Vaccination Schedule for Dogs & Cats: A Fullerton Pet Owner’s Guide

pet vaccination schedule Fullerton

Vaccinations are a vital part of your pet’s long-term health—and in a climate like Fullerton, where year-round outdoor activity is common, timely vaccines help protect pets from diseases that thrive in local parks, sidewalks, and even backyards. Whether you’ve just adopted a playful kitten or are caring for an aging dog, understanding the pet vaccination schedule in Fullerton is essential for responsible pet ownership.

At Oasis Pet Clinic, we help local pet parents navigate the core and non-core vaccines their pets need through every life stage. Let’s break down what to expect when it comes to dog vaccines in Fullerton, cat vaccine timelines, and how local factors can impact your pet’s care plan.

Puppy & Kitten Vaccines: Starting on the Right Paw

Early vaccinations set the foundation for your pet’s immune system. Puppies and kittens are especially vulnerable to viruses, so it’s important to start their vaccination series at the right age.

Core Vaccines for Puppies & Kittens:

  • Dogs: DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza), Rabies
  • Cats: FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia), Rabies

These are typically administered in a series starting at 6–8 weeks of age and repeated every 3–4 weeks until about 16–20 weeks. After that, your vet will advise on a booster schedule based on your pet’s environment and lifestyle.

Non-Core Vaccines:

Depending on your pet’s habits and surroundings, our Fullerton pet care team may recommend:

  • Dogs: Bordetella (kennel cough), Leptospirosis, Lyme
  • Cats: Feline Leukemia (FeLV) for outdoor or multi-cat households

Adult Pet Booster Schedule

Once the initial series is completed, adult pets need regular boosters to maintain protection. During your pet’s wellness exams in Fullerton, your veterinarian will review their vaccine status and recommend any necessary updates.

Dog Booster Timeline:

  • Rabies: Every 1–3 years, depending on the vaccine
  • DHPP: Every 1–3 years
  • Bordetella: Annually or semi-annually for social dogs

Cat Booster Timeline:

  • Rabies: Every 1–3 years
  • FVRCP: Every 1–3 years
  • FeLV: Annually if recommended

These vaccines are often administered during routine wellness exams to streamline preventive care and reduce stress for pets.

Learn more about wellness exams in Fullerton and how they integrate with your pet’s vaccine schedule.

Travel, Lifestyle & Local Risk Factors in Fullerton

Southern California’s warm weather means a longer “parasite season,” but it also increases the risk of exposure to contagious illnesses.

Factors that may require adjustments to your pet’s vaccine schedule include:

  • Dog parks & boarding facilities (increased risk for kennel cough)
  • Hiking trails or lagoon areas (risk for leptospirosis)
  • Multi-pet households (FeLV or Bordetella exposure)
  • Travel across state lines (some states require proof of rabies vaccination)

If your pet’s lifestyle includes any of the above, our team will tailor a pet vaccination schedule in Fullerton to fit their unique needs. This customized approach is one reason why local families trust Oasis Pet Clinic for ongoing preventive care.

Why Choose Oasis Pet Clinic for Vaccinations?

Oasis Pet Clinic isn’t just another Fullerton veterinary clinic—we focus on individualized care, accurate timing, and low-stress experiences for both pets and their people. Our medical team uses best-in-class vaccine protocols and tracks your pet’s history to ensure every shot is safe and effective.

We also offer:

  • Combined visits with wellness exams for convenience
  • Vaccine reminders and record-keeping
  • Gentle handling techniques to reduce anxiety

Need to get caught up on overdue vaccines? We’re here to help. Our team will never shame you—just support your pet’s healthy future. Visit our Fullerton pet vaccinations page for more information. 

Beyond Vaccines: Integrating Preventive Care with Long-Term Health Planning

Vaccinating your pet is only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to lifelong health. At Oasis Pet Clinic, we believe that each pet vaccination schedule in Fullerton should be backed by a broader plan that includes routine medical care, periodic health screenings, and proactive treatment for both acute and chronic conditions.

For pets that may have already been exposed to environmental allergens or respiratory issues, a vaccine visit is an ideal time to discuss concerns like upper respiratory infections or other seasonal health threats common in Southern California. These touchpoints also allow our veterinary team to evaluate your pet for early signs of chronic disease and recommend a personalized treatment plan tailored to their breed, age, and lifestyle.

In case of unexpected illness or injury, having an established relationship with a full-service animal hospital means your pet can seamlessly transition from preventive care to emergency care without delay. Our Anaheim-area clients appreciate knowing that comprehensive medical services—from diagnostics to urgent care—are available under one roof.

Additionally, we offer spay & neuter services, which can protect against certain cancers and behavioral issues. For pet owners who have questions about their options, our veterinarians take the time to walk you through the benefits, risks, and ideal timing for these procedures.

Whether you’re scheduling health check-ups or planning a complete treatment plan, our compassionate veterinary care team is committed to delivering high-quality veterinary services in a calm and pet-friendly environment. From vaccine reviews to long-term health management, Oasis Pet Clinic is your partner in proactive, preventive care.

Schedule Your Pet’s Vaccine Review

Don’t wait until an illness puts your pet at risk. From routine boosters to lifestyle-specific add-ons, Oasis Pet Clinic ensures Fullerton’s pets stay protected year-round.

Make sure your pet is protected year-round. Book a vaccine consult today.

Picture of Diane Sung DVM, CVA
Diane Sung DVM, CVA

Dr. Sung earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Western University College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed clinical rotations at Cornell University and Colorado State University, followed by an internship at Autonomous University of Barcelona in Spain. Additionally, Dr. Sung is Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist.

Keep your best friend healthy

We believe every pet deserves the best. That’s why we provide attentive care tailored to your furry friend’s unique needs, supporting their well-being every step of the way.