Protecting your pet from preventable illness is one of the most important steps you can take to support their long-term health and happiness. At Sleepy Hollow Animal Hospital, we offer comprehensive vaccination care designed to safeguard dogs and cats from highly contagious, sometimes life-threatening diseases. Vaccines help your pet avoid unnecessary pain, discomfort, and expensive treatments — all while supporting a healthier community of pets and people.
Vaccinations “teach” your pet’s immune system how to identify and fight specific viruses or bacteria. With this protection in place, their body can quickly recognize a threat and stop infection before it begins. Our veterinarians will create a personalized vaccination plan based on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and medical history.
Routine vaccines are one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your pet. They help prevent:
Serious and often fatal diseases
Zoonotic illnesses that can spread to people
Illnesses commonly transmitted at boarding, grooming, and social settings
Long-term health complications related to infectious disease
By vaccinating your pet, you’re choosing prevention over costly treatment and ensuring they can live a safer, healthier life.
Pet vaccines fall into two main categories:
Core vaccines protect against the most dangerous and widespread diseases — and some are required by New York State law.
Non-core vaccines are recommended based on your pet’s environment, activities, and risk level. Our team will help determine which are appropriate for your dog or cat.
Modern veterinary research has revealed new insights into vaccine longevity, allowing many core vaccines to be given less frequently while still providing excellent immunity. We follow the most current recommendations unless:
Early vaccination is requested by the owner
Vaccinations are required for travel, grooming, or boarding
A pet has a medical condition affecting vaccine safety
Puppies:
First vaccine at 5–7 weeks
Booster every 3–4 weeks until 15–16 weeks
Booster at 1 year
Then every 3 years
Unvaccinated Adults:
First vaccine at visit
Booster at 1 year
Then every 3 years
Required by New York State.
First vaccine at 12–16 weeks
Booster at 1 year
Then every 3 years
Unvaccinated adult dogs follow the same schedule starting at their first visit.
Recommended for dogs that:
Visit dog parks
Attend daycare
Stay in boarding facilities
Participate in training or competitions
Are groomed professionally
Regularly interact with other dogs
Bordetella:
Intranasal vaccine, safe for puppies as young as 6 weeks
Boost annually
Canine Influenza (Bivalent H3N8 & H3N2):
First vaccine as early as 10 weeks
Booster 3–4 weeks later
Annual boosters as long as risk continues
Recommended because our region is endemic for ticks.
Ideal for dogs that:
Walk through wooded or grassy areas
Have a history of tick exposure
Schedule:
First vaccine at 12 weeks
Booster 3–4 weeks later
Annual boosters
Recommended for dogs that:
Drink from or swim in natural water sources
Walk in areas where wildlife or livestock are present
Spend time in environments with rodent activity
Schedule:
First vaccine at 12 weeks
Booster 3–4 weeks later
Annual boosters
Kittens:
First vaccine at 5–7 weeks
Booster every 3–4 weeks until 15–16 weeks
Booster at 1 year
Then every 3 years
Unvaccinated Adults:
First vaccine at visit
Booster at 1 year
Then every 3 years
Required by New York State for all cats, including indoor-only cats.
First vaccine at 12–16 weeks
Annual boosters (based on current efficacy studies)
Recommended for cats who:
Spend time outdoors
Live with other cats of unknown vaccine status
May encounter stray or feral cats
Schedule:
First vaccine at 12 weeks
Booster 3–4 weeks later
Annual boosters if risk continues
At Sleepy Hollow Animal Hospital, our role is to provide clear, up-to-date veterinary guidance so you can make the best decisions for your pet. Every animal is unique — and their vaccine schedule should be too. If you have concerns, questions, or want to talk through your pet’s lifestyle, we’re here to help.
We’re here to answer your questions and care for your pets. Contact Sleepy Hollow Animal Hospital in Sleepy Hollow, NY today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our veterinary services.
Order your pet’s medications, prescription diets, and wellness products safely and conveniently through our online pharmacy. Enjoy trusted brands, automatic refills, and direct delivery—because your pet’s health should always be easy to manage.
