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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
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.
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 both email and postcard reminders when your pet’s vaccinations, annual tests, and product refills are due.
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.
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.
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.
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 2-3 business days after submission of the sample. Results are sent by email (if available) and postal mail. Positive results will be followed up with an automated call from our HelpDesk.
Can I buy vaccines online?
No, our vaccines are only available at our clinic locations and are administered under supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
General Information
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.
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.
I purchased a product from your clinic and it is not working, can I return it?
Product returns are not accepted at clinics unless the original product was incorrectly dispensed at the time of purchase. Please call our HelpDesk at 800-427-7973 with any questions.
EMERGENCIES:
If your pet needs urgent medical care, please contact a local full-service veterinary hospital or animal emergency room right away.
