Just because you have never seen these diseases does not mean you do not need to vaccinate your dog or cat because some of them can survive in the environment for long periods, waiting to be picked up by an unprotected animal. Clinics are available to provide vaccinations without examination but annual examinations are still recommended even if you choose to obtain vaccinations elsewhere. There is currently controversy about which vaccines to use and how frequently to vaccinate dogs and cats. Vaccinations after the initial series and in adults with an unknown vaccination history varies from every 1-3 years. Consult with your veterinarian.
Most counties require that dogs be vaccinated for rabies but policies vary for cats.
Where not required by law, discuss with your veterinarian the possible risks versus benefits of vaccinating for rabies. Feline leukemia is a serious viral disease transmitted by exchange of bodily fluids between cats. Since cats may have the disease without visible effects for a period and the vaccine is ineffective in already infected cats, testing is recommended before starting the first series of 2 vaccinations given to cats. Vaccinations just give your dog or cat the best chance of preventing the disease if they are exposed to it. Heartworm Heartworm is a parasite that is transmitted through the bite of mosquitoes.