VIP Petcare Clinic FAQ
VIP Petcare Clinic FAQ
Browse the FAQ topics below to find answers to common questions.

Browse the FAQ topics below to find answers to common questions.
Vaccines & Tests
Is your Rabies Vaccine a 1 year or a 3-year shot?
Our clinics offer two types of rabies vaccinations. The type of vaccine your pet receives will be at the veterinarian’s discretion.
- IMRAB Rabies: This vaccination can be guaranteed for one or three years, depending on your pet’s previous vaccination history. The first rabies your pet receives will be guaranteed for one year; subsequent vaccinations can be guaranteed for three years if given on time. If there has been a gap in protection or we do not have a previous vaccine on file, our veterinarian will likely mark your pet’s vaccine as good for one year. This vaccine will be administered to all dogs and available upon request for cats.
- Purevax Rabies for Cats only: This vaccine is good for one year and one year only, according to the manufacturer label. Purevax rabies is the go-to brand for our feline friends and will be included in each package. If you would like a 3-year rabies vaccination for your cat, please discuss this with the veterinarian on site.
It is highly recommended that you bring your pet’s previous rabies vaccination history with you to the clinic to ensure your pet’s records are marked accurately.
Why do you not offer a 3-year rabies vaccine for cats?
The reason we do not offer the 3-year Rabies vaccine for cats is because it has been linked to causing cancerous sarcomas (tumors). For the safety of your pet we feel the PureVax Rabies vaccine is the best option to both protect your cat from the Rabies virus and to protect him or her from possible adverse events related to the vaccine itself.
Why does my pet have to return for another shot so soon if they are good for 1 year?
To ensure protection, a single vaccination is not enough. The first dose only primes the immune system without providing full immunity. To provide optimal protection against infectious disease, a series of vaccines known as boosters, are scheduled 3-4 weeks apart. Since it takes time for immunity to build up within a pet’s system, if boosters are not given on time, it can lead to the previous vaccines becoming ineffective and a vaccine series may need to be started over.
There is no physical difference between an initial dose and a booster. Both have the same vaccine contents, are dosed in the same quantities, and are priced the same. There is no standard number of shots that every pet receives. A vaccination series is created based on the age of the pet and their previous history when applicable.
Vaccinations of puppies and kittens should begin at 6-8 weeks of age and be repeated every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. Dogs over 4 months old that have never received vaccinations or whose previous vaccine history is unknown will receive an initial vaccination with one booster 3-4 weeks later.
We know rabies can be given on a three-year protocol, but what about the other vaccines?
All of the vaccines that we use, besides the canine rabies, are labeled for an annual booster.
The vaccine label indication means that the vaccine manufacturer can guarantee that the vaccine will be fully effective for at least that amount of time (12 months). In some pets it may last longer, but there is no way to predict exactly how long a vaccine will be effective in a particular animal.
We officially recommend a regular booster in accordance with the vaccine labels, but you should speak with one of our veterinarians, or your personal veterinarian, to decide for yourself how often you will have your pet vaccinated.
At an individual level, we take each pet’s lifestyle and vaccination history into account before making a recommendation.
We’ve read yearly vaccinations are not necessary. Is this true?
All of the vaccines that we use, besides the canine rabies, are labeled for an annual booster.
The vaccine label indication means that the vaccine manufacturer can guarantee that the vaccine will be fully effective for at least that amount of time (12 months). In some pets it may last longer, but there is no way to predict exactly how long a vaccine will be effective in a particular animal.
We officially recommend a regular booster in accordance with the vaccine labels, but you should speak with one of our veterinarians, or your personal veterinarian, to decide for yourself how often you will have your pet vaccinated.
At an individual level, we take each pet’s lifestyle and vaccination history into account before making a recommendation.
Why does my puppy/kitten need a series of vaccinations?
While the mother is pregnant and again while nursing, ‘maternal antibodies’ are passed on by the mother to protect the puppy or kitten from disease. These gradually decrease during the first few months of your pet’s life. As the antibodies decrease, the puppy or kitten must start producing their own antibodies; this production is stimulated by vaccinations. Maternal antibodies decrease at different rates for each animal, and the presence of maternal antibodies will interfere with the effectiveness of vaccinations. So young pets need to be vaccinated several times during this period to make sure that A: they’re being protected as early as possible, and B: they are getting effective antibody production around/after the loss of the maternal antibodies.
How will I know when to bring my pet back in for his/her next vaccinations?
We will send email reminders when your pet’s vaccinations, annual tests, and product refills are due.
You can also access your pet’s service reminders from your pet portal 24/7. Register or Log in here: mypetportal.vippetcare.com
What happens if I have missed my puppy/kitten’s booster vaccine?
Since it takes time for the immunity to build up within your pet’s system, waiting too long between boosters can lead to the previous vaccines becoming ineffective. You may need to start the series over. Consult with one of our veterinarians or representatives before re-vaccinating your pet.
How do I get my pet’s vaccine dates changed?
To update vaccination duration dates the following is required:
- Prior proof of vaccination by a veterinarian
- The vaccination given by PetIQ must have been given within the time frame documented on the previous veterinary record, meaning the previous vaccine would not have expired/been overdue by even one day.
Please email a pdf copy of your pet’s previous vaccination history to [email protected]
Will you report my rabies vaccine to my city/county?
We only provide Rabies reports to cities and counties that specifically ask for the information and legally require us to provide it. Please contact your local animal control agency to find out if they require this information from veterinarians in your community.
How often does my pet need a rabies vaccine?
The first time a dog gets a rabies vaccine (regardless of age) it is good for one year. Every rabies vaccination thereafter is a 3 year vaccine. For cats, every PureVax Rabies vaccine is effective for one year.
How do I get a replacement rabies tag?
You can call or email our Customer Service team to have a replacement generic rabies tag mailed to you free of charge.
To replace a county rabies tag, please contact your county directly.
Does my indoor cat need a FeLV vaccine?
Feline Leukemia is transmitted from saliva or nasal secretions from infected cats. The vaccine is recommended for cats that are at risk of coming in contact with any outdoor or feral cats, or any cats that are potentially infected with the disease. We recommend that all felines receive two FeLV vaccines 3-4 weeks apart with a booster one year later at least once in their life. Annual boosters thereafter should be recommended if exposed to outdoor cats.
Why does my pet need a heartworm test while on prevention?
Annual testing is essential to ensure the effectiveness of the heartworm prevention program, even for dogs on year-round prevention. While heartworm medications are highly effective, there is still a risk of infection. Missing or delaying just one dose of a monthly medication can leave your dog vulnerable. Additionally, dogs may spit out or vomit a heartworm pill, or rub off topical medication, even when administered as recommended. Although heartworm preventives are highly effective, they are not infallible. Therefore, annual testing is crucial to detect any infection early and enable prompt treatment of this potentially fatal disease.
What is a fecal test?
A fecal test is an intestinal parasite screening; it tests for many different types of intestinal parasites including the most common parasites, Coccidia, Giardia, Whipworm, Hookworm and Roundworm.
We use Antech Laboratories for all our testing; the Zinc Sulfate Centrifugation method is used for fecal testing. We get the results back 3-5 business days after submission of the sample. Results are sent by email (if available). Positive results will be followed up with an automated call.
You can also access your pet’s service reminders from your pet portal 24/7. Register or Log in here: mypetportal.vippetcare.com
How do I return a fecal sample?
Fecal samples will be brought to a running clinic while we are visiting the host location. We will be able to accept the samples to send them to our laboratory.
You will be given a barcode label tube.
Can you take a stool sample from my pet in the clinic, or do I have to bring one with me to the visit?
We do not have the capacity to extract a fecal sample from your pet. Please bring a sample that is fresh and collected within 12 hours to any clinic during its scheduled hours.
How long does it take to get test results back?
Test results will be available within 3-5 business days of sample collection.
Can I buy vaccines online?
No, our vaccines are only available at our clinic locations and are administered under supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
Why was I charged full price for a vaccine package when my pet did not get everything included?
Packages group core services together at a discounted rate, if the veterinarian deems it medically necessary to NOT include one of those services, the package price does not alter since it is still more cost effective than the individual prices of the remaining services
Do you spay/neuter dogs and cats?
Thank you for your interest in PetIQ. We are a preventative care clinic that specializes in vaccinations, limited diagnostic testing, dewormers, flea, tick, and heartworm medication. As we are not a full-service veterinary office, we do not have the necessary equipment or staff to perform this service. We recommend reaching out to a full-service veterinarian in your area.
If you do not have a full-service veterinarian, please visit pethelpfinder.org to find a nearby location
General Information
When will I get my records?
Following your clinic visit you will receive two emails. A copy of your pet’s medical records, and an itemized invoice.
Many mail providers sort automated emails into spam, junk, or promotions folders, please check these locations as well.
Alternatively, you can access your pet’s records 24/7 using our Pet Portal. Register here: https://user.petcareclub.vet/petiq
Am I required to bring previous veterinary records?
Previous veterinary records are encouraged to ensure your pet’s booster dates are marked accurately, but they are not required.
If you do not have previous records, the veterinarian will use their discretion when deciding if a vaccination requires a booster in 3-4 weeks or can be guaranteed for their full duration.
Do you do Health certificates?
Thank you for your interest in PetIQ. We are a preventative care clinic that specializes in vaccinations, limited diagnostic testing, dewormers, flea, tick, and heartworm medication. As we are not a full-service veterinary office, we do not have the necessary equipment or staff to perform this service. We recommend reaching out to a full-service veterinarian in your area.
If you do not have a full-service veterinarian, please visit pethelpfinder.org to find a nearby location
Do you give the rabies certificate and the dog license tag at your clinic?
We will provide you with an official rabies certificate at the time of vaccination. To get a pet licensed, you will need to check with your local animal control agency to find out the regulations for pets in your community.
In some areas, a vaccine tag as well as a license tag are required. If you live in one of these areas, or would like a tag, simply request one at our clinic and a tag will be mailed to you.
What is required to license my pet?
License requirements can vary by county and city. We recommend contacting your local animal control agency for specific licensing requirements in your area. In most places, a rabies vaccination is required. In some areas a microchip is required as well. Having your pet spayed or neutered will often reduce the cost of a license.
If my pet is lost, will the microchip tell me where he is?
The information on the microchip can be updated by the owner at anytime via the microchip registry.
Can your microchip be used internationally?
Will my pets microchip contain my personal contact information?
The only information a microchip contains is a 9 to 15-digit number that is unique to your dog, similar to how a social security number is unique to a U.S. citizen. For the microchip to work it must be registered using your contact information. We register all new microchips for you with the contact information you provide at our clinic. If you move or change your phone number, please update your contact information at the microchip registry.
How large is a microchip?
A microchip is only the size of a grain of rice, so small that it will not be noticeble after being injected under the pet’s skin.
Why am I being asked to pay for microchip registration, I thought it was free?
We will register your pet’s microchip with 24 Petwatch (my24pet.com) within 5 days using the contact information provided during your clinic visit. You will receive an email from 24 Petwatch with instructions to confirm you free account. This is a FREE lifetime, international registration. All additional services offered by 24 Petwatch are optional and may have additional fees associated.
Please make sure that you check all spam, promotions, and junk mail folders if you can not locate this email within your inbox. For assistance with account registration, updating your existing registry or questions please contact 24 Petwatch at 1-866-375-7387.
Can I purchase heartworm preventative from you if I have a prescription from my vet?
Unfortunately, we do not have the pharmacy license required to sell prescription medications from another veterinarian.
The license we have allows us to sell medications with prescriptions written by our veterinarians and require our vet’s to see a pet at least once a year.
The owner must request a prescription from the vet for the medication.
What forms of payment do you accept at your clinics?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover at all of our clinics.
Do you accept Care Credit?
Our clinics can accept cash payments or Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express credit card payments. Clinic locations are not equipped to accept Care Credit or check payments.
To view clinic locations, schedules, and prices in your area, please enter your zip code using this link.
My credit card was double charged for my clinic visit; how do I get my money back?
Please call Customer Service at 800-427-7973 and provide the last 4 digits of the credit card used. Our representatives will verify the charges and issue a refund if necessary.
I purchased a product from your clinic and it is not working, can I return it?
All product purchases are final sale. Product returns are not accepted at clinics unless the original product was incorrectly dispensed at the time of purchase. Please call Customer Service at 800-427-7973 if your product was incorrectly dispensed.
Where can I get coupons for your clinics?
Monthly promotions can be accessed under “Deals & Coupons” at the top of this page. You can also join our community at the bottom of this page to receive emailed promotions, updates, advice from our veterinarians and more.
I forgot to bring my coupon; can I receive a refund or credit back?
Coupons must be presented to clinic staff at the time of payment and will not be retroactively applied to sales.
How do I get a prescription to order my pet’s medication at another pharmacy?
Physical prescriptions can only be issued by a veterinarian at the time of your pet’s clinic visit. If you need to purchase preventative after the fact you have a few options:
- You can place an order at our online pharmacy by clicking this link.
- You can call in and place a phone order with one of our Customer Service agents at 800-427-7973
- You can place the order with an accredited pharmacy that provides pet prescriptions. All you need to do is list VIP Petcare, PetVet or PetIQ as your veterinarian.
Please provide the pharmacy with our fax (402.383.4014) and phone number (800.427.7973) if needed. The pharmacy will then contact our office for approval of the order.
Why does your pet portal tell me my name, phone number, or email is invalid?
Please ensure that there are no additional spaces at the end of the information you have entered. The system will read this space as an additional character and prompt an invalid error message.
Why won’t your pet portal accept my log in information?
If you are new to the portal, you will first need to register prior to attempting to logging in.
If you are a return portal user, please double check that there are no errors in the username and password being input. If re-entry of the information is not successful, please select the “forgot password” option to gain access to your account.