CHAI does not make the rules pertaining to Rabies vaccination. The State of Tennessee mandates Rabies vaccination and the Hamilton County Health Department enforces the local rules on the matter. Abiding by the county and state rules pertaining to Rabies vaccination is required to hold a veterinary license and CHAI cannot violate those rules and continue to practice veterinary medicine. Please do not ask us to risk our ability to provide services to our patients by asking us to risk our veterinarian licenses and livelihoods.
Currently, the best defense against Rabies is vaccination. The vaccine works by stimulating the immune system causing it to produce antibodies that neutralize the virus before it reaches the brain. In the US and many other countries Rabies vaccination is a legal requirement. The State of Tennessee’s law states: It is unlawful for any person to own, keep or harbor any dog or cat six (6) months of age or older that has not been vaccinated
against Rabies. It, however, does not specify whether the Rabies vaccine must be given annually or every 3 years as it varies between local jurisdictions. Since Rabies legislation has been in place in the United States, confirmed cases of Rabies infections have decreased significantly in humans from over 100 reported cases a year to less than 10 cases annually. Vaccination in conjunction with bite prevention measures can help prevent future infections.
Historically, Rabies vaccines contained mercury and other harmful additives. CHAI only carries Thimerosal (mercury) free Rabies vaccines. Our doctors are passionate about protecting your pets without adding harmful preservatives and other unnecessary ingredients into their bodies. In addition, CHAI recommends when your pet is due for vaccines, your pets only get a single injectable vaccine per visit and spacing out additional vaccines by 3-4 weeks. This ensures your pet’s immune system has time to fully utilize the antibodies created while also giving it time to recover. In the same vein of immune systems, if the pet’s immune system is
compromised in any way our vets will not vaccinate until your pet is healthy again. Bringing awareness to this devastating but 100% preventable disease will help protect your family and keep your community safe. If your pet is due for a Rabies vaccine contact our veterinarians to discuss the best vaccination plan to keep them happy, healthy, and safe.
