Vaccinations

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are essential to your pet’s health and well-being.  They are a preventive measure that can minimize or eliminate the effects of disease on your furry family members.  They also offer peace of mind while your pets explore their natural environments.  When your animals get vaccinated before they’re sick, it can often minimize how often they get sick, how severely they get sick, and the amount you have to worry about them when they go outside. 

There are two types of vaccines: core and non-core.  These categories can vary based on the breed of the animal in your care, your local laws, and geographical threats.  

Core Vaccines

Core vaccines are those that offer protection from diseases that are transmittable to both humans and animals. They protect communities from diseases that pose a public health concern. In addition, these vaccines are specific to  species and breed. For example, for most domesticated animals, the rabies vaccination is considered essential for cats, dogs, and horses. However, it is not a core vaccine for cattle. But again, that can change based on where you live and how often your animals are at risk of exposure.

In regards to the local laws that determine the core vaccines, those laws are usually in reference to rabies, because of its transmissibility of it to humans. In almost every state, proof of vaccination is required. Local laws often determine the frequency of the shot, so be aware of how often you need to update that rabies shot. 

Non-Core Vaccines

Although core and non-core vaccines are categorically different, they do have one thing in common: both vaccines are determined by your own personal circumstance. Non-core is much more specialized, however. The indicators for these vaccines include whether or not your animal is breeding, how often they go out, what type of environment they go out in and other animals that are part of your family. In addition, traveling with your pet to a new outdoor environment may require additional vaccinations. There are so many vaccines available, so if you’re ever uncertain, be sure to let your veterinarian know what your concerns are. 

Contact Your Veterinarian

There are plenty of resources on the internet about what vaccines are considered core and non-core, and we encourage you to do your own research about what vaccines your animal will need. However, our veterinarians are well-practiced in understanding how to keep our animal community safe and well taken care of.  Your specific circumstances are always taken into consideration when vaccinating your pets.

If you would like to discuss a vaccination plan that works best for your pets, please schedule a consultation.  We hope to see you soon. We hope to see you soon!