2 Great Reasons To Get Your Pet Vaccinated Right Away
After you bring home that brand new, precious little puppy or kitten home, you probably can't imagine anything terrible happening to them—especially if you plan to keep them indoors. Since they seem gentle and kind, you might not see the need for vaccinations. However, here are two great reasons to get your pet vaccinated right away:
1: It's The Law In Most States
Just because you own that pet doesn't mean that you have the option of choosing whether or not to get it vaccinated. To keep other people's pets safe from harmful diseases like rabies, most states require standard vaccinations. If you decide to go rogue and leave your pet unvaccinated, you might be subjected to fines or even jail time.
For example, in Broward County, Florida, you could be fined $300 for each pet who isn't vaccinated against rabies. Believe it or not, one man in Tennessee was arrested in 2015 for not staying current with his dog's rabies vaccinations. Since rabies can spread to humans, some states have laws regarding:
- Who Can Administer the Vaccine: To keep people from giving pets vaccinations that might not be effective, some states have guidelines about who can administer the vaccine. For example, in New Jersey, pet vaccinations can only be conducted by a licensed veterinarian, while in New Mexico, vaccinations can be given by an employee under the supervision of a trained veterinarian.
- When Pets Should Be Vaccinated: Some states also have rules about when pets should be vaccinated. For example, in Massachusetts, dogs and cats need to be vaccinated at 6 months and then revaccinated when they are between 9 and 12 months old.
If you aren't familiar with the vaccination laws in your state, take the time to meet with your veterinarian to discuss the guidelines. That way, you might be able to set up an appointment or even take care of vaccinations right away—while staying in accordance with state laws.
2: Reduce Overall Medical Expenses
If getting your pet vaccinated seems like a hassle, think about how hard it might be to care for an ailing pet. When pets are affected by preventable diseases like rabies, Lyme disease, or distemper, life can become absolutely debilitating for your animal and expensive for you. Instead of enjoying your animal, you might find yourself wondering how to pay for medical procedures or spending time spoon-feeding your pet expensive medications. However, vaccines can help to keep your animal healthy and happy—which can reduce your overall cost of ownership.
By vaccinating your pet, you might be able to enjoy them for a lot longer and avoid unplanned expenses. Contact a local veterinarian, such as one from Basking Ridge Animal Hospital, for further assistance.