Rabies is probably more common than you think in Oklahoma. You may think you and your pets are safe as long as you stay in the city, but did you know that in 2014 there were over 100 confirmed cases including wildlife and domestic pets? So what else do you need to know about rabies? Below are some common questions and answers that you may find helpful.

Who needs a rabies vaccination?

Many of you live in the city limits and keep your pets mostly indoors but it is legally required for dogs, cats, and ferrets.

Can I just vaccinate my pet myself?

The short answer is no, the vaccine should only be given by a veterinarian or a registered veterinary technician.

When should my pet be vaccinated?

Legally they are required to have the vaccine between the ages of 12-16 weeks old, then 1 year after that initial vaccination. Some veterinary clinics will then revaccinate every 1-3 years depending on the vaccine they carry.

My pet just bit someone, what now?

According to the current law, “if currently vaccinated and not inflicting a severe injury (severe injury defined as: “any physical injury that results in broken bones or lacerations requiring multiple sutures or cosmetic surgery”) the animal shall be placed in a home quarantine for 10 days from the time of the bite. At the conclusion of home quarantine, a certificate of health after examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required.” [OAC Title 310:599-3-1]

What is home quarantine?

This can be complete indoor housing, an enclosure with a latched door, or a yard in which the animal cannot climb over or dug under.

My pet is only a little overdue for their rabies vaccination, what happens if they bite someone?

Even one day after their vaccine is due they are considered “overdue.” In this case,  “if an unvaccinated (or overdue for a booster vaccination) dog, cat or ferret bites a person, it shall be placed in quarantine at a veterinarian’s facility or animal control facility under supervision of a licensed veterinarian for 10 days from the date that the person was bitten. The animal shall be vaccinated for rabies on the final day of the quarantine period.” [OAC Title 310:599-3-1]

What are you looking for if your animal is being quarantined?

We would be watching for neurological signs or death of the quarantined animal in the allotted 10 day period.

When can my pet stop getting their rabies vaccination?

Legally, unless approved by the state, all pets are required to have the rabies vaccine, with health issues not qualifying them to be exempt. The only time the state would approve them not being vaccinated is if there was a prior life-threatening reaction to a past rabies vaccine, which must be documented.

If you have any other questions this is a great website for more information: http://www.rabiesaware.org/?state=ok&page=faq