Before giving a puppy or kitten away to a new owner, it is highly recommended to:
1. Complete the Vaccination Series: Puppies and kittens need a series of vaccinations to be fully protected.
- Puppies typically require vaccinations for: distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, rabies, and Leptospirosis
- Kittens typically require vaccinations for: feline distemper, feline leukemia, feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1), and feline calicivirus
2. Wait for Immunity to Develop: Allow at least two weeks after the final vaccination in the series for immunity to develop. This way, the new owner can be confident that the puppy or kitten has some protection against common infectious diseases.
3. Provide Vaccination Records: When giving away a puppy or kitten, provide the new owner with proper documentation, including vaccination certificates, which they can take to their preferred veterinarian for reference and future care.
4. Advise the New Owner: Make sure to communicate the importance of continuing vaccinations on a regular basis to protect the puppy or kitten's health throughout their life.
Giving puppies or kittens away without shots can put their health and the well-being of other animals they encounter at risk. Ensuring proper vaccinations is a responsible act and part of being a caring pet owner or breeder.