The Kennel Owners and Breeders Association (KOBrA) has launched the first of over 200 nationwide animal vaccination clinics, in an effort to make vaccinating pets more affordable for their owners.

A survey, compiled by KOBrA’s main sponsor Bestpetpharmacy.co.uk, found that only 30% of the nations animals are currently vaccinated and only 20% of dogs are wormed.

The survey also revealed that one of the key reasons owners gave for not vaccinating their pets was cost. KOBrA’s aim is to provide a more affordable service at local boarding kennels to a wider number of pet owners and give them a cost effective alternative to keep their animals fit and healthy.

KOBrA’s managing director, John Darlington says: ‘Pet vaccination is not a luxury in today’s society. Diseases such as leishmaniasis and babseosis are on the increase, so the need to vaccinate is becoming more important for pet owners. Considerably more dogs are boarding in kennels each year, than those which are vaccinated, so owners who don’t vaccinate run the risk of their pets catching infections.’

The scheme is run through local KOBrA accredited kennels and hopes to improve pet owners uptake of immunisation and worming services for their animals.