Dog & Cat Vaccines: Core vs. Non-Core — What Your Pet Actually Needs
Vaccines are one of the most cost-effective things you can do for your pet's long-term health — but the question of which ones, when, and why isn't always obvious.
The core vs. non-core distinction is the foundation. Core vaccines are recommended for every pet regardless of lifestyle. Non-core vaccines are recommended based on exposure risk, environment, and how your pet spends their time. Here's what each category covers and why it matters.
Core vaccines
Recommended for every pet.
Core vaccines protect against diseases that are widespread, highly contagious, or pose a public health risk. These aren't optional regardless of your pet's age, breed, or lifestyle.
Non-core vaccines
Recommended based on lifestyle and risk.
These vaccines aren't for every pet — but for those with the right risk profile, they're genuinely important. Your vet will help you assess which apply.
Dogs
Bordetella (kennel cough)
Highly recommended for any dog with social exposure — dog parks, grooming, boarding, or even regular walks in busy areas. Transmission doesn't require direct contact.
Canine influenza
Recommended for social dogs or those who travel. Protects against a highly contagious respiratory virus with periodic outbreak activity.
Lyme disease
For dogs with tick exposure. Best used alongside a reliable tick prevention protocol — the combination provides stronger protection than either alone.
Rattlesnake vaccine
Recommended for dogs in or near rattlesnake habitat — hiking trails, desert-adjacent neighborhoods, rural properties. Reduces severity of a bite but does not eliminate the need for immediate vet care.
Cats
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
Recommended for kittens and outdoor or multi-cat household cats. FeLV spreads through saliva, nasal secretions, shared food and water, and grooming — suppresses the immune system and leads to severe secondary illness.
Indoor-only cats with no exposure to other cats carry low risk, but the vaccine is still worth discussing with your vet given how treatable early-stage FeLV is compared to advanced disease.
Side effects
What to expect after vaccination.
Vaccines are overwhelmingly safe. Most pets experience nothing notable. Minor reactions are common and self-resolving.
Normal and expected
–Mild soreness or swelling at the injection site
–Lethargy for 24–48 hours
–Mild fever
Seek care immediately
–Facial swelling or hives
–Vomiting or diarrhea
–Difficulty breathing or collapse
Timing
When vaccines are given.
Puppies & kittens
Initial series starting at 8 weeks, with boosters at 12 and 16 weeks. Maternal antibodies from nursing can interfere with vaccine response — the series ensures coverage as immunity transfers.
Adult pets
Core vaccines updated every 1–3 years depending on the specific vaccine and titer results. Non-core vaccines reviewed annually based on current lifestyle and risk.
Senior pets
Schedules may be adjusted based on overall health status, immune function, and lifestyle. Your vet will guide the right approach for an older animal.
Due for vaccines or unsure what your pet needs?
Saving Grace handles vaccinations as part of in-home wellness visits across greater Los Angeles. We'll review your pet's history, assess their current risk factors, and administer what's needed — without the trip to a clinic.
