Always know that a new pet is not only a privilege but also a big responsibility. When thinking of adopting a new pet, it is imperative that you do intensive research on the breed before finalising the adoption.
The variety is enormous and it is important to choose carefully according to your interests, your lifestyle and current and future circumstances. Some pets require more grooming than others or even professional grooming. Some pets may be little, but require a lot of exercise – others are going to grow into large, heavy pets that eat huge amounts of food and yet others are going to stay small.
You need to give careful consideration to how the new pet is going to fit into your lifestyle. Bearing in mind also, that they are in all likelihood going to be around for a good 10 years or longer.
Always remember these 5 important points:
- Vaccinations
- De-worming
- Tick, flea and mite control
- Adequate nutrition
- Sterilisations
Vaccinating your puppy or kitten at the right time is crucial to their well being and longevity.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule:
| Antigen | Initial puppy vaccination | Initial adult vaccination | Re-vaccination recommendation |
| Parvo Distemper Adenovirus Hepatitis and other recommended non-core vaccinations such as Parainfluenza, Bordetella bronchiseptica and Leptospirosis | 6 weeks 9 weeks 12 weeks Thereafter veterinarians may suggest to vaccinate again at 16 weeks and perform serological testing to confirm protective titres thereafter | Two doses 3 weeks apart | Booster at 6 months of age to 1 year of age and thereafter every third year (use of vaccines with a licensed DOI of three years is encouraged) |
| Rabies Core | 12 weeks 4 months of age to 12 months of age | Single dose | Every 3 years (use of vaccines that have a three-year duration of immunity claim on the manufacturer’s data sheet is encouraged). When pet is likely to travel, recommendation should be annually. |
Kitten Vaccination Schedule:
| Antigen | Initial kitten vaccination | Initial adult vaccination | Revaccination recommendation |
| Herpes Virus Calci Virus Panleukopaenia virus and other recommended non-core vaccinations such as Feline Leukaemia Virus, Bordetella bronchiseptica and Chlamdia felis | 6 weeks 9 weeks 12 weeks Thereafter veterinarians may suggest to vaccinate again at 16 weeks and perform serological testing to confirm protective titres thereafter | Two doses 3 weeks apart | Booster at 6 months of age to 1 year of age and thereafter every year in cats with high risk and every third year in cats with low risk with owner informed consent |
| Rabies Core | 12 weeks and again at 4 months of age to 12 months of age | Single dose | Every 1-3 years depending on whether the cat is likely to travel or not |
Our veterinarians will kindly assist you with advice during your new pets vaccinations visits.