Rabies shot for my dog near me

An animal can be considered immunized within 28 days after initial vaccination, when a peak rabies virus antibody titer is reached. An animal is considered currently vaccinated and immunized if the initial vaccination was administered at least 28 days previously or booster vaccinations have been administered in accordance with recommendations. Because a rapid anamnestic response is expected, an animal is considered currently vaccinated immediately after a booster vaccination.

Vaccination schedules

Vaccination of dogs, ferrets, and livestock can be started at no sooner than three months of age. Some cat vaccines can be given as early as two months of age. Regardless of the age of the animal at initial vaccination, a booster vaccination should be administered one year later.

Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets

All dogs, cats, and ferrets should be vaccinated and revaccinated against rabies according to product label directions. If a previously vaccinated animal is overdue for a booster, it should be revaccinated. Immediately following the booster, the animal is considered currently vaccinated and should be placed on a vaccination schedule according to the labeled duration of the vaccine used.

Livestock

Consideration should be given to vaccinating livestock that are particularly valuable. Animals that have frequent contact with humans (e.g., in petting zoos, fairs, and other public exhibitions) and horses traveling interstate should be currently vaccinated against rabies.

Confined Animals

Wild

No parenteral rabies vaccines are licensed for use in wild animals or hybrids (i.e., the offspring of wild animals crossbred to domestic animals). The AVMA has recommended that wild animals or hybrids should not be kept as pets (14–17).

Maintained in Exhibits and in Zoological Parks

Captive mammals that are not completely excluded from all contact with rabies vectors can become infected. Moreover, wild animals might be incubating rabies when initially captured; therefore, wild-caught animals susceptible to rabies should be quarantined for a minimum of 6 months. Employees who work with animals at exhibits and in zoological parks should receive preexposure rabies vaccination. The use of pre- or postexposure rabies vaccinations for handlers who work with animals at such facilities might reduce the need for euthanasia of captive animals that expose handlers. Carnivores and bats should be housed in a manner that precludes direct contact with the public (12).

Serologic titers

Titers do not directly correlate with protection because other immunologic factors also play a role in preventing rabies, and the ability to measure and interpret those other factors are not well developed. Therefore, evidence of circulating rabies virus antibodies should not be used as a substitute for current vaccination in managing rabies exposures or determining the need for booster vaccinations in animals.

Interstate travel

Before interstate movement (including commonwealths and territories), dogs, cats, ferrets, and horses should be currently vaccinated against rabies. Animals in transit should be accompanied by a valid NASPHV form 51 pdf icon[PDF 13 KB] , Rabies Vaccination Certificate. When an interstate health certificate or certificate of veterinary inspection is required, it should contain the same rabies vaccination information as Form 51.

Vaccinate your pets!

Your pet needs vaccinations. Did you know your cat or dog needs shots (vaccinations) just like you do? Puppies and kittens are especially vulnerable to diseases and need vaccinations to protect them.

For example, the disease called canine parvovirus (Parvo) causes vomiting, bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and death in dogs every year in Los Angeles County. Our county also has many cases of distemper (in dogs) and panleukopenia (in cats) every year. All of these diseases can be prevented by vaccination.

One vaccination is NOT enough! Vaccinations need to be given more than once in order to protect your pet completely.  For example, puppies can be protected from Parvo by vaccinating them three times between the age of 8 and 16 weeks. The Parvo vaccine has to be given again a year later, and then is given again every 1-3 years or as recommended by your veterinarian.

Vaccinations are a bargain. Save yourself money and heartache. Vaccinations cost a lot less than treating a sick pet. The best time to get to know your local veterinarian is before your pet gets sick!  Getting vaccinations from your local veterinary clinic is a great way to get to know them.  Many veterinary clinics offer lower-cost vaccinations on certain days. Animal shelters in our county also offer low-cost vaccination clinics for your dog or cat. Rabies vaccinations often cost as little as $10. 

Here are just a few of the many vaccination clinics offered in LA County:

Low Cost Vaccination Clinics in LA County

Please note that this is not a comprehensive list and that Veterinary Public Health is not affiliated with and does not take responsibility for the services provided from the listed agencies. 

LA County Animal Care and Control (LACDACC)

Vaccinations given at 6 animal shelter locations (Baldwin Park, Downey, Carson, Agoura Hills, Castaic, Lancaster)

Click here for LACDACC Low cost vaccine and microchip clinic schedule (April-May-June 2019).

City of Los Angeles Animal Services

Are Tractor Supply dog vaccines good?

How long is rabies vaccine good for dogs?

Are there any free rabies clinics in Chautauqua County?

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