At the Veterinary Center of Sarasota, we always keep up with the very latest in vaccination protocols for your furry family members. In 1999, research on the duration of core vaccines such as rabies and distemper, indicated that once every three years was optimal for these vaccines. Non-core vaccines such as kennel cough, canine flu and leptospirosis are recommended yearly for those pets at risk.
As viruses evolve and new viruses emerge, we saw the need to evaluate and make proper application of the correct vaccines for each individual patient. There are too many local clinics which still give every patient every vaccine every year. We vaccinate based on each patient's own risk factors and life style. Does your dog go to dog parks or beaches? Is your dog ever kenneled, camped/day care or groomed? Are you in an evacuation zone where your dog may be taken to local shelters? Is you cat an indoor or outdoor cat? It's to make better health decisions regarding your pet that we ask so many questions.
Proper vaccinations, at the right time and with the proper vaccines, are some of the reasons we need to see your pet at least yearly. This is also the reason we have you fill out an update form so we know of any life style changes over the previous year. Please help us take the best care of your furry family member by scheduling and keeping yearly visits!
Photo Caption - Mama Cat says: "I don't do self vaccinations!"