The last couple of years my vet gave Pookie a waiver so he wouldn't have to get his rabies vaccine. It wasn't really necessary since it was during the 3 years that the vaccine covered anyway. This year, the vet gave me a hard time about it and apparently, this is the last time he'll give me a waiver.
Pookie is strictly indoor, has no desire to go outside, I don't have a chimney for bats to come in, and there's no way he could get into the attic or bats could get in through the attic to the main house. So I don't see the point in him getting another shot, esp. since he seems to have some food allergies and the label says it's to be used in healthy animals only (no acute or chronic illnesses). I'm also concerned because I truly think that over-vaccination played a role in the problems his sister had, even though I have no proof of that. So I'm left with a choice to make:
1. take him back to this vet and refuse to get him vaccinated, and not get the waiver. There's the possibility that he'll refuse to provide any services for Pookie at all (I've heard of a holistic vet who's doing this), in which case I'll need to go elsewhere.
2. try to find another vet in the area who will understand my concerns and provide a waiver. What are the odds?
3. go to another vet in the area and just not raise the issue at all. I'm sure it will come up eventually, though, and it feels dishonest to me.
4. Go to various vets in the area so no one figures it out. Problem is he's not getting consistent care from someone familiar with him.
5. Not take him to a vet at all unless there’s an emergency. What I don’t like about this option is that means no annual check-ups, so if there’s a problem developing it wouldn’t be detected early.
I’m at a loss here. I’m tired of trying to find a vet who has a clue and will listen to me. The only reason I kept going to this one was because he hadn’t been pushy about the vaccines (until now, which makes me think he’s hurting financially) and he has an answering service so I can reach him in an emergency. I’m in a very rural area and the nearest ER is about 45 min – 1 hour away.
I’m home for the rest of the year, so if I look for another vet, this is the time to do it. I’d appreciate your input. Some folks I’ve spoken to don’t even take their cat to a vet, and I’m torn because on one hand it seems irresponsible to not get him checked, but I can’t bring myself to get him vaccinated. I was in tears when I left his appointment because I swore when I lost his sister that I would never let Pookie get a vaccine again. Shoot, I’m crying now . . .
Thanks, all.