Rabies is a vaccine-preventable, zoonotic viral disease that affects the central nervous system and brain. It is a deadly viral disease that primarily affects mammals, including humans. It's typically transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, most commonly through bites. Once symptoms develop, rabies is almost always fatal. In the United States, it's not unusual for one to two people to die annually. You can help prevent rabies infections by vaccinating your animals and keeping them away from wildlife that can spread the disease.
Rabies is 100% preventable
Rabies is 100% preventable
What Pet Owners Need To Know About Rabies Vaccinations in New York State
Rabies is a serious deadly viral disease that attacks the brain and nervous system of humans and animals. It's typically transmitted through the saliva of infected animal.
In New York State, ALL DOGS,CATS AND FERRETS 4 months of age and older
MUST BE KEPT UP TO DATE ON RABIES.
At Churchville Veterinary Hospital, all active patients are required to have a current Rabies vaccination. If your pet receives their Rabies vaccine at another clinic, please provide us with an updated copy of the Rabies vaccination certificate so we can add it to their medical record.
Even if you choose to decline other vaccinations for your pet, Rabies vaccination is required by law. Pets without current Rabies vaccination documentation may limit our ability to provide certain aspects of care.
There are only certain rare instances of severe medical conditions in a pet that would exempt them from mandatory Rabies vaccination, only a Veterinarian can provide certification for such exemption which needs to be reevaluated and completed yearly. A history of their disease must be kept on file and up-to-date in their medical records along with frequent examinations as deemed appropriate by a veterinarian.
Where can I get my pet vaccinated?
Rabies vaccinations are available in clinic from your veterinarian for dogs, cats and ferrets. If you have questions about new vaccines developed specifically for cats and for pets at younger ages, contact your county health department or veterinarian. You many contact your county health department for the schedule in your area.
When should my pet receive its first Rabies vaccination?
The law requires that your pet's first Rabies vaccination be given no later than four months after its date of birth. Many Rabies vaccines are licensed for use at three months, although some may be given at younger ages.
When should my pet receive its second Rabies vaccination?
Your pet should receive its second Rabies vaccination within one year of the initial vaccination. THIS IS IMPORTANT. The second Rabies shot and all shots thereafter are sometimes called booster shots and they can last for three years based on your pets vaccination statues and schedule.
After my pet gets its second rabies shot, when is the next booster shot due?
After the second rabies shot, if a pet is kept up to date, you only need to get additional booster shots every three years if the vaccination clinic or your veterinarian is using a Rabies vaccine licensed for three years.
What proof will I have that my pet received its Rabies shot?
The veterinarian, or a person under the veterinarian's supervision, will provide you with a certificate as proof that your pet has been vaccinated. The veterinarian's office will also keep a copy of your pet's vaccination certificate. The law requires the veterinarian to provide the vaccination certificate to any public health official for any case involving your dog, cat, or ferret that may have been exposed to Rabies, or in any case of possible exposure of a person or another animal to Rabies.
What if my pet needs to be taken to the veterinarian?
Whenever you bring your pet to a veterinarian, s/he will verify if the animal is up to date on its Rabies shots. If the animal is not up to date on its Rabies shots, is exempt as stated below, or if the veterinarian cannot find proof of the animal's Rabies vaccination history, you will be required to have your pet vaccinated for rabies at that time.
If my pet bites a person, does it have to be euthanized (put to sleep)?
This varies based on the circumstances of the case. This guidance will be given to you by the Health Department.
How can you test for Rabies?
Rabies cannot be diagnosed in a live animal. The only confirmed test for rabies is performed after death by examining brain tissue under a microscope using specialized laboratory testing.
Fines
If your dog, cat, or domesticated ferret is not vaccinated, is not up to date on its vaccinations, or is not properly confined after biting someone, as the owner you maybe subjected to a fine. This may vary based on your county regulations.
Exemptions
The vaccination requirements shall not apply to any dog, cat, or domesticated ferret if the animal is transported through New York State and remains in the state 15 days or less; the animal is confined to the premises of an incorporated society devoted to the care of lost, stray or homeless animals; a licensed veterinarian has determined that the vaccination will adversely affect the animal's health; the animal is confined to the premises of a college or other educational or research institution for research purposes; or if the animal is unowned (feral, wild, not socialized).
NYSDOH, 11/20/2002
Rabies is a serious deadly viral disease that attacks the brain and nervous system of humans and animals. It's typically transmitted through the saliva of infected animal.
In New York State, ALL DOGS,CATS AND FERRETS 4 months of age and older
MUST BE KEPT UP TO DATE ON RABIES.
At Churchville Veterinary Hospital, all active patients are required to have a current Rabies vaccination. If your pet receives their Rabies vaccine at another clinic, please provide us with an updated copy of the Rabies vaccination certificate so we can add it to their medical record.
Even if you choose to decline other vaccinations for your pet, Rabies vaccination is required by law. Pets without current Rabies vaccination documentation may limit our ability to provide certain aspects of care.
There are only certain rare instances of severe medical conditions in a pet that would exempt them from mandatory Rabies vaccination, only a Veterinarian can provide certification for such exemption which needs to be reevaluated and completed yearly. A history of their disease must be kept on file and up-to-date in their medical records along with frequent examinations as deemed appropriate by a veterinarian.
Where can I get my pet vaccinated?
Rabies vaccinations are available in clinic from your veterinarian for dogs, cats and ferrets. If you have questions about new vaccines developed specifically for cats and for pets at younger ages, contact your county health department or veterinarian. You many contact your county health department for the schedule in your area.
When should my pet receive its first Rabies vaccination?
The law requires that your pet's first Rabies vaccination be given no later than four months after its date of birth. Many Rabies vaccines are licensed for use at three months, although some may be given at younger ages.
When should my pet receive its second Rabies vaccination?
Your pet should receive its second Rabies vaccination within one year of the initial vaccination. THIS IS IMPORTANT. The second Rabies shot and all shots thereafter are sometimes called booster shots and they can last for three years based on your pets vaccination statues and schedule.
After my pet gets its second rabies shot, when is the next booster shot due?
After the second rabies shot, if a pet is kept up to date, you only need to get additional booster shots every three years if the vaccination clinic or your veterinarian is using a Rabies vaccine licensed for three years.
What proof will I have that my pet received its Rabies shot?
The veterinarian, or a person under the veterinarian's supervision, will provide you with a certificate as proof that your pet has been vaccinated. The veterinarian's office will also keep a copy of your pet's vaccination certificate. The law requires the veterinarian to provide the vaccination certificate to any public health official for any case involving your dog, cat, or ferret that may have been exposed to Rabies, or in any case of possible exposure of a person or another animal to Rabies.
What if my pet needs to be taken to the veterinarian?
Whenever you bring your pet to a veterinarian, s/he will verify if the animal is up to date on its Rabies shots. If the animal is not up to date on its Rabies shots, is exempt as stated below, or if the veterinarian cannot find proof of the animal's Rabies vaccination history, you will be required to have your pet vaccinated for rabies at that time.
If my pet bites a person, does it have to be euthanized (put to sleep)?
This varies based on the circumstances of the case. This guidance will be given to you by the Health Department.
How can you test for Rabies?
Rabies cannot be diagnosed in a live animal. The only confirmed test for rabies is performed after death by examining brain tissue under a microscope using specialized laboratory testing.
Fines
If your dog, cat, or domesticated ferret is not vaccinated, is not up to date on its vaccinations, or is not properly confined after biting someone, as the owner you maybe subjected to a fine. This may vary based on your county regulations.
Exemptions
The vaccination requirements shall not apply to any dog, cat, or domesticated ferret if the animal is transported through New York State and remains in the state 15 days or less; the animal is confined to the premises of an incorporated society devoted to the care of lost, stray or homeless animals; a licensed veterinarian has determined that the vaccination will adversely affect the animal's health; the animal is confined to the premises of a college or other educational or research institution for research purposes; or if the animal is unowned (feral, wild, not socialized).
NYSDOH, 11/20/2002
Office HoursMonday - Friday 8:00am- 5:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: Closed CLOSED for most Federal Holidays
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