A UW study reveals low rates of vaccination for the nation's puppies and kittens. They may be cute and cuddly, but the study by UW's School of Veterinary Medicine reveals fewer than half of all puppies and kittens are being vaccinated. UW's Dr. Ron Schultz says the low vaccination rate can be a real problem at animal shelters, and he'd like to see new efforts.
Schultz says this can be an issue even for pet owners who get their pets vaccinated — if not enough pets in the total population are vaccinated, diseases can find a new foothold. The study, done in cooperation with the Dane County Humane Society, was based on samples taken from animal shelters around the nation.