Vaccinations/ Exams/Insurance
Vaccinations and Exams
Wellness care is similar to preventative medicine for humans. Pets need annual examinations from their veterinarians to provide vaccinations, give a physical, and check for parasites.
It is also important that young puppies or kittens get follow-up care to ensure they receive all their booster vaccinations. Because of the small doses given initially, many vaccinations don’t cause an immediate immune protection response; you need to “boost” the first vaccination (given in a series over a few weeks) to ensure that the animal is fully protected against a disease.
And, legally you can not provide the Rabies Virus vaccination until the cat or dog is 4 months old, so be sure to visit your vet several times once you acquire a new young pet.
A basic cat exam includes: A physical examination, FVRCP shot, ear cleaning, stool check for parasites and possible treatment, prescription for flea control, and possible FeLV/FIV testing.
A basic dog exam includes: A physical examination, DHLPP shot, ear cleaning, stool check for parasites and possible treatment, prescription for flea and Heartworm preventative, and possible Heartworm & Lyme disease testing.
Read our Vet Care Basics brochure for basic information on health care for pets.
Pet Insurance
The Maryland SPCA has partnered with ShelterCare Pet Insurance and Petfinder.com to give adopters one month of pet insurance with each adoption for $1. ShelterCare Pet Insurance provides the insurance as an incentive for people to adopt animals from shelters. The insurance is activated by the adopter and lasts for 30 days. It covers many common conditions that can develop in pets once they go home. We feel it is a wonderful way to offer post-adoption assistance to adopters. Ask one of our adoption counselors about pet insurance when you stop in to our adoption center.
