Vaccination is vital as more diseases are transferred between pets, and sometimes to humans. States are cracking down, as are services that allow pets. Vaccination protects your pet, other animals, and the community.
10. Protecting Your Pet
You love your pet. Becoming ill is the last thing you want for your pet. Vaccinations protect your pet from a wide range of transmissible viruses and diseases. Besides common diseases, your veterinarian will be aware of any specific health risks in your region (or elsewhere if you travel). Your vet will recommend vaccinations to keep your furry companion protected.
9. Protecting Other Pets
Vaccination also protects against transmitting any illnesses from your pet to other pets in the area. This is especially important if you take your dog for walks in public areas with other animals or to visit friends and family with pets. Just as flu can spread among people, canine influenza and canine infectious respiratory disease can be highly transmissible.
8. Protecting Humans
There are some diseases that a pet can transmit to humans. By getting your pet vaccinated, you are protecting them, and safeguarding your family and other people who may come in contact with your pet. One of the most important vaccinations is rabies. Another is leptospirosis. Your vet will know what’s needed for your area.
7. It May Be Required by Law
Depending on where you live, specific vaccinations for certain types of pets may be required by law. For example, most of the United States requires that dogs be vaccinated for rabies. Some Homeowners Associations (HOAs) or landlords may also require that pets be vaccinated. It’s important to check the legal requirements where you live.
6. Boarding, Traveling, and Grooming
If you plan on traveling with your pet, you will likely be required to have them up-to-date on most vaccinations. This could include airline travel, hotels, cruise ships, and more. It’s almost certain that boarding facilities and animal daycares will also require vaccinations. Most professional groomers also require vaccinations before accepting your pet.
5. Benefits Outweigh the Risks
People have been growing skeptical of all types of vaccines. Some parents aren’t vaccinating young schoolchildren and, as a result, some diseases previously defeated are making a comeback. For your pets, some people fear the risk of side effects. However, pet vaccines have been proven safe and their benefits far outweigh the risk of not vaccinating your pet.
4. Cheaper in the Long Run
While you may save money now by not vaccinating your pet, the cost – if your pet becomes sick, sickens another pet, or sickens a human – can be astronomical. The fact is, diseases exist. Vaccinations are a proven, safe, and effective way to stop preventable illnesses. Once a disease takes hold it can be costly to treat and can become fatal.
3. Keeps Pet Populations Healthy
When a significant portion of the pet community is vaccinated, it creates what’s called “herd immunity.” Herd immunity reduces the overall presence of the disease and makes outbreaks less likely. This protects pets too young or too ill to be vaccinated. By vaccinating your pet, you are helping protect pet populations overall.
2. Protects Your Pet for Their Lifetime
Staying up-to-date on your pet’s vaccinations will ensure that your pet stays free from transmissible diseases throughout its lifetime. Vaccines help facilitate a longer and healthier life for your pet. Vaccinating your pet protects you from the expense of treating an otherwise preventable disease. Vaccination ensures your pet will not spread disease to your other pets, yourself, or your family.
Read More: 10 Most Expensive Dog Breeds
1. Responsibility to Your Community
As pet owners, we all have a responsibility to our pets, and how our pet’s health can affect the pets of others, and other humans in the community. Keeping our pets vaccinated and healthy ensures our pets do not transmit disease to other pets, ourselves, or other humans. Vaccinating your pet ensures the safety of your community.
Read More: 10 Best Dog Breeds for People Who Travel
