WSAVA Guidelines for the Vaccination of Dogs and Cats

The WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines Group (VGG) was convened in order to develop guidelines for the vaccination of dogs and cats that have global application. The first version of these guidelines was published in 2007. A survey of WSAVA member nations has indicated the important role these guidelines have played globally. They have been adopted as national policy in some countries where such guidelines did not previously exist, and have been used by other countries as a basis for development of national guidelines. The present document provides an updated and expanded version of these international guidelines for the vaccination of small companion animals. The VGG recognizes that the keeping of pet small animals is subject to significant variation in practice and associated economics throughout the world, and that vaccination recommendations that might apply to a developed country, may not be appropriate for a developing country. Despite this, the VGG strongly recommends that wherever possible ALL dogs and cats receive the benefit of vaccination. This not only protects the individual animal, but provides optimum 'herd immunity' that minimizes the likelihood of an infectious disease outbreak.