Bats
Dealing with Strays, Wild Animals
Vaccinate Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets
If you own a dog, cat, or ferret, you're required by South Carolina's rabies law to keep your animal's rabies shot up to date. This usually means a once-a-year vaccine, but veterinarians also offer multi-year vaccines for cats and dogs that offer good protection and satisfy the legal requirement.
Your veterinarian or veterinary technician can administer the vaccine, or you can take advantage of the yearly low-cost rabies vaccination clinics DHEC sponsors with local veterinarians, usually in the spring.
Some animal rescue groups and veterinarians also offer lower-cost vaccination clinics throughout the year. Find a low-cost rabies vaccination clinic.
Certificate of Need for Out-of-State Travel
If you take a pet dog, cat, ferret, or horse out of South Carolina, make sure to take along your animal's rabies vaccination certificate. While horses are not required by SC law to be vaccinated for rabies in state, federal regulations do require the vaccine for out-of-state travel.
You'll receive your pet's rabies certificate, along with a rabies tag for your pet's collar, when your animal is vaccinated.
Always keep your pet's rabies tag on its collar, and keep the rabies certificate in a safe place.
- Give your patients educational information on rabies.