_​Vaccinations ("shots")when given on a regular basis are one of the best methods to keep your pet healthy.  Yet, we know that vaccines may, though very rarely, have side-effects.  To balance these two we advise giving the core vaccines to cats and dogs (after completion of their puppy or kitten series) every three years.  These core vaccines are to be given to all dogs and cats for life and include protection against canine and feline distemper, respiratory viruses, canine parvovirus, and rabies, which is required by law.  In order to provide maximum safety for our feline patients we use the PureVax line of vaccines by Merial.  This vaccines contains no potentially harmful adjuvants as other vaccines do to boost immunity.  Our clinic also has available vaccines to protect dogs from Lyme disease, kennel cough (Bordatella), canine influenza, and Leptospirosis_.  An available vaccine for cats, especially those that go outdoors, is the Feline Leukemia Vaccine.  All of these optional, non-core vaccines are given on the assessment of risk by our veterinarians after thoroughly discussing your pet's lifestyle and location in the Wilmington, Delaware area.  Please call us if you have any questions about our vaccines and your pet's needs.