Vaccines

Our vaccine protocols are based on age, medical history, and lifestyle. In New Hampshire, we also account for environmental exposure, tick prevalence, and wildlife contact.

If there have been significant lapses between vaccines, booster schedules may be adjusted to ensure proper immunity and should be discussed with your veterinarian.

For Dogs

We recommend the following vaccines:

Rabies
Rabies vaccination is required by New Hampshire state law for all dogs and cats. Because rabies is a fatal disease with significant public health implications, we require all active patients at Bedford Animal Hospital to remain current on rabies vaccination.

In very select medical circumstances, a rabies exemption may be requested. These exemptions are not issued by our hospital alone. Your pet must be evaluated and medically cleared, often by a specialist, and the exemption must ultimately be reviewed and approved by the State of New Hampshire. Without an approved state exemption, we are legally unable to provide routine care.

If a pet is acutely ill at the time rabies vaccination is due, we may consider a one-time temporary deferral on a case-by-case basis. These decisions are made carefully and individually, prioritizing both patient safety and legal compliance.

Our goal is to protect your pet, our team, and our community while following state regulations responsibly.

Distemper/Parvovirus (DA2PP/DHPP)
This combination vaccine protects against distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis), parainfluenza, and parvovirus — serious, highly contagious diseases that remain present in the environment.

Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is spread through wildlife urine contaminating soil, puddles, and even backyard environments. It can cause severe kidney and liver failure and is transmissible to humans. Due to rising regional prevalence, leptospirosis has been considered a core vaccine in endemic areas like ours since 2022 and is strongly recommended for most dogs.

Lyme Disease
New Hampshire is a high-risk state for Lyme disease. We recommend Lyme vaccination for dogs with increased exposure — particularly those with active outdoor lifestyles, wooded properties, hunting activity, or significant wildlife presence. For certain high-exposure dogs, such as hunting dogs, a more frequent booster schedule may be recommended. Lyme vaccination never replaces year-round tick prevention.

Bordetella
Recommended for social dogs and required by most grooming, boarding, daycare, and training facilities.

For Cats

Rabies
Rabies vaccination is required by New Hampshire state law for all dogs and cats, even indoor only cats. Because rabies is a fatal disease with significant public health implications, we require all active patients at Bedford Animal Hospital to remain current on rabies vaccination.

In very select medical circumstances, a rabies exemption may be requested. These exemptions are not issued by our hospital alone. Your pet must be evaluated and medically cleared, often by a specialist, and the exemption must ultimately be reviewed and approved by the State of New Hampshire. Without an approved state exemption, we are legally unable to provide routine care.

If a pet is acutely ill at the time rabies vaccination is due, we may consider a one-time temporary deferral on a case-by-case basis. These decisions are made carefully and individually, prioritizing both patient safety and legal compliance.

FVRCP
Protects against feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, and panleukopenia — highly contagious and potentially severe viral diseases. These pathogens can be carried into the home on clothing or shoes, which is why vaccination is recommended even for strictly indoor cats.

FeLV
Administered as a core kitten series to provide early protection. For adult cats, continued vaccination is recommended only when outdoor access or exposure to other cats is anticipated.

We individualize every vaccine plan. Our goal is appropriate protection based on risk — not a one-size-fits-all schedule.