FAQ About Immunization
We’re so excited about the upcoming San Diego Pet Con! With that said, we want you to be as prepared as possible to enjoy the event with your furry, feathered or reptilian family member.
In order to attend the event with a pet, we require that you complete a waiver. While we have them available at the door, you can click here for a copy so you can get in the door more quickly. Print it out and bring it with you!
Does My Pet Have to be Immunizated?
Every state in the United States has its own laws regarding pet ownership and pet vaccines. Many states require that certain vaccines be obtained before your pet can be registered with the state or county. The most important pet vaccine requirements are those that pertain to rabies since that disease is communicable and can be harmful to humans (and other animals).
Yes, we require that all cats and dogs be current on age-appropriate rabies vaccines in order to enter the event or you should plan on getting your pet’s vaccines at the event as part of our low-cost vaccine clinic. If you plan to get immunizations at the event, you’ll still need to complete a pet waiver and our staff will direct you where to go with your pet for shots; we require that you go straight there.
What Do You Accept as Proof of Immunizations?
We accept a number of things! You can provide us with your vet-issued rabies certificate, city/county license, a rabies tag that lists the current year, a receipt of vaccination purchase/label for those who self-vaccinate, a vet receipt that itemizes the vaccination payment, adoption paperwork that lists the pet has current vaccinations or serologic titer results issued from a veterinary clinic.
Just Adopted My Pet That I’d like to Bring. What Should I do?
That’s no problem! Adoption paperwork which shows current vaccinations is just fine to prove that your pet has had its shots.
Our requirements apply to *age-appropriate* immunizations. Puppies and kittens normally aren’t vaccinated for rabies until they’re four months old, so we realize that he or she wouldn’t have been vaccinated for rabies yet if they’re younger than that. Puppies/kittens not yet vaccinated for rabies must be at least 12 weeks old or have two sets of puppy or kitten boosters to attend the event.
However, as much as we’d love to meet your new family member at the event, puppies, kittens and other baby mammals have an immature immune system. That means that if another pet, who may be ill or diseased (and may not even be showing symptoms yet), could pass along that illness to your new baby. With that said, if you still choose to bring your puppy or kitten, we urge you to carry it or have it in a closed stroller at the show, limit any interactions with other animals, not allow him/her to drink from communal water bowls or use common pet potty areas and take lots of breaks so as not to overload your precious new buddy. We also recommend using these guidelines if bringing an elderly pet to the event.