As the top pet store in the United States, PetSmart offers a wide range of products for your beloved pets. Some PetSmart stores also house Banfield Pet Hospitals, which offer puppy vaccines and medical care.
If you are curious about the vaccines available at PetSmart, read on. This article explores the PetSmart Animal Hospital and the recommended puppy vaccine schedule. Continue reading to understand more about obtaining vaccines for your puppy at PetSmart.
Does PetSmart Offer Vaccines?
Formally, PetSmart does not provide vaccines or veterinary services. It is primarily a retail outlet where you can buy pet supplies, food, and non-prescription medications.
Banfield Pet Hospital Inside PetSmart
Many PetSmart stores have an independently operated Banfield Pet Hospital within their premises. This allows access to comprehensive veterinary care at specific PetSmart locations, although the vaccines are not administered by PetSmart staff.
Just like an eye doctor may have a clinic inside a Walmart, Banfield Pet Hospital operates within PetSmart for convenience. Despite being located in PetSmart, the medical services are provided by Banfield Pet Hospital and not PetSmart.
About Banfield Pet Hospital
Banfield Pet Hospital is a well-equipped practice with over 3,600 veterinarians. They offer various wellness plans, online consultations, and additional services to safeguard your cat or dog from diseases.
How to Determine if Your PetSmart Provides Vaccines
It’s important to note that not all PetSmart locations have a Banfield Pet Hospital. You should check with your local PetSmart to confirm the presence of a Banfield Hospital. If available, the hospital can administer vaccines to your pet. You can use the Banfield Pet Hospital locator to find one near you.
You can also contact your local PetSmart directly to inquire if they provide vaccines through a Banfield Pet Hospital.
Which Animals Can Receive Vaccines at PetSmart?
Banfield Pet Hospitals at PetSmart offer vaccination options for common pets like dogs and cats. For specialized pets, it’s advisable to visit a facility experienced in exotic animals. Dogs are the most common recipients of vaccines at PetSmart’s Banfield Pet Hospital.
Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines for Puppies
For puppies requiring vaccines, understanding the distinction between essential (core) and recommended (non-core) vaccines is crucial. Core vaccines are mandatory, while non-core vaccines contribute to your pet’s health but may not be obligatory.
Core Vaccines for Puppies
Puppies should receive vaccines guarding against parvovirus, rabies, distemper, and hepatitis. These core vaccinations typically commence around 2 to 4 weeks old and continue until the pup is 14 weeks old. Booster shots are necessary annually or biennially to maintain your dog’s health.
Non-Core Vaccines for Puppies
Additional vaccines like Bordetella, Lyme disease, and canine influenza are considered non-core. While not mandated by law, some services such as dog sitters may require them. For instance, a Bordetella vaccine aids in combating kennel cough, often mandatory for dog-related services.
Puppy Vaccine Schedule
Details of the vaccination schedule for puppies are provided in the image below.
The vaccines include DHLPPC, Rabies, Giardia, Bordetella, and Lyme disease, each administered at specific ages with booster shots at recommended intervals.
Does PetSmart Administer Vaccines for Cats?
Vaccines for cats are available at select PetSmart locations hosting Banfield Animal Hospitals. These locations that provide puppy vaccines also offer vaccines for cats.
Similar to puppies, ensuring kittens and cats receive timely vaccinations is crucial. The initial round of immunizations occurs during the first year, with subsequent annual boosters for certain vaccines.
Kitten Vaccine Schedule
The vaccination schedule for kittens, covering vaccines for Rabies, Feline Distemper, Feline Herpesvirus, Calicivirus, FeLV, and Bordetella, is outlined below.
These vaccines are administered at specific times with booster shots recommended annually for the well-being of your kitten.
Final Thoughts
While PetSmart itself does not administer vaccines, some locations house Banfield Pet Hospitals providing vaccination services for dogs. Contact your local PetSmart to ascertain if they offer in-house pet vaccines.
If your PetSmart lacks a Banfield Pet Hospital, seek another veterinary clinic for vaccination services. Adhering to the vaccination schedule is crucial for your puppy’s health. Consult your vet for any further queries regarding your dog’s required vaccines.
