💉 Rabies Vaccination Requirements by State
Rabies vaccination is the one vaccine most states make compulsory. The age of the first shot, whether cats are included and how often boosters are due are set state by state — and counties can add to them.
| State | Status | What the law says | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Required statewide | Yes. Alabama requires dogs, cats and ferrets 3 months and older to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years). What the law says: Dog, cat, or ferret must be vaccinated for rabies by 3 months and then frequency established by the State Board of Health. Ala. Code 1975 § 3-7A-2 Medical exemptions: The State Board of Health by rule may establish procedures and qualifications for an exemption from the requirement for a vaccination for an animal if a rabies vaccination would be injurious to the animal's health. Ala. Code 1975 § 3-7A-2 With the written consent of an animal's owner, a veterinarian with a valid client/patient relationship (VC/PR) may issue a certificate exempting an animal from… | Ala. Code § 3-7A-2 |
| Alaska | Required statewide | Yes. Alaska requires dogs, cats and ferrets, on the national compendium schedule, to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years). What the law says: Rabies vaccination of dogs, cats, and ferrets is required in accordance with schedules in the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control, 2011. Alaska Admin. Code tit. 7, § 27.022 | 7 AAC 27.022 |
| Arizona | Required for dogs only, or with gaps | Arizona requires dogs to be vaccinated against rabies (proof is needed for the county dog licence); state law does not set a separate requirement for cats. What the law says: All animals in Arizona vaccinated against rabies shall be vaccinated as prescribed in the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians' Compendium of Animal Rabies Control, 2016 Part I Section A. This material is incorporated by reference, does not include any later amendments or editions of the incorporated matter, and is on file with the Department and the Office of the Secretary of State. A.A.C. R3-2-409 | A.R.S. § 11-1010 |
| Arkansas | Required statewide | Yes. Arkansas requires dogs and cats 4 months and older to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years). What the law says: All dogs, cats, and other animals shall be vaccinated against rabies as required by the State Board of Health. A.C.A. § 20-19-305 The owner of every dog or cat 4 months of age or older shall have the animal vaccinated against rabies. Vaccination at a younger age should be in accordance with the labels of USDA licensed rabies vaccines. Ark. Admin. Code 007.15.1-II | A.C.A. § 20-19-305 |
| California | Required for dogs only, or with gaps | California requires dogs over 4 months to be vaccinated against rabies; cats are left to cities and counties. What the law says: Every dog owner, after his or her dog attains the age of 4 months, shall no less than once every two years secure a license for the dog as provided by ordinance of the responsible city, city and county, or county. West's Ann. Cal. Health & Safety Code § 121690 Medical exemptions: A licensed veterinarian determines, on an annual basis, that a rabies vaccination would endanger the dog's life due to disease or other considerations that the veterinarian can verify and document. A request for an exemption developed by the department and shall include a signed statement by the veterinarian explaining the inadvisability of the vaccination and a signed statement by the dog owner… | Cal. Health & Safety Code § 121690 |
| Colorado | Left to counties and cities | Colorado has no statewide rabies vaccination requirement for pets; state law lets county and district boards of health require it, and most do — check with your county or city. What the law says: No statewide law requiring vaccination: "When it is deemed advisable in the interest of public health and safety, the board of health of an organized health department or a county board of health may order that all dogs, cats, other pet animals, or other mammals in the county or district be vaccinated against rabies, such vaccination to be performed by a licensed veterinarian." C. R. S. A. § 25-4-607 Medical exemptions: A veterinarian, with the written consent of an animal's owner, may issue a written waiver pursuant to the rules of the health department, exempting an animal from a rabies vaccination order if the veterinarian, in his or her professional opinion, determines that the rabies inoculation is contraindicated due to the animal's medical condition. The executive director of the health department shall… | C.R.S. § 25-4-607 |
| Connecticut | Required statewide | Yes. Connecticut requires dogs and cats 3 months and older to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years). What the law says: A dog or cat of the age of 3 months or older shall have such dog or cat vaccinated against rabies. C. G. S. A. § 22-339b Medical exemptions: The State Veterinarian or the Commissioner of Agriculture, or the commissioner's designee, may grant an exemption from vaccination against rabies for a dog or cat if a licensed veterinarian has examined such animal and determined that a rabies vaccination would endanger the animal's life due to disease or other medical considerations. Such exemption may be granted for an individual animal only… | C.G.S.A. § 22-339b |
| Delaware | Required statewide | Yes. Delaware requires dogs, cats and ferrets 6 months and older to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years). What the law says: Any person owning a dog 6 months of age or older in this State shall have that dog vaccinated against rabies by a veterinarian. Any person owning a cat 6 months of age or older in this State shall have the cat vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. Any person owning a ferret 6 months of age or older in this State shall have the ferret vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. 3 Del.C. § 8204 Medical exemptions: An exemption from vaccination against rabies may be permitted if a licensed veterinarian has examined the animal and based on the veterinarian's professional judgment has certified in writing that at the time, vaccination would endanger the animal's health because of its infirmity, disability, illness, or other medical considerations and a titer test, in the case of these medical exemptions, may… | 3 Del.C. § 8204 |
| District of Columbia | Required for dogs only, or with gaps | The District requires dogs over 4 months to be vaccinated against rabies (and distemper); cats over 4 months are covered by the Mayor’s rules. What the law says: An owner who has a dog over the age of 4 months shall have the dog vaccinated against rabies and distemper. Pursuant to rules issued by the Mayor, an owner of a cat over the age of 4 months shall have that cat vaccinated against rabies. DC CODE § 8-1803 | D.C. Code § 8-1803 |
| Florida | Required statewide | Yes. Florida requires dogs, cats and ferrets 4 months and older to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years). What the law says: All dogs, cats, and ferrets 4 months of age or older must be vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian against rabies with a vaccine that is licensed by the United States Department. West's F. S. A. § 828.30 Medical exemptions: A dog, cat, or ferret is exempt from vaccination against rabies if a licensed veterinarian has examined the animal and has certified in writing that at the time vaccination would endanger the animal's health because of its age, infirmity, disability, illness, or other medical considerations. An exempt animal must be vaccinated against rabies as soon as its health permits. West's F. S. A. § 828.30 | Fla. Stat. § 828.30 |
| Georgia | Required statewide | Yes. Georgia law requires every county board of health to make rabies vaccination of dogs and cats compulsory; the county sets the schedule. What the law says: The county boards of health are empowered and required to adopt and promulgate rules and regulations requiring canines and felines to be inoculated against rabies and to prescribe the intervals and means of inoculation Ga. Code Ann., § 31-19-5 Medical exemptions: House Bill 1000 (2022) proposes to add health exemptions for canines and felines for rabies vaccine. | Ga. Code § 31-19-5 |
| Hawaii | No statewide requirement | Hawaii is the only rabies-free state, so it has no vaccination requirement for resident pets. Dogs and cats arriving from elsewhere must meet its strict rabies import and quarantine rules. What the law says: No laws or regulations on dogs living in Hawaii. Per the State of Hawaii, Department of Health: "Hawaii is the only state in the United States that is free of rabies and all dogs and cats entering the state must follow import rabies quarantine requirements. Cases of the disease in Hawaii have all been infected through exposures outside of the state." See https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease_listing/rabies/ | Official text |
| Idaho | No statewide requirement | Idaho has no statewide law requiring pets to be vaccinated against rabies. Many cities and counties require it, and vets strongly recommend it — check your local ordinance. What the law says: No state laws or regulations Per the Idaho State Department of Agriculture: Are there any testing or vaccination requirements for rabies? Idaho requires all dogs and cats 12 weeks of age and older to be vaccinated prior to importing an animal into the state. There is no mandatory vaccination for resident animals, but it is recommended to keep your animals up-to-date on vaccination so as to avoid infection through exposure to infected wildlife. https://agri.idaho.gov/main/animals/small-animal-species/small-animal-disease/rabies/ | Official text |
| Illinois | Required for dogs only, or with gaps | Illinois requires dogs 4 months and older to be vaccinated against rabies, with a booster within a year; cats are covered by county rules. What the law says: Every owner of a dog 4 months or more of age shall have each dog inoculated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. Every dog shall have a second rabies vaccination within one year of the first. Terms of subsequent vaccine administration and duration of immunity must be in compliance with USDA licenses of vaccines used. 510 ILCS 5/8 Medical exemptions: If a licensed veterinarian determines in writing that a rabies inoculation would compromise an animal's health, then the animal shall be exempt from the rabies inoculation requirement, however, the owner is still responsible for the tag fees. 510 ILCS 5/8 | 510 ILCS 5/8 |
| Indiana | Required statewide | Yes. Indiana requires dogs, cats and ferrets 3 months and older to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years). What the law says: All dogs, cats, and ferrets 3 months of age and older must be vaccinated against rabies 345 IAC 1-5-2 | 345 IAC 1-5-2 |
| Iowa | Required for dogs only, or with gaps | Iowa requires dogs 6 months and older to be vaccinated against rabies and to wear the rabies tag; there is no statewide rule for cats. What the law says: Every owner of a dog shall obtain a rabies vaccination for such animal. It shall be unlawful for any person to own or have a dog in the person's possession, 6 months of age or over, which has not been vaccinated against rabies. I. C. A. § 351.33 | Iowa Code § 351.33 |
| Kansas | No statewide requirement | Kansas has no statewide law requiring pets to be vaccinated against rabies. Many cities and counties require it, and vets strongly recommend it — check your local ordinance. What the law says: No specific laws or regulations | Official text |
| Kentucky | Required statewide | Yes. Kentucky requires dogs, cats and ferrets by 4 months of age to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years). What the law says: Every owner shall have his dog, cat, or ferret initially vaccinated against rabies by the age of 4 months and revaccinated at the expiration of the immunization period as certified by the veterinarian. KRS 258.015 | KRS 258.015 |
| Louisiana | Required statewide | Yes. Louisiana requires dogs, cats and ferrets over 3 months to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years). What the law says: A dog, cat, or ferret over 3 months of age 51 LA ADC Pt III, § 103 | 51 La. Admin. Code Pt III, § 103 |
| Maine | Required statewide | Yes. Maine requires cats over 3 months, and dogs within 30 days of turning 3 months, to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years). What the law says: An owner or keeper of a cat over 3 months of age must have that cat vaccinated against rabies. An owner or keeper of a dog, within 30 days after the dog attains the age of 3 months, shall have that dog vaccinated against rabies. 7 M.R.S.A.§ 3916 Medical exemptions: An owner or keeper of a cat or dog is exempt from the requirements of subsection 1 if a medical reason exists that precludes the vaccination of the cat or dog. To qualify for this exemption, the owner or keeper must have a written statement signed by a licensed veterinarian that includes a description of the cat or dog and the medical reason that precludes the vaccination. 7 M.R.S.A.§ 3916 | 7 M.R.S.A. § 3916 |
| Maryland | Required statewide | Yes. Maryland requires dogs, cats and ferrets 4 months and older to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years). What the law says: Each person who owns or keeps a dog, cat, or ferret that is 4 months old or older shall have the dog, cat, or ferret vaccinated adequately against rabies. MD Code, Health General, § 18-318 | Md. Code, Health-Gen. § 18-318 |
| Massachusetts | Required statewide | Yes. Massachusetts requires dogs, cats and ferrets 6 months and older to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years). What the law says: Each owner or keeper of a dog, cat or ferret that is 6 months of age or older shall cause such dog, cat or ferret to be vaccinated against rabies. M.G.L.A. 140 § 145B Medical exemptions: A licensing authority may grant an exemption from this section for a dog, cat or ferret that: (i) the local board of health has declared exempt from the rabies vaccination requirement upon presentation of a veterinarian's certificate stating that because of an infirmity, other physical condition or regimen of therapy, such inoculation is considered inadvisable for a specified period of time for… | M.G.L. c. 140 § 145B |
| Michigan | Required for dogs only, or with gaps | Michigan requires a current rabies vaccination to license a dog (from about 4 months) and requires ferrets to be vaccinated; there is no statewide rule for cats. What the law says: Ferrets: by 12-weeks of age M. C. L. A. 287.892 Dogs: presumably by 4 months of age since a valid rabies certificate is required for licensing at this age M. C. L. A. 287.266 | MCL 287.266; MCL 287.892 |
| Minnesota | No statewide requirement | Minnesota has no statewide law requiring pets to be vaccinated against rabies. Many cities and counties require it, and vets strongly recommend it — check your local ordinance. What the law says: No laws or regulations | Official text |
| Mississippi | Required statewide | Yes. Mississippi requires dogs and cats from 3 months of age to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years). What the law says: It shall be the duty of every person in this state so owning or having in his or her possession a dog or cat to have said dog or cat inoculated (vaccinated) immediately after said dog or cat has reached the age of 3 months, and it shall be said person's further duty to have said dog or cat so inoculated (vaccinated) thereafter as required by the state board of health. Miss. Code Ann. § 41-53-1 | Miss. Code § 41-53-1 |
| Missouri | No statewide requirement | Missouri has no statewide law requiring pets to be vaccinated against rabies. Many cities and counties require it, and vets strongly recommend it — check your local ordinance. What the law says: No laws or regulations | Official text |
| Montana | No statewide requirement | Montana has no statewide law requiring pets to be vaccinated against rabies. Many cities and counties require it, and vets strongly recommend it — check your local ordinance. What the law says: No laws or regulations | Official text |
| Nebraska | Required statewide | Yes. Nebraska requires dogs, cats and ferrets by 3 months of age to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years). What the law says: By 3 months of age 173 NAC Ch. 5, § 002 | 173 NAC 5-002 |
| Nevada | Required statewide | Yes. Nevada requires dogs, cats and ferrets, on the national compendium schedule, to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years). What the law says: An owner of a dog, cat or ferret shall maintain the dog, cat or ferret currently vaccinated against rabies in accordance with the provisions of this section and the recommendations set forth in the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control, 2008 edition, published by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, Inc., which is hereby adopted by reference. Nev. Admin. Code 441A.435 Medical exemptions: A licensed veterinarian may exempt a dog, cat or ferret from vaccination for health reasons. The veterinarian shall record the reasons for the exemption and a specific description of the dog, cat or ferret, including the name, age, sex, breed and color on a rabies vaccination certificate which must bear the owner's name and address. The veterinarian shall record whether the reason for the… | NAC 441A.435 |
| New Hampshire | Required statewide | Yes. New Hampshire requires dogs, cats and ferrets 3 months and older to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years). What the law says: Vaccination by 3 months of age and older. Unvaccinated dogs, cats, and ferrets acquired or moved into the state shall be vaccinated within 30 days after purchase or arrival, unless under 3 months of age, as specified above. N.H. Rev. Stat. § 436:100 Medical exemptions: A rabies immunization exemption may be issued, where illness or a veterinary medical condition warrants, by the local rabies control authority upon the written recommendation of a veterinarian licensed under RSA 332-B. The recommendation shall also be signed by an American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine diplomate and the state veterinarian. The exempted animal shall be maintained in… | N.H. Rev. Stat. § 436:100 |
| New Jersey | Required for dogs only, or with gaps | New Jersey requires proof of rabies vaccination before a dog can be licensed, which every dog 7 months or older must be; cats are covered by local rules. What the law says: No municipal clerk or other official designated by the governing body of any municipality to license dogs therein shall grant any such license and official metal registration tag for any dog unless the owner thereof provides evidence that the dog to be licensed and registered has been inoculated with a rabies vaccine of a type approved by and administered in accordance with the recommendations of the United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, or has been certified exempt as provided by regulations of the State Department of Health. N. J. S. A. 4:19-15.2a “Dog of licensing age” means any dog which has attained the age of 7… Medical exemptions: The State Department of Health shall promulgate regulations providing for the recognized duration of immunity, interval of inoculation, certificate of vaccination, certificate of exemption, and such other matters related to this act. N. J. S. A. 4:19-15.2a | N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.2a |
| New Mexico | Required statewide | Yes. New Mexico requires dogs and cats over 3 months to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years). What the law says: Dogs and cats over the age of 3 months. NMSA 1978, § 77-1-3 and NMAC 7.4.2.8 | NMSA § 77-1-3; 7.4.2.8 NMAC |
| New York | Required statewide | Yes. New York requires dogs, cats and ferrets by 4 months of age to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years). What the law says: Every dog, cat and domesticated ferret shall have all initial vaccinations administered no later than 4 months after birth. McKinney's Public Health Law § 2141 Medical exemptions: In lieu thereof, a statement certified by a licensed veterinarian stating that because of old age or another reason, the life of the dog or dogs would be endangered by the administration of vaccine. McKinney's Agriculture and Markets Law § 109 | N.Y. Public Health Law § 2141 |
| North Carolina | Required statewide | Yes. North Carolina requires dogs, cats and ferrets over 4 months to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years). What the law says: Over 4 months of age N.C.G.S.A. § 130A-185 | N.C.G.S. § 130A-185 |
| North Dakota | No statewide requirement | North Dakota has no statewide law requiring pets to be vaccinated against rabies. Many cities and counties require it, and vets strongly recommend it — check your local ordinance. What the law says: No laws or regulations | Official text |
| Ohio | No statewide requirement | Ohio has no statewide law requiring pets to be vaccinated against rabies. Many cities and counties require it, and vets strongly recommend it — check your local ordinance. What the law says: No laws or regulations: "A county auditor has no authority to require proof of vaccination for rabies before issuing a dog registration in the absence of a declaration of quarantine and order of vaccination of all dogs by a director of health." 1964 OAG 825. | Official text |
| Oklahoma | Required statewide | Yes. Oklahoma requires dogs, cats and ferrets by 4 months of age to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years). What the law says: By the time the animal is 4 months of age OAC 310:599-3-9.1 | OAC 310:599-3-9.1 |
| Oregon | Required for dogs only, or with gaps | Oregon requires dogs 6 months and older (or with permanent canine teeth) to be vaccinated against rabies; there is no statewide rule for cats. What the law says: A dog that has permanent canine teeth or that is 6 months of age or older must be inoculated against rabies. O. R. S. § 433.365 Medical exemptions: Must be specifically exempted by rule of the Oregon Health Authority or the State Department of Agriculture. O. R. S. § 433.365 | O.R.S. § 433.365 |
| Pennsylvania | Required statewide | Yes. Pennsylvania requires dogs and cats within four weeks of turning 12 weeks old, to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years). What the law says: A person owning or keeping a dog or a cat in this Commonwealth shall have the dog or cat vaccinated against rabies within four weeks after the date the dog or cat attains 12 weeks of age. 3 P.S. § 455.8 Medical exemptions: An exemption from vaccination against rabies for a dog or cat may be granted if a licensed veterinarian examines the dog or cat and determines that it would be medically contraindicated to vaccinate. 3 P.S. § 455.8 | 3 P.S. § 455.8 |
| Rhode Island | Required statewide | Yes. Rhode Island requires dogs, cats and ferrets between 3 and 4 months of age to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years). What the law says: Not earlier than 3 months of age nor later than 4 months of age and at regular intervals as prescribed by board regulations Gen. Laws, 1956, § 4-13-31 | R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-13-31 |
| South Carolina | Required statewide | Yes. South Carolina requires dogs, cats and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years). What the law says: A pet owner must have his pet inoculated against rabies at a frequency to provide continuous protection of the pet from rabies using a vaccine approved by the department and licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture. Code 1976 § 47-5-60 | S.C. Code § 47-5-60 |
| South Dakota | No statewide requirement | South Dakota has no statewide law requiring pets to be vaccinated against rabies. Many cities and counties require it, and vets strongly recommend it — check your local ordinance. What the law says: None | Official text |
| Tennessee | Required statewide | Yes. Tennessee requires dogs from 3 months and cats from 6 months of age to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years). What the law says: It shall be the duty of every owner to have his dog or cat vaccinated against rabies after the dog reaches three months of age, the cat 6 months of age. Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1200-14-01-.33 In the law, owners are violating if not vaccinated by 6-months of age. T. C. A. § 68-8-103 | T.C.A. § 68-8-103 |
| Texas | Required statewide | Yes. Texas requires dogs and cats by 4 months of age to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years). What the law says: Dogs and cats by 4 months of age and at regular intervals thereafter as prescribed by department rule. V. T. C. A., Health & Safety Code § 826.021 | Tex. Health & Safety Code § 826.021 |
| Utah | Left to counties and cities | Utah has no statewide rabies vaccination requirement for pets; state law lets local governments require it, and most do — check with your county or city. What the law says: Rabies vaccination is left to local governments: (a) The most important single factor in preventing human rabies is the maintenance of high levels of immunity in the pet dog, cat, and ferret populations through vaccination. Vaccination requirements include: (i) any dog, cat, and ferret in Utah should be immunized against rabies by a licensed veterinarian; and (ii) local governments should establish effective programs to ensure vaccination of any dogs, cats, and ferrets and to remove strays and unwanted animals. (b) If the Utah Department of Health determines that a rabies outbreak is present in an area of the state, the Utah Department of Health may require that: (i) any dog, cat, and… | Official text |
| Vermont | Required for dogs only, or with gaps | Vermont requires dogs and wolf-hybrids over 3 months to be vaccinated against rabies; there is no statewide rule for cats. What the law says: All dogs and wolf-hybrids over 3 months of age shall be vaccinated against rabies. 20 V.S.A. § 3581 Medical exemptions: Rabies vaccination must be administered to domestic pets and wolf/hybrids prior to the age of 4 months unless in the judgment of the veterinarian the animal's medical condition would prevent the development of adequate immunity to rabies. Animals so exempted must be inoculated against rabies as soon as their medical condition permits. Vt. Admin. Code 2-4-307 | 20 V.S.A. § 3581 |
| Virginia | Required statewide | Yes. Virginia requires dogs and cats 4 months and older to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years). What the law says: All dogs and cats 4 months of age and older VA Code Ann. § 3.2-6521 Medical exemptions: The Board of Health shall, by regulation, provide an exemption to the requirements of subsection A if an animal suffers from an underlying medical condition that is likely to result in a life-threatening condition in response to vaccination and such exemption would not risk public health and safety. For the purposes of § 3.2-6522, such exemption shall mean that the animal is considered not… | Va. Code § 3.2-6521 |
| Washington | Required statewide | Yes. Washington requires dogs, cats and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years). What the law says: An owner of a dog, cat, or ferret shall have it vaccinated and revaccinated against rabies following veterinary and USDA-licensed rabies vaccine manufacturer instructions. This requirement does not apply to animal shelters. WAC 246-100-197 | WAC 246-100-197 |
| West Virginia | Required statewide | Yes. West Virginia requires dogs and cats by 6 months of age to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years). What the law says: By the age of 6 months W. Va. Code, § 19-20A-2 | W. Va. Code § 19-20A-2 |
| Wisconsin | Required for dogs only, or with gaps | Wisconsin requires dogs to be vaccinated by 5 months, with a booster within a year; there is no statewide rule for cats. What the law says: No later than 5 months of age and revaccinated within one year after the initial vaccination. If the owner obtains the dog or brings the dog into this state after the dog has reached 5 months of age, the owner shall have the dog vaccinated against rabies within 30 days after the dog is obtained or brought into the state unless the dog has been vaccinated as evidenced by a current certificate of rabies vaccination from this state or another state. W. S. A. 95.21 Medical exemptions: A city, village, or town may exempt the owner of a dog from the requirement to have the dog vaccinated against rabies for a year based on a letter from a veterinarian stating that vaccination is inadvisable because of a reaction to a previous vaccination, a physical condition, or a regimen of therapy that the dog is undergoing. The city, village, or town shall require the owner to provide a new… | Wis. Stat. § 95.21 |
| Wyoming | Left to counties and cities | Wyoming has no statewide rabies vaccination requirement for pets; state law lets county commissioners require it, and most do — check with your county or city. What the law says: The board of county commissioners may require the registration of all dogs and cats within a rabies control district and may require the owner or person having the right to possession of any dog or cat in the district 3 months of age or older, to present a valid rabies vaccination certificate. W. S. 1977 § 11-31-213 | W.S. § 11-31-213 |
When FDA announces a dog or cat food recall, we email you the brand, the product and what to do.
Or follow the RSS feedMore pet laws
General information, not legal advice. Laws change and local authorities often add stricter rules. Each row links to its source and was checked on the date shown at the top — confirm with your local authority or a lawyer before relying on it.