We often receive questions about why a current Rabies vaccination is required for technician appointments. At Animal Hospital of Shawnee Hills, safety, compassionate care, and education go hand in hand. We’d like to take a moment to explain the importance of Rabies prevention and the reasoning behind this policy:
1. Let’s start with the facts!
- Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the brain and nervous system of all mammals, including dogs, cats, wildlife, and humans. Once symptoms appear, there is no cure.
- YES, Rabies DOES EXIST here in central Ohio (most commonly in bats).
- Rabies vaccination laws in Ohio are determined at the county level. Rabies vaccines for pets ARE required by law in Delaware County, Franklin County, and Union County.
2. What Happens When Someone Is Bitten?
Any animal bite — no matter how minor — carries legal and medical requirements.
- All animal bites, regardless of vaccination status, must be reported to the local county health department
- Regardless of vaccination status, the pet must be quarantined for at least 10 days
- The Health Department will determine any further requirements based on the pet’s vaccination status, exposure risk, and any symptoms displayed
If a person is bitten by an animal without a current Rabies vaccine, they may be required to undergo post-exposure prophylactic treatment, which includes a series of (often costly) injections over a course of days or weeks.
“My pet is never around bats…”
You may think your pet would never come into contact with a bat – but there are thousands in Ohio!
Since Rabies affects the brain, it affects their behavior. Rabid bats are often found laying on the ground during daytime hours – prime time for your dog or cat to be exploring the back yard.
Plus, since their teeth are TINY – it’s often impossible to see any bite marks. Many humans don’t even know if a bat has bitten them!
3. Why This Matters for Technician Appointments
A technician appointment means your pet is seen only by a veterinary technician or assistant, without a doctor directly involved. These visits are typically scheduled for things like:
- Nail trims
- Anal gland expressions
- Blood draws
- Vaccine boosters
- Allergy injections
- Therapy laser treatments
While another team member is always nearby to help if needed, fewer people are involved overall, and a doctor is not directly participating in the appointment.
Because these visits still require close physical handling of your pet – with fewer hands involved – the risk of accidental injury, including bites, is inherently higher than during a doctor appointment. This inherent increased risk extends to pet owners too – we understand the instinct to comfort your pet during a visit, especially when they’re feeling nervous. In rare situations, close proximity combined with fewer available hands can increase the risk of accidental injury if a pet reacts unexpectedly.
For this reason, we require a current Rabies vaccine for all technician-only appointments.
We want to be clear:
We certainly do not expect anyone to get bitten, and animal bites are a very rare occurrence at AHSH! Our team follows strict safety and Fear-Free-informed patient handling protocols. Our goal is always to create a calm, positive experience for your pet while keeping everyone safe. However, even with the best precautions, accidents can still happen, which is why these preventative policies matter.
What If My Pet Cannot Receive a Rabies Vaccine?
If one of our doctors has determined that your pet’s Rabies vaccine should be discontinued for health reasons, we are still happy to provide needed care! Technician services will be scheduled at times when a doctor or additional support staff are available. This allows us to maintain safety while continuing to care for your pet appropriately.
Thank You for Understanding!
This policy helps us:
- Comply with Ohio state and county Rabies laws
- Protect our team and clients
- Reduce stress and risk for pets
- Continue providing high-quality, compassionate care
If you ever have questions about Rabies vaccines, appointment types, or safety policies, our team is always happy to talk with you!