Newborn pups and kittens get antibodies from their mother when they nurse. Maternal antibodies will protect young animals from disease for the first few months of their life. The length of time maternal antibodies last varies from animal to animal. Once the antibodies are gone, the young animal is very susceptible to disease. Dogs and cats should also be vaccinated for rabies at 16 weeks and 1 year of age followed by a booster every year or every three years, depending on the vaccine.
Rabies vaccine is required by law for dogs.
Some counties in Illinois also require rabies vaccine for cats. Your pet's lifestyle may increase its exposure to other diseases. Dogs that go to boarding kennels, dog shows, or the like may benefit from vaccinations for bordetella and corona. Cats that spend time outside should be vaccinated for feline leukemia virus. These diseases are spread when an animal is in close contact with an infected animal.