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Pet owners want to protect their cats and dogs, as well as the stray population. While one of the most popular ways to do this is by spaying and neutering, there's another precautionary measure that is at least as important as those steps: rabies vaccinations. Here, Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic in Stratford, CT, shares why making sure your pets get their rabies vaccination is a critical safety measure for both them and other animals. 

Understanding the Role of the Rabies Vaccine 

State Law 

In the United States, pet owners are legally required to vaccinate their cats and dogs from rabies. The age your animal needs to get vaccinated, as well as who is legally permitted to administer the vaccination, varies from state to state. In Connecticut, for example, it’s required of cats and dogs that are 3 months of age and older. Refer to this guide by the American Veterinary Medical Foundation for state-by-state guidelines. 

Protecting Animal Populations

rabies vaccinationsRabies vaccinations do more than protect your pet from contracting a dangerous virus. They also ensure your cat or dog won’t spread dangerous viruses to other animals, threatening the lives of both strays and beloved household pets. Additionally, while the prevalence of the disease in this country is low, the virus still exists, and it’s most often carried by wildlife like raccoons and bats. Pet owners need to continue vaccinating against the rabies virus to prevent future outbreaks. 

Human Safety

Though rabies is less common than it used to be, it’s still a serious virus that is deadly to humans. In fact, 90% of human cases of rabies originate in dog bites, many to young children. Vaccinating against rabies doesn't just keep animals disease-free; it protects human beings, too. 

If your car or dog has recently turned three months old, it’s time for a rabies vaccination. If you live in the greater Stratford area, turn to Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic. In addition to their rabies vaccination services, the Connecticut animal clinic is dedicated to lowering the number of euthanized animals throughout the country by offering inexpensive spay services to pet owners. Visit the neuter clinic's website to learn more about their services, or call the team directly at (203) 690-1550. 

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