SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Jan. 23, 2025 — A global shortage of feline vaccines is straining animal shelters and boarding facilities in New South Wales (NSW), forcing some to turn away cats and kittens and temporarily suspend vaccination requirements ahead of the busy holiday season.
The shortage, now in its second month, affects the F3 vaccine, which protects cats from panleukopenia, calicivirus, and herpesvirus—diseases that can be especially dangerous for kittens and unvaccinated strays.
“This is the first time since COVID that we’ve had to rely so much on herd immunity,” said Dr. Diana Barker, President of the Australian Veterinary Association. “Cats that have had at least their kitten vaccines and a few boosters will have some protection, but strays are at risk.”
She urged pet owners to keep their cats indoors and avoid contact with feral animals. “If your cat isn’t vaccinated or is behind on boosters, the safest place for them is at home,” Barker said.
In response, the NSW Department of Primary Industries has granted temporary exemptions from vaccination rules for boarding facilities, shelters, and pounds until January 31. Facilities are being asked to use a “risk-based approach” to limit the spread of disease.
April Wright, who runs a boarding facility near Blayney, said the shortage has not significantly affected her business. “Most pets have had at least one round of shots,” she said. “If young animals come in unvaccinated, we quarantine them. We’ve got systems in place.”
Wright added that no bookings had been canceled and that she continues to work closely with veterinarians to monitor for illness. “We take this seriously. The responsibility is mine, and I’ve been doing this for 35 years,” she said.
The shortage has hit shelters hard. The RSPCA in NSW stopped accepting new cats in October to manage vaccine supplies, but the facilities remain overcrowded. In November alone, 550 cats and kittens were brought into care.
Dr. Liz Arnott, Chief Veterinarian for RSPCA NSW, said all incoming cats are still being vaccinated, but private clients are currently not offered vaccines. “We’re prioritizing the most vulnerable—strays, seized animals, and those owned by people facing hardship,” she said.
Vaccines are expected to become more widely available in mid-December, with normal supply levels anticipated by April. Still, Arnott emphasized the importance of timely vaccinations, especially for dog owners, noting that preventive care is far more affordable than emergency treatment.
“Spending a couple hundred dollars now can save thousands in the future,” she said.
While a separate shortage of canine leptospirosis vaccines has affected some dogs earlier in the year, that issue is now easing, according to Danielle Haase of Diesel & Blue Doggie Daycare. Her facility’s reminder system has helped clients stay on track with their pets’ vaccine schedules.
“We haven’t had many issues,” she said. “Most of our dogs come regularly, and we make sure they stay up to date.”
As the holiday season approaches, officials continue to urge caution, reminding pet owners to check with their veterinarians and avoid exposing animals to potential infections.
