Rabies Certificate: Rabies is a highly virulent and potent disease that infects animals such as cats and dogs. However, the disease can also be transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected animal. Worryingly, the disease, if left untreated, will lead to certain death. Hence, it is important to stay vigilant and seek treatment if you may have been bitten by a rabid animal. Moreover, many countries will require you to furnish a rabies certificate for your pet if you plan on bringing it with you on your visit. In this article, we shall explore the meaning of a rabies certificate, the contents of this certificate and other potentially useful information.
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What is a Rabies Certificate?
A rabies certificate is a certificate for a pet animal (mostly dogs) stating that the animal has been vaccinated for rabies and fully immunized. This certificate is often required if you are coming from a high-risk country (for rabies). Moreover, dogs are required to be vaccinated 28 before travelling because it takes around 4 weeks or 28 days for the vaccine to fully immunize the dog. For cats, proof of rabies vaccine is generally not required, but some states may demand a certificate, so it will be ideal to check with the local health authorities at the final destination.
Why do you Need a Rabies Certificate?
As stated previously, rabies is a contagious and fatal disease, hence, all safety measures must be taken to ensure that the disease does not spread. Rabies certificate essentially states that your pet does not pose a health or safety risk (with respect to rabies), hence, it is an important certificate when travelling. Countries such as the United States require travellers to furnish this certificate if they happened to be bringing their pets along.
Rabies Certificate – Contents (as per Center for Disease Control and Prevention)
A rabies vaccination certificate must contain the following details to be deemed valid:
- The name and address of the owner
- Breed of the dog
- Date of birth or age of the dog
- Colour of the pet, markings or other identifying information.
- Date of rabies vaccination
- Date of vaccine expiry
- The details of the veterinarian who administered the vaccine (name and contact details)
- All furnished details must be in English
Documents Required for Proof of Vaccination
Please note, the following documents will not be accepted as proof of vaccination:
- Exemption letter from the veterinarian
- Health certificate
- Pet passport
- Rabies titer values
- Pet’s serology report
What is the Validity of the Rabies Certificate?
It takes around 4 weeks or 28 days for the rabies vaccine to fully immunize the dog (if vaccinating for the first time). Hence, ensure that your dog is vaccinated at least 28 days before the date of travelling.
- Dogs that are 15 months or older must show a history of previous rabies vaccinations and also have a record of all booster rabies vaccinations. This entitles them to travel before the 4 week waiting period.
- Puppies must not be vaccinated before they are 12 weeks old.
What Happens If I do Not Have a Rabies Certificate?
Upon arrival to the United States, your dog will be denied entry and be sent back to the last country of departure at your expense.
FAQ’s on Rabies Certificate
Question 1.
What is a Rabies Certificate?
Answer:
A rabies certificate is a certificate for a pet animal (mostly dogs) stating that the animal has been vaccinated for rabies and fully immunized.
Question 2.
Why do you need a Rabies Certificate?
Answer:
If you are travelling, rabies certificates are mandatory in many countries. It essentially states that your pet does not pose a health or safety risk to yourself or others around you.
Question 3.
What are the contents of a rabies certificate?
Answer:
A rabies certificate contains the following details:- the name and address of the owner, the breed of the dog, as well as its date of birth, colour of the pet, and identifying markings. The certificate must also contain the date of rabies vaccination as well as the date of expiry of the vaccine. Most importantly, the name and contact details of the veterinarian who administered the vaccine must also be stated.
Question 4.
What language must the certificate be presented in?
Answer:
The rabies certificate must be in English or have a certified English translation.