New clients welcome! Limited time free first wellness exam (terms apply) - Book Today!



Routine lab tests catch hidden health issues early, helping your pet live a longer, healthier life. Schedule preventive screenings today for peace of mind and personalized care.


Beyond Vaccines: Why Routine Lab Testing Is Essential for Your Pet

As summer heats up, so does the risk of dehydration in pets. Dogs and cats, just like humans, need proper hydration to stay healthy, especially in the scorching days of July. Whether heading out for a beach day or just enjoying a backyard BBQ, keeping your furry friends cool, hydrated, and safe is crucial. In this post, we'll explore the signs of dehydration, tips for keeping your pets hydrated, and how your veterinary clinic can help.

Veterinary Advice: Spotting and Preventing Pet Dehydration This Summer

Whether you're a new cat parent or a seasoned pro, this guide has everything you need to help your cat thrive all month.



Ultimate Guide to Cat Care: Keep Your Feline Happy and Healthy

March is Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month - learn how to protect your pets from hidden household dangers like toxic foods, plants, and chemicals. This guide covers key risks, emergency tips, and prevention strategies to keep your furry friends safe.



Toxic to Pets: Household Dangers Every Owner Should Know

As our beloved pets age, their healthcare needs evolve significantly. While regular veterinary care is essential for pets of all ages, senior pets require a more tailored approach to ensure they enjoy a healthy, active life in their golden years. Explore the differences between senior pet wellness and regular veterinary care, highlighting the importance of specialized attention for aging pets.

Understanding Senior Pet Wellness Care: A Guide for Pet Owners

Gardner Animal Care Center

about-us-page

embedded-reviews-section

our-history-section

our-teams-section

Proudly serving the citizens of Gardner and it's surrounding areas.


why-us-section

app-download-page

download-app-section

blogs-page

blogs-section

book-appointment-page

book-appointment-section

career-page

Since 1988, the goal of the veterinarians and staff at Gardner Animal Care Center has been to assemble and maintain a veterinary health care team committed to providing exceptional client service and veterinary health care. The Gardner Animal Care Center displays an unrivaled commitment to our clients through continuing education, technological advances in veterinary medicine and service, and, most importantly, providing compassionate care to all pets entrusted to us. We care for pets throughout central Massachusetts and serve the areas of Gardner, Fitchburg, Worcester, Leominster, Athol, Rindge, and Keene, NH.

amrv-career-about-section

amrv-career-section

amrv-contact-section

amrv-job-section

forms-page

form-section

landing-page

amrv-about-us-section

contact-us-section

cta-bar

faq-section

footer-section

hero-section

nav-cta-section

otto-widget-section

our-services-section

testimonials-section

vetstoria-widget-section

news-page

our-history-page

payment-info-page

payment-information-section

payment-section-2

payment-section-3

services-page

service-page-section

team-page

teams-page-section

video-page

video-section

Pet Vaccinations: Protecting Your Pet from Preventable IllnessesKeeping your pet healthy starts with strong prevention—and vaccinations are one of the most important tools we have. Vaccines protect your dog or cat from a range of contagious, sometimes life-threatening diseases. Whether you’ve just brought home a new puppy or kitten or your adult pet is due for boosters, staying current on vaccines is essential to their lifelong health.Why Are Pet Vaccines Important?Vaccinations work by preparing your pet’s immune system to fight off specific diseases before they ever come into contact with them. Some of these illnesses—like rabies or parvovirus—can be fatal if left untreated. Others can cause chronic discomfort, extended treatment, or put other animals at risk.Vaccines don’t just protect your pet—they help protect the broader pet community by reducing the spread of disease.What Vaccines Does My Pet Need?Vaccine needs vary based on your pet’s species, age, lifestyle, and local disease risks. Here’s a general breakdown:For Dogs:<ul><li>Core Vaccines: Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus</li><li>Lifestyle-Dependent Vaccines: Bordetella (kennel cough), Leptospirosis, Lyme, Canine Influenza</li></ul>For Cats:<ul><li>Core Vaccines: Rabies, FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)</li><li>Lifestyle-Dependent Vaccines: Feline Leukemia (FeLV), especially for outdoor or multi-cat households</li></ul>Your veterinarian will help you build a tailored vaccine schedule based on your pet’s needs and environment.What to Expect During a Vaccination Appointment<ul><li>Wellness Exam: We start with a head-to-tail checkup to ensure your pet is healthy enough for vaccines.</li><li>Personalized Plan: Based on age, health, and lifestyle.</li><li>Quick and Gentle Shots: Most pets tolerate vaccines well. The process is quick and performed with care.</li><li>Post-Vaccine Monitoring: Mild soreness or sleepiness is normal. We’ll guide you on what to watch for and when to follow up.</li></ul>We keep detailed vaccine records to ensure your pet stays on track—and help with things like boarding, grooming, or travel documentation.When Should My Pet Be Vaccinated?Puppies and kittens typically begin vaccinations at 6–8 weeks of age, with boosters every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks. Adult pets need regular boosters based on the vaccine type—some are annual, others are every 3 years.Staying on schedule is the best way to keep your pet protected.<div data-type="horizontalRule"><hr></div>Vaccinations are a simple step with a big impact. They prevent illness, reduce long-term costs, and support a longer, healthier life for your pet.📅 Ready to update your pet’s vaccines? Book an appointment with our care team today.

Protect your pet from preventable diseases with customized vaccine schedules for every life stage.

Vaccinations

<noscript><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-PJ7NFLW"
height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript>

gtm_68a6fd1dd34c4cb86c3328dd

<script>(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':
new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],
j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src=
'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);
})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-PJ7NFLW');</script>

We love educating our clients, that's why we have curated and shared posts filled with helpful information regarding pet care.

Gardner Animal Care Center accepts Cash, Checks and Credit/Debit cards along with other financing options mentioned bellow.

We are pleased to offer access to several financing options.

Receive Automatic Reminders, Request Appointments 24/7,Your Pet's Organizer App and Save Notes, Pics & Much More!

Download our app and connect with us on PetDesk. Maintaining your pet's health from your mobile device has never been easier.

Here are our videos to help you understand more topics in depth.

Please complete these forms online, or fill them out and bring them with you to the hospital at the time of your appointment.

Sue Cullinane

Lynn Canfield

Douglas W

Danielle Boyer

Gardner Animal Care Center has been a trusted source of comprehensive veterinary care since 1988.

575+

Extra availability when it matters most - your pet's health can't always wait until Monday.

Weekend Care

Sign up for our newsletter to learn about new opportunities, team stories, and learning moments from Gardner Animal Care Center.



Connect With Us

Reach out directly to our Talent Team! We are happy to guide you through roles, culture, and everything in between.



Have Questions

Consult Online

Online Store

Pet Portal

Billing

Client Forms

Download App

There is no question too big or too small for our veterinary team.

Get your pet's medications, food, and preventatives delivered straight to your door - fast and easy.


Pharmacy

Pharmacy Home Delivery

Safe, supervised care for your pet while you're away - with plenty of attention, play, and comfort.


Boarding & Daycare

A quick microchip gives your pet a permanent ID and increases their chance of being reunited if lost.


Microchipping

Treat and prevent internal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms with trusted care.


Deworming

Deworming & Parasite Control

Spaying or neutering helps prevent health issues, unwanted litters, and certain behavior challenges.


Spay & Neuter

Protect your pet from fleas, ticks, heartworms, and more with year-round parasite prevention plans.


Parasite Prevention

Get expert guidance on your pet's nutrition, weight, and feeding to support lifelong wellness.


Nutrition & Diet Counseling

Keep your pet healthy with routine wellness exams, early detection, and personalized care plans.

Wellness & Exams

We care for exotic pets with species-specific expertise and heart.


Exotic Pet Care

Non-invasive laser therapy helps reduce pain, speed healing, and improve mobility for pets of all ages.


Vaccinations

Latest Blog

Beyond Vaccines: Why Routine Lab Testing Is Essential for Your Pet

Veterinary Advice: Spotting and Preventing Pet Dehydration This Summer

Ultimate Guide to Cat Care: Keep Your Feline Happy and Healthy

Frequently Asked Questions