Pet Vaccinations That Are Required Inside the City Limits of Abilene

During a recent interview with the founder of Rescue the Animals, Paul Washburn revealed that there has been an increase in feline leukemia among cats in Abilene. Let us not forget about the recent spike of dogs being bitten by Rattlesnakes in Abilene and the Big Country. So the question came up as to "what vaccines are required by the City of Abilene to keep our pets safe?"

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While there is a feline leukemia vaccine and a rattlesnake vaccine. The aforementioned vaccines are not required by law or city ordinance inside the Abilene City limits. The only vaccine that is required by law of any pet 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 inside the city limits by law it can only be administered by a veterinarian. However, my friend and family veterinarian doctor Allen Bolt of the Animal Health and Medical Center in Abilene, highly recommends getting other vaccinations to keep your fur babies safe and healthy.

Dr. Bolt said this summer, there was an astronomical increase of snake bites on our pets in Abilene and the Big Country. To avoid any more costly vet medical bills with your fur babies, 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 should get all our pets fixed and vaccinated for not only rabies but everything else that can save a pet's life. The other vaccinations can be administered by the pet owner 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.