Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy vaccines online?
No, our vaccines are only available at our clinic locations and are administered by a licensed veterinarian.
Why does my puppy/kitten need a series of vaccinations?
Maternal antibodies gradually decrease during the first few months of your pet's life. If maternal antibodies interfere with early vaccinations, later doses will stimulate your pet to produce its own antibodies to combat the disease.
How will I know when to bring my pet back in for his next vaccinations?
As a courtesy, we send out reminder postcards when your vaccinations are due.
What happens if I have missed my puppy/kitten's booster shots?
Since it takes time for the immunity to build up within your pet's system, waiting too long between boosters can lead to the previous shots becoming ineffective. You will need to start the series over.
How often does my pet need a rabies shot?
The first time a dog/cat gets a rabies vaccine (regardless of age) it is good for one year. Every rabies vaccination thereafter can be a 3 year vaccine.
If my pet is lost, will the Microchip tell me where he is?
No, the microchip is not a tracking device. Instead it is a permanent, unalterable form of identification.
What happens if I lose my copy of the records? Do you keep copies?
Yes, since the paperwork you fill out at the clinics is considered a legal medical record, we keep a carbon copy of your paperwork, as well a computerized record of all vaccines and information given. If you ever need a copy of your records, you can contact us and we will be happy to send you a copy.
Do you give the Rabies certificate and the dog license tag at your clinic?
We will be able to provide you with your rabies certificate/official proof of vaccination, but the dog "license" ( or "Dog Tag") can only be issued by the city/county in which you live. The "rabies tags" that are sometimes given by veterinarians to show that your pet was vaccinated against rabies is no longer considered legal proof of vaccinations. Only the animal license from your city/county is considered legal proof. Please provide your local licensing agency a copy of your rabies certificate, pay the appropriate fees, and they will issue your animal license. (For more information please contact your local animal control department or humane society.)
Do you hold clinics during the week or only on weekends?
We do hold weekly Wellness Clinics in certain areas. Please visit our Wellness Center page for more information.
We know rabies can be given on a 3-year protocol, but what about the other vaccines? We've read yearly vaccinations are not necessary. Is this true?
All of the vaccinations we use are labeled for annual revaccination. That label time means that the manufacturer can guarantee that the vaccine will be fully effective for at least that amount of time. In some dogs it may last longer, some it may not (there is no way to predict before hand, how long the vaccine will last). We have to recommend annual revaccination because the label says so. Should we say your dog is vaccinated for 3 years when the vaccine may not be effective beyond 1.5 years, we would then be putting your pet at risk to catch something that could have been fully prevented. Until the manufacturers change the labels on their products, we have to abide by that label timeframe.