Pet Vaccinations in Lafayette, LA

Vet Med Animal Hospital provides core and lifestyle vaccines for dogs, cats, and exotic pets in Lafayette, LA. From puppy and kitten series to adult annual vaccines and senior packages, our team builds vaccination schedules tailored to your pet’s age, species, and lifestyle.

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Vaccinations Tailored to Your Pet’s Life Stage

Vaccines are one of the most straightforward and cost-effective ways to protect your pet’s health. At Vet Med Animal Hospital, we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach to vaccination. Our team evaluates each pet’s age, lifestyle, exposure risk, and health history before recommending a protocol. Visit our Pet Wellness & Preventive Care page to learn more about what’s included in each life stage package.

Core Vaccines for Dogs & Cats

Core vaccines protect against the most common and serious infectious diseases affecting dogs and cats. Our team administers these during routine wellness visits and recommends them for virtually all patients regardless of lifestyle or exposure level.

Dogs

Distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, rabies, and leptospirosis are core vaccines for dogs. Bordetella is also recommended for all dogs.

Cats

Feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia, rabies, and feline leukemia (FeLV) are recommended for all of our feline patients.

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Lifestyle Vaccines & Ongoing Protection

Some vaccines go beyond the basics—and your pet’s lifestyle determines which ones they need

Beyond core vaccines, some dogs and cats benefit from additional protection based on where they live, how much time they spend outdoors, and whether they’re frequently around other animals. Our team at Vet Med Animal Hospital reviews your pet’s individual risk factors at each visit and recommends lifestyle vaccines accordingly.

For pets who board with us, up-to-date vaccination records are required—see our Pet Boarding page for details.

Lifestyle-Based Recommendations

We factor in your pet’s environment, outdoor exposure, and social habits before recommending any non-core vaccines.

Up-to-Date Records

Our team maintains accurate vaccination histories, so reminders are timely and your pet’s protection never lapses.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Vaccinations

Here are answers to what Lafayette pet owners most often ask about vaccines and vaccination schedules.

How much do pet vaccinations cost in Lafayette?

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The cost of pet vaccinations at Vet Med Animal Hospital varies depending on which vaccines your pet needs, their age, and whether the visit is bundled into a wellness package. Puppy and kitten packages, adult annual packages, and senior packages each include vaccinations alongside a physical exam and other preventive services, which can make bundled visits more cost-effective than individual vaccine appointments.

For specific pricing, we recommend calling our Lafayette clinic directly at (337) 456-8010 or requesting an appointment so our team can walk you through what your pet needs and what to expect regarding cost. We believe every pet deserves protection, and our team works with clients to make preventive care as accessible as possible.

What vaccines does my puppy or kitten need?

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Puppies typically receive a series of distemper combination vaccines (DA2PP) starting at six to eight weeks of age, with boosters every three to four weeks until they reach 16 weeks. Rabies vaccine is administered at or after 12 weeks. Kittens follow a similar schedule with FVRCP vaccines and rabies. Additional vaccines may be recommended based on lifestyle.

How often does my adult dog or cat need vaccines?

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Most adult dogs and cats need a wellness visit and vaccine review once a year. Some vaccines—like rabies—follow a one- or three-year schedule depending on the product used and local regulations. Others, like Bordetella for dogs, may be recommended more frequently for pets with higher social exposure. Our team tracks your pet's individual vaccine history and will let you know exactly what's due at each annual visit.

Are vaccines safe for senior pets?

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In most cases, yes. Senior pets can and should continue receiving vaccines as long as they are in reasonable health. Our team reviews each senior patient's overall condition before administering vaccines and may adjust protocols for pets managing chronic illness or other health concerns. Senior wellness visits at Vet Med Animal Hospital also include in-house bloodwork, which gives us a clearer picture of your pet's health before making any vaccination decisions.

Do you vaccinate exotic pets?

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Vaccination needs for exotic pets vary significantly by species. Ferrets, for example, require rabies and distemper vaccines, while most reptiles, birds, and small mammals do not follow the same vaccine protocols as dogs and cats. If you have an exotic pet and want to know what preventive care is appropriate, our team is happy to discuss their specific needs during a wellness exam. Visit our Exotic Pet Care page to learn more about how we care for non-traditional pets.

What is the difference between core and lifestyle vaccines?

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Core vaccines are recommended for all pets regardless of lifestyle because they protect against diseases that are widespread, severe, or transmissible to humans—such as rabies and distemper. Lifestyle vaccines protect against diseases your pet may encounter based on specific exposures—like Bordetella for dogs that visit groomers or boarding facilities, or leptospirosis for dogs with outdoor exposure near standing water.