As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to make sure your furry friends are up-to-date on their shots. Despite common belief, there are several vaccinations in addition to the Rabies vaccine that your pet needs to stay healthy and prevent life-threatening diseases. Luckily, the HSVC offers low-cost vaccinations to ensure every animal can get the care they need to live a happy and healthy life. 

Canine parvo and distemper virus are both found in the environment, such as yards, dog parks, and even beaches. It can also be spread by dog-to-dog contact. The viruses can be carried home on our dogs’ paws and fur or on our shoes, hands, or clothing. These are serious diseases that can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting, in the case of parvo, but also respiratory and neurologic disease in the case of distemper. Sometimes even with treatment, dogs can die from the condition.

Fortunately, our shelter offers safe and effective vaccinations for both viruses, usually known as a “DAPP”. These vaccines are given in a series when dogs are puppies. It is very important not to miss any in the series, as this can leave your puppy susceptible during the time period when they are most vulnerable to infection. Adult dogs get boosters every one to three years. 

It is very important that cats, especially kittens, maintain their protection from upper respiratory viruses such and the feline herpes and calici virus and even more importantly, an often-fatal virus known as Feline Panleukopenia. We recommend kitten owners stay on top of their pet’s vaccination schedule for their “FVRCP” vaccine, which protects them from this virus as well as some that cause upper respiratory infection, which even indoor cats are susceptible to due to open windows.  Adult cats typically only need this vaccine every three years.  

The HSVC is happy to offer the DAPP, FVRCP, and Rabies vaccinations at a very low cost at our vaccination clinics or at the time of spay/neuter.  Please call the shelter at 805-646-6505 to make an appointment and ask our staff if you have any questions or concerns.