Bryan County pet owners can now have fewer trips to the veterinarian to schedule. As of Jan. 1, the county is recognizing one- and three-year rabies vaccinations and registrations, depending on age and vaccine status of the animal.

Pet owners should talk to their veterinarians about their animals' needs, age, health and a variety of other factors to determine which vaccine is appropriate.

“Bryan County is pleased to start recognizing the three-year rabies vaccine and registration,” said Bryan County Director of Animal Control Skip Youmans. “This vaccine ensures pets stay protected longer, and we always want to encourage precautionary safety for them. Plus, it should make things a little easier on pet owners.”

While the three-year vaccine is more expensive, it is only needed once every three years. Pet owners will be paying more only because the shot's immunity lasts longer, not because the preventative medication itself is going up in price.

According to Georgia state law, all dogs, cats and ferrets must have a rabies vaccination. Vaccinations are an important part of all pets' preventative health care.

To provide them with the best possible protection, animals need to be vaccinated while they are still young. Rabies and other infectious diseases can be very serious and even fatal, especially in puppies and kittens.

Bryan County Animal Control provides care for homeless animals, pet adoption services and enforcement of the animal control laws in Bryan County, Georgia. For more information, go to bryancountyga.org/government/departments-a-g/animal-control, or call 912-459-6515.