The holiday season is a time for family gatherings, vacations, and travel plans, but if you’re planning to board your pets or take them along for the journey, ensuring they’re up-to-date on vaccinations is crucial for their health and safety. Whether you’re heading out of town or booking a spot at a pet boarding facility, your pets need protection from diseases that can spread quickly in these environments. Here’s why staying current on vaccinations is essential during the holidays.

Why Vaccinations Are Important

Vaccinations help protect your pets from contagious and potentially deadly diseases. When pets are boarded or around other animals, their risk of exposure increases. Common diseases like kennel cough, distemper, and rabies can easily be transmitted in close quarters, making vaccinations a key factor in preventing outbreaks.

Additionally, many boarding facilities require proof of vaccinations before allowing pets to stay. This helps maintain a healthy environment for all the animals in their care. If you’re traveling with your pet, especially across state lines or internationally, some destinations may also require certain vaccinations for entry.

Core Vaccines Your Pets Need

  • Rabies: Required by law in many places, the rabies vaccine protects against a fatal disease that can be transmitted through bites from infected animals.
  • Distemper, Parvovirus, and Adenovirus (DHPP): This combination vaccine protects against multiple viruses that can cause serious illness in dogs.
  • Bordetella (Kennel Cough): Highly contagious, kennel cough is a respiratory disease that can spread rapidly in boarding kennels or during travel.
  • FVRCP (Feline Distemper Combo): For cats, this vaccine guards against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia, all of which are easily spread in close quarters.
  • Leptospirosis and Lyme Disease (optional for dogs): These are additional vaccines your vet may recommend if you’re traveling to areas where these diseases are more common.

Preparing for Boarding or Travel

Before boarding your pet or hitting the road, double-check their vaccination records and ensure they’re up-to-date. Most facilities require proof of vaccinations, so be prepared to provide documentation. It’s a good idea to book a wellness check at Easthampton Animal Hospital to make sure your pet is in good health and to receive any necessary booster shots.

Plan Ahead for a Stress-Free Holiday

If you haven’t yet updated your pet’s vaccinations, don’t wait until the last minute. Boarding facilities often fill up quickly during the holiday season, and travel plans can become stressful if you realize your pet’s paperwork isn’t in order. Scheduling a vet visit now ensures that both you and your pet can enjoy a smooth and worry-free holiday season.

At Easthampton Animal Hospital, we’re here to help make sure your pets are healthy, happy, and ready for any holiday adventure. If you need to schedule a vaccination or wellness check, give us a call today!