Overview
Vaccination is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your pet from potentially fatal infectious diseases. At TKVets, we provide core vaccinations for both puppies/kittens and adult pets, along with annual booster programs tailored to your pet's lifestyle and risk factors.
Our vaccination protocols follow the latest veterinary guidelines to ensure your pet receives optimal protection while minimizing unnecessary vaccines.
What to Expect
- Health Check: Before any vaccination, we perform a thorough examination to ensure your pet is healthy enough to receive the vaccine
- Vaccination Protocol: Puppies and kittens require a primary course of 2-3 vaccinations, starting at 6-8 weeks of age
- Quick Procedure: The injection itself takes just seconds and most pets tolerate it very well
- Certificate Provided: You'll receive a vaccination certificate for your records and for kennels/catteries
- Annual Boosters: We'll send you a reminder when your pet's booster is due
Core Vaccinations
For Dogs
- Canine Distemper
- Canine Parvovirus
- Canine Adenovirus (Hepatitis)
- Leptospirosis
- Parainfluenza
For Cats
- Feline Parvovirus (Panleukopenia)
- Feline Calicivirus
- Feline Herpesvirus
After-Care
After vaccination, your pet may experience:
- Mild lethargy for 24-48 hours
- Temporary swelling at the injection site
- Reduced appetite for a day
These are normal reactions and should resolve quickly. Contact us if symptoms persist or worsen.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should my puppy or kitten have their first vaccination?
Puppies and kittens typically begin their primary vaccination course at 6-8 weeks of age, receiving their initial dose at this crucial early stage of development. A second vaccination dose follows 3-4 weeks later to ensure robust immunity development. Depending on the specific vaccination protocol recommended for your pet and their individual risk factors, some puppies may require a third dose at approximately 16 weeks of age. We'll create a personalised vaccination schedule during your first consultation to ensure complete protection for your young pet.
How often do pets need booster vaccinations?
Most pets require annual booster vaccinations to maintain strong, effective immunity against core diseases such as distemper, parvovirus, and leptospirosis. After completing their initial primary vaccination course, your pet will need regular boosters throughout their life to ensure continuous protection. We operate a comprehensive reminder system that will notify you when your pet's booster vaccination is due, helping you maintain their protection without having to remember the dates yourself. Some vaccines may have different booster intervals which we'll discuss with you.
Are vaccinations safe?
Yes, vaccinations are extremely safe for the vast majority of pets. Serious adverse reactions are exceptionally rare, with most pets experiencing no side effects whatsoever. Some animals may show mild, temporary symptoms such as slight lethargy or a small lump at the injection site, which typically resolve within 24-48 hours. The substantial benefits of protecting your beloved pet from potentially fatal diseases such as parvovirus, distemper, and leptospirosis far outweigh the minimal risks associated with vaccination.
Can I take my puppy outside before they're fully vaccinated?
Whilst early socialisation is vitally important for puppies, you should avoid areas frequented by unknown dogs—such as public parks, pavements, and beaches—until approximately two weeks after their final vaccination dose. However, you can safely carry your puppy to experience new environments and sounds, and arrange controlled interactions with known, fully vaccinated dogs in safe settings such as your garden or home. This balanced approach protects against disease whilst supporting essential social development during the critical early weeks of your puppy's life.