Rabies vaccine and vaccination schedule

[Paula]

Pip is due for his rabies shot this month and with all the vaccine talk recently, I'm not feeling comfortable with it. Would you all recommend I get a titer for it? I'm wondering how much of a problem it will be as it's the law here in NY state, and most states, I believe.
Do most of you do the rabies vaccine on schedule and will you continue doing so?

I really don't think they need any past the initial vaccine schedule for puppies. I have always been cautious with vaccines, in my Pom's 18 years she only got her rabies shot and then her distemper for the first so many years of her life and then I stopped getting it for her which my then vet accepted - grudgingly.

[Sarah]

I would titre and then get an exemption. There's always loop holes around honestly if the titre came back low then jab him if not don't bother

[brodysmom]

The only problem you get into with rabies is the legal one. You can choose not to get your dogs distemper/parvo/parainfluenza/bordetella/lyme etc. and it's your choice. But rabies is governed by your state and local laws. Do you have the 3 year law? Will your state/city accept a titer as proof of immunity?

The problem comes if your dog would bite someone or if it would get bitten by another animal. That gets the ball rolling in the legal system and if you don't have proof of vaccination - you could be in trouble. Most times it is just a home quarantine, but depending on the laws in your area - it is possible (not probable) that the quarantine could be at a shelter or vets office. There may also be fines involved.

It is good to know exactly what the rules and regulations are in your area and then see if you have any wiggle room.

[Paula]

Thanks Sarah and Tracy. I looked into it further last night after posting and found this article from someone that dealt with the issue in NY that stated that "In New York State if proof of immunity can be demonstrated for rabies, exemption from boosters is granted."

www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/Vaccination_Titers.htm

I'm getting titers from now on for rabies and distemper. What other titers did you get, Tracy? I will talk to my vet about it when I go in. There are very open and forward thinking there so I'm certain it won't be a hassle.

[brodysmom]

Awesome Paula! I was hoping that would be the case. Some cities/states are very strict. It just depends on where you live as to how militant they are about it.

I got the rabies titer and then the distemper/parvo titer which came together. The rabies titer was pricey ($130 I think) because there are only 3 labs in the US that do them. The distemper/parvo titer was $65. To me it was well worth the price.

[Paula]

I agree, well worth the price. This should be the new guideline at all vets, titers and not shots. I don't understand why isn't really.

How long did they tell you before Brody needs to get another titer for rabies?

[brodysmom]

They didn't say, but the city requires it every 3 years, so I think I am OK for 3 years unless I hear differently.

[Paula]

Thanks Tracy.