Pet Vaccinations in Parma, OH: Dog and Cat Vaccines
Vaccines are the simplest way to protect your dog or cat from serious, contagious, and sometimes fatal diseases, and they are the most common reason pet owners book a routine visit.
If you're searching for pet vaccinations in Parma, Bartels Busack Pet Hospital offers dog and cat vaccines at our AAHA-accredited hospital at 6270 State Road. Your pet will be seen by a veterinarian who can also address anything they find along the way.
Why Pet Vaccinations Matter
Core vaccines protect against diseases that spread easily and can be deadly, including parvovirus and distemper in dogs, panleukopenia in cats, and rabies in both.
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) divides vaccines into core vaccines, recommended for all pets, and noncore vaccines, recommended based on lifestyle and risk, so your veterinarian builds a plan around your pet rather than giving every shot to every animal.
Risk can be local, too. Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection spread by wildlife such as deer, raccoons, and mice, is becoming more common in the Cleveland area.
Rabies Vaccination Is Required in Cuyahoga County
The Cuyahoga County Board of Health requires all dogs, cats, and ferrets in its jurisdiction, the entire county except the City of Cleveland, to be vaccinated against rabies by the time they turn 4 months old.
Rabies attacks the brain and nervous system, is fatal in pets, and spreads to people through bites, so the vaccine protects your whole family and covers you if your pet has an unexpected encounter with wildlife. The requirement applies to indoor-only pets, too.
Dog Vaccinations: Puppy Shot Schedule and Adult Boosters
Puppies typically begin their core vaccines at 6 to 8 weeks of age, with shots every 3 to 4 weeks until they are about 16 weeks old. Boosters follow during the first years, and many adult dogs then move to a three-year schedule for core vaccines. Your veterinarian sets exact dates based on your puppy’s age and history. A typical dog vaccine plan includes:
- Rabies: first given at 16 weeks and required by Cuyahoga County
- DHPP (also called DH2PP or the 5-in-1): protects against distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus), parainfluenza, and parvovirus, given as a puppy series
- Leptospirosis: two doses 2 to 4 weeks apart, then once a year
- Bordetella (kennel cough): boosted every 6 months
AAHA’s canine vaccination guidelines treat distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, leptospirosis, and rabies as core vaccines for all dogs, with others like Bordetella added based on lifestyle. For more detail, see our guide to the vaccines dogs need and our dog resources.
Cat and Kitten Vaccinations
Kittens follow a similar series, with vaccines every 3 to 4 weeks as their immune systems develop. Cats typically receive:
- FVRCP: protects against rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia, given as a kitten series and then boosted on a schedule that stretches to every 3 years
- Rabies: first given at 16 weeks
- Feline leukemia (FeLV): given to all kittens, indoor or outdoor, with a second dose 3 to 4 weeks later, then continued yearly for cats that go outdoors or live with cats that do
Indoor cats need vaccines, too. The AAHA/AAFP feline vaccination guidelines list FHV-1, FCV, FPV, and rabies as core vaccines for pet cats, plus FeLV for cats under a year old. Our cat resources and our article on the vaccines your cat should be current on explain what your cat needs and when.
Book Vaccines, a Hotel Stay, or a Spa Date
Schedule your pet's vaccines with our veterinarians, then book their next resort stay or grooming visit, all at one Parma location.
Vaccines for Boarding, Day Care, and Spa Visits
Bartels Busack is a pet hospital, resort, and spa in one location, so keeping your pet’s vaccines current and booking their next stay can happen in the same place.
Our resort requires vaccines to be given at least 10 days before boarding or a grooming visit, and it accepts titers or a veterinarian’s written medical exemption in place of vaccines. See our boarding details for timing.
Current Requirements Include:
- Dogs: rabies, DA2PP, Bordetella, leptospirosis, and canine influenza
- Cats: rabies, FVRCP, and feline leukemia
- All pets: a fecal exam within the past year, or within 6 months for doggie day care
Puppies and kittens must be at least 11 weeks old with a series of at least two vaccinations. If your pet is overdue, you can update vaccines at our full-service facility and then book a hotel stay or book a spa date. We ask that boarding be requested at least two weeks in advance.
Why Choose Bartels Busack for Pet Vaccinations
We have been AAHA-accredited for more than 35 years, a voluntary standard that only about 15 percent of veterinary hospitals in the U.S. and Canada meet.
AAHA’s standards require on-site diagnostic services, including X-ray and laboratory, plus an on-site pharmacy, so if your veterinarian finds an ear infection, a dental problem, or a lump during the exam, treatment can start right away. Our veterinary team includes Fear Free certified members who help nervous pets stay calm.
Success Stories
Hear from the Parma pet owners who trust Bartels Busack with their pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dog and cat vaccines cost?
Cost depends on your pet’s age, health, and which vaccines they need, since a puppy or kitten series differs from an adult booster. Call us at (440) 845-7141 or schedule a visit for an estimate based on your pet.
Do you offer walk-in or low-cost pet vaccinations?
Vaccines are best given as part of an exam so a veterinarian can confirm your pet is healthy enough to vaccinate. Call us at (440) 845-7141 to ask about the earliest available appointment and pricing.
What is the puppy and kitten vaccination schedule?
Puppies and kittens typically start at 6 to 8 weeks with shots every 3 to 4 weeks until about 16 weeks. Rabies is first given at 16 weeks, and your veterinarian sets exact dates.
Is the rabies vaccine required in Ohio?
Ohio leaves rabies rules largely to local health departments. Cuyahoga County requires dogs, cats, and ferrets to be vaccinated by 4 months of age, with the City of Cleveland following its own rules.
Do indoor cats need vaccines?
Yes. AAHA and AAFP guidelines recommend core vaccines for all cats, and Cuyahoga County requires rabies vaccination regardless of lifestyle. Kittens also need FeLV vaccines, indoor or outdoor.
What is the 5-in-1 (DHPP) vaccine for dogs?
DHPP, also called DH2PP, protects against distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus), parainfluenza, and parvovirus. Puppies get it as a series, and adult dogs are boosted on a schedule your veterinarian sets.
How soon before boarding or grooming should my pet be vaccinated?
Our resort requires vaccines to be given at least 10 days before a stay for boarding or grooming. Call us at (440) 845-7141 if your pet is due so we can get you on the schedule.
Get Your Pet Protected with Pet Vaccinations in Parma
At Bartels Busack Pet Hospital, we know how important vaccines are to keep your pet healthy and happy. Don't let an overdue shot hold up a vet visit, a boarding stay, or a day at the spa. Call us at (440) 845-7141 or schedule your pet's vaccines at 6270 State Road in Parma. First visit? Register as a new client and we'll take it from there.
Resort Hours
Monday - Friday : 8:00am - 7:00pm
Saturday : 8:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday : 10:00am - 4:00pm
Hospital Hours
Monday : 7:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday : 7:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday : 7:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday : 7:30am - 5:30pm
Friday : 7:30am - 5:30pm
Saturday : Closed
Sunday : Closed
