Policy: Vaccine use in New Zealand cats and dogs

Policy type: Policy
Reference: 9a
Status: Current
Date ratified: November 2018

Policy

Every dog and cat should be appropriately immunised, and each individual animal should be vaccinated as frequently as considered necessary by their veterinarian to provide protection.

The welfare of the animal should be the primary consideration when discussing vaccination, and vaccines to be used should be determined within a veterinarian-client-patient relationship.

Background

Vaccines administered by a veterinarian must involve a consultation and thorough examination. Where possible only healthy animals should be vaccinated.

Irrespective of vaccine requirements, an annual health check should be encouraged to provide for comprehensive individual care.