The health and safety of our pets is important to all pet owners. A major aspect of health is ensuring pets get the proper vaccinations. August is National Immunization Awareness Month which means now is a good time to review your pet’s health records. Knowing which vaccines are required or just recommended and which need boosters at one year or three years can get confusing. Some sicknesses, like parvo, can surge at certain times of the year or in certain areas, making timely vaccinations even more important. The decision of which vaccines to get and when can be difficult to make, especially if there are financial concerns. Of course, your veterinarian is the best resource but here is some information to help get you started.

In Colorado, the rabies vaccine is required for all dogs and cats in order to obtain a license. The rabies vaccine is a core vaccine and is arguably the most important one since rabies exposure is 100% fatal. The shot is usually given around three months of age and maintained with boosters at either one or three years depending on the dosage. If you only get your pet one vaccine, make it rabies.

For cats, the distemper shot is also considered a core vaccine. Feline distemper is a virus that primarily affects a cat’s gastrointestinal system. It is highly contagious and can cause major distress or death. Distemper vaccines are given as a series of at least 3 doses, spaced several weeks apart, with a yearly booster. If you have multiple cats or if your cat ventures outdoors, the feline leukemia shot is highly recommended. This virus is transmitted from cat to cat and can cause cancer. Although this is considered a “non-core” vaccine, it is an important one. It is administered as a set of 2 shots, with a booster every 2 years. Finally, bordetella (aka “Kennel Cough”) is a respiratory infection that is spread through contact with infected animals. This is also a “non-core” vaccine, but reputable kennels will not accept an animal without a valid bordetella vaccine. Even if you never plan to board your pet, keeping up to date on this shot means you don’t have to worry in an emergency situation.

Dogs need many of the same vaccines as cats, including distemper and bordetella. In dogs, distemper is primarily a respiratory virus but can be fatal. As with cats, kennels will not accept a dog without up-to-date distemper and bordetella vaccines. It is also very important to vaccinate against parvovirus. This is a severely contagious viral disease that can often lead to death, especially in puppies. Parvo surges in the spring and summer and is prevalent in Colorado where dog parks and dog-friendly businesses are common. Like the distemper vaccine, this one is given as a series to puppies between 6 and 16 weeks, and then as an annual booster.

Other pets like rabbits, hamsters, or birds will have different vaccine requirements, and not all veterinarians specialize in all types of animals. It is important to choose a vet who has experience with your particular pet species so you can be sure of getting the best care.

Most vaccinations are not expensive but they can add up. It is estimated that the initial vaccines cost up to $150. Add to that several vet visits, and the costs can become prohibitive. To keep within your budget, ask your vet clinic about having a technician administer the routine shots, often times this will save you the doctor’s fee. Also, ask which shots can be done at the same time so you can avoid unnecessary return trips. Finally, look in your area for vaccination clinics, often done through the Humane Society. These clinics usually charge a flat fee per animal to administer the most important vaccines. You can find out about clinics by asking at your vet’s office, keeping an eye on the local papers, or contacting assistance organizations.