Vaccinations

In New Zealand there are many infectious diseases that can seriously endanger the health of cats and dogs.

Getting your puppy or kitten vaccinated and keeping them protected throughout life with regular booster vaccinations is essential for their long-term health and to help protect the pet population as a whole against outbreaks of disease. 

Puppies and kittens are ‘temporarily’ protected against many diseases by antibodies received through their mother’s milk.  These maternal antibodies decline in the first couple of months of their lives, however until they drop sufficiently they can also neutralise vaccines.  This is why a series of vaccinations is necessary for kittens and puppies. Protection levels gradually weaken over time meaning that adult cats and dogs require annual health checks and booster vaccinations to ensure protection for life. All cats and dogs must be fully vaccinated before they can stay in a boarding facility.

Cats:

• Core Vaccination (Feline enteritis/Panleucopenia, Cat Flu, Chlamydophila if required)

Primary course of three vaccinations 3-4 weeks apart from 9 weeks of age followed by an annual health check and booster vaccination.

Click here to contact us and book your kitten or cat in for vaccination/ Click here for more information about cat vaccinations.

Dogs:

• Core Vaccination (Parvo, Distemper, Hepatitis, Kennel Cough)

Primary course of 2-4 vaccinations 2-4 weeks apart followed by an annual health check and booster vaccination.

In puppies the number of vaccinations required will depend on your puppy's age at the start of the vaccination programme.  We recommend that puppies have their first vaccination at 6 weeks of age, followed by booster vaccinations at 9 weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks of age.  The vet will discuss and recommend the best programme for your puppy at the first vaccination visit.

• Non Core Vaccination (Leptospirosis)

Primary course of 2 vaccinations 2-4 weeks apart followed by an annual health check and booster vaccination.

Recommended for dogs travelling north of Kaikoura.

Click here to contact us and book your puppy or dog in for vaccination / Click here for more information about dog vaccinations.

After vaccination care:

• It will take about ten days following the final vaccination of the primary course for your pet to develop strong protection against disease.  During this time we recommend that your pet only has contact with fully vaccinated healthy animals and that cats are kept indoors and dogs are kept confined to your house and garden.
• Following vaccination your pet may be off-colour for a day or two, or have some slight swelling or tenderness at the injection site. Access to food and water and a comfortable area to rest are usually all that is required for a quick recovery. However, if the response seems more severe, you should contact us for advice.