There's been another rabies scare in St. Joseph County, Indiana.
If your pets aren't up to date on their shots, your whole family could be in danger.
It's the second this year.
The Humane Society says a cat in Granger was bit by a rabid bat.
Lucky for the cat's owner, it tested negative.
But not all pets are up to date on their shots.
That's why this latest case should serve as an important reminder.
By law, dogs and cats in Indiana have to be get rabies shots.
Even pets that stay inside.
Shots are good for three years for adult animals and one year for puppies.
The shot isn't just for your pet's own good.
"It's a very serious virus that can be transmitted to humans. That's why it is so important to have your pets vaccinated because they are the defense between the wildlife that are bringing rabies into our area and the household," says Genny Carlson with the Humane Society of St. Joseph County.
There have been 13 cases in the entire state.
"That's abnormal because normally they don't see this many bats until August or September so they're already ahead of the game because normally they get only about 20 or 30 a year," says Carlson.
Veterinarian Dr. Donn Kryder says keep an eye on your pets.
When it comes to rabies your pet will simply look very sick.
Other symptoms include, drooling and sensitivity to sound and light.
But if it gets to that, you might already be out of time.
"By the time you seek clinical science it's gonna be way too late in the animal. Vaccinate your pets. Rabies is important. It's preventable, not curable," says Kryder.
