Pet Vaccinations & Preventive Care
Protection for Every Stage of Life
At Animal Medical Center, we believe preventive care is one of the best ways to help your pet live a longer, healthier life. Vaccinations play an important role in protecting dogs and cats from serious, potentially life-threatening diseases.
But not every pet needs the exact same vaccines.
Our veterinarians follow the vaccination guidelines established by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and tailor recommendations to your pet's age, health, lifestyle, and individual risk factors.
Whether your dog spends weekends hiking the trails of Northwest Arkansas or your cat prefers the comfort of the living room couch, we'll help determine the right protection for them.
Dog Vaccinations
We recommend core vaccinations for all dogs, with additional protection based on lifestyle and exposure risks.
Core Vaccines:
- Rabies: Protects against a fatal disease that can affect both animals and humans. Required by Arkansas law.
- Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus (DAP/DHPP): Protects against several serious, highly contagious viral diseases.
- Leptospirosis: Protects against a bacterial disease that can cause kidney and liver damage and can spread to people. Exposure can occur through water, soil, and wildlife, making protection important even for dogs living in urban and suburban environments.
Lifestyle-Based Vaccines:
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough): Often recommended for dogs visiting boarding facilities, grooming salons, daycare, dog parks, or other places where dogs socialize.
- Canine Influenza: May be recommended for dogs with frequent exposure to other dogs or certain travel and boarding situations.
- Lyme Disease: Considered based on tick exposure, travel, and individual risk.
Our team will help determine which additional vaccines make sense for your dog.
Cat Vaccinations
Indoor or outdoor, cats need protection too! Even cats that never leave home can be exposed to certain infectious diseases.
Core Vaccines:
- Rabies: Protects against a fatal disease and is required by Arkansas law.
- FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia): Protects against serious respiratory infections and feline panleukopenia, a potentially fatal viral disease.
- Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): Recommended for all kittens and young cats under one year of age. Continued vaccination in adult cats is based on lifestyle and exposure risk.
We'll discuss your cat's environment, health history, and potential exposure to other cats to develop an appropriate vaccination plan.
Puppies & Kittens: Starting Off Strong
Young pets need a series of vaccinations to build protection as their immune systems develop.
Puppies and kittens typically begin their vaccination series around 6–8 weeks of age, with boosters given at appropriate intervals throughout their first several months.
Our team will create a personalized vaccination schedule to help your newest family member get a healthy start.
Does My Pet Need Vaccines Every Year?
Not necessarily!
Some vaccines provide protection for several years, while others require annual boosters. The appropriate schedule depends on the vaccine, your pet's vaccination history, and their individual health and risk factors.
We believe in vaccinating appropriately—not simply vaccinating more often.
Annual wellness examinations remain important, even during years when your pet may not need vaccinations. These visits allow us to monitor their overall health, identify concerns early, and adjust their preventive care as they age.
Rabies Vaccination Requirements in Arkansas
Arkansas law requires dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age and to remain current throughout their lives.
After the initial vaccination and required booster, many pets qualify for a three-year rabies vaccine, depending on vaccine labeling and vaccination history.
At Animal Medical Center, we do not charge an examination fee for rabies-vaccine-only appointments.
Let's Keep Your Pet Protected!
From their very first vaccines through their senior years, our team is here to help you make informed decisions about your pet's health.
Contact any of our three Rogers locations to schedule a vaccination or wellness appointment.
AMC – Midtown
205 S. 20th Street, Rogers, AR
(479) 631-7744
AMC – Pinnacle Hills
1203 S. 43rd Street, Rogers, AR
(479) 335-1400
AMC – New Hope
103 E. New Hope Road, Rogers, AR
(479) 631-0880
Three locations. One purpose. A lifetime of care.