06/13/2026
Vaccinating animals against rabies protects them and creates a “buffer zone” between humans and rabid animals.
Under Oregon law, all dogs are required to be vaccinated against rabies. Veterinarians strongly recommend vaccination for cats, ferrets and horses.
Multnomah County requires cats to be vaccinated against rabies. Nationally, twice as many cats as dogs are reported to have rabies each year, so it's important to vaccinate them. Cats come into contact with bats far more often than other pets and, if not vaccinated, may have to be quarantined for an extended time or euthanized after such contact.
Do not pick up or touch bats. If you encounter a bat during the day, it is likely unhealthy and should be avoided. Anyone bitten by a bat should be proactively vaccinated against rabies if the bat is not available for testing.
Keep Animals and Humans Safe
◗ Vaccinate dogs, cats, ferrets and horses.
◗ Watch wildlife from a distance. Don't feed, approach or handle wild animals.
◗ Feed pets indoors. Keep garbage in secure containers and away from wildlife.
◗ Seal openings in buildings and place screens in chimneys to block access to bats and other wildlife.