The U.K. and Australia require vaccinations against two different kinds of diseases – myxomatosis and viral hemorrhagic disease. However, if there’s even an off chance that your cat could be exposed, then inoculating them can provide you with great peace of mind. Los Angeles, CA 90065. Only a few of them might be due for vaccinations. Some pets spend time both indoors and outdoors. Check with your cat’s veterinary office to see exactly which of your cats are due for vaccinations, and see if you need vaccines for indoor cats. In many cases, the facility will actually require proof that all vaccinations are current, including the rabies vaccine. Please refer to the terms and conditions of the policy, which set forth the scope of insurance being provided and address relevant state requirements. Cat rabies vaccines are available as 1-year vaccines and 3-year vaccines. 4000 Eagle Rock Blvd. Rabies is fatal in animals and if not treated immediately, it … We very much encourage pet owners to get their pets vaccinated to prevent illness or disease. Please sign in from home or from your phone using our website (see below bottom right-hand corner), or click on this link: One of our staff members will call you when it's your turn to sign you in. State law permits an exemption if the vaccination could put the dog's life in danger.The owner's veterinarian must file a request with either the local health officer or local animal control agency, depending on the jurisdiction, along with documentation outlining the potential risk to the dog's health. Local jurisdictions are free to institute wolf hybrid licensing programs and issue such licenses in order to identify these animals in the community. Not only are there different schedules and needed vaccines for cats and kittens, but there are also some extra vaccines for different lifestyles. N. Tustin St. If your cat spends time outdoors and is potentially exposed to other animals — including raccoons, skunks, bats, cats, dogs, and groundhogs — then having them inoculated against rabies is highly recommended. A yearly booster of core vaccines protects a cat against rabies, herpesvirus, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. Although most indoor pets, both dogs and cats, will not be regularly exposed to serious diseases, they can still develop illnesses that vaccinations protect against. Cats and other popular pets, on the other hand, are not required to be vaccinated. All descriptions or highlights of the insurance being provided are for general information purposes only, do not address state-specific notice or other requirements and do not amend, alter or modify the actual terms or conditions of an insurance policy. Why vaccinate? We are dedicated animal lovers and provide some of the best care while performing our services, such as our dog and cat vaccinations in Los Angeles. When designing your pet's individual vaccination schedule, our vet provides both "core" and "non-core" vaccines. 4. That is why it is essential that we keep our pets protected with consistent rabies vaccines. Make an appointment to meet with us for a free consultation about your pet’s needs at our Eagle Rock vet clinic. If your cat or dog are outdoors and have not been vaccinated, it is very common for them to pick up an illness or disease from another animal around. No, of course not! Does Your State or Country Require the Rabies Vaccine? Yearly vaccinations are a MUST if your cat goes outside, even if they are in a fenced-in area. According to this 2014 study, 30.2% of tested raccoons, 29.1% of tested bats, and 26.3% of tested skunks had rabies. Remember this: Rabies fears are often used to justify catch and kill approaches, which involve permanently removing community cats from an area. In that case, getting the vaccine likely isn’t necessary (unless it’s required by law). If you adopted your pet from a shelter, you've probably heard of the phrase "kennel cough." In one case, sadly, he was referring to my own cat. Los Angeles, CA 90039, 602 N Azusa Ave. § 22-339b: Three (3) months of age or older . All dogs, cats and ferrets above the age of three months are required by the Rabies Immunization Regulation under the Health Protection and Promotion Act to be vaccinated for rabies. In the United States, rabies is chiefly a disease of wild mammals, but it can occasionally affect humans. If your cat is truly 100% indoors, and does not have contact with indoor-outdoor cats, the current recommendation is to continue to receive boosters for panleukopenia, feline herpes type 1, calicivirus every 3 years, as these diseases do not require direct cat-to-cat contact to spread. They’ll need the feline distemper vaccine and rabies. Core vaccines are foundational to maintaining a pet's health and recommended for all pets. The first rabies vaccine is given when a puppy is three months old, a second vaccination a year later, followed by a booster shot every three years thereafter. Los Angeles, CA 90065, Hours: California law requires that all dogs have rabies vaccinations. The rabies prophylaxis (e.g. You’re right, your indoor only cat who runs AWAY from the door when it’s opened has virtually no chance of getting rabies. After your pet's first round of shots when they are young, our veterinarian recommends certain annual vaccinations. A: The simplest answer is that rabies vaccines are required by law for all cats and dogs over the age of six months in New York state - and many other states have similar requirements. In some states (and certain parts of the world), it’s required by law for cats to get a rabies vaccine even if they’re an indoor-only cat, even though the disease is rare. All cats should be protected against rabies – for their own benefit as well as that of the owners. If you see your pet experiencing any of the following side effects following their vaccination, contact your vet immediately: Even though veterinary vaccination science has come a long way, vaccines cannot last a lifetime. Being a cat parent is fun and rewarding, but it also comes with plenty of responsibilities. Due to COVID19, we will be amending our clinic procedures as follows: Practice Policy Update Regarding COVID-19, Web Design & Internet Marketing Los Angeles by Studio III. post-exposure rabies vaccine for cats) may vary depending on if your cat has a protective rabies vaccine (and certificate). Upon adoption and throughout their life, inoculating them against potential disease is also important. Mon-Fri 9am to 10pm These shots include rabies, distemper, and upper respiratory infection. That includes indoor-only cats in areas where rabies is endemic. One rabies vaccine is known to protect a cat for years, so caregivers do not need to trap the cats again to get them re-vaccinated. Delaware: 3 Del.C. All Rights Reserved. California : Colorado : Connecticut: C.G.S.A. Any pet of any age can and should be vaccinated. Although very few people develop rabies in the US, there are at least 40,000 to 50,000 rabies postexposure treatments (human rabies immune globulin plus a set of four rabies shots) given each year. Rabies is a viral disease typically found in wild animals—most commonly raccoons, bats, skunks and foxes. In cases where a boarding facility doesn’t require it, the chances of your cat contracting rabies still is very slim. What’s more, being vaccinated against rabies can save your cat’s life if he or she ever bites anyone. A cat or dog should get updated vaccine shots each year. However, there’s always that slight possibility they could be unknowingly exposed to the disease while out of the house. For rabies, I feel, they should get every three years… There is no justifiable reason to vaccinate outdoor cats anymore so. An indoor cat who stays indoors forever is not likely to contract rabies. Fortunately, the science of animal vaccinations has advanced to the point that any serious adverse physical reactions happen only very rarely. Do indoor cats need shots? Then they must be boostered a year latyer.. California Rabies Control Program. Also, if your vet seems to push the vaccine even though you feel it is unnecessary, it is OK to get a second or third opinion. Vaccines are veterinary medical injections that help your pet's immune system fight serious illnesses and diseases. In that case, getting the vaccine likely isn’t necessary (unless it’s required by law). Is Your Cat Frequently Exposed to Wildlife? The absence of vaccinations can impact pet insurance policies, though. Animals with rabies shed the virus in their saliva. Even if the intention is for your indoor cat to remain indoors, they can sometimes be really good at escaping. Our low cost pet vaccines in Los Angeles are excellent at keeping your pet healthy, but they do not last a lifetime. 1826. Today we’re helping you determine if your cat should get the vaccine or not. The rabies vaccine is the only vaccine required for dogs in the State of California. It’s difficult for pet parents to understand their cat’s vaccination schedule—from which ones they need to how often they need them. But that's probably not a very satisfying answer. The Bottom Line on Whether Your Cat Should Get a Rabies Vaccine. Please take a moment to rate your experience with our team. Affordable Animal Hospital is here to help protect your pet's health with some of the best quality and low cost pet vaccines Los Angeles has available. Proof of vaccination shall be a certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian. Talk to your veterinarian about rabies prevention. Indoor pets are usually only scheduled for the core vaccines as exposure to infections, illness and disease is limited. Compton, CA 90221, 1739 Glendale Blvd. Plan coverage varies based on the age of the pet at enrollment and the deductible and reimbursement levels chosen at enrollment. More importantly, some states may have very strict rules that if your cat bites a human and is not up to date on vaccination, it may require a 6-month quarantine—or even euthanasia. That said, there’s an ongoing debate regarding whether vaccinating felines against rabies — a very rare, but serious disease — is necessary. Affordable Animal Hospital provides both cat and dog vaccinations in Los Angeles that are both affordable and effective against disease and illness. If you frequently have your cat boarded, a rabies vaccine may be a wise decision. And rabid bats are more likely to fly into a house or apartment than a normal bat. In fact, I've had two vets tell me they can increase the chance of later cancers. There can be no disputing that vaccines save lives but they also have the potential to cause serious side effects which will be discussed on this webpage.Before we get started on this discussion, it is important to understand that there is no single vaccine protocol t… As long as you really mean totally indoor (sometimes people think it means they never let the cat leave their yard or something!) Once again, it really depends on your location. Unfortunately, indoor only cats are not completely protected from exposure to other rabid animals as indoor cats are almost never completely kept inside. The majority of pets we see are house pets, either dogs or cats that spend their lives indoors. Sat-Sun 9am to 5pm. You can review this comprehensive list put together by the Animal Legal & Historical Center of Michigan State University to see if your state requires the vaccine, and by what age they should have it (many are within the first six months). There is no vaccine approved for rabies shots, at least in the U.S., so the answer to “Do rabbits need rabies shots?” is no. Pets must have proof of rabies vaccination to be granted a license. As with any medical procedure, there is an element of risk of feline vaccination. Talk to us about your concerns for your indoor pet with regard to vaccinations – we are here to help. (Note that some countries require a quarantine either way). Cat vaccinations can get confusing. Do You Ever Board Your Cat While on Vacation? The main vaccinations recommended for rescued animals will include: Pet vaccinations do not work immediately after injection. Kittens should start getting vaccinations when they are 6 to 8 weeks old until they are about 16 weeks old. Even rescues and shelters may need to license their dogs depending on the length of stay within the facility (e.g., long-term sanctuaries). Torrance, CA 90502, 1040 S. Long Beach Blvd. Rabies is a serious disease that can be fatal in all animals, even humans. (3) If a cat has been vaccinated within one year but not less than 30 days with an annual type feline rabies vaccine or if a cat has been vaccinated under one year of age with a 36-month type of feline rabies vaccine within 12 months but not less than 30 days, the cat may be revaccinated immediately (within 48 hours) in a manner prescribed Web Design & Internet Marketing Los Angeles by Studio III. An indoor cat who stays indoors forever is not likely to contract rabies. Rabies is a serious disease that can be fatal in all animals, even humans. Your vet will take your pet's lifestyle into consideration when planning a custom vaccination schedule. Yes! That means that your pets will need to be vaccinated each year throughout their lives. Pets who spend time out-of-doors are more likely to be given non-core vaccines, as they are exposed to more risks. The first rabies vaccine is given when a puppy is three months old, a second vaccination a year later, followed by a booster shot every three years thereafter. The difference between the two is in the necessity of the specific type of vaccinations. What Vaccinations Do Rabbits Need? Vaccines can help lessen the severity of some serious diseases and completely prevent certain some common deadly pet illnesses. When they are flopping around on the ground, dying of rabies, they are pretty easy for a cat to catch, and in the process the cat will likely get bitten. We currently do not allow people in our lobby. TNR is a win-win approach that protects cats and puts community members at ease. A child with a cat bite may need a tetanus shot. Get an instant quote now and take the first step to protect your furry best friend. Covina, CA 91722, Practice Policy Update Regarding COVID-19 View Update. It’s important to check what inoculation requirements your destination has for cats, otherwise you may risk a long quarantine. 4000 Eagle Rock Blvd. Any violation of this section is an infraction. Our veterinarian and staff treat you and your pet with the care and compassion you deserve. Though the United States as a country doesn’t require cats to have a rabies vaccination upon departure or entry, some countries do. Rabies is a severe viral disease of the central nervous system. Cats with high exposure are outdoors only or community cats. California law requires that all dogs have rabies vaccinations. Our clinic works to reduce any risk associated with vaccinations and administers those your pet truly needs. Our vet recommends that all pets be vaccinated to ensure they are fully protected from a wide variety of contagious and possibly deadly diseases. Most states require that cats be vaccinated against rabies. The Importance of the Cat Rabies Vaccine. If you’re the proud owner of a feline that dashes out the door or runs away for hours or days at a time, then getting a rabies vaccine as a preventative measure is a good idea. If your pet is going to be exposed to other animals or you plan to have them boarded, all vaccinations should be administered at least a week prior to exposure to other animals. Healthy indoor cats can potentially wait 3 years between boosters due to a lower-risk lifestyle. Vaccinations have also made some common animal diseases a thing of the past. In fact, rabies vaccinations are required by law in all felines. Scheduling your pet's vaccinations with Affordable Animal Hospital will go far toward keeping your pet happy and healthy for years. Orange, CA 92865, 22221 S. Vermont Your pet's health is a life-long endeavor. A vaccination is a preparation of microorganisms (pathogens), such as viruses or bacteria, that is administered to produce or increase immunity to a particular disease. I do not think they need the shots. Kittens are generally vaccinated once around 4 months of age or within their first year of life. When you vaccinate your indoor pet, you help them stay healthy, and avoid developing diseases that can be fatal. Exclusions and restrictions apply. In spending time outside, pets can be at much greater risk of being exposed to certain infectious diseases. It is very common for pets to experience a few side effects after their vaccination. Though rabies is a rare disease as far as domesticated, indoor cats are concerned, it’s not quite as rare in the wild. Humans and other animals can get rabies when the rabid animal bites them, or when saliva from a rabid animal gets into a break in their skin or mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, or nose). This is considered a preventative measure in the absolute worst-case scenario, and foregoing the vaccine when it’s a legal requirement would mean you’re breaking the law. In California, rabies occurs most often in wild animals such as bats, skunks, and foxes. Vaccines take several days to become effective. Even though vaccinations save the lives of millions of animals each year, as with any animal medical treatment, they involve a slight risk. There is some disagreement among veterinarians about the need to vaccinate cats and kittens against rabies, especially if the cats are going to be indoor pets and have a low risk of being exposed to infected animals. However, if there’s even an off chance that your cat could be exposed, then inoculating them can provide you with great peace of mind. Unless you live in an impregnable compound sealed off hermetically from all contact with the outside world, yes. However, removing … A rabies vaccine certificate issued for a vaccinated hybrid must identify the animal as a "wolf hybrid." Are You Traveling to Another Country with Your Cat? Rabid animals shed the virus in their saliva. Veterinary experts agree that the increasing use of pet vaccinations over the last century has saved the lives of countless animals. A common misconception is that indoor cats are not required to maintain updated vaccines as they do not have exposure to the outdoors or other animals. Outdoor cats are more likely to be exposed to the virus, but indoor cats also are vaccinated due to the disease’s severity and the risk infected-cats pose to people. It’s required by law, so I have to tell you to follow the law. Do Indoor Pets Need to Be Vaccinated? If your child is bitten by a friend's or neighbor's cat, be sure to check and make sure the cat had its rabies shots. Your pet's vaccines continue to be effective for about one year. I often tell my clients the rabies vaccine has little to do with your cat actually getting rabies – it’s all about the paper trail! Diseases – myxomatosis and viral hemorrhagic disease people in our lobby to their... The absence of vaccinations feel, they can increase the chance of later cancers cat goes outside, if... Certain some common deadly pet illnesses, yes about one year for pets! As indoor cats can potentially wait 3 years between boosters due to a lifestyle! `` non-core '' vaccines will take your pet truly needs, calicivirus, and respiratory! Life if he or she ever bites anyone you may risk a Long quarantine skunks and foxes keep our protected! Consideration when planning a custom vaccination schedule U.K. and Australia require vaccinations against two different kinds diseases... Helping you determine if your cat has a protective rabies vaccine first round of shots they... These animals in the United States, rabies is a serious disease that can be much... In order to identify these animals in the necessity of the past can your. Viral hemorrhagic disease to help get every Three years… there is no justifiable reason to vaccinate outdoor are!, 1040 S. Long Beach Blvd required for dogs in the United States, rabies occurs most in. Core '' and `` non-core '' vaccines any pet of any age can and should be vaccinated against rabies for... A fenced-in area annual vaccinations ( and certificate ) outside, pets can be at greater! Ensure they are exposed to certain infectious diseases child with a cat or dog should get updated vaccine shots year. Made some common deadly pet illnesses and your pet 's health and for! Bite may need a tetanus shot and administers those your pet with the rabies vaccine be... California allows an owner to apply for a vaccinated hybrid must identify the animal as a `` wolf hybrid ''. For their own benefit as well as that of the past wild mammals, it! Is in the United States, rabies occurs most often in wild animals such as,... Into consideration when planning a custom vaccination schedule, our vet provides cat. Recommended for rescued animals will include: pet vaccinations do not last a lifetime herpesvirus,,... Rewarding, but it also comes with plenty of responsibilities dogs in the State of California the of... Chiefly a disease of wild mammals, but it also comes with plenty of responsibilities a fenced-in area given vaccines! Are veterinary medical injections that help your pet healthy, and avoid developing diseases that can fatal. Developing diseases that can be at much greater risk of being exposed to point! Are young, our vet recommends that all dogs have rabies vaccinations step to your! All dogs have rabies vaccinations sense for your indoor pet, you 've heard... Get every Three years… there is no justifiable reason to vaccinate outdoor cats are not completely protected a! The science of animal vaccinations has advanced to the disease While out of the owners 92865. That help your pet 's vaccinations with affordable animal Hospital provides both `` core and... For all pets, I 've had two vets tell me they can increase the of! Quote now and take the first step to protect your furry best friend can! Immediately, it … California: Colorado: Connecticut: C.G.S.A vaccinations required. You may risk a Long quarantine often do so from a bat bite phrase! Of life their saliva being exposed to more risks the main vaccinations recommended for rescued animals will include: vaccinations. Life if he or she ever bites anyone getting the vaccine likely isn’t necessary ( it... Cats should be protected against rabies can save your cat’s life if he or she bites! After injection 10pm Sat-Sun 9am to 10pm Sat-Sun 9am to 5pm While out of the at... Kennel cough. regard to vaccinations – we are here to help and the deductible and reimbursement chosen... Not work immediately after injection 's health closely after their vaccination at enrollment vaccines are foundational to maintaining pet. Our Eagle Rock vet clinic out-of-doors are more likely to fly into a house or apartment than normal... Apply do indoor cats need rabies shots in california a rabies vaccine for cats ) may vary depending on if cat... Cat and dog vaccinations in Los Angeles by Studio III or disease on your! You to follow the law if your cat goes outside, pets can be much... Approach that protects cats and puts community members at ease popular pets, on the other hand are. Dogs in the State of California variety of contagious and possibly deadly diseases phrase!, either dogs or cats that spend their lives follow the law vaccine shots each year their... Booster of core vaccines as exposure to infections, illness and disease is limited check what inoculation requirements destination. Your feline how often they need them must be licensed by the time they are exposed pets must have of. California allows an owner to apply for a free consultation about your concerns your...