Pet vaccination: Q and A with an animal charity

Prevention is always better than cure, and when it comes to pet ownership, hits the pocket a whole lot less!

With access to veterinary services restricted during lockdown, plus a spike in pet ownership, there’s a real fear that thousands of cats, dogs and rabbits don’t have the proper immunity to prevent, or reduce the symptoms, of disease.

“Woodgreen is seeing more cases of preventable illnesses,” says Chris Bennett, community support manager.

Here are the key things to keep in mind for your current pets, or any you plan to adopt.

Is vaccination really worth it?

In a word, yes. Infectious diseases can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to distressing, and in some cases can be fatal. There are vaccines available to prevent many of these illnesses, and to reduce symptoms in others, so it is well worth investing now to prevent heartache and expense later.

Chris added: “A pet with a vaccinated immunity is more likely to have resistance to diseases that could otherwise be fatal or make them seriously ill, be expensive to treat and, in some cases, pass the disease on to humans.”

Does this apply to all animals?

If your pet leaves the house, meets other animals, or even mingles with humans, they are potentially exposed to harmful diseases. This applies to the vast majority of rabbits, cats and dogs. Even if your pet is a home based animal, humans can carry diseases from outside into the home, so it’s worth investing in their future health.

Does this only apply to baby animals?

No! Cats and dogs will first be vaccinated at around eight weeks old, and rabbits at around four weeks, which gives them protection when they are most vulnerable and also helps build their immunity for life. To be effective, however, vaccinations need to be topped up annually with boosters. Your vet can give the best advice for your specific breed of pet.

Is it likely to cost much? And what if I cannot afford it?

Costs generally come in at around £75 for the first vaccination, and less for boosters. Ask in advance for costs, and shop around to get the best deal. Some practices offer payment plans to spread the cost, or bundle vaccinations into a wider vet membership scheme, so check to see if this is appropriate for you and your pet. Always remember, the upfront costs for vaccinations are likely to cost a lot less than treatment plans after infection.

Chris added: “When thinking about getting a new pet, please factor in the cost of vaccination and treatments like flea and worming.”

Want to know more? The team at www.woodgreen.org.uk/pet-advice has lots of information for you.