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Vaccinations don’t just guard your pet against serious diseases. They also help stop the spread of infections to other animals and, in some cases, humans too.
Whether you’re a new pet owner or just need a refresher, this guide covers what you need to know about vaccinating your pet in the UK. But make sure you also talk to your vet for their expertise advice specific to your pet.
What are pet vaccinations, and how do they work?
Vaccinations are injections that help your pet’s immune system recognise and fight off harmful viruses and bacteria. They work by introducing a safe form of a disease-causing organism.
The vaccine contains just enough to prompt an immune response, but not enough to make your pet ill. This means if your pet comes into contact with the real thing later on, their body is already primed to fight it off quickly and effectively.
Why are vaccinations important?
You might think vaccinations are optional, especially if your pet stays indoors or seems healthy. But the risks of skipping them can be serious: even indoor cats benefit from core vaccinations as diseases like cat flu can be spread on clothing and shoes.
Here are the main benefits of pet vaccinations:
Protect your pet: Vaccines prevent common but potentially deadly illnesses like parvovirus, leptospirosis and feline leukaemia.
Protect other animals: Some diseases are highly contagious; vaccinating your pet reduces the spread.
Some are legally or contractually required: If you’re travelling abroad, or putting your dog into kennels or day care, you might need to show proof of vaccination.
Financial protection: Treating preventable diseases can be expensive. In some cases, your pet insurance won’t cover you if your pet’s vaccinations are not up to date.
In short: vaccinations are a small investment in your pet’s long-term health and wellbeing. They can also unlock important services like doggie day care and pet insurance.
What pet vaccinations are typical in the UK?
First, there are core vaccines that are considered essential. Also, there are optional vaccines that your vet may also recommend depending on your pet’s specific needs and lifestyle.
Here are examples for dogs, cats and rabbits, since they are three of the most common types of pets in the UK. Each example shows typically core and optional vaccinations, but your vet will confirm which ones are suitable for your pet.
Dog vaccinations
Core vaccinations:
Distemper: A highly contagious virus affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems.
Parvovirus: Causes severe vomiting and diarrhoea, often fatal in puppies.
Adenovirus (hepatitis): Affects the liver and can lead to serious illness or death.
Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection that dogs can pass to humans; commonly found in water and soil contaminated by rats or livestock.
These are usually combined into a single injection called the DHP or DHP+L vaccine.
Optional vaccinations:
Kennel cough (Bordetella and parainfluenza): Often required for dogs going into kennels, training, or doggy day care.
Rabies: Only needed for international travel under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS).
Cat vaccinations
Core vaccines:
Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus: These cause cat flu, which is highly contagious and can become chronic.
Feline panleukopenia virus: A life-threatening disease that attacks the gut and immune system, also known as feline parvovirus.
Optional vaccines:
Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV): Especially important for cats that go outdoors or live with other cats. It weakens the immune system and can lead to cancer.
Chlamydophila felis: Sometimes offered for cats in multi-cat households or rescue environments.
Rabies: Only needed for international travel under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS).
Rabbit vaccinations
Rabbit owners sometimes miss the importance of vaccinations, but rabbits are also vulnerable to deadly diseases. Owners should make sure that their rabbits are vaccinated against:
Myxomatosis: A potentially fatal viral disease spread by fleas and mosquitoes.
Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease: Comes in two strains – RVHD1 and RVHD2 – and typically causes sudden death, often without warning signs.
Both diseases are now often included in a single combined core vaccine, given once a year.
When do I need to get my pet vaccinated?
Dogs:
A course of puppy vaccinations can typically start around 8 weeks old, but it can be sooner.
Vets recommend annual boosters to keep immunity topped up, although your dog may not need every component every year.
Cats:
Kittens can start their course of vaccinations from 3-4 weeks old.
Cats typically need a booster after a year, then every 1-3 years for ongoing protection, though they may not need every component each time.
Rabbits:
You can vaccinate your rabbits from 5-7 weeks of age, and they need annual boosters.
Are vaccinations covered by pet insurance
Most pet insurance policies in the UK do not cover the cost of routine vaccinations, as these fall under ‘preventative care’ rather than treatment for illness. However, some insurers offer optional wellness plans or healthcare packages that include vaccinations, so it’s worth checking what your policy covers.
Insurers typically expect vaccinations to be up to date. If your pet becomes ill from a disease that vaccination could have prevented, your insurer may refuse to pay out. Keeping your pet’s jabs up to date helps protect your pet and keeps your insurance valid.
Keeping track of vaccinations
When they vaccinate your pet, your vet will provide a vaccination card or certificate showing the date, type of vaccine, and when the next dose is due. Many practices also send out reminder texts or emails when boosters are coming up.
If you’re planning to travel with your pet, make sure you record their rabies vaccination in an official pet passport or Animal Health Certificate (AHC).
Vaccines are a vital part of pet ownership
Vaccinating your pet is one of the simplest ways to give them a healthy start and a safer life. From deadly viruses like parvovirus and panleukopenia to preventable but common illnesses like kennel cough and cat flu, vaccines offer essential protection.
While not every vaccine is necessary for every pet, your vet can recommend a schedule based on your animal’s species, age, lifestyle and risk factors.
It might feel like just another item on your to-do list, but vaccinations are a key part of being a responsible, caring pet owner.