Vaccines work. For parvo, distemper, rabies, and a handful of other diseases that genuinely kill pets — they work extremely well. At South Pasadena Animal Hospital, we build each pet's vaccine schedule around their actual age, lifestyle, and risk factors. Not a preprinted protocol. An actual conversation.
Not every pet needs every vaccine. We start with core vaccines — the ones recommended regardless of lifestyle because the diseases they prevent are severe, highly contagious, or transmissible to humans — and then talk through lifestyle vaccines based on what your pet actually does. A dog that boards and visits dog parks weekly has different exposure risks than one that mostly stays home. The schedule should reflect that.
These are recommended for all pets because the diseases they prevent are severe, highly contagious, or transmissible to humans. For dogs: DHPP and rabies. For cats: FVRCP and rabies. These form the foundation of every vaccine plan.
These are recommended based on where your pet lives, what activities they do, and who they interact with. Examples include bordetella for dogs who board or attend doggy daycare, leptospirosis for dogs near wildlife, and FeLV for outdoor cats.
Learn more about dog veterinary care at SPAH.
Learn more about cat veterinary care at SPAH.
Most exotic pets do not have licensed vaccines available in the US — rabbits, guinea pigs, reptiles, and birds are managed through preventive husbandry and regular wellness exams rather than vaccination. The notable exception is ferrets, which require both rabies and distemper vaccines.
Questions about your exotic pet's preventive care? Learn about our exotic veterinary services or contact us.
Core vaccines for dogs are DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza) and rabies. From there, it depends on the dog's life. A dog that goes to boarding, daycare, or dog parks needs bordetella. A dog with outdoor access near standing water or wildlife is a candidate for leptospirosis. We talk through risk factors at every visit — not every dog gets the same list.
Core vaccines for cats are FVRCP and rabies — required in California for both. FeLV (feline leukemia) is recommended for cats with outdoor access or exposure to other cats with unknown vaccination status. Strictly indoor cats may follow a modified schedule. We discuss what's appropriate for your cat specifically.
It depends on the vaccine. Rabies can go 1 or 3 years depending on which product is used. DHPP in adult dogs is often on a 3-year cycle after the initial series. Some lifestyle vaccines are annual. We build a schedule for your pet and send reminders — you don't need to track it yourself.
Ferrets need rabies and distemper vaccines — both are important, and ferret-specific products (IMRAB-3 for rabies, Purevax for distemper) are required. For most other exotic pets — rabbits, guinea pigs, reptiles, birds — there are no licensed vaccines available in the US. Their preventive care focuses on husbandry, nutrition, and annual wellness exams.
Yes — SPAH is now accepting new patients, including dogs, cats, and exotic pets. Book online or call (626) 441-1314.
Annual and semi-annual physical exams to catch health issues early.
Learn more →Permanent ID — quick, painless, and often bundled with your vaccine visit.
Learn more →Species-specific exams for birds, reptiles, small mammals, and more.
Learn more →We're at 3116 W Main St in Alhambra. Established clients can book online. Exotic patients are welcome. View our pricing before you arrive.