Vaccinations are an important part of disease prevention. We believe they play a vital role in your pet’s healthcare (the exam is THE MOST important factor). Some vaccines are mandatory (rabies), while others are optional (canine influenza). A discussion with your pet’s veterinarian will help in deciding which vaccines will be needed.
- Rabies:
- This is the one legally required vaccine for cats, dogs and ferrets, as it is a fatal disease that can be passed to humans. Roughly 55,000 people die worldwide on an annual basis from this virus.
- All cats, dogs and ferrets are required to be vaccinated by 4 months of age, then boosted in 1 year. A three year vaccine is available for canines only at the discretion of the veterinarian.
- Pets must be kept up to date based on the expiration date on their vaccination records at your veterinarian’s office.
- When does a stray animal become my pet? In Jackson County if you are feeding a stray dog or cat for 5 days, they are legally your pet, and you are required to vaccinate them against rabies. Click here for the Georgia Rabies Manual.
- Please watch this video on the Veterinary News Network on rabies.
Click on the links below to take you directly to a feline or canine directed list of vaccinations in addition to rabies:
- Feline Vaccines: A word on feline vaccines- In the past, there has been concern that vaccinations have been associated with cancer in cats. Scientists believe that a component to the vaccines was the cause of this problem. Once that component (aluminum) was removed from these vaccines, feline vaccine associated scarcomas has essentially become a thing of the past.