In 2025 alone, Emancipet clinics administered over 300,000 vaccines to pets across Central Texas, Houston, and Philadelphia. Vaccines that help prevent serious illnesses and keep our cats and dogs happy, healthy, and by our side.
What exactly do these vaccines do? How soon can you get your pet vaccinated? Ahead of our Pet Wellness Day Event in Houston–where we’ll be administering free vaccines and microchipping services to over 300 pet families–we’re breaking down everything you want to know about vaccines.
What vaccines does my dog/cat need? Do my pets have to be healthy for vaccines?
According to the American Association of Animal Hospitals, the following vaccines are considered core vaccines:
For dogs:
- Rabies Vaccine
- DAPP Vaccine
- Leptospirosis Vaccine (also known as Lepto)
For cats:
- Rabies Vaccine
- FVRCP(Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis ‘FVR’, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia)
While only the Rabies vaccine is required by law, talk to your veterinarian to see which vaccines are right for your pet! Emancipet builds each clinic after getting to know the community where our services are needed and learning how we can make a difference.
Keep in mind, your pet needs to be healthy before receiving vaccines or shots. If your pet is already sick, a vaccine will not make them get better, and might actually make them sicker or not work as effectively for future protection. If you have health concerns, talk to your vet about how you can get your pet healthy enough to receive their preventative care.
I just got a puppy or kitten! How soon should I get them vaccinated?
You can start vaccinations on both kittens and puppies as early as 6-8 weeks of age. For most puppies and kittens, the final vaccination in the series is given at 16 weeks of age or older. Depending on your pet, your veterinarian may adjust this schedule based on your pet’s individual circumstances and needs.
When can I start socializing my kitten or puppy with other pets?
Socialization is important for both pups and kittens, but so is keeping your pet safe! If you already have a pet in the home, make sure their vaccines are all up to date before introducing your new puppy or kitten. You should make sure the environment is controlled before introducing pets to keep everyone safe. Save the dog parks and trails for after your series of shots are completed.
What’s the difference between DHP, DHPP, and DA2PP?
All of these protect against distemper, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and hepatitis/canine adenovirus, but the major difference is that DA2PP protects against adenovirus Type 2, which also can make it more effective against adenovirus type 1.
However, all of these vaccines are considered adequate for a dog’s “core” protection.
Why do smaller pets receive the same dose as larger pets?
A chihuahua is significantly smaller than a rottweiler. So why do they use the same dose of a vaccine? Unlike medication that doses off of a patient’s weight, a vaccine is based on the immune system that does not come in different “sizes”. Since the vaccine is measured based on the minimum immunizing or infectious dose, giving a pet any less could actually reduce the vaccine’s effectiveness and put your pet at risk.
What do vaccines prevent against?
Getting your pet vaccinated today helps prevent larger highly contagious–and in some cases, deadly–medical issues tomorrow. Diseases like distemper, influenza, parvovirus, rabies, leptospirosis, and Lyme Disease can all be prevented or reduced in severity by taking this step towards your pet’s safety. You are also protecting your family and community because rabies, Lyme, and leptospirosis can infect people, too.
If you live in Houston, Emancipet is offering a free Pet Wellness Day offering core vaccines for cats and dogs, as well as microchips in partnership with the City of Houston’s BARC Animal Shelter and Adoptions. The event will take place on Saturday, April 19, 2026.
Thank you to our sponsors for their support!
