You probably know that contracting rabies would be fatal for your dog or cat. That’s why your four-legged friend has been vaccinated. But are you familiar with the potential hazards of missing a rabies booster?

Dogs and cats should first be vaccinated against rabies when they’re around 3 months old, then revaccinated, or boostered, one year later. Thereafter, depending on the vaccine, a booster is scheduled for every year or every three years. And because rabies is a no-nonsense disease, animal health officials follow these dates to the day.

In some states, a dog or cat that is overdue for a rabies shot and comes into contact with a wild animal must either be euthanized or quarantined for 6 months. That could mean boarding a pet at a veterinary clinic for half a year — all at the owner’s expense.

So look for clinic reminders and stay on top of rabies vaccinations.