Blog Archives

Even veterinarians and small-business owners get jury duty

2/19/2019

What better way to spend 8+ hours than crammed in the basement of the Monmouth County Courts building with 730 other potential jurors?

Don't worry, even though I wasn't "working," I had plenty of other veterinary and Barnside tasks to keep me occupied.

"Sorry," to all my clients and their sick pets, who I wasn't able to attend to.

"New Jersey Government-- Working for You!"

Local RABIES outbreaks! What you need to know!

2/8/2019

Rabies? Here in Monmouth County?
Belmar has an outbreak of Rabies right now!

In Belmar, NJ an 83 year-old Belmar woman was bit by a rabid raccoon in January. An neighboring dog was also bit, presumably by the same raccoon. On February 5th, a Belmar family's pet cat was killed by a raccoon which is currently also being tested for Rabies.

Rabies Vaccination for your pet-- FAQ's

WHY DO I NEED TO VACCINATE MY PET?
Rabies is fatal! All mammals, including humans, are susceptible to rabies. There are about 300 confirmed cases of Rabies in NJ every year! There were almost 50 cases of Rabies in Monmouth and Ocean County last year.

BUT MY PET DOESN'T GO OUTSIDE!
Even if your animal isn't ever "allowed" outside, accidents and escapes happen. Unfortunately, bats in the house, are way more common than anyone likes to think. Rabid wild animals behave erratically and are known to burst through screens and attack people and pets.

I DON'T BELIEVE IN VACCINES
Owning a pet is a privilege, not a right. If you choose not to vaccinate your pet against other diseases, you're putting your pet's health at risk. But if you don't vaccinate your pet against rabies, you're putting your pet, your family and the public at risk.

TOWNSHIP LICENSING
A town's responsibility is to protect the public. When a town issues a license, it is essentially stating, "You the public, are safe from rabies, from this animal, for the duration of the licensing year." It can be frustrating when your pet's rabies vaccine is good until August, but the town insists it be valid until December. Remember, the town needs to protect "the public" and rabies is fatal.

ABOUT THE VACCINE
There are currently two valid rabies vaccines in the US for use in dogs and cats: Imrab by Merial and Defensor by Pfizer/Zoetis. Rabies vaccines can only be administered by a licensed veterinarian. The rabies vaccine is good for 1 year for puppies, kittens or any adult dog or cat for which there is no documented proof of rabies vaccination. The pet is NOT considered protected against rabies until 28 days after the vaccine was given. For previously vaccinated dogs and cats, the rabies vaccine is considered medically protective for 3 years. Again, the township's licensing laws to protect the public, supersede all.

WILL YOU SIGN AN EXEMPTION FORM?
Short answer? No. The rabies vaccine is consider extremely safe and effective. If your pet is currently undergoing chemotherapy, is currently having an episode of IMHA/IMTP or has some similar life-threatening illness, we can discuss the situation. Pet's age, concerns about over-vaccination and personal beliefs are not acceptable reasons to avoid rabies vaccines.

HOW ELSE CAN I PROTECT MY PET?
Keep your pet indoors or under your direct supervision. Don't allow your pet to engage with wildlife.
Vaccinate! Vaccinate! Vaccinate!
---Meredith L. Weltner-Sharin VMD

Girl Scout Troop 913 visits Barnside Veterinary Hospital

2/8/2019

Girl Scout Troop 913 visited Barnside Veterinary Hospital. This small group of 4th-graders asked many astute questions as they followed the path through the veterinary hospital that a sick pet might take. A few might become veterinarians . . . if they keep up their studies for the next 16 years!

A celebrity in our midst!

2/4/2019

Barnside's Staff Manager Sandy's coonhound, Honeybugs, is the cover star of the Coonhound Companions 2019 calendar. Purchase a calendar or otherwise support this rescue group at www.coonhoundcompanions.com

what's new

Even veterinarians and small-business owners get jury duty

Local RABIES outbreaks! What you need to know!

Rabies? Here in Monmouth County?
Belmar has an outbreak of Rabies right now!

Rabies Vaccination for your pet-- FAQ's

Girl Scout Troop 913 visits Barnside Veterinary Hospital

A celebrity in our midst!

What's New

Categories

Archives

We Would Love to Have You Visit Soon! Stop In Any Time for a Tour.

QUICK LINKS

"Veterinary Excellence through Education, Knowledge and Compassion"

what's new

Even veterinarians and small-business owners get jury duty

Local RABIES outbreaks! What you need to know!

Rabies? Here in Monmouth County?​Belmar has an outbreak of Rabies right now!

Rabies Vaccination for your pet-- FAQ's

Girl Scout Troop 913 visits Barnside Veterinary Hospital

A celebrity in our midst!

What's New

Categories

Archives

We Would Love to Have You Visit Soon! Stop In Any Time for a Tour.

QUICK LINKS

"Veterinary Excellence through Education, Knowledge and Compassion"

Rabies? Here in Monmouth County?
Belmar has an outbreak of Rabies right now!