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At Cedarside Animal Hospital, you can expect state of the art medical care for your four-legged companions. We believe in nurturing the human-animal bond and creating a harmonious relationship between people and animals. You can expect to be greeted by a courteous receptionist, clean exam rooms, friendly doctors, and caring technicians. We appreciate the role we get to play in your pet's health care.

If you have any questions or comments about how we can care for your pet, please contact us today at (440) 965-4660.

Why Does My Pet Need a Rabies Vaccine?

Rabies vaccination is one of the most important preventative health measures we can provide for our pets. Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system and can be transmitted to animals and people through the bite or saliva of an infected animal.

Even pets that spend most of their time indoors can be exposed. Wildlife such as bats, raccoons, skunks, and other mammals can carry rabies and may come into contact with pets unexpectedly. Keeping your pet’s rabies vaccine current helps protect your animal, your family, veterinary staff, and your community.

Rabies vaccination is also required by law in many situations because it is a public health concern, not just a pet health issue.

What Happens If an Unvaccinated Animal Bites Someone in Ohio?

In Ohio, any animal bite that breaks the skin should be reported to the appropriate local health authorities. If an unvaccinated dog, cat, or ferret bites a person, the animal may be subject to additional public health requirements, which can include:

• A required quarantine period and observation by a veterinarian or under public health direction or animal must be euthanized with there head sent out for testing


• Evaluation of the animal’s vaccination status and health history


• Additional steps determined by the local health department based on the circumstances of the bite

If a person is bitten by an animal that is considered a rabies risk, decisions regarding rabies exposure management are made with guidance from public health officials. Because rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms develop, prevention and proper vaccination are critical.

Keeping your pet’s rabies vaccine current helps avoid unnecessary stress, protects the people who care for your pet, and provides the best protection against this deadly disease.

For Ohio-specific requirements, veterinary clinics typically follow guidance from local health departments and the Ohio Department of Health.