’s health (e.g. compromised immunity, lifelong carrying of certain viruses) which is another reason why timely vaccination is highly recommended.
Senior pets can still benefit from regular vaccinations. However, senior cats and dogs may be given different vaccination schedules depending on their individual needs.
Typically, veterinarians will recommend dogs and cats with an unclear vaccination history to restart vaccination; this is a safe and hassle-free option in healthy pets.
In other cases wherein there is some risk tied to administering vaccination and/or vaccination is required for exportation to some countries, a vaccine titer test is used to measure the level of antibodies a pet has to a disease, thereby measuring immunity against a disease. This helps determine if revaccination is absolutely necessary.
You can conveniently schedule your pet’s vaccination whether it’s days, weeks, or months in advance!
If you need an urgent visit, our doors are also open for same-day appointments and drop-offs.
We only accept cashless payments to ensure the safety of our clinics and clients. Pet parents can pay with any major credit or debit card, as well as CareCredit and ScratchPay.
If vaccinations are covered by your pet’s insurance plan or pet wellness plan, then you may be able to claim reimbursement from your provider. It's important to note that pet insurance or wellness plans cover different veterinary treatments. For more information about your pet’s insurance coverage, please contact your provider.
Got a specific question for us about our services or about your next steps? Call or text us!
We accept scheduled appointments, same-day appointments, & urgent drop-offs at all our clinics.
