Rabies Vaccinations

[Davie]

Here in OK we have tons of critters (skunks, *****, possums) and all of my animals (cats, dogs, horses, mules, donkeys) get annual rabies shots. My cats and dogs get theirs from the vet as they need documented proof of vacination and their licenses. My dog travels with me to shows and I carry a written certificate of rabies vacination signed by my vet at all times.

I give my own rabies shots to the horses. In fact I'm a little late this year if the number of skunks I'm seeing now is any indication--along with the one that decided to scent my barn the other night and the one that let go under my bedroom window last night.

My rabies shots run me $17.90 a 10 dose vial. That comes to $1.79 each---very cheap insurance in my opinion. The shots come with tags and I keep a written record of the vial number and tag number of the shot each horse gets and I FAX it to my vet's office to place in my files.

 

[jess]

Davie excellent point ANYONE who travels with their pet should carry a rabies certificate. If you are out of state or even in state and your animal bites someone you will not be able to take your animal until proof of vaccination is provided. Not a huge deal during the week but during the weekend or holidays when your vet is closed and can't confirm vaccination it could leave you or at least your pet stuck longer then planned. Also wanted to say faxing the copies of the records you keep to your vet after you've given the vaccine yourself is an excellent idea and if something were to happen you're that much further ahead. Still not as safe(paperwork and health dept. wise) as having the vet give it but the next best thing!!!!!