How To Register Rabies Vaccine

Rabies Vaccination Rule for Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets

Washington State dominion, WAC 246-100-197, says: An owner of a dog, true cat, or ferret shall have it vaccinated against rabies and revaccinated following veterinary and vaccine manufacturer instructions. An "owner" is any person legally responsible for the care and deportment of a pet creature.

Dog, cat, and ferret

All dogs, cats, and ferrets in Washington must have upwards-to-date rabies vaccines. Rabies is a deadly virus that can impact people and animals. Whatsoever mammal can get rabies. Withal, bats are the only animal in Washington known to comport rabies. In other states, raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes are known to bear rabies.

How common is rabies in Washington?

We accept rabid bats in our state. People import animals from countries with domestic dog rabies increasing the potential of bringing in rabid animals. Each year, about 400 to 600 animals are tested for rabies, mostly bats. We find rabid bats in Washington every twelvemonth. The terminal reported case of rabies in an animal other than a bat in our state was in 2015. A cat developed rabies subsequently catching a rabid bat. The last reported cases of people infected with rabies in Washington were in 1995 and 1997. See rabies activities in Washington.

If then few people go rabies, why do I accept to vaccinate my pets?

Every year in Washington, hundreds of people must undergo the series of shots to prevent rabies, called post-exposure prophylaxis or PEP, because they are potentially exposed to the virus. If we control rabies in domestic animals, we tin can reduce the number of potential human rabies cases. Pets are more likely to contact wild animals, such as bats, that may have rabies. Vaccinating pets is one of the best means to protect people and pets. Past reducing the adventure, fewer people will need plush, and stressful, rabies treatment shots.

Why must people receive shots later on being exposed to a potentially rabid animal?

Rabies is deadly to people if untreated. We treat people with a series of rabies treatment shots. The shots tin can cease rabies if given soon after someone is exposed to the virus.

Wouldn't it just exist easier to vaccinate people for rabies?

Preventing rabies from spreading in animals is the best way to protect people. Many wild animals tin can carry rabies. Fortunately, the only wildlife in Washington that currently acquit rabies are bats. Vaccinating pets is an important part of making sure rabies does not go more widespread in other animals in our state. In that location is a rabies vaccine for people in high-risk occupations, similar veterinarians and fauna control officers, that is given before existence exposed to a potentially rabid animal. It consists of three shots at a cost of virtually $200 per shot ($600 total). Rabies vaccines for animals cost $vii-20 (average toll is $12). The first booster shot is needed afterwards ane yr, and subsequent boosters typically every three years.

Will I be fined for not having my pets vaccinated?

There is no enforcement at the state level, however the intent of this new rule is to brainwash pet owners about the rabies vaccine and encourage them to protect their pets, themselves, and their families by vaccinating. Whatever enforcement would come up from cities or counties. Some communities already require proof of rabies vaccination in gild to go a pet license. Contact your city or canton brute control office or local health section if you have other questions.

Why should I have my animals vaccinated?

Vaccinating pets prevents them from getting rabies and is 1 of the about constructive means in preventing rabies exposure in people.
If your dog, true cat, or ferret is not vaccinated, and is bitten by a stray or wild fauna, the pet needs to be confined and observed for six months. This strict confinement of a pet could price a significant amount of coin and could harm the animal physiologically. If the pet develops signs of rabies while in solitude, it must be euthanized to be tested for rabies.
The health risk, stress, and financial burden of a pet potentially being exposed to rabies are significantly less if the pet is vaccinated. Rabies vaccines for pets are an inexpensive way to protect people and other animals. Information technology is worth spending a few dollars to vaccinate your pet instead of spending thousands of dollars on confinement and the potential tragedy of losing your pet.

My cat never goes outside, so why would I get a rabies vaccine?

We frequently go reports of bats, which can carry rabies, getting into houses. Cats can get rabies from playing with or killing a rabid bat. For information on how to "bat proof" your home.

Why are ferrets required to get rabies shots?

At that place is an effective vaccine developed for ferrets. Since bats sometimes get into houses, and ferrets often go outside with their owners, ferrets are merely as much at risk for rabies infection every bit whatever other animal. They alive in close contact with people and oftentimes escape from their owners.

Where can I go low-cost rabies vaccines?

This rule was created with the help of veterinary medical professionals. Many veterinarians have told the states they will help people protect their pets and their communities with low-cost rabies vaccines. You can too contact private veterinarians, beast shelters, and animal organizations in your community who tin can suggest low-cost options.

Resources

Washington Country Rabies Dominion

WAC 246-100-197 Rabies-Measures to prevent human being illness - Washington state rabies rule which includes pet possessor vaccination requirements, animal exhibitor requirements, importation and movement restrictions for certain mammals, and local health officer authorization when dealing with rabid or suspected rabid animals.

Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control (PDF) - State rabies rule is based upon the national guidance.

Rabies Fact Canvass

Rabies Frequently Asked Questions - Rabies symptoms in people, how it is spread, what to do about animal bites, how to reduce your take a chance of exposure, and pre-and post-exposure vaccines for people.

Rabies Control Ordinance

Some city or canton governments accept a rabies control ordinance to enforce vaccination requirements. If a local community wants to adopt or update a rabies command ordinance, hither are some helpful resources.

Rabies Certification Required to License, MRSC

Model Rabies Command Ordinance, AVMA (PDF)

Pet Import and Consign Requirements

Pet Import and Export - Requirements for dogs, cats, and ferrets - State and federal health requirements for pets traveling to or from Washington.

Content Source: Communicable Affliction Epidemiology, Zoonotic Illness Program