Veterinary Vaccines in Greer, SC for Dogs & Cats

In South Carolina, the rabies vaccine is required by law for dogs and cats. It must be administered by a licensed veterinarian, and pet owners are responsible for keeping a valid rabies certificate and tag as proof of vaccination. This law is in place to protect pets, families, and the broader community.

At Goldenrod, we offer both 1-year and 3-year rabies vaccines. Our veterinarian will recommend the best option based on your pet’s age, medical history, and risk factors. By staying current, you ensure compliance with state law and provide essential protection against a fatal disease that is still present in wildlife across Upstate South Carolina.

Core vaccines are essential for nearly all pets because they protect against widespread, severe diseases. For dogs, core vaccines include rabies, distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. For cats, core vaccines include rabies, feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, and panleukopenia.

Non-core vaccines are equally important for many pets, but they are recommended based on specific lifestyle factors. For example, a dog that boards frequently or spends time at dog parks may need the Bordetella vaccine. Pets that live in wooded areas of South Carolina or travel outside the state may benefit from the Lyme disease vaccine. Cats that spend time outdoors or live with other cats may be candidates for the feline leukemia vaccine.

Additionally, as leptospirosis is becoming more and more widespread across the US, and affecting dogs that are home-bodies as much as dogs that are adventurers. The leptospirosis vaccine is becoming a Core recommendation in most veterinary hospitals.

Our team will sit down with you to discuss your pet’s daily routine, exposure risks, and future plans. Together, we’ll design a customized vaccine schedule that ensures your pet is fully protected without unnecessary treatments.

Puppy and kitten vaccinations begin early because young pets are especially vulnerable to disease. The first set of vaccines is usually given between 6 and 8 weeks of age. Booster shots follow every three to four weeks until the puppy or kitten is about 16 weeks old.

The rabies vaccine is legally required at 12 to 16 weeks of age in South Carolina. Starting vaccines on time and maintaining the proper booster schedule is critical, as diseases like parvovirus in puppies and panleukopenia in kittens can be fatal if they are unprotected.

At Goldenrod, we guide new pet parents through the entire process. We explain which vaccines are due, when to return for boosters, and how to prepare your puppy or kitten for a calm, positive experience.

Vaccines don’t last forever. To maintain protection, booster vaccines are required throughout your pet’s life.

• Rabies vaccines: repeated every year or every three years, depending on the vaccine used.
• Core vaccines: usually every 1 to 3 years after the initial series.
• Non-core vaccines: most require annual boosters, though the timing may vary. For example, the Bordetella vaccine is often administered once every 6 months.

At Goldenrod, we maintain thorough records of your pet’s vaccinations and send reminders when it’s time for a booster. That way, you never have to worry about missing a dose.

Even if your pet rarely goes outside, vaccinations are still important. By law, all pets in South Carolina must be vaccinated against rabies, regardless of lifestyle. Beyond that, indoor pets can still be at risk. A cat that slips out the door or a dog that occasionally visits the groomer could encounter other animals. Visitors, boarding, or exposure to insects and rodents can also bring disease into the home.

At Goldenrod, we recommend that indoor cats and dogs remain current on their core vaccines. During your pet’s wellness exam, we’ll also discuss whether additional non-core vaccines make sense based on your pet’s individual situation.

Yes. As pets age, their immune systems can weaken, leaving them more vulnerable to disease. However, senior pets may not need every vaccine as frequently. Our veterinarian will evaluate your older pet’s health and make recommendations based on their risk factors and quality of life.

At Goldenrod, we provide individualized vaccine schedules for senior pets, balancing protection with comfort. We always keep your pet’s well-being at the center of care, ensuring they stay protected without unnecessary stress.

In most cases, vaccines are safe for pets even if they are taking medications or managing chronic conditions. At Goldenrod, we always perform a full health evaluation before administering shots. If your pet has a condition that requires extra caution, we will adjust the schedule or choose the safest vaccine option.

Our low-stress care approach ensures that your pet is monitored carefully during and after their appointment. Side effects from vaccines are usually mild and temporary, such as slight soreness or fatigue. If your pet has a history of vaccine reactions, we will create a plan to minimize risks and keep them comfortable.

The price of pet vaccinations can vary depending on your pet’s age, the type of vaccines needed, and whether they are receiving a full series or a booster. Core vaccines like rabies shots for dogs and cats are generally affordable, while non-core vaccines may add to the cost.

At Goldenrod, we provide transparent estimates before each appointment and can recommend wellness packages that help you plan for preventive care costs. While prices vary, investing in pet immunizations is always more affordable than treating preventable illnesses.

For the most accurate estimate, we encourage you to contact our team directly.

When it comes to dog and cat vaccinations in Greer, SC, we know you have options. Goldenrod stands apart because we combine advanced veterinary medicine with a hometown heart.

• A low-stress veterinary environment designed to keep pets calm
• Customized vaccine schedules tailored to each dog and cat
• Dr. Eli Layman’s 15+ years of preventive care expertise
• Convenient Greer location and flexible appointment scheduling
• A commitment to education, prevention, and transparent communication

At Goldenrod, we treat every patient as if they were our own. We don’t just give vaccines, we build lasting relationships that support your pet’s health throughout their life.