A veterinarian in purple scrubs prepares a vaccine while another veterinarian holds an orange cat on an exam table at a clinic. Text on the image reads “4 Millionth Vaccine!” with logos for Jacksonville Humane Society and Petco Love on an orange background.
March 17, 2026March 17, 2026

Keep Your Pets Vaccinated and Loved This March

While it may seem like a small thing, vaccinations play a big role in protecting the health of our beloved pets. That’s why the Jacksonville Humane Society (JHS) is partnering with Petco Love this March for the Vaccinated and Loved initiative, helping remind pet owners how important it is to keep their pets protected.

Through this national program, Petco Love has provided more than four million free pet vaccines to animal welfare organizations across the country, including JHS. That milestone was reached right here in Jacksonville during a free vaccine clinic hosted by JHS and Petco Love in February, where nearly 500 pets received care. Among them was Ojaris, a cat brought in by owners Robin and Clint, who became the four millionth pet nationwide to receive a free vaccine through Petco Love’s initiative.

“It’s a relief because it can get very expensive when you have multiple cats or dogs to get them all vaccinated,” said Robin. “Something like this is beneficial to us. We appreciate Petco Love’s program. It’s very helpful.”

Moments like this highlight the impact of community vaccine clinics. By providing free vaccines through local partners like the Jacksonville Humane Society, Petco Love helps remove barriers that can prevent families from accessing essential care for their pets. Survey data from pet parents who attended these clinics shows they often serve as an important first step toward ongoing veterinary care, especially for families facing financial challenges who may not yet be connected to routine preventative services.

Some of the most common and deadly diseases affecting pets, including parvovirus and distemper in dogs and panleukopenia in cats, can be prevented with a simple vaccine.

What Are These Viruses?

Parvovirus in Dogs
Parvovirus is a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease that most often affects puppies. It can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and in many cases, death. Fortunately, it is easily preventable with the DAPPv booster vaccine.

Feline Panleukopenia
Panleukopenia is a serious and highly contagious viral infection in cats that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness, dehydration, and immune system damage. The disease can be prevented with the FVRCP (also called HCP) booster vaccine.

Canine Distemper
Distemper is a severe viral infection that affects a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It spreads easily between dogs and can often be fatal. The good news is that it is preventable with the DAPPv booster vaccine.

Don’t wait, get your pet vaccinated today!

To find a Petco Love Free Vaccine Clinic near you, visit https://petcolove.org/care/.

Go Top