Vaccines & Preventatives: The First Step in a Healthy Start

When you open your home to a foster pet, you’re doing more than offering a temporary place to stay — you’re giving them a healthy start toward their forever home. Part of that journey includes keeping up with their vaccines and preventatives, which protect your foster from illness and ensure they grow strong, happy, and ready for their next chapter.

“Preventative care is the cornerstone of every healthy pet — and our fosters make it possible.”

When you check out your foster pet, you’ll receive both a virtual copy and a hard copy of their medical summary. Our team will review their records with you and let you know when they need to return for their next medical appointment.

This summary outlines all vaccines, tests, and preventatives completed so far and when the next ones are due. Staying on schedule is key to keeping your foster protected from preventable diseases.

Puppies and kittens have developing immune systems, which means they need vaccines early — and often. At Fort Worth Animal Care & Control, we start vaccinating at 2 weeks of age and repeat boosters every two weeks until 4 months (16 weeks).

For Puppies:

• DAPPv (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
  Shields against several highly contagious and potentially deadly canine viruses.

• Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
  Prevents respiratory infections spread by close contact, common in shelter and playgroup settings.

For Kittens:

• Eclipse (FVRCP)
  Protects against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia — three major illnesses that can spread quickly among cats.

“Think of vaccines as building blocks — each booster strengthens your foster’s immune system.”

Dogs over 4 months of age are vaccinated upon intake, followed by a booster two weeks later. This process ensures they’re protected before entering foster or adoptive homes.

At 4 weeks of age, puppies and kittens begin receiving monthly preventatives that continue until adoption, transfer, or return to owner. These treatments guard against parasites and diseases that can affect both pets and people.

Monthly Preventatives Include:

• Heartworm Prevention:
  Protects dogs (and sometimes cats) from heartworm disease — a serious condition spread by mosquitoes.

• Dewormer:
  Eliminates intestinal parasites that can cause discomfort, poor growth, or digestive problems.

• Flea & Tick Prevention:
  Stops infestations and prevents tick-borne diseases, keeping your foster (and your home) itch-free.

Staying on top of monthly preventatives ensures your foster remains healthy and comfortable preventing illness from spreading to other animals in your home or community.

Testing is another critical part of preventative care. It helps us identify any conditions early and tailor treatment as needed.

• Kittens: Tested for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) at intake. Early detection helps ensure appropriate care and reduces transmission risks.

• Dogs: Tested for heartworms beginning at 6 months of age. Catching heartworms early allows for effective treatment and protects long-term heart and lung health.

Your commitment to keeping your foster’s medical schedule on track makes all the difference. Regular vaccines, monthly preventatives, and timely testing are simple actions that have a lasting impact.

If your foster ever shows signs of illness (sneezing, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite) please schedule an appointment through our Acuity Scheduling app to be seen by our medical team. The sooner we can evaluate and begin treatment, the faster your foster can heal and stay on track toward their next chapter in life.

If you’re unsure how to schedule a foster appointment, please review our “How to Schedule a Foster Appointment” article under the Foster Onboarding section for step-by-step guidance.

“Fostering isn’t just love — it’s responsibility, routine, and readiness. Every dose, every visit, every care moment counts.”