What does the first exam include?

Your pet’s first exam is designed to give us a complete picture of their health. We’ll check weight, heart and lung sounds, skin, coat, eyes, ears, and teeth. Time is also spent reviewing medical history, vaccination needs, and daily habits. This visit allows us to answer questions, address concerns, and begin building a personalized care plan for your pet.

Do you provide emergency or after-hours care?

Emergencies can happen unexpectedly, and quick action matters. Our hospital provides emergency care day or night, and we maintain close relationships with trusted emergency facilities in the nearby area.

What kinds of veterinary services do you offer?

Our clinic offers comprehensive veterinary care for pets at every life stage, including Preventive Care, Diagnostic Care, Dental Care, Acupuncture, Parasite Protection, Laser Therapy, Surgical Care, Puppy & Kitten Care, Senior Pet Care, and Urgent Care. We create individualized care plans for puppies, kittens, adults, and senior pets, ensuring their unique needs are met. Our goal is simple—providing consistent, thoughtful medical care to support your pet's health throughout their lifetime.

Can I schedule an appointment with a specific vet?

Yes, you can request a specific veterinarian when booking your appointment. We recognize that continuity and trust matter, especially for ongoing care. Your scheduling preferences are taken into account, subject to availability. If your preferred veterinarian isn't available, another experienced team member will step in to provide attentive, high-quality care for your pet.

What can I expect during my pet’s first visit?

Your pet’s first visit focuses on comfort, communication, and care. A full physical exam will be completed, followed by a discussion about vaccinations, nutrition, and daily routines. We’ll take time to listen to your concerns and explain recommendations clearly. The visit is designed to feel welcoming while setting a strong foundation for future veterinary care.

Do you offer spays/neuters?

Spay and neuter procedures are offered for both cats and dogs as part of our surgical services. These routine surgeries can support long-term health and help prevent unwanted litters. Our team follows strict safety protocols and provides detailed instructions before and after surgery to ensure your pet remains comfortable throughout recovery.

Where are you located?

Our hospital is conveniently located at 517 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, making it easy for families throughout the surrounding community to access. The clinic offers on-site parking and a welcoming environment for both pets and owners. Whether you’re visiting for routine care or a medical concern, our location is designed to make every visit as smooth as possible.

Why are annual wellness exams important for my pet?

Annual wellness exams allow veterinarians to monitor your pet’s health over time. Subtle changes in weight, mobility, or organ function can often be detected early during routine exams. Catching concerns sooner helps prevent more serious issues later. Regular checkups also ensure that vaccinations and preventive care remain up to date as your pet grows and ages.

How often should my pet get vaccinations?

Vaccination schedules depend on age, lifestyle, and overall health. Puppies and kittens require a series of vaccines during their first year, followed by boosters. Adult pets may need annual or extended-interval vaccines. Our team will recommend an appropriate schedule tailored to your pet, helping protect them from preventable illnesses without unnecessary treatments.

What types of diagnostic tests does your clinic offer for pets?

Diagnostic services include blood work, urinalysis, fecal testing, X-rays, and other in-house testing tools. These tests help identify health issues that may not be visible during a physical exam. Diagnostics play an essential role in accurate treatment decisions, helping us better understand your pet’s condition and respond quickly when concerns arise.

How quickly can I expect to receive diagnostic test results?

Many diagnostic test results are available the same day, especially for in-house blood work and imaging. Some specialized tests may require analysis by an outside laboratory and take a bit longer. Once results are ready, our team will review them with you and explain what they mean, along with any recommended next steps for your pet’s care.

Are any wellness plans available for puppies and kittens?

Wellness plans may be available for puppies and kittens to help cover essential early-life care. These plans often include exams, vaccinations, and preventive treatments spread over several visits. They are designed to support healthy development while making care more manageable during your pet’s first year. Our team can review current options and help you choose the option that best fits.

When should I schedule my puppy or kitten’s first vet visit?

A puppy or kitten should see a veterinarian shortly after coming home, typically around six to eight weeks of age. Early visits allow us to begin vaccinations, discuss nutrition, and check for common health concerns. Starting care early helps ensure proper growth and guides you during those critical first months.

How often should senior pets see the veterinarian?

Senior pets benefit from more frequent veterinary visits, usually every six months. As pets age, health changes can happen quickly, and regular exams help detect issues early. These visits allow us to monitor mobility, organ health, weight, and comfort so your pet can maintain a good quality of life as they grow older.

What is included in a senior wellness exam?

A senior wellness exam focuses on age-related changes and comfort. The visit often includes a detailed physical exam, weight evaluation, joint assessment, and diagnostic screening when recommended. We’ll also discuss behavior, appetite, and activity levels. These exams help us identify early signs of conditions common in older pets and adjust care accordingly.

Did you provide pet dental cleanings?

Yes, professional dental cleanings are part of our veterinary services. Dental care helps prevent gum disease, tooth loss, and discomfort that can affect overall health. Cleanings include scaling, polishing, and a complete oral exam performed under anesthesia. Regular dental care supports better eating habits, fresher breath, and long-term wellness for your pet.

How long does a pet dental cleaning take?

A dental cleaning typically takes about one to two hours, depending on your pet’s oral health and whether extractions are needed. The process includes anesthesia, cleaning, polishing, and careful monitoring throughout recovery. After the procedure, we’ll review findings and guide at-home dental care to help maintain healthy teeth.

Do you perform pet surgeries at your clinics?

Surgical services are offered on-site for a variety of routine and medical needs. Our team follows strict safety protocols, including pre-surgical evaluations and careful anesthesia monitoring. From preparation through recovery, we focus on keeping pets comfortable and owners informed. Clear communication before and after surgery helps ensure a smooth experience.

What types of pet surgeries do you offer?

Our surgical services include Spay and Neuter surgeries, Soft-Tissue Surgery, Dentistry & Oral Surgery, Tumor & Growth Removal, Hernia Repair, and Foreign Body Removal. Each procedure is tailored to your pet’s specific health needs. Before the surgery, we’ll walk you through the process, recovery expectations, and post-operative care, ensuring you feel informed and confident every step of the way. Your pet’s comfort and safety are our top priority.

What are the benefits of microchipping my pet?

Microchipping provides permanent identification, increasing the chances of reuniting with a lost pet. Unlike collars or tags, a microchip cannot be removed or lost. The procedure is quick and safe, offering peace of mind that shelters and clinics can identify your pet if they ever wander away.

How long does it take for a pet to recover after surgery?

Recovery time depends on the procedure and your pet’s overall health, but many pets begin feeling better within a few days. Complete healing often takes one to two weeks. We provide detailed aftercare instructions, including activity restrictions and pain management, and remain available to answer questions during your pet’s recovery.

Do you serve pets in Cheektowaga, Amherst, Tonawanda and West Seneca?

Yes. Ellicott Street Animal Hospital proudly serves patients from Buffalo as well as nearby areas including Cheektowaga, Amherst, Tonawanda, and West Seneca. Our clinic is conveniently located at 517 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, and we are currently welcoming new patients. Call 716-852-8276 or schedule your appointment online.

Vaccine Basics for Puppies: Schedule and Why It Matters

Name: Ellicott Street Animal Hospital
Address: 517 Ellicott St, Buffalo, NY, 14203, US
Telephone: 716-852-8276
Price range: $$

Back

By Ellicott Street Animal Hospital | September 17, 2025

Share

Welcoming a new puppy is pure joy, but ensuring their health requires more than treats and playtime—it starts with boosters and shots. A well-timed vaccination schedule is the foundation of pet preventative care Buffalo families swear by, protecting pups from illnesses that lurk in parks, sidewalks, and even at home.

Why Early Vaccines Are Critical

Puppies are born with temporary protection, courtesy of their mother’s antibodies. However, as these fade after 6-8 weeks, young dogs are especially vulnerable to diseases like parvovirus and distemper. Vaccinations step in, priming your puppy’s immune system to fight off viruses before they can strike.

These shots aren’t just life-saving for individual puppies—they’re essential for keeping Buffalo’s entire pet community safe and healthy. This proactive approach helps prevent outbreaks and protects humans from zoonotic diseases as well.

The Ultimate Puppy Vaccine Schedule

Designing your puppy’s vaccination timeline starts at six weeks old and continues through their first year:

Age	Core Vaccines	Non-Core/Lifestyle Vaccines
6–8 weeks	DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza)	Bordetella, Canine Influenza
10–12 weeks	DHPP, Leptospirosis	Lyme, Canine Influenza
14–16 weeks	DHPP, Rabies	Lyme, Leptospirosis
6–12 months	DHPP Booster	Rabies Booster

Core vaccines like DHPP and rabies are essential for all puppies. Non-core vaccines are tailored based on your pet’s lifestyle, location, and risk factors—think busy dog parks, boarding, or rural living.

Missing a vaccination can mean restarting the series and exposing your puppy to avoidable risks.

Unpacking the Shots: What Each Protects Against

Each vaccine has a specific role:

DHPP: Shields against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza.
Rabies: Protects pets and people from a deadly virus; especially important for legal compliance.
Leptospirosis: Defends against a bacterial infection that can harm kidneys and liver.
Bordetella: Guards against kennel cough, ideal for puppies who socialize or board.
Lyme: Added protection for dogs exposed to ticks, common in wooded areas around Buffalo.

Local Love: Pet Preventative Care Buffalo

Veterinarians in Buffalo take a proactive approach to keeping pets healthy with regular checkups, customized vaccine schedules, and year-round parasite prevention. These measures combine to form a robust shield against illness, giving every pet the chance to thrive in Western New York’s vibrant pet-friendly environment.

Annual wellness visits are an opportunity to review your puppy’s vaccination status and make adjustments as needed.

What Happens If My Puppy Misses a Vaccine?

Missing a vaccine increases the chance of your puppy catching a preventable disease and might mean costly treatments—or restarting the entire vaccine series. To avoid setbacks, mark your calendar and stay in close contact with your local Buffalo vet for reminders and rescheduling if needed.

Active Care: The Role of Boosters and Ongoing Shots

Immunity from initial vaccines wears off, so boosters in the first year—and regular adult boosters each year or every three years depending on the vaccine—keep your pet protected. Some vaccines, like Bordetella and canine influenza, require annual updates, while DHPP and rabies usually need only occasional boosters.

Beyond Shots: Whole-Health Preventative Care

Buffalo’s best veterinary clinics recommend combining vaccinations with parasite prevention, microchipping, and nutritional guidance to create a well-rounded health plan. Puppy wellness visits allow for growth tracking, early problem detection, behavioral advice, and setting the stage for lifelong health.

FAQs About Puppy Vaccinations

Q1. When should my puppy start getting vaccines?
Ans. Most puppies should begin their vaccine schedule at 6-8 weeks of age.

Q2. Why do puppies need multiple shots of the same vaccine?
Ans. Multiple shots ensure immunity as maternal antibodies fade and the immune system gains strength.

Q3. Is the rabies vaccine legally required?
Ans. Yes, rabies vaccination is required by law across the US and protects both pets and people.

Q4. What happens if my puppy misses a booster?
Ans. Missing boosters can reduce protection and may mean restarting the series—always contact your vet in Buffalo for advice.

Q5. How often do adult dogs need boosters?
Ans. Depending on the vaccine, boosters are needed either yearly or every three years.

Q6. What’s included in pet preventative care Buffalo?
Ans. Local clinics offer vaccinations, annual exams, parasite controls, and personalized health plans to keep pets thriving.