Dog & Cat Vaccinations in Lake Hopatcong, NJ

Vaccines are the most cost-effective protection your pet has against serious, often preventable disease. At Lake Hopatcong Animal Hospital in Lake Hopatcong, NJ, we tailor each dog’s and cat’s vaccine plan to their age, lifestyle, and risk, not a one-size-fits-all schedule. We currently vaccinate against Bordetella, Distemper, Lepto, Lyme, Parvo, and Rabies, among others.

Beyond protecting your own pet, vaccination keeps preventable diseases from spreading through the local dog and cat population, and it’s far less expensive than treating the illnesses it prevents.

Vaccinations by Life Stage

Puppies & Kittens

Young pets receive a series of vaccines, generally starting around 6–8 weeks and repeated every three to four weeks until roughly 16 weeks of age. This series builds immunity as the protection they got from their mother fades. It pairs naturally with your pet’s first wellness exams.

Adult Dogs & Cats

Adult pets stay protected through booster vaccines given on a schedule that depends on the vaccine and your pet’s exposure risk. At each annual exam we review which boosters are due.

Senior Pets

Older pets still need protection, but we balance vaccine timing against overall health. We’ll recommend the right plan for your senior dog or cat based on lifestyle and risk.

Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines

Core vaccines are recommended for essentially all pets because the diseases are widespread, severe, or a public-health risk. For dogs these include rabies and the combination distemper/hepatitis/parvovirus vaccine; for cats, rabies and the FVRCP combination.

Non-core vaccines are chosen based on lifestyle and local risk, for dogs that can mean Bordetella (kennel cough), leptospirosis, and Lyme, which matters in tick-heavy New Jersey; for cats it can include feline leukemia (FeLV). We’ll help you decide which non-core vaccines fit your pet.

Is the Rabies Vaccine Required by Law in New Jersey?

Yes. New Jersey law requires proof of rabies vaccination (or a veterinarian-certified medical exemption) to license a dog, and dogs seven months or older must be licensed annually in the municipality where they are kept. The first rabies re-vaccination is generally required one year after the initial dose, regardless of whether a one- or three-year vaccine was used. Cat rabies requirements vary by municipality, we recommend confirming with your town clerk. Our team can make sure your dog’s rabies status meets the requirement for licensing in your town.

Why Families Choose Lake Hopatcong Animal Hospital

Lake Hopatcong Animal Hospital has cared for the pets of Morris and Sussex County for more than 40 years. We are a family-owned, woman-led practice that treats dogs and cats only, so every protocol, every piece of equipment, and every conversation is built around companion-animal medicine.

Our veterinary team carries decades of New Jersey practice experience. Dr. Jose A. Navarro, D.V.M. has practiced in New Jersey since 1975, and Dr. Elizabeth Z. Navarro, D.V.M. since 1976; both focus on general medicine, surgery, and dentistry. Dr. Shelli Skeels, D.V.M., licensed in New Jersey and Florida, rounds out the team. You can read what local pet owners say on our reviews page, or meet the full team here.

40+ years serving Lake Hopatcong and the surrounding towns
Family-owned and woman-led, not a corporate chain
Dogs and cats only, with an in-house lab, digital X-ray, and ultrasound
An on-site pharmacy so most prescriptions are filled before you leave
Same-day sick visits can usually be accommodated, just call ahead
10% off your first visit as a new client

Areas We Serve

We welcome dog and cat owners from Lake Hopatcong and the neighboring communities of Sparta, Netcong, Byram, Wharton, and Mine Hill, across Morris and Sussex County, NJ.

Frequently Asked Questions

What vaccines does my dog need in New Jersey?

Most dogs in New Jersey should receive the core vaccines, rabies and the combination distemper/hepatitis/parvovirus (often called DHPP), plus non-core vaccines chosen for lifestyle and local risk, commonly Bordetella, leptospirosis, and Lyme. We’ll build a plan at your visit.

Is the rabies vaccine required by law in NJ?

Yes. New Jersey requires proof of rabies vaccination (or a vet-certified medical exemption) to license a dog, and dogs seven months and older must be licensed annually. The first re-vaccination is required one year after the initial dose. Cat requirements vary by municipality, so confirm locally.

What vaccines does my cat need?

Core cat vaccines are rabies and FVRCP (which protects against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia). Cats at risk, including those who go outdoors, may also be recommended the feline leukemia (FeLV) vaccine.

Do indoor cats need vaccines?

Yes. Even indoor cats can be exposed to rabies (for example, through a bat that gets inside) and to viruses carried in on shoes or clothing. Core vaccines are still recommended for indoor cats; we’ll tailor the rest to your cat’s lifestyle.

What is the puppy and kitten vaccine schedule?

Young pets typically begin vaccines around 6 to 8 weeks of age and receive boosters every three to four weeks until about 16 weeks old, which is when their own immune system can fully respond.

Protect your dog or cat with an up-to-date vaccine plan, and keep your dog license current.

Call (973) 663-0889 Request a Call Back

New clients save 10% off the first visit at Lake Hopatcong Animal Hospital. We care for dogs and cats across Morris and Sussex County, New Jersey.