OKEFORD Veterinary Centre in Okehampton will offer discounted vaccinations to eligible cats, dogs and rabbits throughout May as part of a national campaign.

During National Vaccination Month (NVM), pet owners will be able to get vaccines cheaper than normal in an effort to keep animals healthy through the current economic crisis.

Kirstin Phippard, of Okeford Veterinary Centre, said: 'It is so important not to leave our pets unprotected against the diseases for which we commonly vaccinate.

'Unvaccinated animals are left potentially open to contracting fatal diseases, such as Parvo virus in dogs.

'The practice has had three confirmed cases over the last 18 months and disease prevalence is increasing in our cities.'

Since the start of the recession, numbers of contagious diseases in pets have increased as the number of vaccinated animals has decreased.

Wendy Adams, head of veterinary clinical services with the Blue Cross, said: 'Pets that are not vaccinated against disease can quickly become seriously ill and sadly many even die.

'It is vital pet owners take steps to protect their animals by getting them vaccinated and keep up-to-date with annual booster shots.'

In order to help those with pets through these difficult times, NVM is designed to help restart lapsed vaccinations. Dogs and cats over 18 months old which have not had vaccinations in the last 18 months are eligible, as are rabbits over nine months old which have not been vaccinated in the last nine months.

Those interested in NVM are asked to visit http://www.nvmonline.co.uk">www.nvmonline.co.uk for further information and to download a voucher to help towards the cost of vaccinations.

For further details and to book an appointment, call the Okeford Veterinary Centre on 01837 52148.