Rabies Vaccine for Dogs and Cats: Why It Matters for Pets and Families in Dubuque

It was just an ordinary afternoon. The sun was shining, the breeze was soft, and a playful golden retriever was happily exploring his Dubuque backyard. Nose to the ground, tail wagging, he didn’t notice the small bat clinging low to a tree trunk.

And neither did his owner… until the dog gave it a curious nudge.

Luckily for this innocent golden, his owner had kept up with his rabies vaccination.

Because even a simple moment like that—a playful poke at a bat, a scratch, or an accidental nip—can carry life-altering consequences.

Here in Dubuque County, we share our neighborhoods with skunks, raccoons, and bats—the primary carriers of rabies in our area.

Just last year in 2025, a kitten tested positive for rabies right here in Dubuque County.

As of this writing, there were 20 confirmed rabies cases in 2024, up from 12 in 2023 (with 2025 data not yet available) . It’s a reminder that rabies isn’t just a concern from the past—it’s something we continue to see right here in our community.

Rabies isn’t just a scary word from the past.
It’s real. It’s here. And once symptoms start, it is always fatal in pets.

But it’s also preventable—with one simple step: vaccination.

What Is Rabies?

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the brain and nervous system of mammals, including:

Dogs
Cats
Wildlife (bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes)
Humans
Farm animals such as cattle and horses

It spreads through saliva, most commonly from a bite.

Once symptoms appear:

Rabies is always fatal in pets
It is almost always fatal in humans, and the very rare survivors often experience severe, lifelong complications

Because of this, rabies vaccination is:

Required by law for dogs in Iowa
Required for cats within the city of Dubuque
Considered a core vaccine for both dogs and cats

Why Rabies Vaccination Matters—Even for Indoor Pets

We hear this every day:

“My cat never goes outside.”
“My dog is always on a leash.”

And yet:

Bats get into homes every year
Wildlife passes through backyards every day
One open door or unexpected encounter is all it takes

Rabies exposure is often:

Quiet
Unexpected
Completely accidental

Vaccination protects your pet from that one moment you didn’t see coming.

Rabies Vaccines at PetMed of Key West: Dogs vs. Cats

Not all rabies vaccines are the same—and this is where we’re very intentional in how we care for your pets.

Rabies Vaccine for Cats: Designed for Safety

At PetMed of Key West, we use the Boehringer Ingelheim PureVax® rabies vaccine for cats.

This vaccine is specifically designed to reduce inflammation at the injection site.

Why does that matter?

Very rarely, cats can develop a type of tumor at previous injection sites (called a sarcoma). These are uncommon, but serious when they occur.

PureVax is designed to:

Reduce that risk
Provide effective protection
Offer an added safety margin for cats

👉 In simple terms:
We choose this vaccine because it’s a safer, more cat-friendly option.

It is a 1-year vaccine
Requires yearly boosters for protection

Rabies Vaccine for Dogs

Dogs do not develop these injection-site tumors, so we have different options.

At PetMed, we use the Boehringer Ingelheim IMRAB® rabies vaccine for dogs.

This vaccine:

Is very safe and well-established
Can be given as either a 1-year or 3-year vaccine, depending on timing and history

We’ll help determine what schedule your dog qualifies for.

Do You Offer a 3-Year Rabies Vaccine for Cats?

Yes—we do offer a 3-year rabies vaccine option for cats if owners prefer.

However, many cat owners choose PureVax because of its safety profile, even though it requires yearly vaccination.

We’re happy to talk through both options and help you decide what’s best for your cat.

The Power of a Simple Vaccine

At PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic, we believe vaccines are more than a requirement—they’re a promise.

A promise to protect:

Your pet
Your family
Your community

When your pet is vaccinated:

They are protected from a fatal disease
Your household risk is reduced
Your community becomes safer

It’s one of the simplest—and most important—things we do in veterinary medicine.

What Happens If a Pet Is Exposed to Rabies?

This is where things become very real.

If a pet is exposed and not properly vaccinated:

Strict quarantine may be required
In some cases, euthanasia may be recommended
Human exposure concerns become a serious issue

Rabies is one of the few diseases where prevention is everything.

Rabies Vaccine Schedule

Dogs and Cats:

First vaccine: 12–16 weeks of age
Booster: 1 year later

After that:

Dogs: Every 3 years as long as your pet is not overdue. 1 year if they are overdue.
Cats:
- PureVax → yearly
- 3-year option available

The Bottom Line

As a pet owner, I understand wanting to make thoughtful decisions about vaccines.

As a veterinarian, I also know that rabies is one disease where we don’t get second chances.

The good news is:
👉 This is a disease we can prevent—very effectively.

And sometimes, prevention comes down to something as simple as one appointment… before that unexpected moment ever happens. Make an appointment here.

Rabies Vaccine FAQs

Is rabies always fatal?

Yes. Rabies is always fatal in pets once symptoms appear. In humans, it is almost always fatal, and the very rare survivors often have severe, lifelong complications.

Is rabies vaccination required for dogs and cats?

Yes. Rabies vaccination is required for dogs in Iowa and for cats within the city of Dubuque. It is considered a core vaccine for both species.

Can indoor cats get rabies?

Yes. Bats can enter homes, and cats may encounter wildlife in garages, porches, or through open doors or windows.

Why do you use a different rabies vaccine for cats?

Cats have a small but real risk of developing tumors at injection sites. The PureVax vaccine is designed to reduce that risk.

Is the PureVax rabies vaccine safer for cats?

It is designed to reduce inflammation at the injection site, which is associated with a lower risk of these rare tumors. Many veterinarians consider it a safer option for cats.

Why can dogs get a 3-year rabies vaccine?

Dogs do not have the same injection-site tumor risk, so longer-duration vaccines are commonly used when appropriate.

What happens if my pet is exposed to rabies and not vaccinated?

This can lead to strict quarantine requirements and, in some rare cases, euthanasia depending on the situation and local regulations.

Are rabies vaccine reactions common?

Reactions are uncommon and typically mild, such as soreness or tiredness. Serious reactions are rare.

Local Care You Can Trust

PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic proudly serves Dubuque, Asbury, Peosta, Epworth, Dyersville, Farley, and surrounding communities.

If you’re unsure when your pet’s last rabies vaccine was—or if it’s time for a booster—our team is here to help make it simple, quick, and stress-free.

Because sometimes, all it takes is one unexpected moment to remind us why prevention matters.

Written by Dr. Mackenzie Hellert

Last edited: 3-30-26