Posted: December 17, 2008, 5 a.m. EST
City officials in Cheyenne, Wyo., have approved a three-year rabies vaccination schedule for cats and dogs.
The Cheyenne City Council on Dec. 8 voted 8-2 to amend the rabies vaccination ordinance so that pet owners will no longer be required to take their animals in for a rabies shot every year. The ordinance includes a medical exemption for sick animals.
The ordinance states that it is up to the pet owner whether to vaccinate for rabies every year or every three years. However, it’s recommended that owners talk to their veterinarians to decide on an individualized vaccination schedule for their cat or dog, taking into consideration the animal’s health, lifestyle, and risk of exposure.
Area veterinarians, led by Dr. Rodney Hartshorn, were in support of the new 3-year protocol. Hartshorn said the city’s one-year booster rule was outdated.