Why we recommend a yearly rabies vaccines

I'm not sure if it's the lean financial times or concern for over-vaccination, but I feel like an increasing number of cat owners have been debating the benefits of having their pet receive a rabies vaccination.  I'd like to explain why I vaccinate my own pets and why I recommend every pet owner to do the same. 

I would agree that the likelihood of someones indoor cat being exposed to rabies is extremely low, but the fact remains that throughout the year, rabid animals are identified in the Houston area.  To my recollection, we've have one rabid horse recognized within the few months, and at least 3 skunks as well during 2011.  Of course, this is nothing to say of the bat population in Houston.  My perspective is that, even though the likelihood of rabies exposure remains low at this time, the consequence of getting rabies is so horrible that it's irresponsible not to protect yourself and your pets.

Rabies leads to brain inflammation and death.  If your pet were to get bitten by a rabid animal, and it doesn't have protection from the vaccine, you are going to lose your pet AND possibly put your own life at risk.  It's just not worth it.

So let's say you like to live dangerously - ask yourself one other question.  If for some unfortunate reason your pet were to bite anyone, would you be OK having your pet killed and tested for rabies?  The health of any human is always going to be held as paramount to the health of your pet.  If you were to have a house guest that gets bitten by your unvaccinated cat, that house guest's physician would likely ask for your cat to be euthanized so that the brain may be tested for rabies.  If your cat is current on the rabies vaccination, all that would be needed is 10 days of quarantine and observation.

As far as vaccinations go, the rabies vaccine is one of the most highly regarded in terms of effectiveness.  In terms of safety, most of the rabies vaccines tend to be extremely safe.  However, there are some vaccine variants can carry a slightly higher risk than others.  When a veterinary facility is purchasing vaccine, there are actually options to consider in regards to brand, cost, and components.  It is worth inquiring what rabies vaccines your cat will receive.  Many years ago, I was quite excited to know that the city of Houston would allow for three year rabies vaccines to be administered as I felt that it would be definitely better to give vaccine less often.  However, discouraging data exists suggesting slightly higher risk of three year rabies vaccinations in some cats.

I understand that in lean times budgets need to be re-evaluated.  Let's recognize that this is one area not to fool around with.