Which statement about core vaccines across dogs and cats is true?

• A. Dogs: DA2PP and Rabies; Cats: FVRCP and Rabies; begin at 6–8 weeks with boosters every 3–4 weeks until 16 weeks.
• B. Dogs: DA2PP and Rabies; Cats: FVRCP and Rabies; begin at 12 weeks; boosters every 2 years.
• C. Rabies vaccine is core for both species but vaccination should begin at 8 weeks.
• D. Core vaccines are not recommended in healthy pets.

Answer: (A)

Core vaccines are given to healthy pets because they prevent diseases that are widespread or pose serious health risks. For dogs, the essential vaccines are DA2PP (distemper, adenovirus type 2, parainfluenza, parvovirus) and Rabies. For cats, the essential vaccines are FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia) and Rabies. The typical approach is to start these core vaccines at 6–8 weeks of age and give boosters every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks old. This staggered schedule helps overcome maternal antibodies and builds solid immunity before the animal is likely to be exposed to these diseases. Rabies is included as a core vaccine for both species, reflecting its public health importance and potential for severe disease.

So the statement that lists the correct vaccine pairs for dogs and cats and uses the 6–8 week start with 3–4 week boosters up to 16 weeks aligns with common vaccination practice. The other options conflict with standard timing or recommendations—for example, suggesting 8 weeks as the Rabies start point or boosters every 2 years for the initial series, or claiming core vaccines aren’t recommended in healthy pets.