Immunizations are one of the most debated subjects, and our pets are not excluded from this controversy.
- Reasons for Immunizations:
1. Immunizations are available to prevent diseases in our pets, some of which can be passed onto humans or other pets. Humans can contract diseases from our pets such as Rabies, Blastomycosis (fungal infection),Psittacosis (bird derived), Trichinosis (raw food disease), Cat Scratch (Fever) Disease and Histoplasmosis (fungus derived)
2. Immunizations can avoid costly treatments for diseases. A yearly vaccine could prevent a long term costly disease.
3. Immunizations can prevent diseases if a pet has an encounter with infected wildlife. The chances of our pets coming in contact with infected wildlife can happen, possibly without our acknowledgment or in a split second given circumstances.
4. Immunizations are required by law (check your state) for your pet. Missouri requires a rabies vaccine, but some of our neighboring states do not!
5. Immunizations are required for certain forms of travel, boarding or dog daycare to prevent spread of diseases. Always check before taking your pet, as it may delay your approval for a reservation.
Dog and cat immunizations differ, of course, but there are a few that are given annually. We all should make yearly trips to the Veterinary with our pets. The overall health of a pet is not determined on our pets telling us how they feel. Without daily close observation, health issues can be missed. Immunizations are made to prevent diseases in our pets and prevent transfer to humans.
Quick pet vaccine review:
-Kittens should receive 3-4 rounds of feline distemper
-Puppies should receive 3-4 rounds of canine distemper +parvo
-Rabies and distemper is a yearly vaccine
-Rabies should be given at 4 months
As a pet boarding provider, we are required by state law to have proof of an updated rabies vaccine for every pet we house. Bordetella is also required for most every boarding facility. This is to prevent kennel cough among dogs. Dog’s boarding from out of state should to have a wellness check from a local veterinarian, as just like humans, pets can bring diseases in from other states. Missouri requires a rabies vaccination with no exemptions.
If a pet is older, has a health condition or is strictly an indoor cat; there are some exceptions your Veterinarian might discuss with you that might exclude an immunization. Immunizations can be determined if needed by the pet’s age, whether they live indoors only or if they are a cat or a dog.
Low Cost CoMO options:
Black Paw 101: Immunizations can be found at low cost facilities, making them more accessible to all!
Bobbi Wilson, CPPS since 2018