Should squirrels get rabies shots?

[Bex]

Hi - My outdoor teenage Fox squirrel, Reeree, is thriving and I hope on her way to being a fine member of our extensive fox squirrel community.I'm wondering if, before she goes all independent, if I should try to get her a rabies shot, or any other vaccines? Thanks!

[HRT4SQRLS]

Hi Bex
:Welcome to TheSquirrelBoard

Nope, no vaccines required. Squirrels are not considered rabies vector species. Although as a mammal they certainly can get rabies, it is so extremely unlikely that they would survive an attack of a rabid animal they aren't even considered a rabies vector species by the CDC. Bites from a squirrel are not considered as a potential vector of rabies and would not be treated for the possibility. Of course, any bite can and will get infected.

Did you raise ReeRee? I get them impression she is a young friendly wild.

By the way, most vets will not treat squirrels.

[Spanky]

Hi - My outdoor teenage Fox squirrel, Reeree, is thriving and I hope on her way to being a fine member of our extensive fox squirrel community.I'm wondering if, before she goes all independent, if I should try to get her a rabies shot, or any other vaccines? Thanks!

No, squirrels are not considered rabies vector species... Do you have a vet that has treated Reeree in the past? If you do not have a "safe vet" be aware that many vets will confiscate squirrels unless you are a rehabber since they are considered wildlife. Some will euthanize for no better reason than they have come into contact with "the public".

I would recommend a single drop of Revolution (kitten version) on the skin between the shoulder blades. This will protect her at least for a while from a bunch of different parasites.

[Bex]

Hi - Thanks for the quick response - that's what I figured - but just wanted to be sure. I found Reeree in my backyard about 6 weeks ago, a half eaten baby was nearby. I thought she was dead but picked her up, and as she warmed up I noticed her breathing. I warmed her and put her out to see if mama was around, but no luck. So I contacted a friend who rehabs in Teen and she directed me to a great rehab guide on-line, and I followed it to the letter. She seemed about 3 weeks old. Reeree was found the day Aretha died, and shows her namesakes enthusiasm for life. After keeping her a couple of weeks inside, I transformed my old chicken coop into a squirrel habitat and then let her out of it during the day at about 6 weeks old. I feed avocado, fruits and nuts, and she eats maple seeds and runs around the backyard trees watching other squirrels. She rejects formula. She still hops on my shoulder, but seems to be easing into being a wild squirrel. What a great experience it has been, and I rationalize my raising her (as opposed to sending her to the wildlife rehab) with the information that raising squirrels as pets is a venerable early American tradition. They were more popular than cats as house pets once, lol.

I have often looked up into my trees where generations of Fox squirrels have lived and wished I was one of them! I had a significant long association with one female who really demonstrated the survival smarts and great personality of squirrels. I mourned her death; she was probably over 10 yrs old. My 16 yo son, who has mental illness, went to residential treatment the day I found Reeree, which was both poignant and therapeutic.
Anyway, love this squirrel board, and thanks for asking.