Current Rabies A Must!

Ok, so I feel like I'm beating a dead horse here. Not that I've ever beaten a dead horse before...

I would LOVE to groom your pet. Honestly! But I require proof that your pet is current on his Rabies vaccination. That's something I personally require, but it's also something the state of Maryland requires you do for any pet over 4 months of age. AND, the Humane Society, that licenses me to run a grooming salon also requires it.

Rabies is serious business.

So when I tell you to please bring a current copy of your pets Rabies vaccination, I don't mean if you feel like it, or remember, or take your other pets certificate, or bring me an out of date copy. I truly mean bring me proof that your pet is current on his Rabies.

* It doesn't count if you assure me your pet is current on "all his shots". Do I need to explain why?

* The collar tag isn't acceptable. Collar tags don't have your name, your pets name, the date it was given, the date it expires...anything useful.

Please. I need a piece of paper from your vet. A receipt with "reminders", the actual certificate, a proof of vaccinate report...yes, your vet will know exactly what to provide for you if you call them and ask.

If your pet was vaccinated at a clinic, or all you have is the tag, you may call the Health Department, who will mail you a copy of proof of vaccination. It usually takes 2 weeks and they REALLY don't like doing it. Clip Clip Hooray will NOT, for any reason, call the Health Department to obtain this information. No way, no how.

At this time we're not able to accept faxes, since Clip Clip Hooray is fax machineless.

Sometimes I can call your vet and get the information I need. HOWEVER, if your pet isn't current, and you didn't realize he was, I still can't groom him. And your vet has to be open and able to speak with me at the time of drop off. I can't hold your pet while you go to work.

Please note, if you bring your pet in for grooming and are not able to provide proof the pet is current on their Rabies vaccinate I will have to turn your pet away. I'm sorry, but I told you to provide the information prior to the appointment and I will not break my rules for you. I will certainly not risk my licensing or a fine for you. I always will not risk my life or your pets life. Because that's what it comes down to.

Please, please, please! Find the information before your appointment. Bring it with you on grooming day. Be current! (OMG, don't try and pass off expired Rabies on me. That really annoys me. I know todays date and I can read.)

PS. If you've never had to provide current Rabies vacination information to a groomer before in Carroll County, your groomer has been acting recklessly and illegally. I don't know the law for other areas, but here, that's what it is. If you think I'm made of hooey, check with the Humane Society.

Comments

[Rod]

I think you need to take a good, hard look at the facts about rabies vaccines and how long they really do last. Three years? Try five to seven years. Over-vaccinating is much worse than going without grooming.

[Beth]

Rod,

I agree that vaccines often last much longer than they are given. If over vaccinating is a concern, a titer can be drawn to see if another vaccine is needed at that time. The last I checked, a Rabies titer is not a legal substitute for a current Rabies vaccine.

However, my need for the Rabies vaccination to current is a legal one. The law says pets coming to my store must be current.

It is also my decision as the salon owner and manager to require a current Rabies vaccine, for my protection and the pets protection, as well as to comply with the requirements of my licensing.

If anyone feels strongly about the risks involved with over vaccinating, I always tell them I'm sorry, but I'm not able to groom their pet. It is their decision.

It should also be noted that Clip Clip Hooray doesn't require any other vaccinations. Many salons require anything from a yearly distemper to a 6 month bordatella. I believe that while vaccines have their uses, pets are often over vaccinated, or recieve unnecessary vaccinations. This decision should be made between the owner and their vet.

So I have chosen to only require what is legally required of me.