Why We Should Not Vaccinate Our Pets - A Holistic Perspective on Immunity and Informed Choice

Posted by Jewel on May 28, 2025

This is one of the most emotionally charged and important questions a pet guardian can ask. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but one thing is clear: we must be informed.

At Holistic Pet Care, we support building natural immunity through raw food nutrition, herbal and natural supplement support, giving homeopathic nosodes as part of an immune building protocol and minimal chemical exposure. We believe each pet is unique, and vaccination decisions should be based on individual health needs, not blanket protocols.

Why Do We Vaccinate?

Most of us vaccinate our pets out of love. We fear they won’t be strong enough to fight off a virus or bacterial infection, and we trust that vaccines are the best way to protect them. We’re told it’s necessary — and often feel guilty or anxious if we consider not doing it.

But what if some vaccines, especially when overused, are causing more harm than good?

That’s a question more pet parents are beginning to ask — and with good reason.

What’s Actually in a Vaccine?

Vaccines are complex chemical cocktails. They contain either live or killed viruses or bacteria, plus preservatives, stabilizers, and adjuvants — substances added to provoke a stronger immune response. Adjuvants are designed to create inflammation at the injection site, which signals the body to react.

But what happens when the immune system is pushed too hard — or too often?

Many holistic practitioners feel this repeated stimulation can lead to chronic inflammation, autoimmune disorders, allergies, and even serious conditions like cancer.

The Problem of Over-Vaccination

Veterinary protocols often include yearly or bundled vaccines, regardless of a pet’s age, health status, or prior immunity. For example, many cats are still being given vaccines annually for feline distemper, calicivirus, and feline leukemia — despite research showing that immunity from these vaccines often lasts for many years or even a lifetime.

Sadly, the push for frequent vaccination is often profit-driven. Vaccines are a major source of income for veterinary practices and pharmaceutical companies.

Side Effects and Long-Term Health Risks

While vaccines can save lives, no vaccine is 100% safe. Some animals tolerate them well, but others experience immediate or delayed side effects — from skin rashes and digestive upset to seizures, organ failure, or behavior changes.

Worse still, many side effects don’t show up right away. Chronic issues like itching, digestive problems, autoimmune conditions, or even cancers may arise months or years after a series of shots.

This pattern is known as vaccinosis — a chronic imbalance that follows vaccination. Not every animal develops it, but those who do often face lifelong health challenges.

So What Are Your Options?

You do have choices, and you have a right to understand them:

Don't vaccinate. Build natural immunity instead.
True wellness doesn’t come from injecting foreign substances into the body — it comes from creating strength within. A raw, species-appropriate diet, clean filtered water, herbal support, natural detox, and a low-stress, high vibe, chemical-free lifestyle all contribute to a strong immune system that knows how to respond to threats in a balanced way. When we nourish the body with what it truly needs, we don't need to override it with artificial interventions. Nature has already given our animals the tools — our job is simply to support them in using them.

Ask about core vs. non-core vaccines. Core vaccines (like parvo and distemper) are widely considered necessary in some cases, while others (like Bordetella or leptospirosis) may not be.
Run vaccine titers. These are simple blood tests that check your pet’s immunity to certain diseases, and may eliminate the need for repeat shots.
Use homeopathic nosodes. Many holistic pet parents use nosodes to help build natural immunity without the risks of traditional vaccines.
Feed a raw, species-appropriate diet. This builds strong natural immunity from the inside out.
Avoid unnecessary chemicals, drugs, and stressors. These weaken the immune system and make your pet more vulnerable to disease.

Vaccines and Individual Risk

All medical interventions — even simple ones — come with risk. Vaccines are no exception. If your pet is ill, has a weakened immune system, or has reacted poorly in the past, you may want to avoid vaccinations altogether.

Vaccines don’t always work. Breakthrough infections happen. And giving more shots to a pet who didn’t respond the first time rarely improves outcomes — it often makes things worse.

A Responsible, Holistic Approach

We're not suggesting you "never vaccinate." But we do encourage you to question, research, and make decisions based on your pet’s unique needs — not just what’s written on a clinic reminder card.

If you choose not to vaccinate, support your pet’s immune system through nutrition, detoxification, herbs, and high-vibe living. Build a strong foundation so they are truly resilient.

We strongly recommend working with a holistic veterinarian who respects your values and will work with you to create an individualized plan.

Final Thoughts: Your Pet, Your Choice

From what I’ve seen over the years, over-vaccination contributes to many of the chronic conditions we see in pets today — from constant scratching and diarrhea to degenerative disease. Vaccines were designed to protect, but overuse may be quietly harming the very animals we love.

You are your pet’s guardian. You have the right — and the responsibility — to decide what’s best. Don’t be pressured into decisions without full understanding. Ask questions. Read labels. Request titers. And most of all — trust your intuition.

Should we vaccinate our pets?
My personal belief: No I do not vaccinate or recommend them. However, there may be reasons one decides to allow it, so at the very least, do not vaccinate without careful consideration.

This isn’t about fear. It’s about awareness. Be informed. Be empowered. And always choose what supports your pet’s highest well-being.