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Vaccinations for Dogs and Cats

Keeping your pet’s vaccines up to date is one of the best ways to protect their long-term health. We provide personalized vaccination plans for dogs and cats, including puppy and kitten vaccines, booster shots, and preventive care tailored to your pet’s age, lifestyle, and risk factors. Our team makes the process simple, informative, and low stress so your pet stays protected through every stage of life.

Cat in clinic
Dogs in clinic

Why Are Vaccinations Important for Pets?

Pets cannot tell us when they are at risk, which is why prevention matters. Vaccines help protect dogs and cats from serious and contagious diseases before they become dangerous. Keeping your pet up to date on vaccinations not only protects their health, but also helps prevent the spread of illness to other pets.

Our approach at Tandem is to make preventive care feel straightforward, not overwhelming. We take the time to explain what your pet needs and why, so you always leave with a clear picture of how to keep them protected.

Why Are Vaccinations Important for Pets?

Not every pet needs every vaccine. Your vet will help you understand which ones apply based on your pet's age, health, and how they spend their time.
Core vaccines
Recommended for all dogs and cats regardless of lifestyle. They protect against diseases that are highly contagious, potentially fatal, or transmissible to people.
Lifestyle vaccines
Recommended based on individual risk factors - time outdoors, boarding, daycare, or contact with wildlife. Your vet recommends only what makes sense.

Vaccines We Offer for Puppies and Dogs

We offer core and lifestyle vaccines to help support your dog's long-term health and preventive care needs.
Core Vaccines
Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs regardless of lifestyle or location.
DAPP Vaccine
A combination vaccine covering distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. Parvovirus is especially dangerous for puppies and can cause severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and dehydration.
Leptospirosis Vaccine
Protects against a bacterial infection that can cause kidney and liver failure. Leptospirosis can spread to humans and is increasingly common in urban and suburban areas.
Rabies Vaccine
Protects against a fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system and can spread to humans. Rabies vaccination is required by law in Massachusetts.
Lifestyle Vaccines
Your vet may recommend additional vaccines depending on your dog's activities and environment.
Bordetella Vaccine
Prevents kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection that spreads easily wherever dogs gather. Recommended for dogs visiting daycare, boarding, grooming, or dog parks.
Canine Influenza Vaccine
Protects against dog flu, a contagious respiratory virus that spreads easily between dogs in close contact. Recommended for dogs frequently around other dogs.
Lyme Disease Vaccine
Protects against a tick-borne bacterial illness that can affect the joints, kidneys, and heart. Common in New England due to high tick populations.

Vaccines We Offer for Kittens and Cats

Whether your cat stays indoors or goes outside, our team will walk through what is appropriate for their age and situation.
Core Vaccines
Core vaccines are recommended for all cats regardless of lifestyle.
FVRCP Vaccine:
A three-in-one vaccine covering feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. Panleukopenia is a severe and often fatal gastrointestinal disease, and both respiratory viruses are highly contagious.
Rabies Vaccine
Protects against a fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system and can spread to humans. Required by law in Massachusetts for all cats, including those that live exclusively indoors.
Lifestyle Vaccines
Your vet may recommend additional vaccines depending on your cat's environment and exposure.
Bordetella Vaccine
Prevents kennel cough in cats. Recommended for cats in multi-cat households, shelters, or boarding facilities.
Feline Leukemia (FeLV) Vaccine
Protects against a viral disease that attacks the immune system and can significantly shorten a cat's life. Transmitted through close contact with infected cats. Recommended for all kittens and for outdoor or multi-cat household cats.

Are Pet Vaccines Safe?

Vaccines are considered safe and are an important part of preventive veterinary care. Most pets experience little to no side effects beyond mild soreness or temporary tiredness after their visit.Before recommending vaccines, we review your pet's age, medical history, and lifestyle to ensure their care plan is appropriate and individualized.

If your pet has had previous vaccine sensitivities or health concerns, our veterinarians will discuss alternative approaches and monitoring recommendations. Serious vaccine reactions are uncommon, but if your pet develops symptoms such as facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or persistent vomiting after vaccination, seek urgent veterinary care right away.

What to Expect at Your Vaccine Appointment

Brief physical exam first: We confirm your pet is healthy enough to receive vaccines that day. If they are showing signs of illness, we address that first.

We review your pet's history: We confirm what is due and explain each vaccine before giving it. You will never receive a charge for something not discussed.

Clear aftercare guidance: Mild fatigue and slight soreness are normal for a day or two. We tell you what to watch for and how to reach us.

Why Tandem

Vet Care
A new standard of care
We combine evidence-based veterinary standards with compassion, using advanced diagnostics and gentle care to keep your pet healthy.
Convenience
Built for convenience
With a full-service clinic hub, satellite mobile clinics, and an all-in-one app, accessing veterinary care has never been easier.
Transparent pricing
Transparent pricing
We communicate recommendations and costs clearly, so you can make informed decisions without unexpected surprises.
One roof
All under one roof
From wellness visits to urgent care and specialized services, Tandem provides comprehensive, coordinated care throughout your pet’s life.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should my puppy or kitten start getting vaccinated?

How often does my adult pet need booster shots?
Which vaccines does my pet actually need?
My pet is overdue. Is it too late to catch up?
Does my indoor cat need vaccines?
What side effects should I watch for after vaccination?
Can my pet be vaccinated if they are not feeling well?
Do you accept walk-ins for vaccine appointments?
Do you accept pet insurance?

Ready to schedule your pet’s visit?

Staying current on vaccines is one of the simplest things you can do to protect your pet. Let our team take a look.

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