Your Pet's Rabies Vaccination Record, Have you ever been asked to show it? Options

[GandJ]

A question for those traveling with a pet (especially cats): Have you ever been asked by a campground owner or park personnel to show your pet's proof of rabies vaccination?

We've not ever been asked, but our cat's rabies vaxi certificate expires very shortly before we're due to arrive home next March. We're wondering if we are at risk of getting kicked out or not admitted to a park if we can show only a recently-expired certificate.

(Btw, our vet says that this short lapse will not put our geriatric, indoor, anti-social cat at risk)

[Texasrvers]

We have been traveling with our cats (as many as 3 at some times) since 2000 and not once have we been asked for proof of vaccination. However, I always carry it with us, and I always tell the park that we do not let our cats out, even on a leash. They are strictly indoor cats. I wouldn't think an expired certificate would be a problem unless it is several months old, but you can never be sure. BTW, at our last vet visit we got the 3 year rabbies vaccination for our cats so now we don't have to deal with it so often. How old is your cat? One of ours is 15 and still doing well.

[GandJ]

... How old is your cat? One of ours is 15 and still doing well.

That 3-year rabies shot sounds like just the ticket for traveling pets! I'll have to see if they're offered here.

Our cat is "only" 14. As said, she is up to date on her vaxis. It's just that when we leave for winter trip it will be months too soon to get her rabies shot updated. Her vet record expires just a matter of days before we're due to return home.

Our preference (and probably the cat's preference, as well) is to bring her back to her own vet rather than taking our chances with one we don't know.

Thanks for all the replies. Maybe we just need to shorten our trip

[dalsgal]

[Our cat is "only" 14. As said, she is up to date on her vaxis. It's just that when we leave for winter trip it will be months too soon to get her rabies shot updated. Her vet record expires just a matter of days before we're due to return home. [/quote]

It won't hurt an animal to get their vaccinations a bit early. I know it is preferable for you to wait but there is nothing in the shots that would hurt your pet if shots were given early.