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PARSIPPANY, N.J. – November 10, 2025 – Today, Zoetis announced the U.S. launch of Vanguard® Recombishield™ (Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine), a new injectable vaccine to protect against Bordetella bronchiseptica, also known as kennel cough. Licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on March 4, 2025, Recombishield is the first and only vaccine for dogs with pertactin protein for an optimized immune response. This innovation in Bordetella protection uses recombinant technology to provide a comfortable immunization experience for the pet, with minimal pain, swelling, stinging and sensitivity.
“Every dog is different, and intranasal or oral delivery may not be the right fit for every dog to protect against kennel cough,” said Tara Bidgood, DVM, PhD, DACVCP, Vice President, Head of U.S. Veterinary Professional Services and Medical Affairs, Petcare at Zoetis. “However, given how quickly Bordetella can spread, it is important to ensure dogs are fully protected from this potentially serious bacterial infection. At Zoetis, we are committed to innovating to advance pet health. With Vanguard Recombishield, we are proud to be the only company to offer veterinarians and pet parents a full suite of innovative administration options, ensuring every pet receives optimized protection regardless of their specific needs or temperament.”
Recombishield is now available in the United States for order directly from Zoetis. Veterinarians and pet health professionals can also purchase Recombishield through their preferred U.S. distributor partner or through Vetcove. Visit https://www.zoetisus.com/products/dogs/vanguard/vanguard-recombishield to learn more about Vanguard Recombishield.
About Vanguard Recombishield
Vanguard Recombishield is a non-adjuvanted, recombinant injectable vaccine for dogs 8 weeks and older, and the first and only vaccine for dogs with pertactin protein, which helps the immune system effectively target Bordetella. Recombishield is an effective preventative option that simplifies administration and helps ensure a full dosage for head-shy or immunocompromised dogs. In one study, Recombishield reduced coughing duration in dogs by 80% and nasal shedding duration by 23%.1
Recombishield demonstrated a low rate of discomfort at the injection site during administration by minimizing pain, swelling, stinging and sensitivity. In a study of over 600 dogs, Recombishield exhibited minimal adverse reactions, with less than 1% (0.56%) injection site pain and vocalization at administration, less than 1% (0.08%) biting or scratching at the injection site and other immediate adverse reactions were observed in fewer than 0.1% of cases.2
About Vanguard Bordetella Vaccines
Vanguard’s portfolio of Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccines offers dogs advanced vaccine technology to help defend against this common, potentially severe disease. Because every dog’s vaccination needs and temperaments are different, Zoetis has designed a suite of Bordetella vaccines that offer intranasal, oral, and injectable vaccination delivery options. Vanguard Recombishield is intended to replace the previous Vanguard injectable product, Vanguard® B Injectable, although veterinarians may continue to use their remaining inventory.
About Bordetella bronchiseptica
Bordetella bronchiseptica, commonly referred to as kennel cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease in dogs that spreads year-round, particularly in environments where dogs are in close contact or through shared water bowls or toys. Dogs of all ages – especially those who frequent parks, go to the groomer, or stay at boarding facilities – are at risk of contracting Bordetella. Symptoms can include a runny nose, sneezing, chest inflammation and a resulting loud, deep cough. In severe cases, Bordetella can lead to pneumonia, hospitalization and sometimes death in dogs at risk. Most dogs infected with Bordetella are contagious before they start showing symptoms, leading to outbreaks as the disease spreads quickly.3
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends annual vaccination for optimal protection against Bordetella bronchiseptica.4 Keeping a dog’s vaccination status current helps to reduce the chance of the dog becoming ill and lower the risk of your dog developing severe disease or spreading infection to other dogs.5
About Zoetis
As the world’s leading animal health company, Zoetis is driven by a singular purpose: to nurture our world and humankind by advancing care for animals. After innovating ways to predict, prevent, detect, and treat animal illness for more than 70 years, Zoetis continues to stand by those raising and caring for animals worldwide – from veterinarians and pet owners to livestock producers. The company’s leading portfolio and pipeline of medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, and technologies make a difference in over 100 countries. A Fortune 500 company, Zoetis generated revenue of $9.3 billion in 2024 with approximately 13,800 employees. For more information, visit www.zoetis.comOpens in a new window.
Contact:
Leah Coyle
862-202-3560
leah.coyle@zoetis.com
References
- Data on file. Study Report No. B862R-US-21-519, Zoetis LLC.
- Data on file. Study Report No. B961R-US-21-523, Zoetis LLC.
- Kennel Cough Fact Sheet. American Humane. (n.d.). Accessed September 10, 2025. https://www.americanhumane.org/fact-sheet/kennel-cough/Opens in a new window
- 2022 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines: Guideline at-a-Glance. www.aaha.org. Published 2022. Accessed September 10, 2025. https://www.aaha.org/resources/2022-aaha-canine-vaccination-guidelines/Opens in a new window
- Canine infectious respiratory disease complex (Kennel cough). American Veterinary Medical Association. (n.d.). Accessed September 10, 2025. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/canine-infectious-respiratory-disease-complex-kennel-coughOpens in a new window
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