Massachusetts State Law requires that all dogs and cats be kept up-to-date on the rabies vaccine! This includes indoor cats!
What is Rabies?
Rabies is a fatal viral infection contracted from the bite of an infected animal (most commonly wild skunks, bats, raccoons, foxes and coyotes). It can take up to a year from the time of the initial bite before symptoms of rabies start to show. Symptoms include personality change, aggression, weakness, drooling, and eventually paralysis and death. Once symptoms appear, the infected animal will die within 10 days! For more information, refer to the Rabies Brochure produced by the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association).
Why Should I Vaccinate my Pet Against Rabies?
- Massachusetts State Law requires that all dogs and cats are kept up-to-date on the rabies vaccine.
- Rabies in animals is fairly common in Massachusetts. Since 1985, more than 5,000 animals have tested positive for rabies in Massachusetts. Most of these cases occurred in wild animals, but every year some pets (especially cats) and farm animals also get rabies.
For more information about Rabies in Massachusetts, consult the Rabies Brochure provided by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
For more information about Rabies in the United States, refer to the Rabies Information Site provided by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention