Why Vaccinate? What Pet Vaccinations Cover and Why They Matter

Vaccination is one of the simplest ways to protect your pet from serious, painful and sometimes fatal diseases. It is not just something to think about when you first bring home a puppy, kitten or rabbit; it is an important part of lifelong preventative healthcare. 

Vaccines work by teaching your pet’s immune system how to recognise and fight certain infections. This means that, if your pet is exposed to the real disease later, they are much less likely to become seriously ill. In some cases, vaccination can also reduce the spread of disease to other animals in your local area. 

Why are vaccinations so important? 

Many of the diseases we vaccinate against are highly contagious. Some can survive in the environment, spread through contact with infected animals, or be carried on shoes, clothing, bowls and bedding. This means that even pets who do not mix much with others can still be at risk. 

Vaccination helps protect your own pet, but it also supports wider community protection. When more pets are vaccinated, diseases have fewer opportunities to spread. This is especially important for young animals, elderly pets, pets with weaker immune systems, and those that cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons. 

Vaccines are generally split into core and non-core vaccines. Core vaccines are recommended for all pets because they protect against severe, widespread or life-threatening diseases. Non-core vaccines are recommended depending on your pet’s lifestyle, location, travel plans and exposure risk.  

 What do dog vaccinations cover? 

Routine dog vaccinations commonly protect against: 

Canine parvovirus 

A highly contagious and potentially fatal disease, especially dangerous for puppies and unvaccinated dogs. It can cause severe vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration and collapse. 

Canine distemper 

A serious viral disease that can affect the breathing, digestive and nervous systems. It can be fatal and, in some cases, cause long-term neurological problems. 

Infectious canine hepatitis 

A viral disease affecting the liver, kidneys, eyes and blood vessels. It can develop rapidly and may be life-threatening. 

Leptospirosis 

A bacterial disease that spreads through infected urine, often from rats or other wildlife, and contaminated water. It can cause liver and kidney damage and can also pose a risk to humans. 

Some dogs may also be advised to have a kennel cough vaccination, especially if they go to boarding kennels, daycare, training classes, dog walkers, shows or busy parks. Kennel cough is not usually life-threatening in healthy dogs, but it is very contagious and can cause an unpleasant, persistent cough. 

Rabies vaccination is not part of routine pet vaccination, but it is required for dogs, cats and ferrets travelling abroad. 

What do cat vaccinations cover? 

Cats also need protection from serious infectious diseases, even if they live mainly or entirely indoors. Routine cat vaccinations commonly cover:  

Feline panleukopenia 

Also called feline parvovirus 

A highly contagious and often severe disease that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and immune system damage. It is particularly dangerous for kittens. 

Cat flu 

Due to feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus 

Cat flu can cause sneezing, eye and nose discharge, mouth ulcers, fever and loss of appetite. Some cats become long-term carriers or suffer recurring symptoms. 

Feline leukaemia virus, or FeLV 

FeLV affects the immune system and can lead to anaemia, cancers and long-term illness. It is usually spread through close contact with infected cats, so outdoor cats and cats living with others may be at higher risk. 

What about rabbits? 

Rabbits need vaccinations too. They are commonly vaccinated against myxomatosis and rabbit viral haemorrhagic disease, including RHD1 and RHD2. These diseases are often fatal and can spread via biting insects, wild rabbits, contaminated surfaces and sometimes even on shoes or clothing. Indoor rabbits are still at risk, so vaccination should be discussed with your vet. 

When should pets be vaccinated? 

Puppies and kittens usually start with a primary vaccination course when they are young, followed by boosters. Adult pets then need regular boosters to maintain protection, but the timing depends on the disease, vaccine type and your pet’s individual risk. Some components may be given annually, while others may be given less often. Your vet will recommend a schedule based on your pet’s age, health, lifestyle and local disease risks. 

Vaccinations included in the Heritage Pet Health Plan 

Our Pet Health Plan includes the kitten/puppy vaccinations and the annual boosters your pet needs to help protect them from preventable infectious diseases. For dogs, this includes their annual booster vaccination, with a discount available for kennel cough vaccination where needed. For cats, the plan includes annual booster vaccinations, with different options depending on whether they are indoor or outdoor cats; outdoor cats also receive protection against Feline Leukaemia Virus. This helps you keep your pet’s vaccine protection up to date while spreading the cost through regular monthly payments. 

The bottom line 

Vaccination protects pets from diseases that are often far worse and far more expensive than the vaccine itself. Whether you have a dog, cat or rabbit, keeping vaccinations up to date is one of the most responsible things you can do for their long-term health. 

If you are unsure what your pet has had, whether they are overdue, or which vaccines they need, speak to your vet. They can check your pet’s records and recommend the safest, most appropriate plan.