Update for your dogs and cats- Rabies Vaccination Requirements for Pets Rabies Vaccination Rule for Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets Washington State rule, WAC 246-100-197, says: An owner of a dog, 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 actions of a pet animal. Beginning January 1, 2012, all dogs, cats, and ferrets in Washington must have up-to-date rabies vaccines. Rabies is a deadly virus that can affect people and animals. Any mammal can get rabies. However, bats are the only animal in Washington known to carry rabies. In other states, raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes are known to carry rabies. If you are a pet owner in Washington, the following information should answer many questions about the new rule that requires rabies vaccines for pet dogs, cats, and ferrets. Some cities and counties already required proof of rabies vaccination for pet licenses before the new state rule took effect. Contact your city or county animal control office or local health department if you have other questions.

Rabies Vaccination Requirements for Pets

Rabies Vaccination Rule for Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets

Washington State rule, WAC 246-100-197, says:
  • An owner of a dog, 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 actions of a pet animal.
Beginning January 1, 2012, all dogs, cats, and ferrets in Washington must have up-to-date rabies vaccines. Rabies is a deadly virus that can affect people and animals. Any mammal can get rabies. However, bats are the only animal in Washington known to carry rabies. In other states, raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes are known to carry rabies.
If you are a pet owner in Washington, the following information should answer many questions about the new rule that requires rabies vaccines for pet dogs, cats, and ferrets. Some cities and counties already required proof of rabies vaccination for pet licenses before the new state rule took effect. Contact your city or county animal control office or local health department if you have other questions.

How common is rabies in Washington?

We have rabid bats in our state. People import animals from countries with dog rabies increasing the potential of bringing in rabid animals. Each year, about 400 to 600 animals are tested for rabies, mostly bats. In 2011, 201 bats were tested and 11 were infected with rabies. It is very rare for a person to get rabies in Washington. However, hundreds of people receive treatment for exposure to rabid or potentially rabid animals every year. In December 2011, a person in Thurston County was bitten on the toe by a rabid bat found in their slipper.

When was the last time there was a case of rabies in Washington?

We find rabid bats in Washington every year. The last reported case of rabies in an animal other than a bat in our state was in 2002. A cat developed rabies after catching a rabid bat. The last reported cases of people infected with rabies in Washington were in 1995 and 1997.
In 2007, a puppy imported from another country passed through Washington on its way to another state. It was diagnosed with rabies shortly after arriving at its destination. While the puppy was temporarily housed in Washington, several people were exposed to the puppy.

If so few people get rabies, why do I have 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. We know from experience that if we control rabies in domestic animals, we 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 ways to protect people and pets. By reducing the risk, fewer people will need costly, and stressful, rabies treatment shots.

Why must people receive shots after 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 can stop rabies if given soon after someone is exposed to the virus. In 2010, 251 people in Washington recieved the shots. The cost for the full series of shots ranges from $1,600 to $5,000. Health insurance often doesn’t cover most of that cost. Prevention measures, such as vaccinating our pets, avoids illness and saves money.

Wouldn’t it just be easier to vaccinate people for rabies?

Preventing rabies from spreading in animals is the best way to protect people. Many wild animals can carry rabies. Fortunately, the only wild animals in Washington that currently carry rabies are bats. Vaccinating pets is an important part of making sure rabies does not become more widespread in other animals in our state. There is a rabies vaccine for people in high-risk occupations, like veterinarians and animal control officers, that is given before being exposed to a potentially rabid animal. It consists of three shots at a cost of about $200 per shot ($600 total). Rabies vaccines for animals cost $7-20 (average cost is $12). The first booster shot is needed after one year, 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 educate pet owners about the rabies vaccine and encourage them to protect their pets, themselves, and their families by vaccinating. Any enforcement would come from cities or counties. Some communities already require proof of rabies vaccination in order to get a pet license.

Why should I have my animals vaccinated?

  • Vaccinating pets prevents them from getting rabies and is one of the most effective ways in preventing rabies exposure in people.
  • If your dog, cat, or ferret is not vaccinated, and is bitten by a stray or wild animal, the pet needs to be confined and observed for six months. This strict confinement of a pet could cost a significant amount of money and could harm the animal physiologically. If the pet develops signs of rabies while in confinement, it must be euthanized to be tested for rabies.
  • The health risk, stress, and financial burden of a pet potentially being exposed to rabies is significantly less if the pet is vaccinated. Rabies vaccines for pets are an inexpensive way to protect people and other animals. It 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 get reports of bats, which can carry rabies, getting into houses. Cats can get rabies from playing with or killing a rabid bat. More information about bats and rabies is available in our Bats and Rabies Prevention brochure (PDF).

Why are ferrets required to get rabies shots?

There is an effective vaccine developed for ferrets. Since bats sometimes get into houses, and ferrets often go outside with their owners, ferrets are just as much at risk for rabies infection as any other animal. They live in close contact with people and frequently escape from their owners.

Where can I get low-cost rabies vaccines?

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

Resources

Washington State Rabies Rule

Rabies Fact Sheet

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

Rabies Control Ordinance

Some city or county governments have a rabies control ordinance to enforce vaccination requirements. If a local community wants to adopt or update a rabies control ordinance, here are some helpful resources.

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