Free Vaccines for Life Program in Monona and Madison
Regular physical exams are one of the most important things you can do for your pet. Unlike us, pets often show no signs that something is wrong until a problem is advanced and harder to treat. To make yearly preventive care easier and more affordable, Four Lakes Veterinary Clinic offers the Free Vaccines for Life program, a simple, cost-effective plan that covers your pet’s core vaccines for the rest of their life.
Why We Created Free Vaccines for Life
Annual preventive care visits give our veterinarians the chance to perform a thorough physical exam, look for subtle changes, talk about your pet’s lifestyle, and answer your questions. Our program rewards families for keeping up with these visits. We follow the vaccination recommendations of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and tailor every vaccine protocol to your pet’s lifestyle.
How Does It Work?
For each pet you wish to enroll, there is a one-time enrollment fee for dogs and cats, along with a paid wellness exam every year (or every month for puppies and kittens, as described below). After enrollment, your pet receives all of their core vaccines free for the rest of their life, as long as they are brought to Four Lakes Veterinary Clinic within 30 days of their scheduled wellness exam.
The enrollment fee is per pet, not per client, and is non-refundable and non-transferable. If your pet is lost or passes away, the enrollment cannot be transferred to a new pet. Likewise, if you rehome your pet, the enrollment does not transfer to the new owner.
What Vaccines Are Included?
For dogs, core vaccines include Rabies, DHPP (distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis/adenovirus, and parainfluenza), Leptospirosis, and Bordetella (kennel cough). For adult dogs starting a Leptospirosis series, there is a one-time charge for the Leptospirosis booster but no exam charge at the time of the booster. After that, all Leptospirosis vaccines are free.
The Lyme vaccine is not included because it is not considered a core vaccine by the AVMA. However, it is still very important for dogs at risk, which is really any dog in Wisconsin, so enrolled pets receive a 50% discount on the Lyme vaccine. Learn more about Lyme disease in dogs. Canine influenza is also not included but is recommended for dogs who travel or spend time in daycares, dog parks, or boarding facilities, some of which now require it.
For cats, core vaccines include Rabies and FVRCP (rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia). While feline leukemia is not a core vaccine, it is included in the program for kittens and at-risk adult cats.
Will My Pet Get Vaccines Every Year?
It depends. Each pet receives a full physical exam, and we will discuss which vaccines your pet needs. Not all vaccines are given every year. If a pet is in poor health or has a condition that prohibits vaccination, the veterinarian may delay or skip vaccines. This program should not be interpreted as a way to over-vaccinate your pet. Our philosophy is to give only the vaccines warranted by your pet’s age and lifestyle.
Will My Pet Need a Wellness Exam Every Year, Even If No Vaccines Are Due?
Yes. To stay enrolled, your pet needs a yearly wellness exam performed at Four Lakes Veterinary Clinic. Wellness visits at another veterinary clinic do not fulfill the requirement. Medical or sick pet exams at a different time, even in the same month as the wellness exam, also do not fulfill the wellness exam requirement. These yearly visits are also the perfect time for screening tests, heartworm testing, and dental checks.
What If We Are Late for Our Wellness Visit?
To keep the program valuable for you and your pet, we must see your pet within a month of the wellness exam due date. If your pet is not seen within that time frame, the enrollment becomes void. You may then purchase vaccines and wellness exams individually or re-enroll in the program if it is still available.
Please do not rely solely on courtesy text or email reminders, as Four Lakes Veterinary Clinic cannot be held responsible if a reminder does not arrive. To make it easier to keep track, you can forward book next year’s exam and we will send reminders to confirm that appointment.
What About Puppies and Kittens?
Puppies and kittens need vaccines every 4 weeks until they are 16 to 20 weeks of age. You are welcome to enroll your new pet at their first visit. You then pay a wellness exam fee at each visit, receive all required vaccinations for free, and your pet stays enrolled for life. All vaccines in the puppy and kitten series must be given on time to be effective, so you will need to return for the next boosters within 4 weeks to remain enrolled. Ask about microchipping during these early visits as well.
If you have questions about the program, call us at (608) 819-6750 or email staff@fourlakesvet.com. New to our practice? Start on our New Clients page.
Free Vaccines for Life FAQs
Is there a cost to join Free Vaccines for Life?
Yes. There is a one-time enrollment fee per pet, plus a paid wellness exam each year. Core vaccines are then free for the life of your pet.
Which dog vaccines are covered?
Covered core vaccines for dogs include Rabies, DHPP, Leptospirosis, and Bordetella. The Lyme vaccine is discounted 50% for enrolled dogs, and canine influenza is not included.
Which cat vaccines are covered?
Covered core vaccines for cats include Rabies and FVRCP. Feline leukemia is also included for kittens and at-risk adult cats.
What happens if I miss my pet’s annual wellness exam?
Your pet must be seen within 30 days of their wellness exam due date. If not, the enrollment becomes void, and you may pay for services individually or re-enroll if the program is still available.
Can I transfer the enrollment to another pet?
No. The enrollment fee is per pet and is non-refundable and non-transferable, including if a pet is lost, passes away, or is rehomed.
Can puppies and kittens join the program?
Yes. Puppies and kittens can enroll at their first visit. They pay a wellness exam fee at each visit in their vaccine series and receive the vaccines for free, as long as boosters are given within 4 weeks.
Does a sick pet visit count as the annual wellness exam?
No. Only a yearly wellness exam performed at Four Lakes Veterinary Clinic fulfills the program requirement.
Enroll Your Pet in Free Vaccines for Life
Protect your pet and save on core vaccines for life. Call Four Lakes Veterinary Clinic at (608) 819-6750 or request an appointment online to enroll at your pet’s next visit in Monona and Madison.