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Rabies Vaccine

Veterinarian giving rabies vaccine injection to beagle dog in Midlothian clinic

Rabies is the one pet vaccine Virginia law requires, for dogs and cats alike. At our Midlothian clinic, on Steam Avenue off Midlothian Turnpike, the doctor gives the vaccine, signs the certificate, and tells you exactly when the next one is due.

Call (804) 603-9509 or book online. Bring your pet's last rabies certificate.

When it's an emergency: If your pet was bitten or scratched by a wild animal, or bit a person, call your doctor or a 24-hour emergency hospital right away and report it to Chesterfield County. Our Midlothian clinic is open 8 AM to 6 PM, seven days a week, and we don't provide overnight care.

Virginia's Schedule

  • First dose by 4 months of age.

  • A second dose within one year.

  • Then every three years, depending on the vaccine used.

The certificate lists the vaccine, the date, and when it expires. Boarding facilities, groomers, and the county license all ask for it. Keep a copy, or a photo, where you can find it.

Close-up of vaccine syringe near gray tabby cat fur before rabies shot

Why It Matters Beyond the Law

Rabies is almost always fatal once signs appear, and it can pass to people. The AVMA's rabies brochure explains how rabies spreads and why vaccination protects pets and people. A vaccinated pet that's exposed is handled very differently, and more simply, than an unvaccinated one.

Calm dog resting in the exam room after a rabies vaccine visit in Midlothian

Check the Certificate Before You Book

If your pet's certificate isn't due yet, you don't need a shot just because a reminder arrived. Check the expiration date. If it lapsed, call us; the doctor will tell you what's needed to get current.

Pet owner checking rabies vaccine certificate at home with dog nearby in Midlothian

What Happens at the Visit

The rabies vaccine is usually given at the wellness exam, along with any other vaccines due. You stay with your pet, and the team uses treats and gentle handling. Most pets have, at most, a sore spot or a sleepy afternoon.

"I have a very anxious cat. The staff at Petfolk are so gentle and patient with her."

— Mary S., Petfolk client.

If a Wild Animal Gets to Your Pet

Virginia's main rabies carriers are raccoons, foxes, skunks, and bats, according to the Virginia Department of Health. Raccoons and foxes are common in Chesterfield County's wooded neighborhoods and along the edges of new developments.

  • Don't touch the wound with bare hands or handle the wild animal.

  • Report the exposure to Chesterfield Environmental Health at (804) 914-2676.

  • Call us. VDH advises that a vaccinated pet bitten by a wild animal be given a booster.

  • Bring your pet's rabies certificate. Proof of vaccination changes what happens next.

What the Rabies Vaccine Costs

The rabies vaccine is given at a wellness exam ($99, or included with PetfolkCare at $199 a year) and priced per vaccine. Members save 10% on vaccines. You get an estimate first.

Stay on Schedule

Book a wellness exam at our clinic on Steam Avenue and leave with a signed certificate and the next due date. Call (804) 603-9509 or book online.

Frequently Asked Questions