Pet Vaccinations in Lubbock, TX
Vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to protect your dog or cat from serious, and sometimes fatal, infectious diseases. Vaccines work by training your pet’s immune system to recognize and fight off specific diseases before your pet is ever exposed. At Hub City Veterinary Clinic, our veterinarians will help you determine which vaccines are best suited to your pet based on their age, health, and lifestyle.
Core and Lifestyle Vaccines
Core vaccines are recommended for all pets because they protect against diseases that are widespread, highly contagious, or dangerous to people. For dogs, core vaccines typically include rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus. For cats, core vaccines include rabies and feline distemper (panleukopenia), calicivirus, and herpesvirus. Rabies vaccination is also required by Texas law for dogs and cats.
Lifestyle, or non-core, vaccines are recommended based on your pet’s risk of exposure. Dogs that visit boarding facilities, groomers, or dog parks may benefit from Bordetella (kennel cough), canine influenza, or leptospirosis vaccines. Outdoor cats or cats that live with other cats may need protection against feline leukemia. Our veterinarians will help you choose only the vaccines your pet truly needs.
Vaccine Schedules for Puppies and Kittens
Vaccinating young animals is especially important, since their immune systems are still developing. Proper handling, administration, and timing are critical to building long-term immunity. We recommend starting puppy and kitten vaccines between 6 and 8 weeks of age, with boosters given every few weeks until juvenile vaccinations are completed at approximately 16 weeks of age. Learn more about early care on our puppy and kitten packages page.
Adult Boosters and Wellness Exams
A wellness exam is performed at the time of every vaccination to make sure your pet is healthy enough to receive vaccines and to catch any health concerns early. Once your pet completes their juvenile series, we will let you know when adult vaccine boosters are due. Vaccines are a key part of our wellness and preventive care program, and we also offer antibody titer testing for pet owners who want to assess existing immunity.
To schedule your pet’s vaccinations, call Hub City Veterinary Clinic at (806) 701-5000.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Vaccinations
What vaccines does my dog need?
Core vaccines for dogs typically include rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus. Lifestyle vaccines such as Bordetella, canine influenza, and leptospirosis may be recommended based on exposure risk.
What vaccines does my cat need?
Core vaccines for cats include rabies and the FVRCP vaccine for panleukopenia, calicivirus, and herpesvirus. Feline leukemia vaccination is recommended for kittens and at-risk cats.
Is the rabies vaccine required in Texas?
Yes. Texas law requires dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies.
When should my puppy or kitten get their first vaccines?
We recommend starting vaccines between 6 and 8 weeks of age, with the juvenile series typically completed around 16 weeks.
Are there side effects from pet vaccines?
Most pets have no side effects or only mild soreness or tiredness for a day. Contact us right away if you notice facial swelling, hives, vomiting, or trouble breathing.
Do indoor pets need vaccines?
Yes. Indoor pets can still be exposed to diseases through open doors, other pets, or wildlife, and rabies vaccination is required by law.
What is titer testing for pets?
Titer testing measures antibodies in your pet’s blood to help assess whether they still have adequate protection against certain diseases.
