Vaccines are an important part of every pets' wellness program!


            The vaccination needs of your pet will vary, depending on his or her lifestyle.  As your pet grows and lifestyle changes, please keep us informed so that we may alter our recommendations.  Also, as new technology enhances vaccine-induced immunity, we may change our recommendations.

  • DA2PP- This is the yearly "Distemper Combo" that includes several viral agents important for the health of your pet (Canine Distemper, Adenovirus/Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus, and Leptospirosis).  Before we started vaccinating for these diseases, most pets that contracted them died because there are no reliable treatments.  Fortunately, we can easily prevent them by using modern vaccines. 
  • Rabies- Rabies is always fatal (animals and humans) when contracted! Since there is no cure, prevention by vaccination is the only solution. Vaccination is extremely important AND required by law, as Rabies can be transmitted easily to humans. Harrison County enforces Rabies vaccination compliance and levies serious fines for violations. We recommend vaccination every other year for all dogs, cats, and ferrets. 
  • Bordetella This 6-month vaccine protects against an upper respiratory disease that is best described as a bronchial pneumonia.  While it is usually not fatal, it causes great discomfort for the dog and can be extremely distressing for the owner.  This vaccination must be given every 6 months.  
  • FVRCP - This yearly vaccine contains the following: Feline Distemper, Rhinotracheitis, and Calicivirus.  All three of these viruses can be brought into your home as a result of contact with contaminated environments.  These viruses cause illnesses that may be serious and occasionally fatal. There must be a series of FVRCP injections, depending on the age when first seen in order to initiate a durable immunity. 
  • Feline Leukemia - This vaccine protects cats from a number of cat viruses found in the Gulf Coast area.  While it is more common in outdoor cats, it is often seen in indoor cats as well.  Your cat is considered "at risk" for leukemia if he or she spends ANY time outdoors, supervised or not. Other house cats have been noted to perch on the window ledge and hiss through a window screen at another cat outside.  Since the disease is transmitted by saliva this may cause the disease to spread.  Some cats have been known to carry leukemia virus undetected for several years.  By increasing the number of cats in the same household the risk factor increases. Following an initial series of two vaccines, yearly boosters comprise the best prevention program. 
  • FIP - This vaccine protects against the number two cat virus in the Gulf coast area.  There are many different disease presentations for FIP.  All of the forms are very serious and generally fatal.  Cats from multiple cat households and cats that occasionally get outside are at highest risk.  However, due to the seriousness of the disease and to the extreme safety of the vaccine, we feel that vaccination of all cats is important.  A safe, effective, nose-drop vaccine has been developed and is given as a two series dose to start, then as a yearly booster. 
  • FIV (Feline AIDS) We do not currently vaccinate for FIV, although a vaccine has been developed in the past year.  Unfortunately, current tests are unable to differentiate between a vaccinated cat and a cat that is actually infected with the virus.  This could be potentially dangerous to a vaccinated cat that is lost or finds a new home, and then tests positive for the virus.  Many of these animals are euthanized after a positive test for FIV.