Pet Vaccinations in Centerton, AR

What Vaccinations Does My Dog or Cat Need?

Every pet has different health needs, but most benefit from a mix of core and lifestyle vaccines.

Core vaccines protect against the most common and serious diseases.

• Dogs: Rabies, DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza), Leptospirosis
• Cats: Rabies, FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)

Lifestyle vaccines are recommended based on your pet’s environment and activities.

• Dogs: Bordetella, Canine Influenza
• Cats: FeLV (Feline Leukemia for outdoor or multi-cat households)

During your visit, Dr. Jernigan will review your pet’s health history and discuss which pet immunizations are best suited to their needs.

How Often Should Pets Be Vaccinated in Benton County, AR?

Puppies and kittens start their vaccine series at around 6 to 8 weeks of age, with boosters every 3 to 4 weeks until 16 weeks old.

Adult pets typically receive booster vaccinations every 1 to 3 years, depending on the vaccine type and risk factors.

At Embrace Vet Care, we require rabies vaccination for all healthy pets in accordance with state law. Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread between animals and people. Vaccinating your pet helps protect your household and our veterinary team, while also supporting public safety in our community. We maintain accurate vaccination records and provide the necessary documentation for boarding, grooming, travel, and other situations where proof of rabies vaccination is required.

Are Rabies Vaccinations Required by Law for Pets in Arkansas?

Yes. Arkansas law requires all dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies by 4 months of age. Boosters are required every 1 to 3 years, depending on the vaccine. 

At Embrace Vet Care, we require rabies vaccination for all healthy pets in accordance with state law. This policy helps protect your pet, your family, and our veterinary team, while also reducing the risk of exposure to a serious and preventable disease. Our team maintains accurate vaccination records and provides the necessary documentation for boarding, grooming, travel, and other situations where proof of rabies vaccination is required.

Arkansas Rabies Requirement:

All dogs and cats over 4 months must be vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian.

What Age Should a Puppy or Kitten Receive Its First Vaccinations?

The best time to begin puppy or kitten vaccines is between 6 and 8 weeks of age.

• Puppies: Vaccines at 6–8 weeks, 10–12 weeks, 14–16 weeks, and a 1-year booster.
• Kittens: Vaccines at 6–8 weeks, 10–12 weeks, 14–16 weeks, and a 1-year booster.

Starting early helps your new pet build immunity against diseases like parvovirus, distemper, and panleukopenia. Schedule your pet’s first wellness exam to create a healthy start for life.

What Are the “Core” Vaccines for Dogs and Cats in Arkansas?

Core vaccines are recommended for every pet because they protect against severe, widespread illnesses.

• Dogs: Rabies and DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza). Leptosporosis was recently reclassified in 2025 as a core vaccine
• Cats: Rabies and FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia)

Depending on your pet’s daily routine and exposure risk, Dr. Jernigan may also recommend lifestyle vaccines like Bordetella, FeLV, or Canine Influenza.

How Much Does a Pet Vaccination Cost in Centerton, AR?

At Embrace Vet Care, we believe preventive care should be affordable and transparent. Pet vaccination costs vary depending on your pet’s species, age, and which vaccines are recommended.

We discuss pricing before any treatment so you can make informed decisions. Our personalized vaccination plans ensure your pet receives exactly what they need without unnecessary expenses.

Can My Indoor-Only Pet Skip Certain Vaccines?

Even indoor pets need protection from contagious diseases that can spread through open windows, shoe/clothing contamination, or other animals in the home.

• Cats can be exposed to airborne viruses such as calicivirus.
• Dogs need protection from parvo, a common clothing contaminant, as well as lepto, which can be spread by wildlife coming into the yard.
• Cats and Dogs both need protection from rabies due to wildlife exposure. Bats in the home or other wildlife, such as skunks, in Arkansas, pose the greatest risk to our pets. 

Our team will evaluate your pet’s daily routine and guide you on which indoor pet vaccinations are essential to keep them safe.

What Happens If I Miss a Vaccination for My Pet?

If your pet misses a scheduled vaccination, their immunity can weaken, leaving them more vulnerable to illness. Young pets may need to restart their vaccine series to rebuild proper protection.

At Embrace Vet Care, we make catching up simple. We review your pet’s history, discuss risk factors, and develop a custom catch-up vaccination plan to restore protection quickly and safely.

How Long After Vaccination Will My Pet Be Protected?

Most pets develop immunity within one to two weeks after receiving a vaccine. For rabies, full protection is reached approximately 28 days after injection.

Maintaining a regular booster schedule keeps your pet’s immunity strong year-round and prevents lapses in protection.

Which Vaccines Are Required for Kennel, Grooming, or Boarding Situations?

Many facilities in Northwest Arkansas require proof of specific vaccinations before your pet can be accepted.

• Dogs: Rabies, Bordetella (kennel cough), DHPP, and Canine Influenza
• Cats: Rabies and FVRCP

Embrace Vet Care provides the proper certificates and reminders for boarding or grooming, giving you peace of mind when your pet is away from home.

Why Choose Embrace Vet Care for Veterinary Vaccinations in Centerton, AR?

Choosing where to vaccinate your pet matters. At Embrace Vet Care, we combine advanced medical care with compassion and education.

• Whole-body wellness approach focused on long-term health
• Fear-free, gentle handling for stress-free visits
• Personalized vaccination plans based on lifestyle and risk
• Transparent communication about every treatment
• Led by Dr. Sandy Jernigan, DVM, a veterinarian committed to trust and collaboration
• Whole-family protection, certain vaccines help reduce zoonotic disease risk and support a safer home environment

Schedule your pet’s vaccine visit today and experience low-stress veterinary care designed around your pet’s comfort.