Rabies Vaccine in Kennesaw, GA, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Kennesaw is a vet in Kennesaw, GA, that gives dogs and cats the rabies vaccine and the paperwork to prove it. Under Georgia law, every county board of health must require dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies. The shot only counts when a licensed veterinarian gives it.

Call (770) 404-8937, walk in or book online.

Is the rabies vaccine required in Georgia?

Yes. Georgia's rabies control law tells each county board of health to require rabies vaccines for dogs and cats and to set how often they are given. It also says the shot must be given by a licensed veterinarian. A shot you give at home from a farm store does not count.

Rabies attacks the brain and nervous system, and once signs appear it can't be cured. It also spreads to people. The vaccine is the simplest way to protect your pet and your family.

When does my pet get the first rabies shot?

Most puppies and kittens get their first rabies vaccine at 12 to 16 weeks old, during their last round of baby shots. A booster follows one year later. After that, your pet may need a booster every year or every three years, depending on the vaccine used.

New to Petfolk Kennesaw? Bring your pet's old rabies certificate. The vet uses it to decide which booster your pet can get.

What paperwork comes with the shot?

You'll get a signed rabies certificate with the vaccine details and due date, plus a metal tag for the collar. Keep the certificate safe. You may need it for:

• Boarding kennels, daycares and groomers

• The Frank Boone Dog Park at Swift-Cantrell Park, which requires dogs to be vaccinated with tags shown on the collar

• A pet license, if your city asks for one

• A new apartment or rental lease

• Proof after a bite, if animal services asks

If your pet tangles with wildlife

Wild animals such as raccoons, foxes, skunks and bats can carry rabies. Cobb County Animal Services takes reports of bites and possible rabies exposure. If your pet fights with a wild animal or you find a bat in the house:

1. Don't touch the animal with bare hands.

2. Wear gloves if you must handle your pet, since saliva may be on the fur.

3. Call Petfolk Kennesaw so the vet can check your pet and see if a booster is needed.

4. Report the incident to the county.

A pet who is current on rabies vaccines is in a much better spot after an exposure than one who is overdue.

Moving to Kennesaw with a pet

If you just moved to Cobb County, find your pet's last rabies certificate before your first visit. Some products count for three years and some for one, and the certificate shows which your pet had. If the paperwork is lost, the vet may treat the next shot as a first dose and set a one-year booster. Ask your old clinic to email the record. It often saves your pet an extra shot.

Calm handling, quick shot

The shot itself takes seconds. Fear Free handling at Petfolk Kennesaw keeps the rest of the visit low-stress, with treats, a private room and no rushing.

Every single member of staff I’ve spoken to there has been so understanding and patient with my very nervous small dogs.

Summer, Google review

Rabies vaccine cost

The rabies vaccine is often given at a wellness exam, which starts at $99 at Petfolk Kennesaw or is free with a PetfolkCare Plan. You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit.

A rare reaction

Most pets are only a bit sore or sleepy afterward. If your pet's face swells, hives appear or breathing gets hard after the shot, call right away. If the clinic is closed, go to a 24-hour emergency hospital such as VEG at 1290 Johnson Ferry Road in Marietta.

Keep your pet current

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Kennesaw is at 1155 Ernest W Barrett Pkwy NW, Suite 204, Kennesaw, GA 30144, with free parking. Also see dog vaccines in Kennesaw and cat vaccines in Kennesaw.

Book a visit at Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Kennesaw, or see all veterinary services in Kennesaw.