Why the rabies vaccination?

At Two Rivers Veterinary Hospital, we take the safety of our staff, patients, and community seriously. That’s why we require all dogs and cats in our care to be vaccinated against rabies.

For starters, it’s the law. Within Fargo–Moorhead city limits, all dogs and cats are legally required to be up to date on their rabies vaccination. But beyond the legal requirement, there’s an important health reason behind this policy.

People who work in veterinary medicine are over three times more likely to be exposed to a rabid animal compared to the general population. Rabies is not just a faraway problem—it exists right here in our area. In 2015, a kitten rescued from a local high school parking lot died from rabies. Several members of our community, including veterinary professionals, had to undergo post-exposure prophylaxis—a series of injections required to help the body fight off a possible rabies infection. Rabies is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear, making prevention absolutely critical.

For the health and protection of our team and everyone we serve, we require that all of our patients be vaccinated against this deadly virus. It's a simple step with powerful impact, and we thank you for helping keep our community safe.