Vaccinations can save lives. They are a very important part of any health program for your pet. Vaccinations can start as early as 6 weeks of age in puppies and about 8 weeks in kittens. Initial Leukemia and feline aids testing is recommended prior to that in kittens. If you have never vaccinated your pet or don’t know a new animals vaccination status it is always best to assume they haven’t been vaccinated and give them their first shots followed 3-4 weeks later by their boosters. In puppies we frequently vaccinate them a few extra times as their mom’s circulating immunity can interfere with their shots. In Farmington we have a VERY high prevalence of Distemper and Parvovirus. Since that is the case we need to follow vaccination guidelines and doctor recommendations as how to best avoid these horrible diseases. The doctors at animal haven will likely repeat these precautions at each visit to make sure your puppy is as safe as possible.

Dogs and Cats are required by law to be vaccinated for rabies. They must have their initial shot then the next one at one year. After that a three year vaccination may be used if so desired. There are currently no medical exemptions, for any reason, for not getting a rabies vaccination in the state of New Mexico. This disease is of particular importance since it can be transmitted to people.

See our links for more information about rabies.

NM Department of Health – Rabies Health Data

CDC – Wild Animals Surveillance