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During a recent interview with Rescue the Animals, founder Paul Washburn alerted us to the fact that there has been an increase in rabies, distemper, and parvo among pets here in West Texas. So the question came up as to "What vaccines are required by the State and or the City to keep our fur babies safe?

With the shutdown of the Animal Shelter because of the recent parvo and distemper outbreaks, and the rabid skunks being discovered. The question keeps coming up, what vaccines are required for our personal pets whether we live in the city limits or in the county?

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The answer is this, "there is only one vaccine that is required by law for any pet in Texas and it is the rabies vaccine."

Here's How The City Of Abilene Vaccination Law Reads:

ARTICLE II. PETS Sec. 6-31.   Vaccination.
No person shall own, keep or harbor a dog or cat over the age of four (4) months within the city limits unless the dog or cat has a current certificate of vaccination for an anti-rabies vaccine.
(Code 1965, § 5-20; Ord. No. 45-2015, pt. 1(Exh. A), 8-27-15)
Source: City of Abilene Charter, Code of Ordinances and Land Development Code

While the rabies vaccine is the only one needed by law it can only be administered by a veterinarian. However, doctor Allen Bolt of the Animal Health and Medical Center, highly recommends getting other vaccinations to keep your fur babies safe and healthy too.

Dr. Bolt said that "In summer there's an astronomical increase of snake bites on our pets throughout the Lone Star State." To avoid any more costly vet medical bills with your pets, Doctor Alan Bolt says "While the rattlesnake vaccine is NOT required by law. I highly recommend it, if your pet is going to be in close proximity of rattlesnake habitation."

Paul Washburn recommends that we get all our pets fixed and vaccinated for rabies and everything else that can save a pet's life. The pet owner can administer the other vaccinations and I discovered that those vaccines can be purchased over the counter at a local feed store like Jackson Brother Feed or West Texas Veterinary Supply.

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Does your loyal pup's breed make the list? Read on to see if you'll be bragging to the neighbors about your dog's intellectual prowess the next time you take your fur baby out for a walk. Don't worry: Even if your dog's breed doesn't land on the list, that doesn't mean he's not a good boy--some traits simply can't be measured.

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