Are Rabies Vaccinations Legally Required for Pets in Indiana?

Here's a hypothetical scenario: you're out for a peaceful walk with your furbaby when suddenly, a cute little raccoon approaches. Your doggy, not wanting to be rude, approaches what could be a potential new friend - and you're left to wonder if that raccoon has rabies. We don't want another Cujo situation, right? A simple vaccination can prevent a scenario like this from turning tragic.

Are Pets Required to Get a Rabies Vaccination In Indiana?

Has your pet been vaccinated against rabies? Are Indiana pets required to have one? Would you be surprised to learn that YES, you are required to get your pet vaccinated against rabies in Indiana? I sure was, and I'll admit that I don't think my sweet old dog has ever gotten that vaccination. He's an inside dog, so it seems virtually impossible for him to get rabies, but still, the law is the law. So, what does the law say? Here's the official word from In.gov...

In Indiana, rabies vaccination exemptions are NOT allowed. All dogs, cats, and ferrets 3 months of age and older must be vaccinated against rabies. The rabies vaccine must be administered by a licensed and accredited veterinarian or under the direct supervision of a licensed and accredited veterinarian.

ALSO READ: These Indiana Towns Share Names With Destinations Around the World

What If Your Pet Doesn't Have the Rabies Vaccination?

A rabies vaccination is required for pets in Indiana, so by failing to get one, you are breaking the law. But don't worry, "Harboring a nonimmunized dog" won't get you locked up - it is just a class C infraction. The offense gets bumped up to a class B misdemeanor if your nonimmunized dog causes bodily injury by biting a person.

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The good news is, it looks like a rabies vaccine will only cost you about $30, and I have to think your vet has plenty in stock.

LOOK: Here are the pets banned in each state

Because the regulation of exotic animals is left to states, some organizations, including The Humane Society of the United States, advocate for federal, standardized legislation that would ban owning large cats, bears, primates, and large poisonous snakes as pets.

Read on to see which pets are banned in your home state, as well as across the nation.

Gallery Credit: Elena Kadvany

25 Unusual Things Owners Say They're Pets Have Eaten

Having a pet, especially a dog, is like having a toddler all the time. If you don't see or hear them for a while, it usually means they're getting into something they're not supposed to be getting into. After my dog had to have surgery to remove a lump of carpet she had eaten, I wanted to know if there were any other strange or unusual things other people's pets have digested. How some of these animals still have working digestive systems is nothing short of a medical miracle. It's a good thing they're cute.

Gallery Credit: Ryan O'Bryan