National Pet Immunization Month: Why Vaccines Matter for Your Pets

August is National Pet Immunization Month, making it a great time to check in on your pet's vaccinations. Just like routine wellness exams, vaccines are an important part of keeping pets healthy and protecting them from serious, preventable diseases.

Vaccines help prepare your pet's immune system to fight certain illnesses before they have a chance to cause serious health problems. They can also help protect other animals and people in your community by reducing the spread of contagious diseases.

Whether you have a new puppy or kitten, an adult pet, or a senior companion, keeping vaccinations up to date is one of the simplest ways to support your pet's long-term health.

What Do Pet Vaccines Do?

Vaccines work by helping your pet's immune system recognize and respond to specific diseases. If your pet is exposed to one of those diseases later, their immune system is better prepared to fight the infection. Some of the diseases vaccines protect against can cause serious illness, long-term health problems, or even death. Fortunately, many of these diseases are preventable through routine vaccination.

Vaccinating your pet can also help protect other animals. Some illnesses spread easily between pets, particularly in places where animals interact, such as dog parks, boarding facilities, grooming salons, shelters, and training classes.

Which Vaccines Do Pets Need?

Not every pet needs the exact same vaccines. Your veterinarian will consider your pet's age, health, lifestyle, and risk of exposure when creating a vaccination plan. Vaccines are generally divided into two categories: core vaccines and lifestyle or non-core vaccines.

Core Vaccines

Core vaccines are recommended for most pets because they protect against diseases that are widespread, serious, or potentially life-threatening.

For dogs, commonly recommended core vaccines protect against diseases such as:

• Rabies

• Canine distemper

• Canine parvovirus

• Canine adenovirus

For cats, commonly recommended core vaccines protect against diseases such as:

• Rabies

• Feline panleukopenia

• Feline herpesvirus

• Feline calicivirus

Your veterinarian can help determine which vaccines your pet needs and when they should receive them.

Lifestyle Vaccines

Some vaccines may be recommended based on your pet's individual lifestyle and risk of exposure.

For example, a dog that regularly visits dog parks, boarding facilities, or daycare may have different vaccination needs than a dog that spends most of its time at home. Similarly, a cat that spends time outdoors may have different risks than an indoor-only cat. Your veterinarian can help you determine which additional vaccines make sense for your pet.

Why is the Rabies Vaccine so Important?

Rabies is one of the most serious diseases that can affect pets and people. It is caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms develop. Rabies can spread through the bite or saliva of an infected animal. Wildlife, including bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes, can carry the virus and potentially expose pets. The good news is that rabies is preventable through vaccination.

Rabies vaccination is also required by law for dogs, cats, and other animals in many communities. Keeping your pet's rabies vaccine current helps protect your pet, your family, and your community.

Do Indoor Pets Need Vaccines?

Yes. Even pets that spend most or all of their time indoors can benefit from routine vaccinations.

Indoor pets can still be exposed to illness through:

• Visits to the veterinarian

• Contact with other animals

• People who unknowingly carry germs into the home

• Escaping outdoors

• Wildlife that enters the home or yard
  

For example, an indoor cat may accidentally slip outside, or a dog may encounter another animal during a walk. Keeping vaccinations current provides an extra layer of protection if the unexpected happens. Your veterinarian can help determine which vaccines are appropriate for an indoor-only pet based on their individual risk factors.

How Often Do Pets Need Vaccines?

Vaccination schedules can vary depending on your pet's age, health, previous vaccination history, and the specific vaccine being used. Puppies and kittens typically receive a series of vaccinations during their first few months of life because their developing immune systems need multiple doses to build strong protection. Adult pets may need booster vaccinations at regular intervals to maintain that protection.

If you recently adopted a pet, don't worry if you're unsure about their vaccination history. Your veterinarian can review any available medical records and help determine what your pet needs going forward.

Keeping a copy of your pet's vaccination records can also make things easier when visiting a veterinarian, boarding facility, groomer, or daycare.

Making Preventative Care More Accessible

Keeping your pet's vaccines current is an important part of preventive care, but we know veterinary expenses can add up. That's why Metro East Humane Society offers low-cost Vaccine & Microchip Clinics to help make preventive care more accessible for pet owners throughout the Metro East.

MEHS vaccine clinics are open to everyone, regardless of income or ZIP code, and no appointment is needed. Clinics are held monthly from March through October at the MEHS shelter in Highland, Illinois.

Services and fees currently include:

• Rabies vaccine: $20

• Bordetella vaccine: $15

• Canine DAPPV vaccine: Free while supplies last

• Feline HCP vaccine: Free while supplies last

• Microchip: $30
  

The free canine and feline distemper vaccines are made possible through Petco Love's Vaccinated & Loved initiative and are available while supplies last.

For 2026, upcoming MEHS Vaccine & Microchip Clinics are scheduled for September 19, and October 10. Clinics begin at 8 a.m. and run until noon, or while supplies last. Weather can affect clinic schedules, so pet owners should check MEHS's Facebook page for the most up-to-date information before attending.

Cats are welcome at the clinics but must be in carriers, with one cat per carrier. MEHS accepts cash or check only, and no appointment is necessary. Learn more about MEHS Vaccine & Microchip Clinics, including current clinic dates, services, and pricing.

What Happens If My Pet Is Not Vaccinated?

Without appropriate vaccinations, pets may be more vulnerable to diseases that could otherwise be prevented. Some vaccine-preventable illnesses can be particularly serious in puppies, kittens, senior pets, or animals with other health concerns. Treatment can also become expensive and may require hospitalization or intensive veterinary care.

Vaccinating your pet is generally much easier and less costly than treating a serious disease after an infection occurs. Vaccines also help reduce the spread of contagious diseases, protecting vulnerable animals in the community who may not be able to receive certain vaccines because of age or medical conditions.

Are Vaccines Safe for Pets?

Vaccines are widely used in veterinary medicine and are considered an important part of preventive pet care. Some pets may experience mild, temporary side effects after vaccination, such as:

• Tiredness

• Mild soreness where the vaccine was given

• A slightly decreased appetite

• A low-grade fever

These effects typically resolve on their own. More serious reactions are uncommon, but it is important to contact your veterinarian if your pet develops concerning symptoms after receiving a vaccine.

If you have questions or concerns about a particular vaccine, talk with your veterinarian. They can explain the benefits and potential risks and help determine the best vaccination plan for your pet.

Keeping Your Pet's Vaccines Up to Date

Keeping track of vaccination appointments can be challenging, especially when your pet's schedule includes multiple vaccines and boosters.

A few simple habits can help:

• Keep your pet's vaccination records in a safe, easy-to-find place.

• Ask your veterinarian when your pet's next vaccines are due.

• Set reminders on your phone or calendar.

• Bring your pet's vaccination records to appointments when possible.

• Let your veterinarian know about changes in your pet's lifestyle, such as starting daycare, boarding, or spending more time outdoors.

A quick check of your pet's records can help you identify whether any vaccinations are coming due.

Protect Your Pet With Preventative Care 

Vaccines are an important part of a healthy life for your pet. National Pet Immunization Month is a great reminder to take a look at your pet's vaccination records and make sure they are up to date. If you're unsure which vaccines your pet needs or when they are due, your veterinarian can help you create a vaccination plan based on your pet's individual needs.

At Metro East Humane Society, we know that keeping pets healthy is an important part of keeping them in loving homes. If your pet is due for vaccinations or a microchip, our Vaccine & Microchip Clinics offer an affordable option for families throughout the Metro East.

Looking for more pet care resources and seasonal tips? Visit the MEHS blog for additional articles designed to help you keep your pets healthy, happy, and safe year-round.