County calls on pet owners to vaccinate for rabies

WASHINGTON — Environmental health officials are calling for people to vaccinate their pets as reports of dog bites climb around the county.

“The rabies vaccine is about a $30 shot, needed once every three years after the initial first-year shot,” Washington County Environmental Health Director Jason Taylor said. “If a dog bites someone without its shot, it’s quarantined away from home for 10 days, which can cost around $250-$500 depending on where the animal is housed. At the end of that, the animal gets the vaccine anyway, so you’d be further ahead to take care of it before.”

State Code 351 and County Code Chapter 50 require up-to-date rabies shots for dogs, 6 months or older. Those who need to get their animal the shot can do so by calling their vet.