Vaccinations and Preventative Healthcare

We advise that all puppies start their vaccinations from seven weeks of age. With the modern vaccinations available, the puppy course can be finished after ten weeks of age so you can get on with your puppy’s training and socialisation.

A booster vaccination is needed each year. Vaccination is safe, almost painless and protects your dog against a range of serious infectious diseases. We will send you a reminder when your booster is due.

If your dog is going into kennels, please contact us for advice on kennel cough and booster vaccination.

Going Abroad

For those of you wanting to take your pet abroad, the Pet Travel Scheme rules are being simplified and will change on 1st January 2012 when the UK brings its procedures into line with the European Union.

Under the old rules, which still apply until 31st December 2011, animals have to be microchipped, rabies-vaccinated and then blood tested to make sure the vaccine has given a satisfactory level of protection. A pet passport is issued and animals can only re-enter the UK 6 months after the date of the blood test.

From 1st January 2012 all pet dogs,cats and ferrets must be microchipped and rabies vaccinated but a blood test will no longer be required and animals can re-enter the UK 21 days after the date of the vaccine. A pet passport will still need to be issued.

While tick control prior to returning to the UK will also no longer be necessary, all pet dogs (including assistance dogs) must be treated for tapeworms before returning to the UK. This must be administered by a vet not less than 24 hours and not more than 120 hours (1-5 days) before entry.

Taking pets abroad can expose them to a number of diseases not currently commonly found in the UK, not just rabies, so it is important to discuss any travel plans involving your pets with one of our vets who will be more than happy to advise you. REMEMBER the new Pet Travel Scheme rules do not come into force until 1st January 2012.

If you need to find out more please contact us or visit www.defra.gov.uk