three years and 2 days

[Deb's Tiny Dogs]

I have been taking my dogs to the same groomer for two years - every month without fail. Today, my husband took them to be groomed and they wouldn't take one of them because his rabies shot was 2 days past due. He told her that we couldn't get an appointment for him to get the shot until Saturday.

Well, they absolutely refused to groom him. This is a three year rabies shot. Would three years and 2 days make a difference? I was really peeved! Opinions??

[GermanShepherds]

I can understand why your peeved. I mean youve been going thier non-stop for 2 years and they know your dog and they know you and wont take him because hes 2 days past due.
But you have to keep in mind they are obligated to stick to the rules. For the safety of the groomers and the other dogs who go there. I mean if you saw a grizzly shepherd in thier who looked rugged and the owners said "Hes past his due date for his rabie shots." You would be appalled and fearful for your dog.
They also dont know where your dog has been or what hes been in contact with, their just doing there job and following the policy. The best thing is to get the shot and take him back to be groommed, I wouldnt let this get to you to much or affect your relationship with the grooming place.

[cassidy]

umm i suppose they have to but if you had been going ther all the time regualry then i would of thought they would have over looked it

[GermanShepherds]

There just playing the safe side, its better to be overly safe than sorry.
They could face lawsuits, if they bend the rules for one person they may do it for someone else who does have a sick dog.

[Pro47]

I would be a little upset too, but I have to agree with GermanShepherds... At my shop, we require, no questions asked, that the dog have all shots. Just to be safe. And if in some freak accident, another dog that was there the same day somehow contracted rabies, it could be traced back to you. Maybe they are looking out for you to!

[bernicesmama]

That sucks, if everyone wasn't so sue crazy all the time they probably would have let you in, but they do have to c.y.a.

besides, I bet your dogs are so beautiful they can skip a groom for a week!
just trying to think positive

[*chihuahuagirl*]

I think 2.. days is no difference. But when your talkin about 3 days, lol, jk. I think 1 month past due is when they surely need it

[KellyJean]

I tend to think as well, that "immunity" to rabies is not absent after 3 years... If that was the case, then they'd have you get the shot after 2.5 years, not 3. In my opinion, the shot probably lasts longer than that, but they say 3 so that your dog's coverage never expires. Gonna have to ask about that the next time I'm at the vet.

But, I agree, their policy probably says "we cannot groom dogs who do not have a valid rabies vac" and your dog doesn't qualify. Around here, we've got a dog that has never had his rabies vac, and I know him well. I see him daily. There's nothing wrong with him, but when I spoke to a few groomers, their first question was "When was his rabies shot done" and then refused to see him. Now, I *KNOW* that there's nothing wrong with him, just as you *KNOW* that there's nothing wrong with your dog, but rules like that are made to protect people and they just aren't worth risking. I understand that.

Ok, and people are saying to me "well, your dog never had the shot, and her's had it 3 years and 2 days ago" but, in the eyes of the law, the dogs are equal. your dogs shot has expired, and mine is non-existant. They are equal, neither dog has had the shot.

Now, as far as what to do... go with your gut. If you like the groomer, stay, and next time, don't make the appointment when your shot is expired. If you don't like the groomer (in general, not because of this) then find a new one.

Kelly

[BabyElephant]

We only need rabies vaccninations in the UK if we want a passport for our dog, here it is a 2 year booster and if you go over that by even 1 day you have to start the whole process of getting a passport again. That means full rabies vaccination, blood tests, another 6 months wait to realise full immunity....

I know it seems harsh but rules are rules and they are only doing their job. Like somebody else said if you're happy with them other than this occasion then go back, if not find another groomer.

[Deb's Tiny Dogs]

Miko got his rabies shot today so he's good to go again. Thanks, everyone, for the valued opinions.

Miko is ten so while he got his shot today, he also got a little physical. The vet said his eyes are starting to look cloudy. My little Miko, he's getting old. I can't even think of losing him. click on this thumbnail pic and take a look at his little face.