Spay/neuter is not only an animal welfare service – it’s a proven public health tool. By reducing the number of unowned and free-roaming animals, we reduce the chances that pets and people will come into contact with rabid wildlife. Vaccines administered during spay/neuter surgery, or as part of sheltering and rehoming programs, provide a crucial layer of protection.
Current Challenges: Across the nation, shelters are struggling. Many are being advised to simply turn away animals, sending them back into communities unaltered and unvaccinated. If this is happening in your community, please use your voice to push back against policies that lead to overpopulation and threaten public health. Learn more on the United Spay Alliance’s “No Babies, No Rabies” website.
Dogs: Rabid dogs in the U.S. are uncommon because of effective rabies prevention and control programs. Around the world, domestic dogs are responsible for more than 95% of the estimated 70,000 human deaths each year.
Cats: Programs that Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return community cats (feral and free-roaming cats) provide a layer of protection against rabies. If you are caring for outdoor cats, get them fixed and vaccinated. If you need trapping assistance, contact a local community cat program in your area. Pet Friendly Services of Indiana also offers $25 spay/neuter surgeries to limited-income colony caretakers. The surgery comes with a free rabies vaccination and mandatory eartip. Learn on our Spay-Neuter Assistance Program page.
Find Low-Cost Spay/Neuter & Vaccines
Awareness is important, but access matters, too. Pet Friendly Services of Indiana maintains statewide resources to help Indiana pet owners find affordable spay/neuter and vaccination
Indiana Rabies Vaccination Requirements
Indiana requires all dogs, cats and ferrets 3 months of age and older to be vaccinated against rabies, with ongoing vaccination required according to state rules and vaccine labeling.
Indiana Spay/Neuter Resource Directory
Search by county for low-cost clinics, financial assistance, transport programs and other spay/neuter resources throughout Indiana on our Spay/Neuter Resource Directory.
Indiana Low-Cost Vaccine Clinics
Find low-cost vaccination resources for pets across Indiana through our Indiana Resource Directory.
Nationwide: United Spay Alliance maintains a national directory of low-cost spay/neuter and vaccine providers.
Learn More About Rabies Prevention & Protocols
Indiana Department of Health
Until the early 1960’s, most of the rabies cases in Indiana were dogs, cats, and animals bitten by dogs and cats. After pet vaccination increased and animal control programs were established, dog and cat rabies decreased rapidly. From the 1960s to 1988 skunks were the most commonly found rabid animals in Indiana.
Indiana Rabies Prevention Information
The State of Indiana provides information about preventing rabies, what to do following a potential human or pet exposure, reporting animal bites, and who to contact with questions about human, animal or wildlife exposures.
Rabies Information from the CDC
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides comprehensive information about rabies, including how the virus spreads, how to protect pets and people, what to do after a possible exposure, and when to seek medical care.
For specific prevention guidance, click here.
If you believe you or someone in your family may have been exposed to rabies, contact a health care provider or your local health department promptly.