Vaccinations

A vaccination plan built around your pet

There is no one-size-fits-all schedule. Which vaccines your pet needs, and how often, depends on their age, lifestyle and the risks where you live and travel, so every vaccination visit starts with a conversation and a health check.

Your pet’s plan may include:

• Core vaccines for dogs, which protect against distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis) and parvovirus
• Kennel cough protection for dogs that board, go to day care or the groomer, or mix with other dogs
• Core vaccines for cats, which protect against feline enteritis (panleukopenia), herpesvirus and calicivirus
• Additional vaccines when your pet’s lifestyle or location puts them at higher risk
• A physical examination at every visit, to check your pet is well enough to be vaccinated
• A vaccination record you can show boarding kennels, groomers and day care

Starting early gives the best protection

Puppies and kittens receive antibodies from their mother, and these can block the early vaccines from working. That is why young animals need a series of vaccinations rather than just one. Most start at around 6 to 8 weeks of age, with boosters every few weeks until they are about 16 weeks old, and a further booster at around 12 months. Because their protection is still building, we’ll talk you through when it is safe for them to meet other dogs and visit public places.

When should I bring my pet in?

Book your puppy or kitten’s first vaccination as soon as you bring them home, ideally from around 6 to 8 weeks of age. Adult dogs and cats need booster vaccinations to keep their protection up to date, and the right timing depends on the vaccine used and your pet’s circumstances. If you have adopted an adult pet with no vaccination history, or your pet’s boosters are overdue, book a visit and we will work out the best way to get them back on track. Let us know if you are planning to board your pet or travel, as some vaccines need to be given in advance.