Rabies In Dogs And Cats

The rabies vaccine is required by law in the state of Virginia for all dogs and cats. Rabies in dogs and cats is an extremely dangerous and potentially fatal disease for both animals and humans, transmitted through an animal's saliva, usually by way of a bite. Rabies does exist in our area, and it is important to protect your pet and family from transmission.

Rabies symptoms in dogs and cats may first present with fever, vomiting, general lethargy and loss of appetite. Quickly, and within a few days, symptoms will quickly progress to brain dysfunction, including cranial nerve dysfunction, paralysis, weakness, seizures, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, excess salivation, aggression and generalized abnormal behavior. Rabies may be carried by certain wildlife that thrive in our area, including raccoons, foxes and skunks, and any contact with an infected host and its saliva may be life-threatening.

We administer the rabies vaccine for your pet beginning at the ages of 3 and 4 months, and then again at one year, repeating every three years afterward. We welcome all of your questions about rabies in dogs and cats, and the rabies vaccine for your pet.

*For more information on rabies laws, or to download an animal license application, go to:

• City of Virginia Beach: http://www.VBgov.com/treas and click on "animal licenses." You may also contact the Virginia Beach City Treasurer's office at 385-4445.
• City of Chesapeake: http://www.cityofchesapeake.net/Home.htm and click on "licenses." You may also contact the Chesapeake City Treasurer's office at 757-382-6281.