New research explores the reason behind a decline in pet vaccination rates.
A new study from the University of Liverpool has revealed the complex reasons why dog or cat owners are increasingly skipping or delaying routine vaccinations.
Published in Preventative Veterinary Medicine and funded by BSAVA PetSavers, the research found that decisions are heavily influenced by trust in veterinary professionals.
Some owners followed their vet’s advice because they respected their professional knowledge and expertise, while others trusted an individual vet who they had seen previously.
Other key factors shaping decisions included a scepticism over practice profits, “natural” pet healthcare trends, and perceptions of the potential impact and severity of vaccine-preventable diseases. This was often through direct experience of their own or someone else’s pet having an infectious disease.
Some owners considered the impact of their pet’s lifestyle on disease transmission risk, with some seeing vaccination as a way to protect their pet without limiting outdoor activity. Finally, concerns over vaccine safety were often linked to information seen on social media.
Lead author of the study Dr Shona Bloodworth said: “I hope this paper contributes to the wider discourse on pet vaccination and helps veterinary professionals understand owners’ perspectives, providing useful context for conversations about vaccination.
"A huge thank you to BSAVA PetSavers for funding this research and supporting this work.”
Image (C) Smit/Shutterstock.com
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
