Pet Rabies Vaccination Mandatory

Starting Sunday, rabies vaccines will be mandatory for pet dogs, cats, and ferrets in Washington State.

While many cities and counties require rabies vaccinations for some pets, vaccination have never been required by the state. The new rule was passed by the Board of Health this summer and takes effects on New Year's Day, according to Donn Moyer of the Washington Health Department.

Bats are the primary source of rabies in Washington State, according to state officials who say encounters with sick bats is a primary way that pets can be exposed to rabies.