Pet Vaccination ‘Isolation Period’ Explained!

You may have heard about an ‘isolation’ period that follows your pet’s annual vaccination? In fact, many vets actually write this at the bottom of your vaccination certificate when they issue it, and it will be something similar to this statement: “We recommend that your pet is isolated during the following 2 week period”. What is the reason behind this, you may wonder?

Well, let us explain, because we know how tricky vaccination requirements can be to understand!

In Australia, there are many difference companies who manufacture vaccines for domestic pets. These manufactures produce a variety of different vaccines (all for the same purpose), and each vaccine that your pet requires covers different things and has different requirements.

Interesting Facts About Pet Vaccination

• Some vaccines are a ‘modified-live vaccine’, some are a ‘modified-live virus vaccine’ and others are an ‘inactivated vaccine’
• Various vaccines are administered in different ways – they can be injectable, oral or intranasal (up the nose!)
• Each of these various vaccines have 2 things to consider:

1. Duration of Immunity – how long the vaccine is guaranteed to last before a booster is required
2. Onset of Immunity –  a period of time where the manufacturer can guarantee the onset of immunity after the vaccine is administered, which can vary from 48 hours through to 2 full weeks depending on the manufacturer and the type of vaccine

So as you can see, there is no simple answer! The 2 week isolation period policy at Northshore Pet Resort is to cover all of the various types of vaccines, manufacturers and onset of immunity, to provide the best chance against ensuring that all pets have sufficient coverage prior to boarding.

The aim is simply to reduce the risk of spread of any infections to the general pet community. These vaccination isolation periods are not talking especially about boarding – they mean isolation from other domestic pets, which include your daily routine (such as walking your pet or visiting communal areas such as dog parks).

Remember that whilst your pet can be vaccinated against a particular virus, they can still contract the virus (much like the human flu vaccine). Being vaccinated ensures that if they contract the disease in the future, the immune system will be prepared to fight it off.

If you have any questions about your pet’s vaccination requirements, call our friendly staff any time. We make it our priority to stay well educated with all current vaccination requirements, and are always happy to speak with your treating veterinarian to ensure that your pet is safe to board.