In the study, published in the medical journal Vaccine, researchers asked 2,200 Americans their thoughts on vaccines and whether they were dog owners. If they were, respondents were then asked whether they would vaccinate their dogs for rabies.
Approximately half of the pet owners surveyed expressed some degree of vaccine hesitancy — with 53% saying they believed vaccines administered to dogs were unsafe, ineffective or unnecessary, the study found.
This isn’t entirely accurate. Unless it’s a repeat offender when it comes to biting or the animal is exhibiting symptoms of illness, the general practice is for the animal to be quarantined for ten days either at home or a veterinary clinic or shelter. The animal must have exams performed by a veterinarian every few days to check for signs of illness. At the end of the ten day period, the animal must have one final exam to be released from quarantine. After each exam a report must be sent to the county humane officer.
This is the protocol in the state of Wisconsin. I’ve worked in shelters and veterinary clinics in the state, so this is something we deal with regularly. Last year we even had a dog bite another person while they were supposed to be quarantining at home. That dog was not euthanized.
Good to know, I appreciate your clarification. My wife is a Vet Tech, and I knew I wasn’t telling the full story since it isn’t my field.