By Colleen Ferreira (cferreira@wsbt.com)

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 WSBT-TV WSBT-TV

6:25 p.m. EDT, September 28, 2012
A good reminder if you have pets.
 
Make sure they are vaccinated for rabies.

The St. Joe County Humane Society is seeing cases of it this year...in fact, more than last year.

Rabies is a deadly virus and vaccinations are required by law for a dog, cat or ferret.
 
Once that pet hits 12 weeks old you must get them the vaccine every year or you're breaking the law.

You, me, our pets, anyone can get if they're bitten by an animal that has it.

In Indiana, bats are the problem.

The humane society says an infected bat could make its way into your home, bite you or your pet, you will most likely get the virus.
 
Your pet could interact with wildlife and pick it up that way as well.

If you or your pet are bitten by a bat see a doctor or vet immediately.

"Bat's teeth are so small, you may not know if you've been bit by one, so if you wake up, find a bat in your house or you notice a bat flying around, quarantine that area, get out of the house, remove your pets and call animal control or police right away cause you dont want to be exposed to any possible illnesses," said Genny Carlson with the St. Joe County Humane Society.

The state has seen 20 cases of rabies to date this year, again just in bats.

Last year at this time they had 30 cases.

This Sunday - there are free vaccination clinics for dogs and cats. We have those locations for you under hot topics.

CLICK HERE for rabies vaccine locations.