Pet Vaccinations Chatsworth: Complete Guide to Dog & Cat Vaccines

Sarah arrived at Topanga Veterinary Clinic on a Saturday afternoon with her 8-week-old Labrador puppy, Cooper. "I just adopted him from a rescue last week," she explained. "They said he needs his shots, but I'm not sure which ones or when he needs them. And honestly, I'm a little nervous about vaccines—are they really safe?"

Dr. Gurmani smiled. She'd had this conversation hundreds of times with new pet owners in Chatsworth. "I completely understand your concerns," she said. "Let me explain exactly which vaccines Cooper needs, why he needs them, and what to expect. Vaccines have saved millions of pet lives by preventing diseases that used to kill puppies and kittens regularly."

She performed a thorough examination of Cooper, checking his heart, lungs, temperature, and overall health. "Cooper looks great," Dr. Gurmani said. "He's healthy enough to receive his first round of vaccines today. We'll create a schedule for his boosters over the next few months to ensure he's fully protected."

By the end of the appointment, Sarah understood exactly which vaccines Cooper needed, when he'd need boosters, and why vaccination was one of the most important things she could do to keep her new puppy healthy.

This comprehensive guide covers everything Chatsworth pet owners need to know about vaccinations—from puppy and kitten vaccine schedules to adult boosters, vaccine-preventable diseases, safety concerns, and California's legal requirements.

Why Vaccinations Matter

Vaccines work by stimulating your pet's immune system to produce antibodies against specific diseases. When your pet is later exposed to that disease, their immune system recognizes it and fights it off before it can cause illness.

Before modern vaccines became widespread, diseases like parvovirus, distemper, and panleukopenia killed countless puppies and kittens. Today, these diseases are preventable—but only if pets are vaccinated.

Vaccines protect your pet from:

• Life-threatening viral and bacterial infections
• Expensive treatment costs (treating parvovirus can cost $1,000-$5,000+)
• Suffering and long-term health complications
• Spreading disease to other pets in the community

Some vaccines also protect public health. Rabies, for example, is almost always fatal once symptoms appear—in both pets and humans. Vaccinating your pet against rabies protects your family and community.

Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines

Veterinarians categorize vaccines into two groups:

Core Vaccines

Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs or all cats regardless of lifestyle, because the diseases they prevent are:

• Widespread and easily transmitted
• Cause severe illness or death
• Pose a risk to human health (like rabies)

Core vaccines for dogs:

• Rabies
• Distemper
• Parvovirus
• Adenovirus (Hepatitis)

Core vaccines for cats:

• Rabies
• Feline Herpesvirus (Rhinotracheitis)
• Calicivirus
• Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper)

Non-Core Vaccines

Non-core vaccines are recommended based on your pet's lifestyle and risk factors. Dr. Gurmani assesses each pet individually to determine which non-core vaccines are appropriate.

Non-core vaccines for dogs:

• Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
• Leptospirosis
• Lyme disease
• Canine Influenza (Dog Flu)
• Rattlesnake vaccine

Non-core vaccines for cats:

• Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) - considered core for kittens, non-core for adult indoor cats
• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
• Chlamydia

Puppy Vaccination Schedule

Puppies receive some immunity from their mother's milk (maternal antibodies), but this protection fades between 6-16 weeks of age. That's why puppies need a series of vaccines—we can't predict exactly when maternal antibodies will wear off, so we give multiple doses to ensure protection kicks in at the right time.

Typical puppy vaccine schedule:

6-8 weeks old:

• DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) - first dose
• Bordetella (if puppy will be socialized or groomed)

10-12 weeks old:

• DHPP - second dose
• Leptospirosis - first dose (if recommended based on lifestyle)
• Canine Influenza - first dose (if recommended)
• Lyme - first dose (if in high-risk area or travels)

14-16 weeks old:

• DHPP - third dose
• Rabies - first dose (required by California law)
• Leptospirosis - second dose
• Canine Influenza - second dose
• Lyme - second dose

1 year old:

• DHPP - booster
• Rabies - booster
• Leptospirosis - booster
• Bordetella - booster (if needed)

After the 1-year boosters:

• DHPP every 3 years
• Rabies every 1 or 3 years (depending on vaccine type)
• Leptospirosis annually
• Bordetella every 6-12 months (if needed)

Important: Puppies aren't fully protected until they've completed their entire vaccine series. Keep your puppy away from dog parks, pet stores, and other areas where unvaccinated dogs may have been until 2 weeks after their final puppy shot.

Kitten Vaccination Schedule

Like puppies, kittens receive temporary immunity from their mother but need vaccines once that protection fades.

Typical kitten vaccine schedule:

6-8 weeks old:

• FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) - first dose
• FeLV (Feline Leukemia) - first dose

10-12 weeks old:

• FVRCP - second dose
• FeLV - second dose

14-16 weeks old:

• FVRCP - third dose
• Rabies - first dose (required by California law)

1 year old:

• FVRCP - booster
• Rabies - booster
• FeLV - booster (if outdoor or at risk)

After the 1-year boosters:

• FVRCP every 3 years
• Rabies every 1 or 3 years (depending on vaccine type)
• FeLV annually (if outdoor or at risk)

Vaccine-Preventable Diseases: What You're Protecting Against

Rabies

Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the brain and nervous system. It's transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, usually via bites.

Why it's dangerous:

• Almost always fatal once symptoms appear (in both pets and humans)
• No cure or treatment
• Can infect humans through bites or scratches from infected pets
• Wildlife in California (bats, skunks, foxes, coyotes) can carry rabies

California law requires: All dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies by 4 months of age and kept current on boosters. This is not optional—it's the law.

Canine Distemper

Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.

Symptoms include:

• Fever, nasal discharge, coughing
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Seizures, paralysis, tremors
• Thickened, cracked paw pads ("hard pad disease")

Distemper is often fatal, especially in puppies. Dogs who survive may have permanent neurological damage. There's no cure—only supportive care.

Canine Parvovirus

Parvovirus ("parvo") is a highly contagious virus that causes severe vomiting and bloody diarrhea. It's one of the most common and deadliest diseases in unvaccinated puppies.

Why it's so dangerous:

• Spreads easily through feces—can survive in soil for years
• Causes life-threatening dehydration and sepsis
• Kills up to 91% of untreated puppies
• Treatment requires hospitalization and costs $1,000-$5,000+
• Common in Southern California, especially in areas with unvaccinated dogs

Certain breeds (Rottweilers, Dobermans, Pit Bulls, German Shepherds) are at higher risk for severe parvo infections.

Canine Adenovirus (Hepatitis)

Adenovirus causes infectious hepatitis, attacking the liver, kidneys, and blood vessels.

Symptoms include:

• Fever, lethargy, loss of appetite
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Jaundice (yellowing of eyes and gums)
• "Blue eye" (corneal cloudiness)

Severe cases can cause liver failure and death.

Bordetella (Kennel Cough)

Bordetella bronchiseptica is one of the bacteria that causes kennel cough, a respiratory infection that spreads rapidly in places where dogs congregate.

Symptoms include:

• Harsh, honking cough
• Gagging or retching (sounds like something stuck in throat)
• Runny nose and eyes
• Usually mild, but can progress to pneumonia in puppies or immunocompromised dogs

Who needs this vaccine:

• Dogs going to boarding facilities, doggy daycare, or grooming salons
• Dogs visiting dog parks
• Dogs attending training classes
• Show dogs or dogs frequenting events with other dogs

Many facilities in Chatsworth require proof of Bordetella vaccination before allowing dogs to board or participate in group activities.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease spread through the urine of infected animals (wildlife, rodents, livestock). Dogs can contract it from contaminated water, soil, or direct contact with infected urine.

Why it's dangerous:

• Causes liver and kidney failure
• Can be fatal if not treated quickly
• Zoonotic—can infect humans
• Increasingly common in Southern California due to urban wildlife

Symptoms include:

• Fever, lethargy, loss of appetite
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Jaundice
• Increased thirst and urination (kidney damage)

Who needs this vaccine: Dogs who hike, camp, or have access to areas where wildlife is present. In Chatsworth, this includes dogs who visit the Santa Monica Mountains or have backyards frequented by raccoons, opossums, or skunks.

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is transmitted by ticks infected with Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria.

Symptoms include:

• Fever, lameness (often shifting from leg to leg)
• Swollen, painful joints
• Loss of appetite and lethargy
• Kidney disease (in severe cases)

Who needs this vaccine: Dogs who live in or travel to areas where Lyme disease is common (Northeast, Upper Midwest, Northern California) or who frequently hike in tick-infested areas.

Canine Influenza

Dog flu is a contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses (H3N8 and H3N2).

Symptoms include:

• Coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge
• Fever
• Lethargy, decreased appetite
• Can progress to pneumonia

Who needs this vaccine: Dogs in areas with known outbreaks, dogs attending dog shows, or dogs who frequently board or visit daycare.

Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper)

Panleukopenia is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease in cats, especially kittens.

Symptoms include:

• Severe vomiting and diarrhea
• Fever, lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Dehydration
• Death within 24 hours in severe cases

The virus is extremely hardy and can survive in the environment for over a year. Vaccination is essential.

Feline Herpesvirus and Calicivirus

These viruses cause upper respiratory infections in cats, commonly called "cat flu."

Symptoms include:

• Sneezing, nasal discharge
• Eye discharge, conjunctivitis
• Mouth ulcers (especially with calicivirus)
• Fever, loss of appetite

While usually not fatal in adult cats, these viruses can kill kittens and cause chronic problems in cats who survive (lifelong viral shedding, chronic eye or sinus issues).

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

FeLV is a viral infection that attacks the immune system, making cats susceptible to other infections and cancer.

Why it's dangerous:

• Suppresses the immune system
• Causes anemia and cancer (lymphoma)
• Most cats die within 2-3 years of diagnosis
• No cure

How it spreads:

• Grooming, biting, sharing food/water bowls
• From mother to kittens
• Requires prolonged close contact

Who needs this vaccine: All kittens should be vaccinated. Adult cats who go outdoors or live with FeLV-positive cats should continue vaccination. Indoor-only adult cats who will never go outside or meet other cats generally don't need ongoing FeLV boosters.

Vaccine Safety and Side Effects

Vaccines are extremely safe. Millions of pets are vaccinated every year, and serious adverse reactions are rare.

Common Side Effects (Normal and Expected)

Most side effects are mild and resolve within 24-48 hours:

• Mild lethargy or decreased appetite for 1-2 days
• Soreness at injection site (may yelp when touched)
• Small lump at injection site (should resolve within weeks)
• Mild fever

These reactions show that your pet's immune system is responding to the vaccine—it's working.

When to Call Your Vet

Rarely, pets may have more serious reactions. Call Topanga Veterinary Clinic immediately if your pet develops:

• Facial swelling (especially around eyes and muzzle)
• Hives or severe itching
• Difficulty breathing
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Collapse or weakness
• Seizures

These symptoms could indicate an allergic reaction and require immediate treatment.

If your pet has had a vaccine reaction in the past, let Dr. Gurmani know. We can pre-medicate with antihistamines before vaccinating or space out vaccines instead of giving multiple at once.

Vaccine-Associated Sarcomas in Cats

Very rarely, cats can develop a type of cancer called injection-site sarcoma at the location where a vaccine was given. This happens in approximately 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 30,000 vaccinated cats.

To reduce this already-low risk:

• We give vaccines in locations that allow for surgical removal if a sarcoma develops (limbs rather than between shoulder blades)
• We use the minimum number of vaccines necessary based on your cat's lifestyle
• We consider 3-year vaccines instead of annual when appropriate

The benefits of vaccination far outweigh this very small risk. Diseases like rabies and panleukopenia are far more likely to kill your cat than a vaccine-associated sarcoma.

Vaccine Titers: An Alternative?

Vaccine titers are blood tests that measure the level of antibodies your pet has against certain diseases. Some pet owners choose to run titers instead of automatically giving booster vaccines.

Pros of titers:

• Confirms your pet has immunity without giving unnecessary vaccines
• Useful for pets who've had previous vaccine reactions
• May reduce vaccine frequency for certain diseases

Cons of titers:

• More expensive than vaccines (titers cost more than the vaccine itself)
• Only available for certain diseases (distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus in dogs; panleukopenia in cats)
• No titer test for rabies—rabies vaccination is required by law regardless
• Results can take several days
• Low titer doesn't necessarily mean your pet isn't protected (they may still have cellular immunity)

If you're interested in titer testing for your pet, discuss it with Dr. Gurmani. We can help you decide if it's appropriate for your pet's situation.

California Rabies Vaccination Law

California law requires all dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies.

Legal requirements:

• First rabies vaccine by 4 months of age
• Booster 1 year later
• Boosters every 1 or 3 years after that (depending on vaccine type)
• Proof of vaccination (rabies certificate and tag) must be available upon request

What happens if your pet bites someone:

• If current on rabies vaccine: Usually 10-day home quarantine to watch for rabies symptoms
• If not current or never vaccinated: May require quarantine at an animal control facility or immediate euthanasia

Keeping your pet current on rabies vaccination protects them, your family, and the public. It also protects you legally.

Vaccination Costs

Vaccine costs vary depending on which vaccines your pet needs and whether they're receiving a full exam.

At Topanga Veterinary Clinic, Dr. Gurmani will discuss your pet's lifestyle and create a customized vaccine plan that fits your budget. We believe in transparent pricing and will always explain costs upfront.

For pricing information, call (818) 280-3530.

Remember: Vaccinating your pet is far less expensive than treating the diseases vaccines prevent. Treating parvovirus, for example, can cost $1,000-$5,000+ and doesn't guarantee survival.

Adult Dogs and Cats: Do They Still Need Vaccines?

Yes. Immunity from vaccines doesn't last forever, which is why booster vaccines are necessary.

Adult dog vaccine schedule:

• DHPP every 3 years
• Rabies every 1-3 years (depending on vaccine type and local law)
• Leptospirosis annually (if at risk)
• Bordetella every 6-12 months (if at risk)
• Lyme annually (if at risk)

Adult cat vaccine schedule:

• FVRCP every 3 years
• Rabies every 1-3 years (depending on vaccine type and local law)
• FeLV annually (if outdoor or at risk)

Dr. Gurmani will create a customized schedule based on your pet's age, health status, and lifestyle. Senior pets or pets with certain medical conditions may need modified vaccine protocols.

What If My Pet Missed Vaccines?

If your pet is overdue for vaccines, don't panic. Call Topanga Veterinary Clinic to get back on track.

For puppies/kittens who missed doses: We'll assess where they are in their vaccine series and restart or continue as appropriate.

For adult dogs/cats who are overdue: Most vaccines just require a single booster to restore immunity, though some (like rabies) may require restarting the series if significantly overdue.

The important thing is to get your pet back on schedule. Every day without protection is a day they're vulnerable to preventable diseases.

Special Situations

Pregnant Pets

Vaccinating pregnant pets is generally not recommended because some vaccines can harm developing puppies or kittens. Ideally, pets should be current on all vaccines before breeding.

Immunocompromised Pets

Pets on immunosuppressive medications (steroids, chemotherapy) or with immune system diseases may not respond well to vaccines. Dr. Gurmani will assess whether vaccination is appropriate or whether to delay until their immune system is stronger.

Senior Pets

Older pets still need vaccines, but the schedule may be adjusted based on their health status and risk factors. For pets with significant health problems, the risks and benefits of each vaccine are carefully weighed.

Protecting Puppies and Kittens Before Full Vaccination

Until your puppy or kitten completes their vaccine series, they're vulnerable to disease. Protect them by:

• Avoiding high-risk areas: No dog parks, pet stores, or public areas where unvaccinated pets may have been
• Limiting contact: Only socialize with dogs/cats you know are fully vaccinated and healthy
• Being cautious on walks: Don't let your puppy sniff or step in other dogs' feces
• Washing your hands: If you pet other dogs, wash hands before touching your puppy
• Socializing safely: Invite vaccinated, healthy dogs to your home rather than going to public places

Early socialization is important, but it must be balanced with disease prevention during the vulnerable period.

Why Choose Topanga Veterinary Clinic for Vaccinations?

Dr. Gurmani has 19 years of experience creating vaccination protocols for dogs and cats in Chatsworth and the San Fernando Valley. At Topanga Veterinary Clinic, we offer:

• Customized vaccine plans based on your pet's age, lifestyle, and risk factors—not a one-size-fits-all approach
• Comprehensive exam with every vaccine visit to catch health problems early
• Education and support so you understand what your pet is receiving and why
• High-quality vaccines from reputable manufacturers
• Extended hours Tuesday-Friday 9am-11:30pm, Saturday-Sunday 9am-midnight for your convenience
• Weekend availability when most other vets are closed
• Affordable, transparent pricing—call for a quote
• Puppy and kitten wellness packages that bundle vaccines with exams and testing

Located at 21913 Devonshire St in Chatsworth, we serve pets throughout the San Fernando Valley, including Winnetka, Northridge, Canoga Park, and Topanga.

Learn more about our affordable veterinary care options in Chatsworth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Vaccinations

Q: When should my puppy get their first shots?

A: Puppies should receive their first vaccines at 6-8 weeks of age. They'll need boosters every 2-4 weeks until they're 16 weeks old to ensure full protection.

Q: When should my kitten get their first shots?

A: Kittens should receive their first vaccines at 6-8 weeks of age, with boosters every 2-4 weeks until 16 weeks old.

Q: Can my puppy go to the dog park after their first shots?

A: No. Your puppy isn't fully protected until 2 weeks after their final puppy vaccine (usually given at 14-16 weeks). Dog parks are high-risk areas for diseases like parvovirus and should be avoided until your puppy is fully vaccinated.

Q: How much do vaccines cost?

A: Vaccine costs vary depending on which vaccines your pet needs. Call Topanga Veterinary Clinic at (818) 280-3530 for specific pricing. We offer transparent, affordable pricing and puppy/kitten wellness packages.

Q: Are vaccines safe for my pet?

A: Yes. Vaccines are very safe. Serious adverse reactions are rare. Mild side effects like soreness or lethargy for a day or two are normal. The diseases vaccines prevent are far more dangerous than the vaccines themselves.

Q: Do indoor cats need vaccines?

A: Yes. Indoor cats should receive core vaccines (rabies, FVRCP). Even indoor cats can escape, encounter wildlife that gets inside, or be exposed to disease you bring home on your shoes or clothing. Rabies vaccination is also required by law.

Q: Can I vaccinate my pet myself?

A: Technically, you can purchase some vaccines and administer them yourself, but this is not recommended. Vaccines must be stored properly, administered correctly, and given to healthy pets only. Vaccines given by non-veterinarians may not be legally accepted (especially rabies). Additionally, you'll miss the benefit of a veterinary exam that can catch health problems early.

Q: What happens if my pet misses a booster?

A: If your pet misses a booster, call your vet to get back on schedule. You may need to restart a series or just give a single booster, depending on how overdue your pet is and which vaccine it is.

Q: How long do vaccines last?

A: It depends on the vaccine. Some last 1 year (rabies, leptospirosis, Bordetella), while others last 3 years (DHPP, FVRCP). Your vet will create a schedule based on the specific vaccines your pet receives.

Q: Does my senior dog still need vaccines?

A: Yes, but the protocol may be adjusted based on their health and lifestyle. Senior pets' immune systems may be weaker, making vaccination important. However, pets with serious health conditions may have modified schedules. Discuss your senior pet's needs with Dr. Gurmani.

Q: Can vaccines cause autism in pets?

A: No. There is no scientific evidence linking vaccines to autism in humans or animals. This myth has been thoroughly debunked by extensive research.

Q: What's the difference between a 1-year and 3-year rabies vaccine?

A: Often, it's the same vaccine—the difference is just the labeling and legal duration of protection. A 1-year vaccine must be given annually; a 3-year vaccine is given every 3 years after the initial booster. The 3-year vaccine reduces how often your pet needs rabies boosters.

Q: Why does my dog need a Bordetella vaccine every 6 months?

A: Immunity to Bordetella doesn't last as long as other vaccines, typically 6-12 months. Since kennel cough spreads easily in places where dogs congregate, frequent boosters ensure your dog stays protected. Many boarding facilities require a Bordetella vaccine within the past 6 months.

Q: Can my pet go outside right after getting vaccinated?

A: Yes, vaccinated pets can go outside. However, puppies and kittens who haven't completed their full vaccine series should still avoid high-risk areas. And for any pet, it's best to let them rest after vaccines rather than doing strenuous activity.

Q: My rescue dog has no vaccine records. What should I do?

A: We'll create a vaccine schedule assuming your dog has never been vaccinated. This typically means giving core vaccines and boosting them in 2-4 weeks. Most adult dogs only need 1-2 doses to establish immunity, unlike puppies who need a full series.

Q: Can vaccines make my pet sick?

A: Vaccines can cause mild, temporary side effects (lethargy, soreness) as your pet's immune system responds, but they don't cause the disease they're designed to prevent. Modern vaccines use killed viruses or modified live viruses that can't cause illness in healthy pets.

Q: Why does my pet need so many booster shots?

A: Puppies and kittens need multiple boosters because we can't predict exactly when their maternal antibodies (immunity from mom) will fade. Multiple doses ensure protection kicks in at the right time. Adult pets need periodic boosters because immunity fades over time.

Q: Is the leptospirosis vaccine necessary in California?

A: Yes, leptospirosis is increasingly common in California due to urban wildlife. Dogs in Chatsworth who have access to yards, hiking trails, or areas with wildlife should be vaccinated. Even city dogs are at risk from rats, opossums, and raccoons.

Q: Can I delay vaccinations if my pet seems healthy?

A: No. Diseases like parvovirus and distemper can infect your pet before you even realize they've been exposed. By the time symptoms appear, the disease is already progressing. Prevention through vaccination is the only way to protect your pet.

Q: Do small dogs need the same vaccine dose as large dogs?

A: Yes. Unlike medications, vaccine doses are the same regardless of your dog's size. A 5-pound Chihuahua gets the same dose as a 100-pound German Shepherd because the goal is to stimulate an immune response, not dose by weight.

Q: What if my pet had a reaction to vaccines before?

A: Let Dr. Gurmani know about the reaction. We can pre-medicate with antihistamines, space out vaccines instead of giving several at once, or skip non-essential vaccines. We'll create a plan that keeps your pet protected while minimizing reaction risk.

Q: Can I get my pet vaccinated without an exam?

A: At Topanga Veterinary Clinic, vaccines are given during an exam. This ensures your pet is healthy enough to receive vaccines and allows Dr. Gurmani to catch any health problems early. Vaccinating a sick pet can be ineffective or dangerous.

Q: My pet only goes to one boarding facility. Do they really need Bordetella?

A: Yes. Kennel cough spreads easily anywhere dogs congregate—boarding kennels, daycare, grooming salons, dog parks, training classes, or even the vet clinic waiting room. If your dog interacts with other dogs, Bordetella vaccination is recommended.

Q: When is the rabies vaccine due after the first shot?

A: The first rabies booster is due 1 year after the initial vaccine. After that, boosters are every 1 or 3 years depending on the vaccine type used.

Q: Can vaccines cause cancer in dogs?

A: Vaccine-associated sarcomas are extremely rare in dogs (much more common in cats, but still rare). The benefits of vaccination far outweigh this very small risk. Diseases like parvovirus and distemper are far more likely to kill your dog.

Q: Do vaccines guarantee my pet won't get sick?

A: No vaccine is 100% effective, but they dramatically reduce the risk of disease. Vaccinated pets who do get sick usually have milder cases and recover more easily than unvaccinated pets. Vaccines save millions of lives every year.

Q: Why do puppies and kittens need exams before vaccines?

A: The exam ensures your pet is healthy enough to be vaccinated. Vaccinating a sick pet can be ineffective (their immune system may not respond properly) or even dangerous. The exam also checks for congenital problems, parasites, and other issues common in young pets.

Q: Can my cat get FeLV from the vaccine?

A: No. The FeLV vaccine does not contain live virus and cannot cause FeLV infection. It's completely safe.

Q: Is it safe to vaccinate my pregnant pet?

A: Generally, no. Most vaccines are not recommended during pregnancy because they could potentially harm developing puppies or kittens. Pets should be fully vaccinated before breeding.

Q: What should I do if my pet's vaccine lump doesn't go away?

A: Small lumps at injection sites are normal and usually resolve within a few weeks. If a lump persists longer than 3 months, continues to grow, or is larger than 2 cm, call your vet. In cats especially, persistent lumps should be evaluated.

Schedule Your Pet's Vaccinations Today

Vaccinations are one of the most important things you can do to keep your pet healthy. Don't wait until your pet is exposed to a preventable disease.

Call Topanga Veterinary Clinic today at (818) 280-3530 to:

• Schedule your puppy or kitten's first vaccine appointment
• Get your adult pet back on schedule with booster vaccines
• Discuss which vaccines are right for your pet's lifestyle
• Ask questions about vaccine safety and side effects
• Get affordable, transparent pricing

With Dr. Gurmani's 19 years of experience and Topanga Veterinary Clinic's extended hours—open until 11:30pm on weekdays and midnight on weekends—protecting your pet has never been easier.

Located at 21913 Devonshire St in Chatsworth, we serve pets throughout the San Fernando Valley. Your pet's health starts with prevention—and prevention starts with vaccines.