A trip to your vet for your pet’s vaccination or booster. Regular parasite prevention, with help from your veterinary team or pet professional. 

Such simple tasks, but essential to keep your pet as healthy and protected as possible. 

As a responsible owner this is such an important part of your pet care routine and should never be overlooked as there are so many health and welfare benefits for your animal companion. 

Taking this preventative approach, in partnership with your local vet team, can see off many potentially expensive future problems too.  

The PDSA PAW report has shown us that 81% of dogs received regular booster vaccinations in 2023 - an increase from 77% in 2021. 

However, of those owners whose dogs have not received regular boosters, 14% said it was because it was too expensive, with 11% worried about side effects - an increase from 7% in 2022. 

If you have any concerns please always talk to your vet who will be able to explain the benefits of vaccination and the reasons why it’s important to keep your pet protected. 

Latest research has revealed that 51% of veterinary professionals have seen an increase in Parvovirus and 35% a rise in cases of Leptospirosis - both potentially fatal for our canine companions, but preventable by regular vaccinations. 

When it comes to our feline friends, the PAW report showed us that 63% of our cats received regular booster vaccinations in 2023. 

However, some owners are still not taking action to protect their feline companions in this way. 

21% of owners whose cats haven’t had booster vaccinations said it was because their cat didn’t go outside, 21% stated it was too expensive and 16% that their cat doesn’t come into contact with other animals. 

Another 14% said their cat had not received booster vaccinations because it was difficult to get them to the vets, or their cat found it stressful. 

If you share any of these concerns, once again, remember your vet will be happy to talk things through and offer solutions for you and your pet.

For those of us in the UK caring for rabbits, it is important to ensure they’re vaccinated against myxomatosis and rabbit (viral) haemorrhagic disease (R(V)HD) - common and often fatal diseases. 

Although 52% of rabbits have received regular booster vaccinations, 48% (530,000 rabbits) have not, leaving them vulnerable. (PAW report). 

36% of owners whose rabbits had not received booster vaccinations said it was because their rabbit doesn’t come into contact with other rabbits, and 29% because their rabbit doesn’t go outside. 

As both viruses can be spread through insect bites, any rabbits who are not vaccinated are still vulnerable to the diseases so should always receive vaccine protection. 

With 22% of veterinary professionals reporting an increase in cases of R(V)HD over the last two years and the emergence of a new strain, keeping up to date with your rabbit’s vaccinations is vital. 

It’s also important we protect our companion animals and our families from a variety of parasites, such as worms, fleas and ticks, that can live inside or on our pets, sometimes without us knowing – and sometimes causing a great deal of obvious discomfort and aggravation. 

Anti-parasitic veterinary medicines are easy to buy from veterinary practices, pet supply stores and pharmacies. Your vet can talk to you about what is the best parasite prevention regimen for your pets, in accordance with their lifestyle.

For more help with parasite control for your dog, cat and rabbit, check out 

Companion Animal Parasite Control | NOAH (National Office of Animal Health)

So, always mark World Animal Vaccination Day by ensuring your pet is booked in for that vaccination or booster and that you’re regularly protecting them against parasites. 

By taking these simple actions you are increasing their chance of living a happy, protected and healthy life. 

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