Frequently Asked Questions about Rabies Clinics offered by the MCRHC

WHO can attend?

ANY RESIDENT OF NEW JERSEY MAY ATTEND MCRHC RABIES CLINICS. To enter our Rabies Clinics ANIMAL MUST BE SUPERVISED BY AN ADULT. DOGS MUST BE ON A LEASH, CATS MUST BE 1 TO A CARRIER. Dogs and Cats must be 4 months of age or older to receive vaccination at our clinics.

WHAT do I bring with me?

No prior paperwork is necessary.
If you have a certificate from your pet’s previous rabies vaccination, bring it with you.

WHERE are clinics being held?

Our Spring and Fall Rabies Clinic Schedules   There is no appointment necessary for our clinics at this time. 

WHEN will I have to vaccinate/revaccinate my pet? DURATION OF IMMUNITY FROM THREE YEAR RABIES VACCINE

For rabies control purposes in New Jersey, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJODH) recognizes the following durations of immunity for dogs and cats vaccinated against the
Rabies virus.

Initial Dose* given if this is the pet’s first known vaccination. It has been determined to protect the animal for a 1 year duration. Subsequent Boosters** given if a pet has been known to receive at least one vaccination in the past. Booster vaccinations have been determined to protect the animal for a 3 year duration.

NOTES:
Any specific questions or concerns about your pet receiving the vaccination should be directed to your vet.

Any specific questions about pet licensing should be directed to your town/borough hall.

WHY is the Rabies vaccination so important to my pet?

Vaccination and animal control programs have helped to prevent rabies in most pets. It is important to keep your dog or cat up-to-date on rabies vaccinations. Cats and dogs that spend time outdoors may have more risk of coming into contact with a rabid wild animal, but it is important to also vaccinate pets that stay indoors. In the United States, there have been more cases of rabies in cats than in dogs in recent years. Therefore, rabies vaccination is especially important for cats.

In addition to the extreme need to protect pets and family from this fatal virus, everyone should be vigilant by practicing the following:

> Do not feed or touch wild animals or strays
> Report unusual behavior in stray or wild animals to municipal animal control
> Report all animal bites immediately to your local health department

For a link to NJ Department of Health statistics on Animal Rabies Cases by County & Species, go to our Rabies Control page