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Vaccinate your pets to prevent rabies

Healthwise
By Jan Nissl, RN, BS

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Cats, dogs, and ferrets should receive their first rabies vaccination at the age of 3 months and their second vaccination at 1 year. Check with your veterinarian for the rabies vaccination schedule for your area. After the second vaccination, the need for revaccinating cats and dogs is determined by the type of vaccine used and the number of rabies cases in your area.

  • Annual vaccination may be recommended in areas with a high incidence of rabies.
  • Vaccination every 3 years may be recommended in areas with a low incidence of rabies.
  • Ferrets should be vaccinated every year.

Credits

Author Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Updated June 10, 2008
Last Updated: 06/10/2008