Vaccination

“Has your pet been vaccinated?” No doubt someone at some point has asked you if your pet has been vaccinated.

Vaccination is the most well-known and common form of preventive medicine. It mainly protects your pet from certain diseases, but it prevents transmission to human of illnesses like rabies and leptospirosis. These communicable diseases, which can be transmitted from animals to humans (and vice versa), are called zoonoses.

Cats, dogs and ferrets can be vaccinated against a variety of illnesses. However, that doesn’t mean they need to have every single vaccination available.

Your vet will recommend the vaccinations necessary according to your pet’s needs and lifestyle. Your vet will also advise you on the frequency of the vaccines to be administered. For example, cats and dogs living in apartments don’t really need the same vaccinations as their country cousins, where there is a higher risk of contracting some diseases.

Now, even though it is highly recommended, vaccinations are not required here in Canada. However, vaccination for diseases like rabies is mandatory if you decide to travel to the USA or Mexico, for example.

Discuss this with your vet, who will know which vaccinations are best for your pet, whether they are a homebody or a great adventurer!