Survey Reveals Vaccination Trends: 85% of Dog Owners and 75% of Cat Owners Prioritize Pet Vaccinations in Ireland

Eight out of ten dog owners and seven out of ten cat owners follow the recommended vaccination program. However, more than half of the pet owners who do not vaccinate their animals regularly answered that the reason for this is that they do not think it is necessary, shows a survey carried out by Agria Petinsure. 

Protecting your dog

Dogs in Ireland should be vaccinated against distemper, parvovirus, infectious hepatitis, kennel cough and rabies vaccine when travelling abroad.  

The core vaccinations which dogs in Ireland receive include cover against distemper, hepatitis, parvo virus, parainfluenza and leptospirosis. The Kennel Cough vaccination is considered optional but is advised especially in areas with a higher dog population and for those who would attend doggy day car, group pack walks and those who may require staying in a boarding kennel while their family is on holidays.  

“Even though vaccines do not fully protect the dog, it reduces the impact these diseases have, symptoms and spread of the disease.” says vet Orla Fitzgerald.  

Based on the survey results, about 20-25% dog and cat owners forget to vaccinate their pets. “It is important that you keep track of your pet’s vaccinations and make sure that your pet’s vaccinations are always up to date”. says vet Orla Fitzgerald. 

Protecting your cat

The basic but extremely important core vaccination given to cats is one that protects against feline panleucopenia virus, feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus- the Cat Flu Vaccination. This vaccinantion is given to all cats including those who are 100% indoors. How often it is administered to cats depends on the age of the lovely feline.  

In addition to this, a vaccination against feline leukemia virus is advised for cats who live in multi-cat homes, those who foster cats or kittens and for those who have an increased chance of coming into contact with other cats outdoors.  

Traveling abroad? 

If you are going to take your dog or cat on a trip outside Ireland, the rabies vaccination is essential as Ireland is a rabies-free country. Many pets are travelling to countries where rabies is endemic or where rabies vaccination is part of their core vaccination scheme specific blood tests and additional vaccinations can also be required. Each country will have their own essential pet travel requirements and it is advised that pet owners contact the relevant authority to check what their pet requires prior to scheduling flights or boat trips.  

Familiarize yourself with the rules and recommendations for what is needed in terms of vaccines, deworming, ID marking, documents and passports. Both for the country you are going to and for returning home to Ireland.  

The survey was carried out by Xtreme on behalf of Agria Petinsure March 2023. 810 dog and cat owners contributed with answers. 

Agria is one of the world’s leading pet insurers. Agria Petinsure was established in Ireland in 2023 and is now a prominent feature of the Irish pet insurance industry, providing insurance for cats and dogs. Our mission is to provide the best care for pets and peace of mind for their owners by providing insurance solutions.