Rabies
Rabies is a disease caused by the rabies virus. It may take several weeks or even a few years for people to show symptoms after getting infected with rabies, but usually people start to show signs of the disease 1 to 3 months after the virus infects them. The early signs of rabies can be fever or headache, but this changes quickly to nervous system signs, such as confusion, sleepiness, or agitation. Once someone with rabies infection starts having these symptoms, that person usually does not survive. This is why it is very important to talk to your doctor or health care provider right away if any animal bites you, especially a wild animal (from the Centers for Disease Control).
Rabies vaccinations can be obtained at your local veterinarian or at Iredell County Animal Services and Control. Iredell County Animal Services and Control hosts a rabies vaccination clinic every month and you are invited to attend with your dog, cat or ferret.
Boost after a bite or fight! A rabies vaccine booster is needed within 5 days after a possible exposure to rabies, even if a pet is fully vaccinated. Possible exposures include playing, fighting, or any contact with a stray (dog or cat) or wild animal (raccoon, skink, fox, opossum, etc.). Failure to obtain the booster vaccination within 5 days can result in the exposed animal being euthanized or quarantined for 6 months at the owner’s expense.
For more information on rabies vaccinations or to report a stray animal, call Iredell County Animal Services and Control. Also, see our rabies booster brochure (PDF).
One year vaccines are offered for a fee of $10, Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. For more information on rabies vaccinations, or to report a stray animal, call Animal Services and Control.
Remember
- All dogs, cats, and ferrets are required by Iredell County Ordinance to be vaccinated against rabies starting at the age of 3 months.
- If a rabies vaccinated animal is exposed to a rabid animal, the vaccinated animal must receive a booster vaccination within 5 days of the initial exposure. Failure to obtain the booster vaccination within 5 days can result in the exposed animal being euthanized or quarantined for 6 months at the owner’s expense.
- In Iredell County, there is a $75 citation per animal for owners who do not have their dog, cat or ferret immunized against rabies.
- Map of Confirmed Rabies Cases in Iredell County: 2011 to Present
- NEW Press Release on Rabies
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention - Rabies
- North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services - Rabies
Rabies Vaccinations
Rabies vaccinations can be obtained at your local veterinarian or at Iredell County Animal Services and Control. Iredell County Animal Services and Control hosts a rabies vaccination clinic every month and you are invited to attend with your dog, cat or ferret.
- When: Second Tuesday of every month from 6:30 – 7:30pm
- Where: Iredell County Animal Services and Control
- 430 Bristol Dr.
- Statesville, NC 28677
- Cost: $6. Proof of prior vaccination is required to receive a 3-year vaccination.
Vaccine Boosters
Boost after a bite or fight! A rabies vaccine booster is needed within 5 days after a possible exposure to rabies, even if a pet is fully vaccinated. Possible exposures include playing, fighting, or any contact with a stray (dog or cat) or wild animal (raccoon, skink, fox, opossum, etc.). Failure to obtain the booster vaccination within 5 days can result in the exposed animal being euthanized or quarantined for 6 months at the owner’s expense.
For more information on rabies vaccinations or to report a stray animal, call Iredell County Animal Services and Control. Also, see our rabies booster brochure (PDF).
1-Year Vaccinations
One year vaccines are offered for a fee of $10, Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. For more information on rabies vaccinations, or to report a stray animal, call Animal Services and Control.