Rabies Vaccine in Lake Mary, FL, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Lake Mary is a vet in Lake Mary, FL, that gives rabies vaccines to dogs and cats and issues the rabies certificate Florida requires. Under Florida law, every dog and cat 4 months or older must be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian.

Rabies is a virus that attacks the brain and has no cure once signs appear. The vaccine is how pets, and the people around them, stay protected.

Call (689) 400-8901, book online, or walk in for your pet's rabies shot.

What does Florida law require?

Florida Statute 828.30 sets the rules for pets in Lake Mary and the rest of the state:

1. Who: all dogs, cats and ferrets 4 months of age or older.

2. By whom: a licensed veterinarian (animal control can vaccinate animals in its custody under a vet's supervision).

3. First booster: 12 months after the first vaccination.

4. After that: on the schedule set by the vaccine maker, usually every 1 or 3 years depending on the product.

5. Proof: the vet gives you a rabies vaccination certificate and also sends one to the local animal control authority.

The only exemption is a written note from a vet saying the vaccine would put your pet's health at risk, such as during treatment for a serious illness.

Is it a 1-year or a 3-year rabies shot?

It depends on the vaccine and your pet's history. The first rabies vaccine a pet gets is good for 1 year. After that, many pets can get a 3-year booster if the label allows it and they stayed on schedule. Your Petfolk Lake Mary certificate shows the exact due date, so there is no guessing.

Why does the certificate matter?

Groomers, boarding places, daycares and training classes in the Lake Mary area usually ask for proof of current rabies vaccination. The certificate also matters if your pet gets lost. Seminole County Animal Services asks pet parents to bring the pet's rabies certificate when they reclaim a pet, and a pet without current rabies vaccination gets a shot before it can go home.

Keep a photo of the certificate on your phone, and set a reminder about a month before the due date.

The experience from booking an appointment, to then receiving reminder messages, all the way to the in person customer service levels were outstanding!

Senia S., Google review

What should I do if my pet is bitten by a wild animal?

Call Petfolk Lake Mary the same day. Wild animals such as bats, raccoons and foxes can carry rabies, so do not touch the wild animal yourself. Wear gloves to handle your pet, and wash any wound with soap and water.

A pet who is current on rabies vaccination usually gets a booster soon after an exposure. Florida law allows that extra dose even if your pet was recently vaccinated. A pet who is overdue faces stricter rules, which is one more reason to stay on schedule.

A quick, calm visit

The rabies shot itself takes seconds. Fear Free handling is standard at every Petfolk clinic, and most pets get it with treats and a pet parent's hand on their back. It is often given alongside a wellness exam and other vaccines.

Paying for the rabies shot

At Petfolk Lake Mary, rabies vaccines are given at a wellness exam, which starts at $99, or through PetfolkCare, which starts at $199 a year. The vaccine is priced separately. You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit.

After the shot

Mild soreness or a sleepy evening is common. Face swelling, hives, vomiting or trouble breathing after any vaccine needs care right away; if the clinic is closed, go to a 24-hour emergency hospital such as Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) in Winter Park.

Get your pet's certificate

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Lake Mary is at 222 Wheelhouse Ln, #1110, Lake Mary, FL 32746. Call (689) 400-8901. Other core shots: dog vaccines in Lake Mary.

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