Quote: Aaron Myracle

The rabies vaccine is effective if given within 24-48 hours of being bitten by an infected animal.

This is actually not true.
Rabies risk to pets

There is no cure for rabies and virtually no post exposure prophylaxis treatment is available for animals, only for people. When an unvaccinated animal is considered exposed, it is recommended that it be euthanized. The other option is strict quarantine for 90 days followed by another 90 days of supervised quarantine. This is the law in all states with very little variation.

This happened to Maggie. There was a downed bat in our yard when she was 3 months old, just before her scheduled rabies shot. We live in the middle of the city. The bat tested positive and we were told to put her down, since she was not vaccinated. There was no arguing with the health department, animal control, etc. though I was pretty sure she had not been messing around with the bat. We opted for the quarantine (90 days at a kennel, no contact, then 90 days at home - not allowed to leave our property).

Well, she didn't get rabies. She's a bit of a nut. And it was pretty expensive keeping her alive.

I didn't have a choice about vaccinating her yet, due to her age. But if you have adult animals, I would certainly recommend it. Bats fall from the sky, skunks and raccoons lurk in the ditch. You can look at the map at the CDC website to see what rabies activity is taking place in your area.

Heck, we had a neighbor family all get shots after taking in a stray cat....rabid.

A kennel client just had a rabid raccoon in his yard, killed by his two huskys (both vaccinated) a month ago. We have fox, skunk, coyote and raccoons commonly in the yard and area. Heck we have bear too but thankfully not a rabid one.

I have to say I never have the ferrets done..they never leave the house. But the dogs and cats....I do get done. Though I do try to put off the first puppy shot as long as possible. Here they say 16 weeks and that is too young to suit me.

Thank you for all the responses.

I called Dr. Jean Dodds and Ill wait till my pup at least 16 weeks / 4 months and I'll take time.