Rabies Vaccine: What Schedule to Follow & How Long It Lasts

What is rabies?

According to Mayo Clinic, rabies is a deadly virus spread to people from the saliva of infected animals. The rabies virus is usually transmitted through a bite. It can be fatal if not treated early and should be before any signs and symptoms are observed. These symptoms can include hyperactivity, excitable behavior, hallucinations, lack of coordination, hydrophobia, and aerophobia. For this reason, anyone who may have a risk of contracting rabies should receive rabies vaccinations for protection. In this blog, we will answer the most important and frequently asked questions related to rabies.

What is rabies vaccine?

Rabies vaccines for dogs, cats and other animals are preventative shots that protect them against rabies. It's important to administer these to your pets to mitigate the risks of infection in animals, prevents transmission to humans and lessens the spread in the community. Most states and local jurisdictions require dogs to be vaccinated against rabies.

How often do cats and dogs need rabies vaccine? How often is a shot needed?

Cats and dogs get their first rabies shot as a puppy or kitten, usually around 12-16 weeks of age, followed by a booster one year later. After the second shot, the frequency of required rabies boosters for both cats and dogs is either every 1 or 3 years, depending on the type of vaccine and local laws.

Your veterinarian will determine the correct schedule for your pet based on their specific vaccine and your local requirements. 

How long does rabies vaccine last? How many years?

The duration of rabies vaccination protection varies depending on the type of vaccine and the individual's risk factors. The first rabies vaccine for dogs and cats is good for one year, followed by a booster one year later. After the second vaccination, subsequent boosters can be for one or three years, depending on the vaccine used and local regulations. It is important to follow your veterinarian's recommendation and your local laws for the most accurate schedule.

How much is a rabies vaccine shot?

Rabies vaccines for dogs and cats typically cost from $40 to $75 for a dog and $25 to $50 for a cat. The price varies by location, the specific veterinary clinic, and the pet's age or vaccination history, and additional costs may be included if it's part of a package with an exam fee.

For humans, the cost is significantly higher, ranging from approximately $800 to $1,300 for pre-exposure shots, with post-exposure treatment costing between $2,500 and $7,000 or more. 

Jeffers offers rabies shots for dogs, cats and horses ranging from $ 19.99 - $ 271.99.

When should the rabies vaccines be given?

Dogs should receive their first rabies vaccine between 12 and 16 weeks of age, followed by a booster shot one year later. After the one-year booster, subsequent boosters are typically needed every one to three years, depending on local regulations and the specific vaccine used.

Where to get rabies vaccine?

You can visit your nearest vet clinic or pharmacy to get rabies vaccines for your pets. To get rabies vaccine shots for humans, go to the emergency room or the nearest urgent care clinic first. Jeffers has an online catalog featuring several types of rabies vaccines from different trusted brands. You can browse them today.

What are the best rabies vaccine for dogs, cats, puppies and kittens?

Here are some of our top product recommendation for vaccine for dogs and cats:

Note: Before purchasing these products, please check with your state and local laws to ensure you can legally administer rabies vaccine to your animal. In most states, a licensed veterinarian must administer rabies vaccine for it to be recognized by local or state agencies. If you are a veterinarian or certified rabies vaccinator, please let us know that when you place your order.

• Nobivac 3 Rabies Vaccine for Dogs, Cats & Cattle (No Tags)

  

• Nobivac 3 Rabies Vaccine Kit with Tags - Nobivac 3 Rabies Vaccine effectively aids in the prevention of rabies in healthy dogs, cats, cattle and sheep. For dogs and cats, it's a 3-year protection. Inject 1 dose (1 mL) SQ at 3 months of age or older with a 2nd dose given 1 year later. Revaccinate every 3 years. Some local and state laws require annual vaccination. For cattle and sheep, it's a 1-year protection. Give 2 mL IM at 3 months or older. 21-day slaughter withdrawal. Revaccinate annually.
• Rx Nobivac 1-Rabies Vaccine for Dogs & Cats, 10 mL Vial, No Tags - The Nobivac® 1-Rabies Vaccine provides crucial protection against rabies for healthy dogs, cats, and ferrets aged 12 weeks or older. This vaccine uses a cell-culture-grown, chemically-inactivated rabies virus. The virus strain is derived from Louis Pasteur’s original 1882 isolate, ensuring high immunogenicity and efficacy. The inactivated virus is combined with a highly purified adjuvant and comes in a liquid form, contained in 10ml vials.
• RabVac 3 - Rabies Vaccine for Dogs, Cats, & Horses, No Tags
• Rx RabVac 3 Rabies Vaccine Kit with Tags for Dogs, Cats, & Horses - RabVac 3 is a killed virus rabies vaccine indicated for use in healthy dogs, cats, and horses 3 months of age or older for protection against the rabies virus. This vaccine meets the 3-year immunity requirement for dogs and cats and the 1-year immunity requirement for horses.Rab Vac 3
• RabVac 1 Rabies Vaccine Kit with Tags for Dogs & Cats - Rabvac 1 is a rabies vaccine for dogs and cats that helps protect against the rabies virus. It’s made for healthy pets 3 months of age or older and provides up to one year of protection. This killed virus vaccine must be given by a veterinarian or under their supervision. Rabvac 1 is widely used to keep pets safe and help prevent the spread of rabies in the community.
• Rx Imrab 3 Rabies Vaccine, 5 x 10 Dose Kit with Tags 
• Rx Imrab 3 Rabies Vaccine, 5 x 10 Dose, No Tags - Imrab 3 by Merial is a trusted rabies vaccine formulated for the prevention of rabies in dogs, cats, cattle, horses, ferrets, and sheep. This vaccine contains an inactivated (killed) virus, the same strain used in human rabies vaccines, ensuring both safety and effectiveness. Each dose includes a potent adjuvant to enhance immune response and provide long-lasting protection. Packaged in a 5 x 10-dose (10 mL) format, it must be stored at 2-7°C (35-45°F) and never frozen.

Explore our online catalog for rabies vaccines for dogs, cats and horses today.

For more information, head to our pet blog to read about identifying and preventing worms in dogs, understanding lepto risks for dogs and more.