Vaccinations

Vaccinations are one of the most important steps
in giving your pet a healthy start to life.

They help protect against serious, and often life-threatening, diseases that are commonly found in the environment and easily spread. 

A Healthy start for a lifetime of tail wags!


Puppy Vaccinations

Puppies receive temporary immunity through their mother’s milk, but these maternal antibodies decline within the first few months.
While these antibodies are present, they can interfere with vaccines by neutralising them.
This is why a structured series of vaccinations is essential to ensure proper immune protection as the maternal antibodies wean.


Adult Dog Vaccinations

The protection provided by vaccinations fades over time, leaving your pet vulnerable to disease once again.

To maintain strong immunity throughout their life, regular health checks and timely booster vaccinations are essential.

What to Expect During Your Vaccination Visit 🩺

During your dog’s appointment, our experienced veterinarian will carry out a comprehensive nose-to-tail health check.
This ensures your dog is healthy and fit for vaccination, while also giving you peace of mind that your pet is off to a great start.

What do we vaccinate against?

Canine Distemper Virus

A highly contagious viral disease that can affect
dogs at any age, with young puppies at greatest risk.

Clinical signs are often non-specific in the early stages and may include fever, coughing, nasal and ocular discharge, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, anorexia, and depression. As the disease advances, neurological complications such as tremors, seizures, and paralysis commonly develop.

The disease has a poor prognosis, particularly in
puppies, where the fatality rate can reach up to 80%. Survivors often suffer lasting neurological impairment.
Given its severity and ease of spread, timely vaccination is essential for prevention.

A highly contagious and potentially fatal disease
affecting dogs of all ages, with young puppies and older dogs most at risk.

The virus primarily targets the gastrointestinal tract, causing severe vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Rapid dehydration often leads to death, even
with aggressive veterinary treatment.

Transmission doesn’t require direct dog-to-dog
contact; the virus is environmentally resilient and can persist on surfaces.
Outbreaks occur regularly across Australia, particularly during warmer months. Early diagnosis and vaccination are essential for prevention and effective control.

A highly contagious viral disease.

It primarily affects the liver but can also impact the kidneys, eyes, and respiratory system. Dogs of any age can be infected, though severe cases are rare in those over two years old.

Clinical signs include high fever, vomiting,
diarrhoea, abdominal pain, depression, and loss of appetite.In acute cases, death may occur within 24 to 36 hours.

Transmission occurs via contact with infected faeces, urine, blood, saliva, or nasal discharge. Recovered dogs may develop chronic organ damage and can shed the virus for months. 

A highly contagious respiratory infection caused
by the Parainfluenza Virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica.

Transmission occurs through coughing, sneezing,
and close contact particularly in places where dogs gather, such as parks, kennels and training classes.

Infected dogs develop a dry, hacking cough and can last for several weeks, along with nasal discharge. Some dogs may also experience fever, lethargy, and decreased appetite. While usually not life-threatening, canine cough is uncomfortable and distressing for your pet.

Complications like pneumonia may occur, especially in puppies, senior dogs, or those with
weakened immune systems.

Canine Distemper Virus

Canine Distemper Virus

A highly contagious viral disease that can affect dogs at any age, with young puppies at greatest risk. Clinical signs are often non-specific in the early stages and may include fever, coughing, nasal and ocular discharge, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, anorexia, and depression. As the disease advances, neurological complications such as tremors, seizures, and paralysis commonly develop.

The disease has a poor prognosis, particularly in puppies, where the fatality rate can reach up to 80%. Survivors often suffer lasting neurological impairment. Given its severity and ease of spread, timely vaccination is essential for prevention.

Canine Parvovirus

Canine Parvovirus

A highly contagious and potentially fatal disease affecting dogs of all ages, with young puppies and older dogs most at risk. The virus primarily targets the gastrointestinal tract, causing severe vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Rapid dehydration often leads to death, even with aggressive veterinary treatment.

Transmission doesn't require direct dog-to-dog contact; the virus is environmentally resilient and can persist on surfaces. Outbreaks occur regularly across Australia, particularly during warmer months. Early diagnosis and vaccination are essential for prevention and effective control.

Canine Hepatitis

Canine Hepatitis

A highly contagious viral disease. It primarily affects the liver but can also impact the kidneys, eyes, and respiratory system. Dogs of any age can be infected, though severe cases are rare in those over two years old.

Clinical signs include high fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, depression, and loss of appetite. In acute cases, death may occur within 24–36 hours. Transmission occurs via contact with infected faeces, urine, blood, saliva, or nasal discharge. Recovered dogs may develop chronic organ damage and can shed the virus for months. 

Canine Cough - Parainfluenza & Bordetella

Canine Cough

A highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the Parainfluenza Virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica. Transmisison occurs through coughing, sneezing, and close contact particularly in places where dogs gather, such as parks, kennels and training classes.

Infected dogs develop a dry, hacking cough and can last for several weeks, along with nasal discharge. Some dogs may also experience fever, lethargy, and decreased appetite. While usually not life-threatening, canine cough is uncomfortable and distressing for your pet. Complications like pneumonia may occur, especially in puppies, senior dogs, or those with weakened immune systems.

Vaccination Schedule

6-8 weeks of age

First Puppy Vaccination

Congratulations on your new puppy!
This vaccination is the first of a series of three vaccines to ensure your puppy is fully protected.

4 weeks later

14-16 weeks of age

Final Puppy Vaccination

This is the final vaccine required then your puppy will go onto annual vaccinations.

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4 weeks later

10-12 weeks of age

Second Puppy Vaccination

Your puppy still has one more vaccine to go!

12 months after final puppy vaccination

Annual Booster Vaccination

The first adult vaccine will be administered 12 months after the final puppy vaccination. A yearly booster is required to maintain lifelong protection.

4 weeks later
4 weeks later

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, vaccines are safe. They’ve been
used for decades to protect pets from preventable diseases.

While extremely rare, allergic (anaphylactic) reactions can occur and
are treatable when caught early.

Vaccines are far less harmful than the serious illnesses they protect against.  Your puppy’s immune system needs to learn how to fight off harmful viruses and bacteria. Vaccines help by prompting the body to create protective antibodies — essentially training their immune system before real exposure occurs.

It’s important to understand that vaccines do not always prevent infection completely, but they significantly reduce the risk, severity, and spread of disease. To create a vaccine, scientists use a weakened or inactive form of the virus, or a non-threatening component of it, to stimulate immunity without causing illness.

Keep an eye on your puppy after each
vaccination. Mild reactions like sleepiness or soreness are normal, if symptoms persist for more than 24 hours or worsen, please contact us.

Until your puppy has completed their final vaccination, it’s best to avoid public
places like dog parks or areas where unvaccinated dogs may have been. These areas can pose a risk of disease.

Puppy school or small, controlled playgroups with puppies on similar vaccine schedules are usually safe and a
great way to begin socializing your pup.

Once your puppy has had their final vaccination at 14–16 weeks, it’s important to wait another 10–14 days to allow full immunity to develop. After that, they’re ready for adventures in the park, walks around the neighborhood, and meeting other vaccinated dogs.

Yes, even indoor dogs need vaccination. While they may spend most of their time
inside, they can still be exposed to harmful diseases through contact with other animals,  At the very least, core vaccines are strongly recommended to protect all dogs from the most common and serious infectious diseases.

If your dog misses a vaccination, it’s
important to contact us to reschedule as soon as possible.

Depending on the vaccine and the length of time since the last dose, we may need
to administer the vaccination with a
booster vaccine 4 weeks later to ensure your dog is fully protected.

Regular vaccinations are essential to
maintain your dog’s immunity and protect against infectious diseases.

We’re here to make your puppy’s health
journey smooth and stress-free.

Contact us via phone or email. You are also welcome to fill in a new client form
located on our website and our team will reach out to you within 24 hours to discuss a booking an appointment for you and your puppy. 

Let’s help your pet stay safe, social, and
healthy for years to come!

A Healthy start for a lifetime of purrs and play!


Kitten Vaccinations

Kittens receive temporary protection from many diseases through antibodies passed to them in their mother’s milk, these maternal antibodies gradually decrease during the first few months of life.
However, while these antibodies are still present, they can interfere with vaccines and reduce their effectiveness. That’s why kittens need a series of vaccinations to ensure they develop strong, lasting immunity.


Cat Vaccinations

Immunity from kitten vaccinations
weaken over time making your pet susceptible to diseases again.
Booster vaccinations help reinforce immunity, ensuring your pet remains safeguarded against preventable illnesses throughout their life.
Ongoing veterinary care and timely boosters are vital for your pet’s lifelong health and wellbeing.

What to Expect During Your Vaccination Visit 🩺

Before any vaccine is given, our experienced veterinarian will perform a full health check to ensure your cat’s healthy
and fit for vaccination. If your cat is unwell, vaccination will be postponed for their safety.
 

What do we vaccinate against?

Feline Panleukopenia Virus (Feline Parvovirus)

A highly contagious and often deadly viral disease especially to kittens under
12 months, senior cats, and those with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms such as sudden depression,
loss of appetite, uncontrollable vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, and intense abdominal pain can be seen. The disease can progress quickly and be fatal without prompt care.

In pregnant cats, the virus can cause
miscarriage or stillbirth. Kittens that survive may suffer from underdeveloped brains that lead to poor coordination, balance issues, and tremors.

The virus is  shed through all bodily secretions and excretions: saliva, tears, urine, and faeces. Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected cats or via contaminated bedding, litter trays, or human hands and clothing. Recovered cats can continue shedding the virus, especially in faeces, for up to six weeks after recovery.

A highly contagious respiratory illness that spreads easily in multi-cat environments.

Transmission occurs through direct contact or via contaminated objects such as bedding, food bowls, or clothing
handled by people. All ages can be affected, though young kittens are especially vulnerable.

Symptoms can range from sneezing, coughing, fever, runny eyes, nasal discharge, lethargy, loss of appetite, and painful
ulcers in the mouth or on the tongue. The virus often targets the mouth and lungs, sometimes leading to breathing difficulties.

The death rate is generally low, but can be distressing and may persist for several weeks. Most cats recover with
supportive care, but some continue to shed the virus for many months after recovery.

Stress may also trigger a relapse, allowing the virus to spread again to other cats.

A highly infectious respiratory disease. It spreads through airborne droplets from sneezing & via contaminated  food
bowls, bedding, or hands of caretakers—and is highly contagious, especially in multi-cat environments.

Common symptoms include frequent sneezing, nasal discharge, inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis), salivation, and inflammation
of the nasal passages (rhinitis). Infected cats may appear lethargic, develop a fever, and lose their appetite. Most cats recover with supportive care, but kittens and senior cats are more vulnerable to severe illness. In prolonged cases, significant weight loss and secondary bacterial infections can occur.

Once infected, cats typically carry the virus for life. It remains dormant in the body and can reactivate during times
of stress, leading to flare-ups and continued risk of transmission.

Feline Panleukopenia Virus (Feline Parvovirus)

Feline Panleukopenia Virus (Feline Parvovirus)

A highly contagious and often deadly viral disease especially to kittens under 12 months, senior cats, and those with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms such as sudden depression, loss of
appetite, uncontrollable vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, and intense abdominal pain can be seen. The disease can progress quickly and be fatal without prompt care.

In pregnant cats, the virus can cause miscarriage or 
stillbirth. Kittens that survive may suffer from underdeveloped brains that lead to poor coordination, balance issues, and tremors.

The virus is  shed through all bodily secretions and excretions: saliva, tears, urine, and faeces. Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected cats or via contaminated bedding, litter trays, or human hands and clothing. Recovered cats can continue shedding the virus, especially in faeces, for up to six weeks after recovery.

Feline Calicivirus

Feline Calicivirus

A highly contagious respiratory illness that spreads easily in multi-cat environments.

Transmission occurs through direct contact or via contaminated objects such as bedding, food bowls, or clothing handled by people. All ages can be affected, though young kittens are especially vulnerable.

Symptoms can range from sneezing, coughing, fever, runny eyes, nasal discharge, lethargy, loss of appetite, and painful ulcers in the mouth or on the tongue. The virus often targets the mouth and lungs, sometimes leading to breathing difficulties.

The death rate is generally low, but can be distressing and may persist for several weeks. Most cats recover with supportive care, but some continue to shed the virus for many months after recovery.

Stress may also trigger a relapse, allowing the virus to spread again to other cats.

Feline Rhinotracheitis Virus (Herpes virus)

Feline Rhinotracheitis Virus (Herpes virus)

A highly infectious respiratory disease. It spreads through airborne droplets from sneezing & via contaminated  food bowls, bedding, or hands of caretakers—and is highly contagious, especially in multi-cat environments.

Common symptoms include frequent sneezing, nasal discharge, inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis), salivation, and inflammation of the nasal passages (rhinitis). Infected cats may appear lethargic, develop a fever, and lose their appetite. Most cats recover with supportive care, but kittens and senior cats are more vulnerable to severe illness. In prolonged cases, significant weight loss and secondary bacterial infections can occur.

Once infected, cats typically carry the virus for life. It remains dormant in the body and can reactivate during times of stress, leading to flare-ups and continued risk of transmission.

Vaccination Schedule

8 weeks of age and older

First Kitten Vaccination

Congratulations on your new kitten!
This vaccination is the first of a series of two vaccines our veterinarian will administer to ensure your kitten is fully protected.

12 Months After The Final Kitten Vaccination

Annual Booster Vaccination

The first adult vaccine will be administered 12 months after the final kitten vaccination.
A yearly booster is required to maintain lifelong protection.

3-4 weeks later

Final Kitten Vaccination

This is the final vaccine your kitten will receive, he or she will now move onto annual vaccinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vaccines introduce a harmless or weakened version of a virus into your cat’s body. This doesn’t cause illness, but it stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies, the body’s natural defense system, so that your cat can fight off the real virus if exposed in the future. 

Yes, vaccines are generally safe for cats and are crucial for preventing serious infectious diseases.
Serious adverse reactions are extremely uncommon and outweighed by the benefits of vaccination.

Keep an eye on your kitten after each vaccination. Side effects are rare but can include mild swelling or
discomfort at the injection site, lethargy, or fever.

These signs usually last no more than 24–48 hours. If your cat appears unwell for longer, becomes increasingly
lethargic, or stops eating or drinking —
contact us immediately. 

Yes, indoor cats still need vaccinations. Even without going outside, they can be exposed to diseases through
accidental escapes, interactions with other animals, or from humans who may unknowingly bring in infectious agents.

At the very least, core vaccines are recommended to protect all cats from common and potentially serious illnesses.

If your cat misses a vaccination, it’s important to contact us to reschedule as soon as possible.

Depending on the length of time since the last dose, we may need to administer the vaccination with a booster
vaccine 4 weeks later to ensure your cat is fully protected.

Regular vaccinations are essential to maintain immunity and protect against infectious diseases.

We’re here to help you ensure your kitten is protected.  Because a protected cat is a happy, healthy cat. 🐾 

Contact us via phone or email. You are also welcome to fill in a new client form located on our website and our team will reach out to you within 24 hours to discuss a booking an appointment for your and your kitten.

An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language.