Rabies Vaccine in Lakewood, Dallas, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Lakewood is a vet in Lakewood, East Dallas, that gives rabies vaccines to dogs and cats and hands you the certificate the same day. In Texas, every dog and cat must have a rabies vaccine by 16 weeks of age, given by or under the direct supervision of a veterinarian.

Once signs of rabies appear, almost no pet or person survives it. The vaccine is the simplest way to protect your pet and your family.

Call (682) 339-7822 or book online. Walk-ins are welcome, and the clinic is open weekends.

What does Texas and Dallas law require?

Two rules apply to pets living in Lakewood:

• Texas. Rule 25 TAC 169.29 says each dog or cat must be vaccinated against rabies by 16 weeks of age, using a licensed vaccine given by or under the direct supervision of a vet.

• City of Dallas. Failing to vaccinate a cat or dog for rabies is a ticketed offense under Sec. 7-4.1, as shown on the city's pet laws page.

That covers indoor cats and small dogs who rarely leave the house. Dallas off-leash parks, like Mockingbird Point at White Rock Lake, also ask that dogs wear a tag showing a current rabies vaccine.

How often does my pet need a rabies booster?

The first rabies shot is good for one year. After that, boosters are given every one or three years, depending on the vaccine used and its label. The vet tells you which one your pet got and writes the due date on the certificate.

If your pet is overdue, Texas rules say a booster makes them current again once given. There is no need to restart from scratch.

What do I get after the shot?

• A rabies certificate. Keep it. Daycares, boarders, groomers, apartment managers and airlines often ask for it.

• A rabies tag for your pet's collar.

• A due date for the next booster.

Moved here from another state? Bring your pet's old certificate. The vet can check whether the current vaccine is still valid in Texas.

Got all 3 of my cats seen here. Very kind and knowledgeable staff. Never a wait to be seen, same day appointments, and reasonably priced.

Alley, Google review

What if my pet is bitten by a wild animal?

Bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes can carry rabies. If your pet tangles with wildlife, wear gloves to handle them, keep them away from other pets and call the clinic the same day. The vet checks the wound and your pet's rabies record and tells you the next steps. If your pet is bleeding heavily or can't breathe well, go to a 24-hour emergency hospital such as Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) at 4500 North Central Expressway, Dallas, TX 75206. If a person is bitten, call a doctor.

Rabies tag, microchip and lost pets

A rabies tag on the collar helps anyone who finds your pet see that it is vaccinated. A microchip is the backup when the collar comes off. Dallas requires dogs and cats four months and older to be microchipped, and you need to update your contact details within 30 days of a move or a new phone number. Dallas Animal Services, at 1818 N. Westmoreland Road, helps with lost pets, and a chip plus a current rabies record make it easier to get a found pet home. See pet microchipping in Lakewood.

Easy visits for every pet

The rabies shot takes seconds, but the visit around it matters. Fear Free handling is how every Petfolk clinic works: treats, gentle hands and a calm room. Many pets get their rabies shot at the yearly wellness exam, along with any other vaccines that are due.

Cost and location

A wellness exam starts at $99 at Petfolk Lakewood, or is included with PetfolkCare. You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit. The clinic is at 1922 Abrams Pkwy, Suite 6, Dallas, TX 75214, with free parking off Abrams Parkway.

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