Vetco Vaccination Clinics offer preventative vet care including vaccinations, testing, flea, tick & heartworm prevention, and microchipping services.

The rabies vaccine is the only vaccine required by law since rabies can be a health threat to people as well as animals. Licensing and rabies requirements may vary by state and county. Visit rabiesaware.orgto see current, state-level regulations and laws. Spay and neutering can also lower the cost of licensing your pet.

Rabies vaccination booster schedule is determined by your state and county law. In general, dogs and cats should receive a rabies vaccine as a kitten or puppy (age varies by state/county) and have the vaccine one year to the date of when the first rabies is given. After that, many states will honor a 3-year vaccination given at that time or anytime thereafter if an owner can show proof of the initial rabies vaccination. If a pet’s rabies vaccination history is unknown, then a pet must get a one-year rabies vaccine and then a 3-year vaccine, but please check your state’s rabies law for requirements. Dog and cat distemper vaccines are given 3 times as a puppy or kitten at 8; 12; and 16 weeks and again one year later. At the one-year, a 3-year distemper vaccine can be given at the discretion of attending veterinarian and boosters given every 3 years after. In some situations, the veterinarian may determine the lifestyle, health or history of the pet may require variations of this vaccination schedule.

All vaccines are labeled to provide optimal immunity for one year. Rabies and distemper vaccines all have 1-or 3-year options available. Some counties in some states recognize a 3-year rabies vaccine. To receive a 3-year vaccine, you must bring proof that your pet received a 1-year rabies shot given in the past.

To provide optimum immunity, veterinarians recommend puppies and kittens should be vaccinated every 4 weeks, starting at 8 weeks of age until they reach the age of at least 16 weeks. The best ages to vaccinate are 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age. Check out the vaccination schedule for puppies, kittens, dogs, and cats in our Resource Center.

Generally, vaccines take two to seven days to take full effect. If your pet is to be boarded or exposed to other pets, the vaccines should be administered at least one week prior to exposure to other animals.

If your pet’s vaccination history is unknown, we must assume the pet has not been vaccinated and our veterinarians may recommend completing the series to ensure your pet is fully protected.

We will not vaccinate sick or unhealthy pets at our clinics. The immune system of a sick pet is already stressed, and we do not want to cause any unnecessary added stress. Pets on medications under a veterinarian's care may be vaccinated, although the final decision lies with the attending veterinarian. All medications should be noted to our medical staff members at the clinic site as well as to the veterinarian prior to vaccination.

Any pet can receive vaccines. If a new vaccine is introduced, a booster vaccine is usually required 3-4 weeks after initial vaccination to provide optimum immunity. Rabies vaccine is required by law at any age for both dogs and cats.

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) splits dog vaccines into two categories: core and non-core vaccinations.

• Core vaccines are those that every dog needs and includes the rabies vaccine and the combination DH2PP vaccine that protects against distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, parvovirus and hepatitis.
• Non-core vaccinations are determined by where you live and your lifestyle. A dog who has regular grooming appointments, goes to doggy day care, plays with friends at the dog park and sometimes boards in a kennel may need non-core dog vaccinations. Other lifestyles (hunting dogs, show dogs, traveling dog and dogs used for breeding, etc.) may require additional non-core vaccinations. Consult your Petco veterinarian about which vaccines are suitable for your dog. Veterinarians have final discretion on any vaccine or prescription/prescription refill given to any pet at any time.

The American Animal Hospital Association splits vaccines into two categories: core and non-core vaccinations.

• Core vaccines are those that every cat needs and includes the rabies vaccine and the FVRCP vaccine that helps prevent rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (distemper). The Feline Leukemia vaccine is also a core vaccine for all kittens 1 year of age or less. After the first year only cats that go outside or live with other cats that go outside should continue receiving feline leukemia boosters. A feline leukemia test should be completed on all kittens prior to receiving a feline leukemia vaccine.

Which vaccines your dog will need each year depends on their age, vaccine history, lifestyle (exposure) and medical history. If you’re bringing home a new puppy, you should follow a set puppy vaccination schedule based on their age. For adopted adults, you’ll want to know which vaccinations they’ve already received and when so that you can plan future vaccinations accordingly. Your Petco veterinarian can help make the appropriate plan for your dog.

Which vaccines your cat will need each year depends on their age, vaccine history, lifestyle (exposure) and medical history. If you’re bringing home a new kitten, you should follow a set kitten vaccination schedule based on their age. For adopted adults, you’ll want to know which vaccinations they’ve already received and when so that you can plan future vaccinations accordingly. Your Petco veterinarian can help make the appropriate plan for your cat.

Vaccinate as soon as possible if your pet misses a vaccination. Sometimes (depending on the vaccine; pet's age and lifestyle) an additional booster vaccine or blood test may be needed as determined by the attending veterinarian.

Feline leukemia virus is one of the most common infectious diseases and leading cause of cancer in cats. The virus is transmitted between cats via infected saliva and urine. Affected cats can develop anemia, cancers, and/or suppression of the immune system and is usually fatal. All kittens should be tested for feline leukemia and vaccinated against feline leukemia the first year of life. After the first year, it is recommended that only cats that go outside or live with other cats that go outside continue receiving feline leukemia boosters.

The canine 5-in-1 vaccination, also known as the DA2PP vaccine for dogs, is a combined vaccination for distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and hepatitis.

• Distemper affects dogs’ respiratory and nervous system and can cause coughing, sneezing, and neurological problems. This disease is often fatal.
• The adenovirus vaccine protects dogs against both CAV-2 – which can cause kennel cough – and liver infections (hepatitis) caused by CAV-1.
• The parainfluenza vaccine protects against another strain of kennel cough.
• Parvovirus is a deadly disease that commonly affects puppies. It is also highly contagious, so pet parents should keep young dogs out of communal areas until two weeks after they’ve had all puppy vaccinations and boosters.

The canine 6-in-1 vaccination, also known as the DA2PP + Lepto vaccine for dogs, is a combined vaccination for leptospirosis, distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and hepatitis.

• Leptospirosis is a type of bacterial infection that once in the bloodstream can do serious damage to your dog’s liver and kidneys. These bacteria are spread through the urine of an infected animal, particularly rodents, which can get into the soil and water. Lepto is a zoonotic disease which means it can be transmitted from animals to humans.
• Distemper affects respiratory and nervous system and can cause coughing, sneezing, and neurological problems. This disease is often fatal.
• The adenovirus vaccine protects dogs against both CAV-2 – which can cause kennel cough – and liver infections (hepatitis) caused by CAV-1.
• The parainfluenza vaccine protects against another strain of kennel cough.
• Parvovirus is a deadly disease that commonly affects puppies. It is also highly contagious, so pet parents should keep young dogs out of communal areas until two weeks after they’ve had all puppy vaccinations and boosters.

The feline 3-in-1 vaccination, also known as FVRCP vaccine, protects cats against feline distemper (panleukopenia), rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus.

• Feline panleukopenia, which you may have heard of as distemper, is widespread, highly contagious and can be deadly. This virus usually affects bone marrow and lymph nodes, leading to decreased production of both white and red blood cells and severely lowered immunity.
• Feline viral rhinotracheitis is a feline herpes virus that can affect upper respiratory system. Signs of this virus can include cold or flu-like symptoms such as sneezing, congestions, runny nose, swollen or drippy eyes and fever. Cats whose immune systems are compromised by this virus can develop secondary bacterial infections, further increasing the risk of death.
• Feline calicivirus is another potentially fatal upper respiratory virus. In addition to respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, runny nose and conjunctivitis, it can also cause inflammation in your cat’s mouth, manifesting as ulcers or sores on tissue in a cat’s mouth. The virus can lead to severe respiratory infections like pneumonia.

The feline 4-in-1 vaccination, also known as FVRCP + FeLV vaccine, protects cats against feline distemper (panleukopenia), rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and feline leukemia.

• Feline panleukopenia, which you may have heard of as distemper, is widespread, highly contagious and can be deadly. This virus usually affects bone marrow and lymph nodes, leading to decreased production of both white and red blood cells and severely lowered immunity.
• Feline viral rhinotracheitis is a feline herpes virus that can affect upper respiratory system. Signs of this virus can include cold or flu-like symptoms such as sneezing, congestions, a runny nose, swollen or drippy eyes and fever. Cats whose immune systems are compromised by this virus can develop secondary bacterial infections, further increasing the risk of death.
• Feline calicivirus is another potentially fatal upper respiratory virus. In addition to respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, runny nose and conjunctivitis, it can also cause inflammation in your cat’s mouth manifesting as ulcers or sores on tissue in a cat’s mouth. The virus can lead to severe respiratory infections like pneumonia.
• Feline leukemia virus is one of the most common infectious diseases and leading cause of cancer in cats. The virus is transmitted between cats via infected saliva and urine. Affected cats can develop anemia, cancers and/or suppression of the immune system and is usually fatal.

Parvovirus is a deadly disease that commonly affects puppies. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and often death, even with aggressive treatment. It is also highly contagious, so pet parents should keep young dogs out of communal areas until two weeks after they’ve had all puppy vaccinations and boosters. The virus is contracted from exposure to the virus from other unvaccinated dogs as well as the environment if an infected dog has visited that area.

Kennel cough is caused by various airborne viruses and bacteria, and is very contagious between dogs. Bordetella, parainfluenza, adenovirus and canine influenza contribute to kennel cough, that we can vaccinate against. Bordetella vaccine is almost always required for your dog to be admitted to a boarding kennel, groomer, or daycare. However, since this is a mostly airborne disease, a dog can contract Bordetella even if they are not boarded at a kennel. The most common and noticeable kennel cough symptom is a persistent and forceful, dry honking cough. For most dogs, a cough is the primary symptom, and may show no other signs of the illness. However other symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, loss of appetite, lethargy, and low fever.

Lyme disease in dogs – and humans – is a bacterial infection transmitted through the bite of the black-legged tick, also known as the deer tick. Lyme disease in dogs is relatively common, and symptoms of canine Lyme disease can include loss of appetite, fever, generalized pain, limping or lameness, arthritis, and neurological symptoms. Year-round flea and tick prevention is highly recommended when it comes to preventing Lyme disease in dogs. Even if your dog has received the Lyme vaccine, giving them preventive medicine is still necessary to help prevent the transmission of other diseases commonly carried by fleas and ticks. The Lyme vaccine helps to prevent Lyme disease but because the vaccine is not always 100% effective, we recommend that your dog be tested for Lyme annually with the 4Dx test.

Feline leukemia (abbreviated FeLV) is a very contagious disease spread between cats through saliva. It suppresses the immune system making cats susceptible to many illnesses. Kittens can be born with it, or cats can contract it at any time in their lives and harbor it in their systems for years before showing any signs. A test is recommended prior to vaccination.

Generally, no. Almost all diseases and viruses are species specific, which means they only affect a certain species. Exceptions to this are rabies and intestinal parasites (such as roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms) and some external parasites.

Heartworm disease is caused by worms transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito and live in the heart, lungs and associated blood vessels of affected pets, Heartworm causes severe lung disease, heart failure and damage to other organs in the body via scar tissue. Heartworm causes lasting damage to the heart, lungs and arteries, and can affect the health and quality of your pet’s life-long after the parasites are gone. Ask one of our Petco veterinarians about the best heartworm prevention and testing for heartworm disease for your pet.

Our veterinarians can dispense heartworm prescriptions at the clinic. A heartworm test and a negative test result is recommended before you can start your dog on heartworm prevention. Cats can be administered heartworm prevention without a blood test at the veterinarian’s discretion. Prescriptions are always the decision of the veterinarian and at their discretion.

If you see parasites in the stool or on the rear end of your pet, talk to the veterinarian at the clinic who may advise dewormers or recommend a fecal test be completed. Some intestinal parasites can be transmitted to people so careful washing of hands after petting or handling your pet is important and don't allow your pet to lick your face.

Humans, especially children, can possibly contract tapeworms, roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms. Hands should always be washed after any exposure to animal feces, contaminated fur, and handling of pets, especially before eating.

We use a SNAP 4Dx test, which requires only a few drops of blood to efficiently test for heartworm disease and tick-transmitted pathogens. Results are made available at the time of your visit.

Feline Aids is F.I.V. or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. We offer a test that is in combination with the test for feline leukemia, heartworm and FIV. We do not carry the FIV vaccine. Some cats may show a false positive for FIV if recently vaccinated for it.

Kittens and cats can be tested at any age for feline leukemia and FIV. We offer these tests at our veterinary clinics. However, feline leukemia vaccines are not started until kittens are at least 12 weeks of age.

At Vetco, we have a variety of prescription preventative flea, tick and heartworm solutions available.

No. Our vaccination clinic veterinarians only prescribe preventative prescriptions as they are not available for immediate follow up if a pet has a problem or guest has questions regarding a prescription. Our full-service Vetco Total Care hospitals can help with providing other medication prescriptions or refills and we also have a complete stock of prescription medications online at petco.com/pharmacy.

Yes, all Petco locations with a full-service Vetco Total Care hospital carry prescription veterinary diets in the store. Our full-service hospital veterinarians will be happy to help you consider which prescription food is right for your pet and establish a prescription program with refills for up to one year. If you have a written prescription from another veterinarian outside Petco, please share the prescription with the Petco vet hospital and we will provide you a prescription vet diet authorization card to be presented at check out each time the recommended diet is purchased. Prescription diets are the decision of the veterinarian and at their discretion. We also have vet diets available online at petco.com/vetdiets, which still require a prescription to be purchased.

Spay and neuter services are not offered at our mobile vaccination clinics. However, our full-service Vetco Total Care hospitals offer these services. Find a Vetco Total Care near you at petco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/PetcoVetBookingView

The 24PetWatch microchip used by Vetco, is a tiny chip the size of a grain of rice. It is permanently inserted into your pet using a syringe, placed just under their skin. Each chip has a unique identification number that links your pet to the information you provided at registration. Keeping your pet's profile up to date with your current contact information and even a recent photo of your pet-is one of the best ways to protect your pet. When a veterinarian or shelter finds a lost or missing pet, they use a scanner to read the pet's chip. They can then contact the 24PetWatch Lost Pet Recovery Team, who will in turn contact the pet owner and help reunite them with their pet.

Absolutely. You will receive a copy of all services performed at our vaccine clinic. If you've lost your copy, we keep records for at least 3 years. Contact our customer service team at 877-838-7468.

We accept the following forms of payment:

• Cash
• Credit Cards including Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover
• Klarna
• PayPal
• Petco and Unleashed by Petco Gift Cards and eGift Cards
• Vital Care Rewards, in $5 increments

If you have questions, our customer service team is here to help you at 1-877-838-7468.

• Monday – Friday, 9am to 7 pm EST
• Saturday, 9am to 7pm EST
• Sunday, 10am to 7pm EST