Protecting Your Pet: Rabies prevention

Elisabeth Weil is bringing her cats to the vet for their annual rabies vaccinations.

Elisabeth Weil, pet owner
"You don't need to take any chances."

Getting your pet vaccinated is required by law and one of the most important ways to keep you and your family safe from rabies this summer.

Dr. Alfred DeMaria, Massachusetts Department of Public Health
"If our pets come in contact with wild animals and we don't know about it they could be harboring the rabies virus and expose ourselves or our family members."

Dr. Alfred DeMaria of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health says it's also important to take several steps in and around your home.

Dr. Alfred DeMaria, Massachusetts Department of Public Health
"It's very important not to feed stray or wild animals."

DeMaria also recommends pet owners feed their animals indoors, and keep them inside at night. Be sure to fasten trashcan lids tightly, and bat proof your home, making sure to block openings in attics, cellars and porches...And always report animals behaving strangely to animal control.

Dr. Alfred DeMaria, Massachusetts Department of Public Health
"Call animal control. They're out there to prevent animal and human rabies because rabies is a 100 percent fatal disease. Only a handful of people have ever survived rabies."

If you or your pet are bitten by a wild or unfamiliar animal go to your doctor and take your pet to the vet as soon as you can. Rabies can be prevented in people if treatment is started early, and even if your pet has been vaccinated they still need a booster shot if they're exposed.

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