North Carolina Law: The owner of every dog and cat over four months of age shall have the animal vaccinated against rabies. In Cumberland County, the owners of dogs and cats, which have not been vaccinated in accordance with this law, are subject to a civil penalty in the amount of $100.
Immunization Information
To remain properly immunized, a dog or cat must receive two rabies vaccinations one year apart, then one vaccination every three years thereafter.
Rabies vaccinations can only be given by a licensed veterinarian, licensed veterinary technician or a certified rabies vaccinator at an animal shelter.
The Department of Public Health's Environmental Division holds Rabies Vaccination Clinics in the spring and fall.
Cumberland County Animal Services offers 1 year rabies vaccinations on Wednesdays from 2 - 4 p.m.
Fee: $5 (cash only) per Dog or Cat
For Rabies Prevention
DO:- Keep wild animals out of your home. Secure doors and windows, cap chimneys with screens, and close any openings in foundations, porches, basements, and attics.
- Stay away from strays and other people's pets.
- Confine your pet to your property.
- Secure trash and store garbage and pet food in animal-proof containers.
- Spay or neuter your pet.
- Have your animals vaccinated.
- Save your pets' vaccination certificates.
- Treat all animal bites and scratches seriously.
- Act on any attack or bit suffered by your pet.
DO NOT:- Leave uneaten pet food outdoors.
- Feed wild animals or leave food out for them.
- Allow your pets to run loose.
- Try to approach, handle, or tame wild animals.
- Try to capture any wild animal by yourself.
- Vaccinate your own pets against rabies -- this is prohibited by law
- Destroy the brain of any suspect animal. (If an animal must be destroyed, do not shoot it in the head. The brain must be intact and kept under refrigeration for laboratory examination for the presence of rabies.)
- Accept the advice of unqualified persons with regards to rabies.