Vaccination for Rabies in an Animal

Animals to Immunize

• Livestock requires imunizations as well as domestic pets.bullock 2 image by PeteG from Fotolia.com
  
  Immunization against rabies is required for dogs, cats and ferrets. Livestock also must receive the vaccine. Birds or caged animals, such as rabbits or hamsters, do not need to be immunized.
  
  

Frequency

• A tag is worn to indicate compliance with rabies ordinances.Pretinha com sonhinho image by Liberdade Criativa from Fotolia.com
  
  Animals can receive the vaccine once a year or their owners can opt for a three-year vaccine. Most pets get their first immunization at 3 or 4 months of age.
  
  

Side Effects

• Some pets may have tenderness at the injection site, headache or nausea. More severe reactions are rare and include anaphylaxis, or allergic reaction.
  
  

Availability

• Cows are vaccinated during visits from the veterinarian.cow. cow in farm/field image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
  
  Domestic animals can be vaccinated at your vet's office as part of their regular health routine, or may be vaccinated in low-cost or free clinics. Livestock are vaccinated by a visit from the vet.
  
  

Legal Penalties

• State laws require pets and livestock to be up-to-date on vaccinations. County or city laws also may be in effect. A fine is usually issued the first time an animal owner fails to comply, and fines increase with subsequent noncompliance. Further offenses can result in jail time for the owner, higher fines and removal of the animal from the owner.