A risk assessment is important in determining what vaccination program a pet needs. A pet’s chances of being infected by a disease are based on several factors:

• Where the pet lives
  Many diseases are more prevalent in certain areas of the country.
• The age of the pet
  Young animals are at higher risk for many diseases because their immune systems are not fully developed or "primed" to respond.
• Pets that go outdoors
  Pets that spend even a few minutes outdoors may come into contact with squirrels, mice, skunks, birds, raccoons, or their habitats. All these animals, along with other cats and dogs, have the potential to transmit infectious disease. However, even indoor pets may be at risk if their owners unknowingly carry disease-causing agents into the house on shoes or clothing.
• Prevalence of mosquitoes and/or ticks in your area
  Mosquitoes and ticks are common carriers of disease.
• Pets that travel
  It only takes one exposure for your pet to get sick. Before you travel, ask your veterinarian if the destination poses any threat to your pet.
• Pets that are not spayed or neutered
  "Intact" pets are more likely to roam and come into contact with other diseased animals.
• Pets that drink from standing water outdoors (ponds, puddles, etc.)
  Microorganisms in standing water can cause serious diseases such as giardiasis and leptospirosis in dogs and giardiasis in cats.
• Pets that go to a groomer, boarding facility, or dog or cat shows
  Disease-causing agents can remain in combs, cages, towels, and other items.
• Pets that are used for hunting
  Hunting dogs are particularly susceptible to the exposure of diseases carried by wild animals, as well as those spread by ticks and mosquitoes. Diseases of concern include Lyme disease, leptospirosis and heartworm.
• Dogs that miss a dose of monthly heartworm preventative by more than 45 days
  Forgetting the monthly heartworm pill can leave your dog vulnerable to deadly heartworm infection.

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