New Dog & Cat Owners
Local rules and regulations (Gloucester and Rockport)
- https://gloucester-ma.gov/996/Dog-Regulations
- https://www.rockportma.gov/animal-control/pages/doggy-doos-and-donts-responsible-dog-ownership
- https://www.mass.gov/doc/pet-waste-and-bathing-beaches-brochure-0/download
Pets and parasites (fleas, ticks, intestinal parasites, heartworm, mange)
Vaccines
- Rabies (required by law for cats, dogs, and ferrets): protects against rabies virus
- Distemper (recommended for cats and dogs, and for ferrets that interact with other ferrets): protects against multiple, life-threatening viruses carried by pets and wildlife
- Leptospirosis (recommended): protects dogs against some strains of leptospirosis bacteria that are spread in the environment through wildlife urine
- Lyme: protects against the Lyme bacteria carried by deer ticks; optional vaccine for dogs; based on lifestyle and tick exposure
- Kennel Cough: required for dogs going to daycare or boarding (and sometimes grooming); protects against the viral and bacterial components that contribute to kennel cough
- Influenza: required by some dog daycare/boarding facilities; protects against canine influenza
- Leukemia: recommended for cats that wander outdoors; protects against infection with the feline leukemia virus which travels to the bone marrow and causes the cancer called leukemia
Microchips in pets
Pet insurance
- Pet Insurance Coverage - Trupanion
- Full Coverage Pet Insurance | Discover Pet Health Insurance that Covers Everything
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