How important is it to vaccinate my pet?

From financial worries to choosing the right time and right vet, just what do you need to bear in mind when vaccinating your pet?

According to Woodgreen Pets Charity, lockdown and the cost of living crisis have meant many pets have missed out on their initial and annual innoculations.

Commmunity support manager at Woodgreen, Chris Bennett, said: “Lots of pets now don’t have the right levels of immunity and Woodgreen is seeing more cases of preventable illnesses.”

But if you are confused by the myriad of information, and what it means for your pet and you, there are five core questions.

Is your pet up to date with their vaccinations?

Why is it necessary?

Pets are at risk of catching diseases that can range in severity; some of them can be life-threatening. There are vaccines available to prevent or reduce symptoms for many of these, and a pet who is up to date with their jabs is much more likely to be resistant to the illness.

Even if they do catch it, vaccination can make symptoms less severe, causing less distress and costing less money in treatment at the vet.

Is this just for dogs?

No! Any pet that is likely to be out of your own home or mingle with other pets can be affected – this means cats, dogs and rabbits are the most likely candidates for the benefits of vaccination.

With more pets than ever in the UK, and the chances are that some of them in the Covid years never got their innoculations, it is well worth protecting your own now. Even if they are home-based, Chris added: “We can carry diseases indoors and transfer them to our pets.”

Is there a good time to do this?

Starting them young gives the best coverage, as that’s when pets are most vulnerable, and early vaccination helps build better immunity for life. However, it is important to have regular repeat vaccinations.

Kittens and puppies normally start vaccinations at two months old, and one month for rabbits, with annual boosters. Your vet can advise on the best schedule for your pet.

Is it costly?

As with most things, it is worth shopping around a variety of vets to find the best prices. For dogs and cats the initial cost is around £75, with boosters costing less. Some vets also offer payments plans to allow you to spread the cost, or membership schemes with inoculations built in.

Whatever method you choose, vaccination will cost less than illness.

Before choosing a new pet, it is important to work out the future costs of vaccination and other preventative treatments (like flea and worming) to protect your pets, and also your wallets in the long run, before committing to bringing a pet into the family.

For trusted advice visit www.woodgreen.org.uk/pet-advice