Southgate Veterinary Hospital requires our patients to be vaccinated and stay up to date against rabies to receive services at our clinic. Click Here for More Information

NBC news story released on Aug. 31, 2025- CDC surveillance shows outbreaks of rabies rising across the U.S.

How does this affect us in Fargo-Moorhead?  
Our area has had reported cases of rabies. Rabies is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear, making prevention critical. People exposed to a suspected rabid animal undergo post-exposure prophylaxis, a series of injections required to help the body fight off a possible rabies infection.  
It’s the law! Within the Fargo–Moorhead-West Fargo city limits, all dogs and cats are legally required to be up to date on their rabies vaccination.  Veterinary professionals are at a three-times higher exposure risk to a rabid animal than the public. For the health, safety, and protection of our team members and the community,

Southgate Veterinary Hospital requires our patients to be vaccinated and stay up to date against rabies to receive services at our clinic.  

 

Common questions: 
What if I am bit by a dog or cat?
This could be a public health concern. You should: contact the owner of the dog or cat to verify vaccination status, contact the local police department, and contact your medical provider.

What if my pet is bit by another dog or cat?
This could be a public health concern. You should: contact the owner of the dog or cat to verify vaccination status, contact your veterinary office, and determine if the local police department needs to get involved.

What if my pet is bit by wildlife?  
This could be a public health concern. Contact your veterinarian.  The only way to confirm a rabies infection is by testing non-frozen brain material.  If the wild animal needs to be tested, safety precautions must be used when handling the wild animal.

Do I need to vaccinate my pet if I live in an apartment?
Yes, all dogs and cats within local city limits and surrounding areas are legally required to be kept up to date on their rabies vaccination.

For more information on the human rabies vaccine series, visit the ND Gov website: Rabies Vaccine Information | Health and Human Services North Dakota

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It’s never been easier to monitor your pet’s health from your mobile device! With our new PetDesk app, you’ll have access to all of your pet’s health data in the palm of your hand. Additionally, you’ll find it a lot simpler to interact with us. What you can do is:

  • Request Appointments 24/7
  • Receive Automatic Reminders
  • Save Notes, Pics, and Much More
  • Your Pet’s Free Organizer App
  • Two-Way Texting With Our Team
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Why should I download the app?

The PetDesk application makes it easy to manage your pet’s health. This free app lets you:

  • Set reminders for your pet’s recurring treatments and needs
  • Manage your pet’s veterinary, grooming, and boarding needs all in one place
  • Save photos of your pet
  • Take notes to keep in mind for your next pet care visit

If your veterinary provider uses PetDesk, you get these additional benefits via the app:

  • Keep track of your pet’s appointments, vaccinations, and medication history
  • Get reminders to book your pet care appointments
  • Schedule and confirm appointments easily
  • Receive messages from your veterinarian about prescription pick-ups and post-surgery updates
What devices does the app work on?

PetDesk is available on IOS and Android devices (Mobile or Tablet).

How do I edit my email listed in the app?
  • Open the PetDesk App on your phone or tablet
  • On the “Pets” tab, tap the gear at the top right
  • Tap on the box located at the top of the screen, stating your Name, Email, Address, and Phone Number
  • Tap your email and delete the old one
  • Enter your new email
  • Tap “Update” or “Save” at the bottom to save changes
  • This updates your email in the app and with PetDesk communications