Wisconsin law requires dogs to be vaccinated against rabies.

Both dogs and cats older than 12 weeks of age can be vaccinated. One year later, dogs and cats should receive their next vaccine, with subsequent vaccinations every three years. Depending on the chosen vaccine, cats may need to be boostered annually.

People can contract rabies through the bite of an infected animal.

Wisconsin wildlife especially bats and racoons are the most commonly infected animals, but dogs, cats, horses and cattle can also contract the disease.

The law requires quarantine of unvaccinated pets that come in contact with bats or other wild animals.

If you find a bat in your home or a skunk in your yard, confine the animal if possible and call your local animal control.

Automatic exposure is assumed in any case where there is a pet, child or sleeping person in your home with the suspicious animal.  The wild animal should be sent for testing to confirm a negative rabies test.