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= The gap is defined as the difference between the vet's invoice and the claim benefit under your policy. Policy terms and conditions apply. GapOnly® is only available at participating Vets. Please visit GapOnly® to search for GapOnly® enabled vets. GapOnly® is a trademark owned by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd (PetSure) (ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183).
Vaccinating puppies and kittens in Australia.
Learn about vaccinations and the importance of routine care for your pet's health.
Pet Insurance | 3 minute read | 26 February 2025
Bringing a new puppy or kitten into your home is an exciting time. Amidst all the joy and cuddles, it's crucial to prioritise their health, and vaccinations are a cornerstone of preventative care. This article provides a comprehensive guide to vaccinating your furry friends in Australia, covering everything from vaccine types and schedules to costs and addressing common concerns.
Why Vaccinate?
Vaccines protect your pet from potentially life-threatening diseases by triggering their immune system to produce antibodies. 1 These antibodies help fight off future infections, ensuring your pet stays healthy and happy.
Core Vaccines
Core vaccines are considered essential for all puppies and kittens due to the widespread prevalence and severity of the diseases they protect against. 2
- Dogs: Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), Canine Adenovirus (CAV), Canine Parvovirus (CPV)3
- Cats: Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV), Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1), Feline Calicivirus (FCV)3
Non-core Vaccines
Non-core vaccines are recommended based on your pet's lifestyle, environment, and risk factors.1 Your veterinarian can advise you on which non-core vaccines are appropriate.
- Dogs: Parainfluenza Virus (PI), Bordetella Bronchiseptica (Kennel Cough), Leptospirosis3
- Cats: Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV), Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), Chlamydia Felis3
Vaccination Schedule.
Puppies and kittens require a series of vaccinations to build up adequate immunity. 4 A typical schedule looks like this:
- First vaccination: 6-8 weeks old
- Second vaccination: 10-12 weeks old
- Third vaccination: 14-16 weeks old
- Boosters: Annual or triennial boosters are usually required, depending on the vaccine and your pet's risk factors. Veterinarians will advise and discuss with owner.
Note: It's crucial to follow your veterinarian's recommended schedule for optimal protection.
Insurance coverage for vaccinations.
With your Everyday Pet Insurance Comprehensive and Comprehensive Plus cover, you can opt to include Routine Care, a non-insurance benefit that provides a contribution of up to $100 annually on a range of routine care items, including vaccinations, to keep your pet happy and healthy. It's important to note that Routine Care is an optional add-on and is not automatically included in your insurance plan.
Plus, pay only the gap on eligible claims and get your benefit on the spot with GapOnly.®= It's quick, easy, and leaves you with more time to cuddle your pet and less time worrying about the vet bill.
With your Comprehensive and Comprehensive Plus Cover, optional Routine Care (non-insurance benefit) offers you a contribution of up to $50 towards any of the below. Plus up to $50 for vaccinations or health checks.
| Desexing. | Microchipping. | Prescription diets. |
| Heartworm preventative medication. | Obedience training. | Dewclaw removal. |
| Dental illness treatment. | Cremation or burial. | Council registration fees. |
| Teeth cleaning. | Behavioural therapy. | Alternative therapy, such as physio or laser therapy. |
By carefully reviewing and comparing Everyday Pet Insurance coverage options, you can choose the one that best suits your pet's health needs and your budget. Please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for full terms, conditions, limits and exclusions that apply.
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Protect your loyal companion and get 10% off an in-store Woolworths shop every month.°
1Vaccinations (no date) American Veterinary Medical Association. Available at: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/vaccinations#:~:text=Vaccinations%20protect%20your%20pet%20from,pet’s%20overall%20quality%20of%20life. (Accessed: 12 December 2024).
2Vaccinations (no date) American Veterinary Medical Association. Available at: https://www.ava.com.au/policy-advocacy/policies/companion-animals-health/vaccination-of-dogs-and-cats/. (Accessed: 12 December 2024).
3Vaccination of dogs and cats (2018) Australian Veterinary Association. Available at: https://www.ava.com.au/policy-advocacy/policies/companion-animals-health/vaccination-of-dogs-and-cats/ (Accessed: 11 December 2024).
4Puppy & kitten vaccinations schedule (2023a) Animal Welfare League NSW. Available at: https://www.awlnsw.com.au/latest-news/petvaccinations/ (Accessed: 12 December 2024).
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° This offer is only available for policyholders who have a registered Everyday Rewards Card linked to their eligible active Everyday Insurance policy. This offer is limited to one in-store Woolworths Supermarket transaction up to $500, with a maximum saving of $50 per Everyday Rewards Card, per month, regardless of the number of Woolworths services you use. For full T&Cs click here.
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Everyday Pet Insurance policies entered into for the first time prior to 17 July 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436 (Hollard), arranged and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by Hollard’s Authorised Representative (AR) Woolworths Group Limited ABN 88 000 014 675, AR 245476 (Woolworths). Everyday Pet Insurance policies entered into for the first time on or after 17 July 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by PetSure and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s AR, Woolworths. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing, or choosing to continue with the product. PDS and Target Market Determination available at insurance.everyday.com.au/pet-insurance.
