Every dog and cat over three months of age must have a current vaccination against rabies in Rutherford County, TN. 

*NOTE: Rabies vaccinations, microchipping and current, free dog/cat vaccines are unavailable, Thursday, May 26.*

Rabies vaccines are available at PAWS for $15, and includes the license. Currently, rabies vaccines are given Monday-Thursday 12-1:30 p.m.& 2-4 p.m., as well as Friday 12-1:30 p.m. when a veterinarian is available. No appointment is necessary - walk-ins only -first-come, first-serve. *Please note, in the event of high volumes of guests during walk-in hours, PAWS may be unable to provide this service to every guest before walk-in closing time.

As an animal control department, emergencies can often occur. Please note the veterinarian may not be available in the event of an emergency. For additional options, a list of other local vets is below:

-Click here for Local Vets List-

Why is this Necessary?

Rabies is transmitted by the saliva of infected mammals, primarily dogs, cats, skunks, raccoons, and bats. There have been isolated cases of rabid cows and horses. If untreated, it is FATAL to humans. The treatment for a bite by a rabid animal is long and painful. An unvaccinated animal that is bitten by a rabid animal should be euthanized. An unvaccinated animal that bites a human may be euthanized in order to test for rabies. Nearly all of the animals that test positive for rabies in Rutherford County are skunks, which are being driven out of their normal habitat by development. If you see a skunk out in the daytime, please leave it alone and contact PAWS at 615-898-7740 as skunks can carry the rabies virus. Raccoons are beginning to show up in Eastern Tennessee with a new strain of rabies that may lead to increased cases of rabies among cows and horses. At least once a year the Rutherford County Veterinarians offer rabies shots for a discounted rate during the "Rabies Clinic Week." Call your local veterinarian for a schedule.