Rabies Vaccine in Nichols Hills, OK, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Nichols Hills is a vet in Nichols Hills, OK, that gives rabies vaccines to dogs and cats. Oklahoma rule OAC 310:599-3-9.1 requires dogs, cats and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age, then kept current on the schedule printed on the vaccine label.

After the first shot, a booster is due in one year. After that, most pets get a rabies vaccine every 1 or 3 years, depending on the product.

Call (405) 251-8816, book online, or walk in for a rabies vaccine.

Why does Oklahoma require the rabies vaccine?

Rabies is a virus that attacks the brain and nervous system, and once signs appear there is no cure for pets or people. It spreads through bites and saliva from infected animals.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health lists skunks, bats, dogs, cats, cattle and horses among the animals that have tested positive for rabies in the state. Bats can get into homes, which is one reason the rule covers indoor cats too.

How often does my pet need a rabies booster?

At Petfolk Nichols Hills, the schedule looks like this:

1. First rabies shot at 12 to 16 weeks old, or at the first visit for an older pet.

2. Booster one year later, no matter which product was used.

3. Then every 1 or 3 years, based on the vaccine label.

If you adopted a pet with unknown history, the vet will treat it as unvaccinated and start again at step one. The date your pet is next due shows up in the Petfolk app, along with a rabies certificate you can show a groomer, boarding kennel or daycare.

What happens if my dog or cat bites someone?

In Oklahoma City, OKC Animal Welfare asks that all animal bites inside city limits be reported to Animal Welfare. Officers then make sure the animal is quarantined for 10 days to watch for signs of rabies. A pet who is current on its rabies vaccine is in a much better position if this ever happens, so keep the certificate handy.

If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, like a skunk or a bat, call Petfolk Nichols Hills the same day, even if your pet is vaccinated. The vet may suggest a booster right away. Don't touch the wound with bare hands; wear gloves, and keep other pets and children away until your pet has been seen. If the wild animal is dead, don't handle it either.

Safety and side effects

Rabies vaccines have a long safety record. Most pets have no reaction, or a sore spot and a quiet day. Call (405) 251-8816 if you notice facial swelling, hives or vomiting after the shot.

Fear Free handling is standard at Petfolk. The team at Petfolk Nichols Hills keeps the shot quick and uses treats and gentle holds, so most pets barely notice.

What does a rabies vaccine cost?

The rabies vaccine is priced on its own and is usually given with a wellness exam, which starts at $99 at Petfolk Nichols Hills. You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit.

Part of the bigger plan

Rabies is one of the core vaccines. See dog vaccines in Nichols Hills and cat vaccines in Nichols Hills for the rest of the schedule.

A serious reaction or a fresh wild bite

If your pet has trouble breathing or collapses after any vaccine, or has a deep bite wound from a wild animal, go to a 24-hour hospital such as VEG Oklahoma City on Pawnee Dr off N Western Ave.

Find us on NW 63rd St

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Nichols Hills is at 1125 NW 63rd St Suite 1125 C, Oklahoma City, OK 73116, near Nichols Hills Plaza, with parking on site.

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