We have been asked by the State of Washington DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH to notify all of our clients of the recent changes to the state Rabies rule. This rule requires that all cats, dogs, and ferrets in WA get vaccinated against Rabies and then are re-vaccinated regularly according to vaccine manufactures recommendations.

The Rabies vaccine should be given to all puppies and kittens at 16 weeks of age, then boostered again at a 1yr, then boostered every 3 yrs thereafter. If you live here in WA state have a new pet with an unknown vaccine history it is recommended that you vaccinate for all vaccines including Rabies as soon as possible!

It is important to note that Rabies is a continued risk to both people and pets in the US. Nearly 40,000 people receive post-exposure rabies vaccinations due to possible exposure to rabies. It is important to note that due to their predatory nature obviously cats are at even higher risk than dogs and are even more likely to be exposed to Rabies.

If you would like to obtain more information on Washington’s Rabies vaccine requirements please visit the state of Washington Dept. of Health website at www.doh.wa.gov and search for “pet vaccine requirements.” Additional information is available at the Center for Disease Controls website as well at www.cdc.gov  If you have general vaccine schedule questions for both cats and dogs please review the vaccine protocol outlined for both your pets safety and for your information below.

Alpine View’s recommended vaccines for Canines:

DAPP-Distemper Parvo Vaccine:

• Initially administered to puppies as follows:  At 8, 12, & 16 weeks of age, then boostered at 1 yr old.
• For adults with an unknown vaccine history DAPP will be administered as follows: 2 vaccines 4 weeks apart then boostered annually to every 3 yrs depending on your pet’s risk factors.

Rabies: Required by law in WA state

• Administered to puppies as follows: At 16 weeks of age, then at 1yr old, then every 3yrs thereafter.
• For adults with an unknown vaccine history Rabies will be administered as follows: 1 now, boostered in a yr, then boostered every 3yrs thereafter.

Bordetella Vaccine-Kennel Cough Vaccine:

• Administered anytime then boostered every 6 months thereafter. This vaccine is generally required to attend puppy classes or board your pet, it is also strongly recommended if your pet frequently comes in contact with other dogs or visits dog parks.

Leptospirosis Vaccine:

• Administered with the Distemper Parvo vaccine during the puppy series and then boostered annually thereafter. It is important to note that Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease (meaning contagious to humans), this disease is picked up by our pets by coming in contact with contaminated standing water.

Alpine View’s recommended vaccines for Felines:

FVRCP-Feline Kitty Distemper Parvo Vaccine:

• Administered to kittens a follows: At 8, 12, & 16 weeks of age, then boostered annually thereafter.
• Administered to adults with unknown vaccine history as follows: 2 vaccines given 4 weeks apart, then annually thereafter.

FELV-Feline Leukemia Vaccine:

• Administered to kittens as follows: At 12 & 16 weeks of age then boostered annually thereafter.
• Administered to adult cats with an unknown vaccine history as follows: 2 vaccines 4 weeks apart, then boostered annually thereafter.

Rabies: Required by law in WA state

• Administered to kittens as follows: At 16 weeks of age, then at 1yr old, then every 3yrs thereafter.
• Administered to adult cats with unknown vaccine history as follows: 1 now, boostered in a yr, then boostered every 3yrs thereafter.

If you are unsure about your pet’s current Rabies vaccine status please call our hospital here in the Snohomish / Monroe area at 360-794-6662 today as we would be more than happy to let you know if your pet is currently fully protected and safe. Additionally, if you have any general questions about the WA state Rabies law or about our recommended vaccines for cats and dogs outlined above please don’t hesitate to call Alpine View Veterinary Hospital at the same number listed above or email us at [email protected] as we would be more than happy assist you and answer any questions that you may have. We are here to help ensure your pet’s are safe, healthy, and happy!

All your friends from Alpine View