The Rabies Virus
and Your Pet
Rabies is a deadly virus that affects the brain and nervous system of mammals, including pets and people. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal — but it is 100% preventable with vaccination.
Why Rabies Is a Risk
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Wildlife Exposure Rabies is most commonly found in wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. Pets who roam outdoors are at greater risk of coming into contact with infected wildlife.
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Human Safety If an unvaccinated pet is exposed to rabies, people in the household may also be at risk. Protecting pets helps protect families and the community.
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Legal Requirement Rabies vaccination is required by Maryland law for all cats, dogs, and ferrets over the age of 4 months.
Why Vaccination Matters
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Protects Your Pet Keeps them safe from a fatal disease.
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Protects Your Family Reduces the risk of human exposure.
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Protects the Community Helps prevent outbreaks in local animal populations.
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Meets County Law Proof of rabies vaccination is required for licensing and reclaiming impounded pets.
What You Can Do
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Ensure your pets receive their rabies vaccination on schedule.
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Keep vaccination records up to date — you’ll need them for licensing or reclaiming lost animals.
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Avoid contact with wild animals and never handle a bat or other wildlife without proper training.
Rabies Vaccination FAQ
Puppies and kittens must receive their first rabies vaccine by 4 months of age. A booster is required one year later, then typically every three years depending on the vaccine used.
Unvaccinated pets exposed to rabies may face strict quarantine requirements or, in some cases, euthanasia. Vaccination is the safest and most responsible choice.
No. Even pets that stay indoors are at risk if a rabid animal (such as a bat) enters the home. Vaccination is legally required for all cats, dogs, and ferrets.
You will receive a rabies vaccination certificate and tag from your veterinarian. Keep these records safe — they are needed for licensing, boarding, and reclaiming lost pets.
Rabies vaccines are available through your veterinarian, local clinics, and community vaccination events hosted by the Humane Society of Carroll County.