How to Advocate for Your Pet’s Health at the Vet: Making Informed Vaccination Decisions

Walking into a veterinary clinic, you expect to have a say in your pet’s care. But when it comes to vaccinations, many pet owners feel like they’re handed a list of required shots with little room for discussion. The medical jargon, the fear of making the wrong choice, and the pressure to "stay on schedule" can make it difficult to speak up.

But here’s the truth: you have every right to ask questions, challenge recommendations, and make decisions that are best for your pet. Understanding how to navigate the vaccination conversation with your vet will help you advocate for your pet’s health, safety, and longevity.

Step 1: Prepare Before Your Vet Visit

Before heading to your appointment, take a few minutes to get organized. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel when discussing vaccines.

✔️ Review your pet’s vaccination history – When were their last shots? Have they ever had a reaction?
✔️ Consider your pet’s lifestyle – Do they go to daycare? Travel? Spend time in wooded areas?
✔️ Write down your questions – It’s easy to forget important concerns once you're in the exam room.

Understanding why vaccines are recommended for your pet—not just accepting them as a given—is the foundation of being an informed advocate.

Step 2: Know the Difference Between Core and Non-Core Vaccines

Not every pet needs every vaccine. Some protect against highly contagious, life-threatening diseases, while others are based on geography, lifestyle, and risk factors.

Core Vaccines (Recommended for all pets due to high-risk diseases)

• Dogs: Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus
• Cats: Rabies, Panleukopenia, Calicivirus

Non-Core Vaccines (Recommended based on exposure risk)

• Dogs: Lyme, Leptospirosis, Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
• Cats: Feline Leukemia

Some veterinarians treat all vaccines as mandatory, but the reality is that not every pet needs every shot, every year. If your vet is pushing a vaccine, ask why your pet needs it and whether their lifestyle puts them at risk.

Step 3: Ask the Right Questions

Many pet owners don’t realize they can push back on veterinary recommendations—or that they should. The key is knowing what to ask so you can make informed decisions:

✔️ Is this vaccine truly necessary for my pet’s specific lifestyle?
✔️ Are there risks associated with this vaccine? If so, what are they?
✔️ How long does immunity last? Does my pet really need a booster?
✔️ Would a titer test be a better option before giving another dose?

Vets should be open to discussion, not simply pushing vaccines as a routine procedure. If your vet isn’t willing to have this conversation, that’s a red flag.

Step 4: The Concern About Over-Vaccination

Vaccines save lives, but over-vaccination is a real concern, and most pet owners aren’t given the full picture. Repeated vaccinations can contribute to:

⚠️ Allergic reactions and vaccine site inflammation
⚠️ Chronic immune system stress
⚠️ Increased risk of certain cancers (e.g., feline vaccine-associated sarcoma)

One way to avoid unnecessary vaccines is through titer testing—a simple blood test that measures your pet’s immunity levels. If your pet is already protected, booster shots may not be necessary.

Some vets dismiss titer testing as unnecessary, but it’s a valuable tool for preventing over-vaccination while ensuring your pet remains protected.

Step 5: Understand Informed Consent – You Have a Say

Your veterinarian should never pressure you into vaccinations without a discussion. Informed consent means you have the right to:

✔️ Decline a vaccine after weighing the risks and benefits
✔️ Request a written risk-benefit explanation before making a decision
✔️ Get a second opinion if you feel rushed or dismissed

It’s not about refusing vaccines—it’s about making choices based on your pet’s individual needs, not just a one-size-fits-all protocol.

Final Thoughts: You Know Your Pet Best

At the end of the day, no one cares more about your pet’s health than you do. By taking the time to understand vaccinations, ask the right questions, and advocate for informed choices, you’re ensuring they receive the care that’s right for them—not just what’s most convenient for the clinic.

Your vet should be a partner in your pet’s healthcare, not the final authority. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut, speak up, and make the best decision for your pet’s long-term well-being.

By preparing for appointments, asking informed questions, understanding informed consent, and fostering a strong veterinarian-client relationship, you can become a powerful advocate for your pet’s health. If you want to hear more on this topic, check out our interview with holistic veterinarian Dr. Jeff Grognet, where he provides valuable insights into core versus non-core vaccines, over-vaccination risks, and tailored vaccination schedules. Listen to the episode for a comprehensive understanding of pet vaccinations and how to best communicate with your vet: https://www.muddypawsandhairballs.com/pet-vaccination-dr-jeff-grognet/