YOUR INDOOR PET AND THE RABIES VACCINE

Occasionally, we hear owners say they don’t think their pet needs to get a Rabies vaccine due to the fact that they are an indoor only pet. While there is less chance of coming into contact with outdoor dangers, there are still factors that make it imperative for all animals to get their yearly vaccine updates. In the picture attached, you can see that there is a risk of bats finding their way into your home. Bat bites are so sharp and small, you or your pet may not even realize you have been bitten. While most bats do not have Rabies, approximately 6% of bats that have been sent in for testing have come back positive for Rabies. Even this small percentage is too much of a risk to not have your pets protected. If your pet is not legally up to date on their Rabies vaccine and are exposed to a wild animal or bite a person, it would then be required to either quarantine the animal for 6 months, or euthanize to allow for testing. This legal requirement is in place because Rabies can be spread to humans and it is fatal.

If you have questions or concerns about your pets and vaccinations, please feel free to call our office and schedule an appointment to talk with your veterinarian. 319-277-1883

https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/bats/education/index.html