Of all the vaccines pets can get, the rabies vaccine is the most important.  Rabies is a very serious, and often fatal disease, which is preventable through vaccinating your pets.  Rabies is a virus that only affects mammals and it is transmitted through saliva.  Although rabies is much more prevalent in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, rabies in the United States has been found in every state except for Hawaii and therefore every state has requirements for pets such as dogs, cats, and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies.

In Illinois, rabies is primarily found in bats, however it is also commonly found in skunks, raccoons, coyote, and fox.  Household pets can encounter these wild animals when they are outside. Since wildlife such as raccoons and bats have been known to make their way inside homes, it is important to vaccinate all pets, even if they do not go outside.  Vaccinating your pets is the best buffer in preventing rabies from spreading to the family household.

Thanks to Robin VanSickle, coordinator for Animal Care and Control for answering the question.