It's interesting about the rabies thing. It isn't law up here.. only if you will be crossing the border with your pets (which I do, so they all are vaccinated).

Because I travel across the border, I vaccinate all my cats with all the vaccines. when I'm in the states, they are allowed outside (in an enclosed yard.. netting all around..) so I would rather be safe than sorry.

Bassett also has horrible vaccine reactions. After she reacted so badly, the vet decided to give her a shot of cortizone first, to help offset the allergic reaction. It totally worked - she was not sick at all. It was more expensive, but worth it to keep her comfy.