Waco Veterinarian, Dr. Ray Emerson has been in the business of caring for pets for nearly 40 years.

"There's been controversy about the amount of vaccinations that are necessary for both cats and dogs," Emerson said.

That's because about 15 years ago, Emerson says a preservative was added to certain pet vaccines, including the Rabies shot that has been known to cause tumors in pets, particularly cats.

Though the state has said it's only necessary to vaccinate your pet for rabies once every three years. Most cities, including those right here in Central Texas require that it be done annually.

" I know you can get away with vaccinating less frequently, but the general population is scared to death of rabies, so they don't want to take the chance that we might be wrong."

Like many vets, Emerson has been caught in the debate about how much is too much to vaccinate pets for some time now. He says in the last couple of decades he's only had two cases of cats developing a tumor related to a vaccine. But he says that shouldn't stop pet owners from vaccinating their cats and dogs against rabies every year.

"Vaccinations prevent far more problems than they cause."

Emerson says at the very least you should talk to your vet. He says it all comes down to balancing what's best for your pet and the law.