Not sure what vaccines your puppy, kitten, or adult pet actually needs, what it costs, or how to keep it affordable? Here's a clear breakdown of schedules, core vaccines, and Kingston-area pricing.
If you've just searched "dog vaccinations near me" or "cat vaccinations near me" while trying to figure out what your pet actually needs and what it will cost, you're not alone. Vaccination questions are some of the most common ones we hear from Kingston pet owners, whether it's a new puppy's first round of shots or a reminder that an adult cat's booster is overdue. Here's a clear breakdown of what's involved.
Why Vaccinations Matter
Vaccines protect pets against diseases that are often serious, sometimes fatal, and in some cases (like rabies) a public health concern. They work by preparing your pet's immune system to recognize and fight off specific viruses or bacteria before an infection can take hold. For puppies and kittens especially, a properly timed vaccination series is one of the single most important things you can do for their long-term health.
Core Vaccines for Dogs
Every dog in Ontario should be current on:
Rabies — required by law in Ontario, and typically given starting at 12-16 weeks
DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) — a combination vaccine protecting against several serious, highly contagious diseases
Depending on lifestyle, we may also recommend:
Leptospirosis — relevant for dogs who drink from puddles, ponds, or spend time in wooded areas around Kingston
Bordetella (kennel cough) — recommended for dogs who go to daycare, boarding, or dog parks
Canine influenza — situational, based on regional risk and exposure
Core Vaccines for Cats
Rabies — required by law, regardless of whether your cat goes outdoors
FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) — protects against common, highly contagious feline viruses
For cats who spend time outdoors or live with other cats:
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) — recommended for outdoor or multi-cat households
Puppy and Kitten Vaccination Schedule
A typical schedule looks like this:
6-8 weeks: First round of core vaccines
10-12 weeks: Second round
14-16 weeks: Third round, including rabies
1 year: Booster series
Ongoing: Boosters every 1-3 years depending on vaccine type and your pet's risk profile
Kittens and puppies need this staged approach because maternal antibodies interfere with vaccine effectiveness early on, so a single shot isn't enough. Missing a round in the series can mean starting over, so sticking to the schedule matters.
What Vaccinations Cost in Kingston
Costs vary by clinic, but a rough range for the Kingston area looks like this:
Individual core vaccine: $35-$60 per vaccine
Rabies vaccine: $30-$45
Full puppy/kitten vaccine series (including exam fees across visits): $250-$400 total
Adult booster visit: $80-$150, depending on which vaccines are due and whether it's bundled with a wellness exam
At EastSide Veterinary Services, vaccination visits include a physical exam, since a vet should confirm your pet is healthy before vaccinating and can flag anything else worth addressing while you're already in for the visit.
Affordable Vaccination Options in Kingston
We know cost is often the first question, especially for a new puppy or kitten needing a full vaccine series. A few ways to keep vaccination costs manageable without skipping anything necessary:
Bundle visits. Combining vaccines due at the same time into one appointment saves on repeat exam fees compared to spacing them out unnecessarily.
Ask about wellness packages. Some clinics, including ours, can bundle a puppy or kitten's full first-year series with exams into a single package rate rather than pricing each visit separately.
Stick to the schedule. Missing a round in a puppy or kitten series sometimes means restarting vaccines that didn't get a chance to work properly, which costs more in the long run than staying on track.
Ask before assuming a vaccine is optional. Some vaccines (like leptospirosis or bordetella) are only needed based on lifestyle. Ask us directly which ones actually apply to your pet rather than paying for a full standard panel that may include vaccines your pet doesn't need.
If cost is the main thing holding you back from booking, tell us that upfront. We can walk through what's essential now versus what can reasonably be spaced out, so your pet stays protected without an unexpected bill.
Do Indoor Cats Really Need Vaccines?
Yes. Rabies vaccination is legally required in Ontario regardless of whether a cat goes outside, since exposure risk (an escaped cat, a bat in the house) is never zero. FVRCP is also recommended for indoor cats because some of what it protects against can be tracked in on clothing or shoes, or transmitted if your cat ever does get outside, even briefly.
Booking a Vaccination Appointment in Kingston
EastSide Veterinary Services offers vaccination appointments for puppies, kittens, and adult cats and dogs at our Kingston clinic at 96 Innovation Dr, Unit 4. We keep digital records of your pet's vaccination history, so you'll always know what's due and when.
Call us at +1 613-531-5830 to book, or reach out through our contact page. If you're not sure what your pet is due for, bring in any past records you have and we'll sort out the rest during the visit.
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