Vaccinations are the essential first steps in dramatically reducing the risk of your pet becoming seriously ill. Unfortunately in Malawi, diseases like rabies and parvovirus are common and highly contagious. Depending on the virus, it may be fatal to your animal or, in some instances including rabies, the disease can be fatal to humans. Therefore, having your dog or cat vaccinated is the best and least costly way of preventing these diseases.

Furthermore, if you are thinking about taking your dog or cat abroad, many countries have stringent policies in place (including vaccinating against rabies and microchipping your pet).

When your puppy or kitten reaches six weeks, they need their first 5-in-1 or felocell vaccination, which is then to be repeated at week nine and twelve. The rabies vaccination is required by law and can be administered once your pet reaches twelve weeks of age. Both vaccinations then become annual. If you do not have a vaccination card when your pet gets his or her first set of vaccinations, LSPCA will provide one; please ensure you bring your pet's vaccination card with you every time you visit the clinic.

LSPCA also recommends that you deworm your cat or dog at the same time as it's first vaccinations, then once every three to six months.

Furthermore, if you are thinking about taking your dog or cat abroad, many countries have stringent policies in place (including vaccinating against rabies and microchipping your pet).