Simply stated...one-year and three-year rabies vaccinations are the same thing, just in a different package. If you don't believe me, call your vet. If they don't know...and they may not...then ask for the telephone number of the company that produces the vaccine. Call them and ask to talk to their customer service representative, and they will tell you...but only if you ask! They do not volunteer this info, which is why it is not common knowledge.
Typically, a dog needs one initial rabies shot, and a year later, they need a booster. In most states, this booster can be a three year, and after that, your dog will only legally need a three year booster every three years. I say legally, because you are bound by what the label on the vet's vaccine says. If they used a vaccine that was labelled as 'one year'...then the following year, you will legally need another booster even though your dog is physically covered by that vaccine for two more years.
There is no sense in vaccinating a dog more often than needed. It is actually harmful, but I will write of that more another time. As far as cost, my vet charges three times as much for the three year rabies vaccine than she does the one year. I am not sure if this is because the manufacturer charges her more, or she is trying to recoup her losses because I won't be back for another rabies vaccine for three years. Its ok either way...my dog is protected from rabies, and from being needlessly over-vaccinated! I will also say now...keep your rabies certificate in a safe place, in case you ever need to prove that your dog is indeed up-to-date on their rabies vaccine!! After one year, the imprinted date on the little aluminum rabies tag the vet gives you will make it look like your dog is not current for the vaccine.
Hmmm - Very cool!!!
ReplyDelete