"In reality, a dog that is appropriately immunized as a pup probably never requires another core vaccine during its lifetime."

World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) chair Michael Day disclosed the advice amidst talks that many Australian veterinarians are over vaccinating pets. He said the problem of unnecessary vaccinations is being compounded by labels on the vaccine bottles. Labels carry the prescription that the contents can be used annually.

Last year, the WSAVA directed veterinarians to administer vaccinations no more frequently than every three years. The veterinary authority stressed that "Vaccines should not be given needlessly.” The guidelines also state a reduction of the vaccine load on individual animals in order to minimize the potential for adverse reactions to vaccine products.

The Consumer group Choice said, however, pet owners are not informed of the guidelines while veterinarians are ignoring the directive. A significant number of the group believe veterinarians are profiteering by making pet owners bring their pets back for vaccination every year. A recent survey shows 90 percent of veterinarians rely on vaccinations for their profits.

However, Barry Smyth of the Australian Veterinary Association shrugged off talks that veterinarians are increasing income through over-vaccination. He said, “Profit is not the prime motivation. The main motivation is the welfare of the animal. Decisions to vaccinate are based on a wide variety of factors, including the age and lifestyle of the pet.”