LANSING, Mich. – Late summer is a time for road trips, camping, outdoor adventures and plenty of time with family, friends and companion animals. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding owners to ensure their animals are up to date on vaccinations as summertime activities heighten the risk of exposure to contagious diseases. 

"Spending time outside brings risks of exposure to diseases through wildlife, other animals, ticks, mosquitoes and environmental sources of pathogens," said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “As you work with your veterinarian to provide the best care for your animals, be sure to discuss vaccine recommendations to protect your animals from diseases they may encounter in the coming months.”  

Animal vaccinations are a cornerstone of preventive veterinary care and offer many important benefits, including that they: 

• Help shield pets from a range of contagious and potentially life‑threatening diseases, such as rabies. 

• Reduce the likelihood of expensive treatments for illnesses that can be prevented. 

• Contribute to a healthier world by protecting other animals - and in some cases, people from contagion. 

• Are required by many animal boarding, grooming and training facilities, as well as for travel to other states or countries.  

Before heading out for summer adventures, owners can help protect their animals with the following steps: 

• Check vaccination records. Make sure your animals are current on recommended vaccines and ask a veterinarian whether any boosters are due. Michigan law requires dogs to be currently vaccinated against rabies. Dogs can also be vaccinated against serious diseases such as distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza and leptospirosis. 
  
  For cats, key vaccines include those for rabies, feline leukemia, panleukopenia, herpes virus and calicivirus.   

• Vaccinations aren’t just for cats and dogs. Horses, rabbits, ferrets and other animals also need vaccinations appropriate for their species.
  
  Horses benefit from vaccinations for rabies, West Nile virus, eastern and western equine encephalitis, as well as tetanus. Rabbits should be vaccinated against rabbit hemorrhagic disease. Michigan law requires ferrets to be currently vaccinated against rabies.  

• Consider your pet’s age and lifestyle. An animal that hikes, camps, boards, attends daycare or regularly interacts with other animals may have a higher risk of exposure to contagious diseases. Also, make especially sure to keep young animals on a vaccine schedule. Developing immune systems need additional protection.  

• Plan ahead for travel. Michigan law requires ferrets, dogs and some cats to have a current rabies vaccination before they can be imported. Other vaccinations may be required to come to Michigan or travel to other states or countries, depending on the situation. View Michigan’s import requirements or contact the state animal health official of where you’re going to determine requirements for movement and paperwork.   

• Keep records handy. Store vaccination records where they can be easily accessed, particularly when you travel or seek emergency veterinary care. 

For more information about recommended vaccinations, animal owners can contact their veterinarian. More information on animal diseases can be found on MDARD's website.