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Rabies vaccine laws by state

A state law or state rule requires rabies vaccination of dogs in 39 of the 51 jurisdictions below, of cats in 32 and of ferrets in 21. Where the state is silent, counties and cities set the rule. Each row gives the age for the first shot and the booster rule, linked to its text.

Texts checked on

Rabies vaccination rules in every state

One row per state and the District of Columbia, in alphabetical order. A cell restates the text; the last two columns link the text and give the day it was read.

State rabies vaccination requirements for dogs, cats and ferrets, with the statute or rule of each state
StateWho must be vaccinatedFirst shot required byBoosterLicense tied to the shotMedical exemptionTextChecked
AlabamaDogs, cats, and ferrets3 months of agePer the vaccine labelAfter the first shot, at the interval of the vaccine’s license; a shot at a public rabies clinic counts for one year.Not in the state textNo state license; the proof is the certificate and a numbered tag on the collar.Yes, by a veterinarianA vet may certify, with the owner’s consent, that the shot is medically contraindicated; valid one year.
AlaskaDogs, cats, and ferretsNo age in the textThe rule gives no age: it follows the schedules of the NASPHV compendium.Per the NASPHV compendiumPer the NASPHV compendium (the rule names the 2011 edition, “as amended from time to time”).Not in the state textThe rule requires a numbered vaccination tag, not a license; licensing is municipal.Not in the state text
ArizonaDogs. Cats and ferrets: not required by the stateDogs, through licensing: a dog 3 months or older is licensed, and a license needs a rabies certificate. Cities with an equal or stricter ordinance of their own are outside the state rule.3 months of ageThe licensing age; the statute gives no separate age for the shot.Set by a state ruleThe State Veterinarian sets the interval by rule (A.A.C. R3-2-409), which we could not open: the official site showed a captcha.YesA dog license needs a vet-signed rabies certificate.See the textNone in the statute; the State Veterinarian’s rule could not be opened.
Arkansas*Dogs and cats. Ferrets: not required by the stateThe State Board of Health rule names dogs and cats.4 months of ageAn unvaccinated dog or cat over 4 months acquired in or moved into the state: within 30 days.Per the NASPHV compendiumA booster in the 12th month after the first shot, then per the NASPHV compendium.Not in the state textThe Rabies Control Act sets no license; further control is left to cities and counties.Not in the state text
California*Dogs. Cats and ferrets: not required by the stateDogs only. The duty applies in declared rabies areas; the state health department has declared all 58 counties for 2026.3 months of ageVaccination from 3 months; the dog must be vaccinated and licensed within 30 days of turning 4 months.Every 3 yearsA booster one year after the first shot, then at least every 3 years.YesDogs 4 months and older are licensed by the city or county; a license needs current vaccination.Yes, by a veterinarianYearly, on a vet’s finding that the shot would endanger the dog’s life; issued by the local health officer.
Colorado*Set locallyA county or district board of health may order vaccination of dogs, cats and other pets in its area.Set locallySet by county orders.Set locallySet by county orders, which may not require revaccination more often than the NASPHV compendium.YesLicensing is a county option, but a county license for a dog, cat or ferret needs a valid rabies certificate.Yes, by a veterinarianA vet may waive a local order for a medical condition, for up to 3 years (state rule).
ConnecticutDogs and cats. Ferrets: not required by the state14 weeks of ageBetween 12 and 14 weeks of age (or at the age the vaccine maker sets); still required once that age has passed.Every 3 yearsOne year after the first shot, then at least every 3 years.YesDogs 6 months and older need a yearly town license, issued only with a valid rabies certificate.Yes, by a veterinarianGranted by the state after a vet’s exam; valid one year.
DelawareDogs, cats, and ferrets6 months of agePer the NASPHV compendiumThe vet writes the revaccination date on the certificate, per the NASPHV compendium.YesDogs 6 months and older need a state dog license, issued on proof of current vaccination or an exemption.Yes, by a veterinarianA vet may certify that the shot would endanger the animal’s health; valid one year.
District of ColumbiaDogs and cats. Ferrets: not required by the stateFerrets are not named.4 months of ageBefore 4 months, or within 15 days of acquiring or bringing in an unvaccinated dog or cat.Every 3 yearsA booster 12 months after the first shot, then every 3 years.YesDogs over 4 months need a yearly license, issued only after rabies vaccination.Not in the state text
FloridaDogs, cats, and ferretsCounties and cities may set similar or stricter rules, but may not require revaccination of an animal with a current shot except after an exposure.4 months of agePer the vaccine labelA booster 12 months after the first shot, then at the interval in the vaccine maker’s directions.Set locallyThe state statute does not tie a license to the shot; the vet sends the certificate to local animal control.Yes, by a veterinarianA vet who examined the animal may certify that the shot would endanger its health; vaccinate once its health permits.
Georgia*Dogs and cats: set locally. Ferrets: not required by the stateThe state requires every county board of health to adopt rules on vaccinating dogs and cats; ferrets are not named.Set locallySet by the county board of health.Set locallySet by the county board of health.Set locallyNo state license; a county may add a fee of up to 50¢ a dog, collected by the vet.Not in the state textNone in the state statute; county rules were not read.
Hawaii*Not required by the stateHawaii’s rules are import rules: dogs and cats 90 days or older must be vaccinated before they enter the state. No state text read requires resident pets to be vaccinated.No age in the textFor entry into Hawaii: dogs and cats 90 days or older.Not set in the textFor entry: “current” means within the duration of immunity on the vaccine label.See the textCounty dog licensing (HRS ch. 143) could not be opened from our connection.Not in the state textNo resident requirement, so no exemption; the import rules have none for rabies vaccination.
Idaho*Not required by the stateNo state text requires owners to vaccinate; dogs and cats 12 weeks or older brought into Idaho must be vaccinated.No age in the textFor animals brought into the state: 12 weeks or older.Not set in the textSet locallyCounties may levy a dog license tax; the state statute does not tie it to the shot.Not in the state text
Illinois*Dogs and cats. Ferrets: not required by the stateDogs and companion cats; feral cats are excluded.4 months of ageDogs and companion cats 4 months or older.Per the vaccine labelA second shot within a year of the first, then at the immunity period of the USDA-licensed vaccine used.YesThe county rabies tag is issued only with the inoculation certificate; counties may also require registration.Yes, by a veterinarianA vet may exempt an animal in writing when the shot would compromise its health; since January 1, 2026 valid one year, renewable.
Indiana*Dogs, cats, and ferretsThe duty is in a Board of Animal Health rule; the owner must have the animal vaccinated.3 months of ageDogs, cats and ferrets 3 months and older.Per the vaccine labelFerrets every 12 months; dogs and cats by the vaccine’s label: 12 months, or 12 months after the first shot and then within 36 months.Set locallyNo state license; the vet gives a rabies tag and certificate.Not in the state textNo medical exemption in the rule; the state veterinarian makes the final call on vaccination status.
IowaDogs. Cats and ferrets: not required by the stateDogs only; kennel dogs not allowed to run at large are outside the rule. Cities and counties may add their own measures.6 months of ageUnlawful to keep an unvaccinated dog six months or older.Per the NASPHV compendiumThe state department of agriculture approves the vaccines and procedures of the NASPHV compendium.Set locallyThe former state tie (§ 351.34) was repealed in 1994; a rabies tag must be worn on the collar.Not in the state textNo medical exemption; only kennel dogs, dogs in transit or at shows for under 30 days, and research dogs.
Kansas*Not required by the stateNo Kansas statute read requires owners to vaccinate pets; cities and counties may by ordinance.No age in the textNot set in the textSet locallyLicensing is by city or county ordinance; no state tie was found.Not in the state text
Kentucky*Dogs, cats, and ferretsDogs, cats and ferrets; only dogs must wear the rabies tag.4 months of ageBy the age of four months.Per the vaccine labelOne year after the first shot, then by the vaccine used and the due date on the certificate.Set locallyCounties and cities may set up licensing by ordinance; the statute does not tie it to the shot.Not in the state textNeither KRS 258.015 nor 902 KAR 2:070 has a medical exemption.
Louisiana*Dogs, cats, and ferrets3 months of ageA series of two shots: at 3 months and one year later (also for an animal first vaccinated when older).Per the NASPHV compendiumAfter the second shot, per the NASPHV compendium (2016 edition).Not in the state textThe rabies statute and the Sanitary Code chapter read have no license provision.Not in the state text
MaineDogs and cats. Ferrets: not required by the stateWolf hybrids too; ferrets appear only in the exposure rules.3 months of ageDogs within 30 days of turning 3 months; cats once over 3 months.Per the NASPHV compendiumA booster one year after the first, then at intervals no longer than the NASPHV compendium sets for the vaccine.YesNo yearly dog license (from 6 months) without proof of vaccination or a vet’s exemption letter.Yes, by a veterinarianA vet’s signed statement of the medical reason; a temporary exemption has an end date.
MarylandDogs, cats, and ferrets4 months of ageSame age for dogs, cats and ferrets.Per the NASPHV compendiumNo fixed interval: per the vaccine’s label and the NASPHV compendium; the certificate gives the due date.YesA county may not license a dog, cat or ferret without proof of rabies vaccination.Yes, by a veterinarianOnly the state Public Health Veterinarian may delay it, for medical or other reasons; the owner’s vet may not.
Massachusetts*Dogs, cats, and ferrets6 months of ageOr within 30 days of acquiring or bringing in an older unvaccinated animal.Per the vaccine labelAt the intervals the vaccine maker recommends; the rule counts the first shot as current for one year.YesDogs over 6 months are licensed by the town, which needs a vet’s certificate of vaccination or exemption.Yes, by a veterinarianThe licensing authority may exempt an animal the local board of health declared exempt on a vet’s certificate (infirmity, condition or therapy).
Michigan*Dogs and ferrets. Cats: not required by the stateDogs that must be licensed (4 months or older) must be kept vaccinated; ferrets over 12 weeks. Cats are not in the state texts read.4 months of ageThe dog licensing age; ferrets: over 12 weeks.Not set in the textThe statute sets no interval: the certificate gives the expiry month and year in the vet’s opinion.YesThe license application needs a valid certificate of current rabies vaccination.Not in the state textNone in the sections read; research ferrets are exempt.
MinnesotaNot required by the stateState rules require it only for dogs, cats and ferrets 3 months or older brought into Minnesota and for dogs at shows.No age in the textNot set in the textSet locallyCounties may license dogs; the state licensing sections say nothing about rabies.Not in the state text
Mississippi*Dogs and cats. Ferrets: not required by the stateThe statute covers only dogs and cats. Ferrets appear in the state rules only for bite and exposure management.3 months of ageAs soon as the dog or cat reaches 3 months.Every 3 yearsOne year after the first shot, then every 3 years; only 3-year vaccines may be used.Not in the state textNo state license; the rabies tag must be worn on the collar.Not in the state text
Missouri*Dogs: set locally. Cats and ferrets: not required by the stateCertain counties may adopt rabies-control rules, and outbreak orders may require dogs to be immunized; state law is silent on cats and ferrets.Set locallySet by county or city rules.Set locallySet by county or city rules.Set locallyDog licensing is part of the county rules the statute allows; no state tie.Not in the state text
Montana*Not required by the stateDog control and licensing belong to counties and cities.No age in the textNot set in the textSet locallyCounties and cities may license dogs over 5 months; the state text does not tie it to the shot.Not in the state text
Nebraska*Dogs, cats, and ferretsDogs, household cats and ferrets; not animals of visitors staying under 30 days, show or field-trial animals, or research animals.3 months of ageFrom 3 months (state rule); an unvaccinated animal acquired or moved in: within 30 days.Per the vaccine labelA booster one year after the first shot, then at the interval on the vaccine label.Set locallyLicensing is local; a county or city that licenses may require proof of vaccination.Not in the state textNo medical exemption; only visitors’ animals, show and field-trial animals and research animals.
Nevada*Dogs, cats, and ferretsA State Board of Health rule binds owners statewide; every county, city and town must adopt the same requirement.No age in the textThe rule follows the NASPHV compendium; animals over 3 months entering the state need proof of vaccination.Per the NASPHV compendiumPer the NASPHV compendium: dogs and cats a 3-year vaccine, ferrets every year.Set locallyCounties, cities and towns may license dogs, cats and ferrets; the state rule does not tie the license to the shot.Yes, by a veterinarianA vet may exempt an animal for health reasons, on the certificate; the animal must then be confined or restrained.
New Hampshire*Dogs, cats, and ferretsEvery dog, cat and ferret (European domestic ferret) 3 months and older.3 months of ageWithin 30 days of turning 3 months; an animal acquired or moved in: within 30 days.Per the NASPHV compendium9 to 12 months after the first shot, then per the current NASPHV compendium.See the textDog licensing (RSA ch. 466) could not be opened from our connection.Yes, by a veterinarianOne year, granted by the local rabies authority on a vet’s recommendation co-signed by a specialist and the state veterinarian; the animal is kept isolated.
New Jersey*Dogs. Cats and ferrets: not required by the stateDogs, through the yearly dog license; the statutes read do not cover cats or ferrets, which many towns require by ordinance.See the textDue by the dog’s “licensing age”, defined in N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.1, which could not be opened from our connection.Set by a state ruleAt intervals set by Department of Health rules (N.J.A.C. 8:23A), published only on a LexisNexis site that does not answer our connection.YesNo dog license without proof of rabies vaccination or a certified exemption.See the textAn exemption certified under Department of Health rules (not read).
New MexicoDogs and cats. Ferrets: not required by the stateDogs and cats over three months must be vaccinated; neither the statute nor the rule requires ferret vaccination (the rule mentions ferrets only for bite confinement).3 months of ageOver 3 months; a dog or cat brought into the state: within a week unless it has a valid certificate.Every yearA booster within 12 months of the first shot, then within 12 months (1-year vaccine) or 36 months (3-year vaccine).YesLicensing is a county or city option, but a license needs proof of rabies vaccination.Not in the state text
New YorkDogs, cats, and ferretsEvery dog, cat and domesticated ferret, except animals passing through for 15 days or less and animals in shelters or research.4 months of ageNo later than 4 months after birth.Per the vaccine labelA second shot within a year of the first, then at the interval of the vaccine’s license.YesA dog license (from 4 months) needs a vet’s rabies certificate or exemption statement.Yes, by a veterinarianA vet may exempt an animal whose health would be harmed; renewed every year.
North Carolina*Dogs, cats, and ferrets4 months of ageOver 4 months; an animal brought into the state: within a week unless it has a current certificate.Every yearYearly; with a USDA 3-year vaccine given by a vet, one year after the first shot and then every 3 years. A local board of health may require yearly shots.Not in the state textNo state license; a numbered rabies tag is required instead.Not in the state textNo medical exemption in G.S. 130A-184 to 130A-201 or in 10A NCAC 41G.
North DakotaNot required by the stateNo state text requires owners to vaccinate; animals brought into the state over 12 weeks must have a current shot.No age in the textFor animals brought into the state: over 12 weeks.Not set in the textSet locallyCities may license dogs and counties may regulate dogs and cats; no state tie.Not in the state text
Ohio*Dogs: set locally. Cats and ferrets: not required by the stateNo statewide rule for pet dogs: the state or a local board of health may order vaccination during a rabies quarantine. Cats and ferrets are not in the state texts.Set locallySet by quarantine or local board-of-health orders.Set locallySet by quarantine or local board-of-health orders.Not in the state textEvery dog over 3 months is registered with the county auditor; proof of the shot is needed only under a quarantine order or for a dangerous-dog registration.Yes, by a veterinarianOnly for dangerous-dog registration: a vet’s statement that the shot is contraindicated.
Oklahoma*Dogs, cats, and ferretsThe duty is in a State Board of Health rule; a city may set its own schedule by ordinance.4 months of agePer the vaccine labelAt the intervals on the vaccine label; a booster one year after the first shot.Not in the state textNo state text ties a license to the shot.Not in the state textChapter 310:599 has no medical exemption from vaccination (it exempts only service and police animals from bite quarantine).
Oregon*Dogs. Cats and ferrets: not required by the stateDogs only; the rule names cats only in its definitions.6 months of ageThe statute: a dog with permanent canine teeth or 6 months or older; the rule: dogs 3 months or older, by 6 months.Per the NASPHV compendiumPer the NASPHV compendium (2016 edition, named in the rule).YesNo dog license until the owner shows the rabies certificate.Yes, by a veterinarianA vet who examined the dog may exempt it when the shot is contraindicated, permanently or to a date.
PennsylvaniaDogs and cats. Ferrets: not required by the stateDogs and cats (a cat that spends part of the day in a home).16 weeks of ageWithin four weeks after the animal turns 12 weeks old.Per the vaccine labelA booster 12 to 14 months after the first shot, then as the vaccine maker directs.Not in the state textThe rabies act forbids using vaccination records for licensing.Yes, by a veterinarianA vet may grant an exemption for up to a year when the shot is contraindicated.
Rhode Island*Dogs, cats, and ferretsApplies to every dog, cat or ferret aged 3 months or older that resides in Rhode Island.3 months of ageThe statute: between 3 and 4 months unless the board’s rule says otherwise; the rule: every animal 3 months or older must be currently vaccinated.Per the NASPHV compendiumPer the NASPHV compendium (2016 edition, named in the rule).YesNo city or town may license a pet that is not vaccinated; proof is a current certificate.Not in the state textNo vet medical exemption; the rule allows a hardship variance from the Rabies Control Board.
South CarolinaDogs, cats, and ferrets“Pet” means domesticated cats, dogs and ferrets.No age in the textThe statute only requires continuous protection with a licensed vaccine.Per the vaccine labelOften enough to keep the pet continuously protected by the vaccine used; ferrets every year.YesNo separate state license: the vet issues a numbered “license tag” with the certificate.Not in the state textChapter 5 of Title 47 has no medical exemption.
South DakotaNot required by the stateNo state text requires owners to vaccinate; dogs and cats over 3 months brought into the state must have a current shot.No age in the textFor animals brought into the state: over 3 months.Not set in the textSet locallyCounties may license dogs; the state text does not tie it to the shot.Not in the state textThere is no state vaccination duty, so no exemption.
Tennessee*Dogs and cats. Ferrets: not required by the stateFerrets and other animals “may” be vaccinated; it is not required.6 months of ageFrom 3 months (or the age on the vaccine’s license); an unvaccinated dog or cat over 6 months is out of compliance.Per the NASPHV compendiumNo fixed interval; revaccination may not be required more often than the NASPHV compendium.YesRegistration is local, but no registration without an unexpired rabies certificate.Not in the state textNone in the chapter; § 68-8-105 only exempts local programs that meet its minimum.
TexasDogs and cats. Ferrets: not required by the stateThe rule says ferrets “should” be vaccinated, which is not a duty.16 weeks of ageThe statute says 4 months; the state rule it points to says 16 weeks.Per the vaccine labelThe vet sets the due date, no later than the vaccine maker’s booster interval.YesRegistration is local, but a county or city may not register or license an unvaccinated dog or cat.Not in the state textNeither § 826.021 nor 25 TAC § 169.29 contains a medical exemption.
UtahDogs, cats, and ferretsA state health rule, in force since June 1, 2026, requires every cat, dog and ferret to be immunized.No age in the textThe rule follows the NASPHV compendium (2016 edition).Per the NASPHV compendiumPer the NASPHV compendium: the last vaccine’s labeled duration of immunity.YesLicensing is local, but a county or city that licenses must require the shot first.Not in the state textR386-702-14 has no medical exemption from vaccination.
Vermont*Dogs, cats, and ferretsEvery “domestic pet”, which the statute defines as dogs, cats and ferrets (and wolf hybrids).3 months of ageDogs over 3 months (statute); the agency rule says pets before 4 months.Every 3 yearsDogs: a booster 9 to 12 months after the first shot, then every 3 years with a 3-year vaccine. Cats and ferrets: per the vaccine maker.YesDogs over 6 months need a yearly town license by April 1, on a vet’s rabies certificate.Yes, by a veterinarianOnly a delay: a vet may hold off while the animal’s condition would prevent immunity.
VirginiaDogs and cats. Ferrets: not required by the stateThe statute names dogs and cats only.4 months of agePer the NASPHV compendium“Currently vaccinated” means per the current NASPHV compendium or the USDA-approved vaccine label.YesEvery dog 4 months or older must be licensed, and no dog or cat license tag is issued without evidence of rabies vaccination. Cat licenses exist only where a locality’s ordinance requires them.Yes, by a veterinarianA medical exemption under a state health rule, valid one year.
WashingtonDogs, cats, and ferretsSet by a State Board of Health rule, not a statute; the rule does not apply to animal shelters.No age in the textThe rule gives no age: vaccination follows the vaccine maker’s instructions.Per the vaccine labelRevaccinate following veterinary and USDA-licensed vaccine manufacturer instructions.Not in the state textThe state rule and RCW 16.70 do not create a pet license or tie one to rabies vaccination.Not in the state text
West VirginiaDogs and cats. Ferrets: not required by the stateApplies to anyone who owns, obtains or possesses a dog or cat in the state; ferrets are not mentioned.6 months of ageNot required before 3 months of age; required by 6 months.Every 3 yearsOne year after the first shot, then every 3 years.Not in the state textThe county dog tax is not tied to rabies vaccination.Not in the state text
Wisconsin*Dogs. Cats and ferrets: not required by the stateDogs only; dogs kept only for educational or scientific purposes are exempt.5 months of ageOr within 30 days of getting or bringing in an older unvaccinated dog.Per the vaccine labelWithin a year after the first shot; then before the expiry on the certificate, or within 3 years if it gives none.YesA dog over 5 months needs a license, issued on evidence that it is currently immunized.Yes, by a veterinarianA city, village or town may exempt a dog for a year on a vet’s letter (reaction, condition or therapy).
WyomingDogs and cats: set locally. Ferrets: not required by the stateCounties may set up rabies control districts and require vaccination there.Set locallySet locallySet locallyNot in the state text

Download the table (CSV)The same rows and links, for a spreadsheet.

Notes by state

Arkansas
The Arkansas Code is published free only on the LexisNexis public-access site, which has no stable link to a section: the link opens the code, where the section can be looked up by its number.
California
The regulation (17 CCR § 2606.4) was read in the state health department’s published copy (updated December 2014): the official regulations site showed a captcha.
Colorado
The Colorado Revised Statutes are published free only on the LexisNexis public-access site, which has no stable link to a section: the link opens the code, where the section can be looked up by its number.
Georgia
Georgia’s state statute requires the rules but leaves their content to the county boards of health, so the age and interval differ by county. The current section was read in the enrolled text of HB 1408 (2026), effective July 1, 2026: the official code site showed a captcha.
Hawaii
Hawaii is free of rabies; its rules (HAR ch. 4-29) aim to keep it out. The statutes site (capitol.hawaii.gov) does not answer our connection, so HRS chapters 142 and 143 were not read.
Idaho
The official Idaho sites do not answer our connection; the statute and the import rule were read in Internet Archive copies of the official pages.
Illinois
The official site does not answer our connection; the text was read on the same official page through a page proxy on 2026-10-26.
Indiana
The official Indiana Register site serves only a broken page from our connection; the rule (345 IAC 1-5, readopted 2023) was read in the Internet Archive copy of the official PDF (2024). A readoption with the same text is under way.
Kansas
A Department of Agriculture rule (K.A.R. 9-18-5) reportedly requires vaccination of dogs and cats brought into Kansas; the official rules site does not answer our connection, so it was not read.
Kentucky
The official site does not answer our connection; KRS 258.015 (in force July 15, 2026) was read in the Common Crawl copy of the official file, the rule through a page proxy.
Louisiana
The official Louisiana Administrative Code site (doa.la.gov) does not answer our connection; the Sanitary Code section was read in the Cornell Legal Information Institute’s copy, which gives its last amendment as LR 45:670 (May 2019).
Massachusetts
The official site does not answer our connection; the text was read on the same official page through a page proxy on 2026-10-26.
Michigan
The official site does not answer our connection; the text was read on the same official page through a page proxy on 2026-10-26.
Mississippi
The statute was read in the Board of Animal Health’s published copy: the official code site (LexisNexis public access) showed only its opening lines before a captcha.
Missouri
The state regulations site (sos.mo.gov) does not answer our connection, so the agriculture and health rules were not read; nothing found points to a general owner duty there.
Montana
The Department of Livestock’s rabies rules (ARM 32.3.12) sit behind a captcha on the official rules site and were not read; the department’s own page says there is no statewide vaccination requirement.
Nebraska
The official statutes site does not answer our connection; § 71-4402 was read on the same official page through a page proxy.
Nevada
The official code site does not answer our connection; NAC chapter 441A was read in the Common Crawl copy of the official page (September 2026).
New Hampshire
The official statutes site does not answer our connection; chapter 436 was read in the Internet Archive copy of the official page (January 2026).
New Jersey
The statute was read on the New Jersey Department of Health’s page of selected provisions: the Legislature’s statutes site does not answer our connection.
North Carolina
The official statutes site does not answer our connection; G.S. 130A-185 was read in the Common Crawl copy of the official page (May 2026).
Ohio
The official code site does not answer our connection; the sections were read on the same official pages through a page proxy. H.B. 247 renumbered the dog registration section to § 955.02 from March 20, 2026.
Oklahoma
The Oklahoma rules site has no stable link to a single section: the link opens the code, where Title 310, Chapter 599 holds the rule.
Oregon
The official statutes site does not answer our connection; ORS chapter 433 was read on the same official page through a page proxy on 2026-10-26.
Rhode Island
The official statutes site does not answer our connection; § 4-13-31 was read on the same official page through a page proxy on 2026-10-26.
Tennessee
The Tennessee Code is published free only on the LexisNexis public-access site: the link opens the code, and the sections were read in its search extracts because the full page showed a captcha. The health department’s rabies rules could not be opened.
Vermont
The legislature’s statutes site calls itself an unofficial copy of the Vermont Statutes Annotated; the agency rule is an undated PDF on the Agency of Agriculture site.
Wisconsin
The official site does not answer our connection; the text was read on the same official page through a page proxy on 2026-10-26.

How to read this table

  • Who must be vaccinated: the animals a state statute or state rule requires owners to vaccinate. “Not required by the state” means no state text does; a county or city may still require it.
  • First shot: the age by which the text requires the first rabies vaccination, counted as the text counts it, in weeks or months. Some texts add a deadline for an older animal you acquire; the cell says so under the age.
  • Booster: the interval the text sets itself, or the rule it points to. “Per the vaccine label” means the next shot is due when the license of the vaccine used says, which your rabies certificate shows. “Per the NASPHV compendium” points to the national compendium of rabies vaccines, which lists that duration for each vaccine.
  • License: whether a state statute ties a dog (or cat) license to proof of rabies vaccination. Licenses are usually issued by counties and cities, so “Not in the state text” only means the state law does not make the tie.
  • Medical exemption: whether a state text lets a veterinarian exempt or delay the shot for a medical reason. The cell gives the terms the text sets, such as how long the exemption lasts and who grants it.
  • Text and checked: the statute or rule each row was read from, and the day it was read. Some rows name two texts: a statute and the state rule that fills in its details.

Beyond the legal minimum

A state law sets a minimum. When your pet gets its first rabies shot, which vaccine is used and when the next one is due are decisions for your veterinarian, within the vaccine’s label and your state’s rule. This page gives no medical advice: ask your vet.

How this table was made

We read each state’s statute and, where the statute leaves the details to a state agency, that agency’s rule, on the legislature’s site or the state’s official code or register. Every row links the text it was read from.

Summary tables, such as the AVMA’s summary of state rabies laws, animallaw.info and the NASPHV compendium, helped us find the texts. No cell comes from them. Where a summary and a text disagreed, the row follows the text.

Some official sites do not answer connections from outside the United States. For those rows we read the same official page through a page proxy, in an archived copy of it or in a copy the state agency itself publishes, and the row’s note says so; such rows will be read again on the official site.

County and city ordinances were not read. A row says “set locally” when the state text leaves the rule to them, and “not required by the state” when no state text requires it. Pettify is a pet-care app, not a law firm.

Questions about rabies vaccine laws

Is the rabies vaccine required by law in every state?

No. A state statute or state rule requires dogs to be vaccinated in 39 of the 51 jurisdictions in the table. In 12 of them (Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wyoming) no state text requires it for every dog: the state leaves it to counties and cities, or covers only outbreaks or animals brought into the state. A county or city ordinance may still require it where you live.

Which states require rabies vaccination for cats?

A state text requires it for cats in 32 of the 51: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia. Elsewhere the state text names dogs only or requires nothing statewide, and a county or city may still require it.

How often does the law require a rabies booster?

It depends on the state. In 8 jurisdictions the text sets the interval itself; in 28 the next shot follows the vaccine’s label or the NASPHV compendium, so the due date on your pet’s rabies certificate is the one that counts. The Booster column gives each state’s wording. Which vaccine your pet gets is your vet’s decision.

Can a pet be exempt from the rabies vaccine?

In 19 jurisdictions a state text provides a medical exemption or delay of some kind, on a veterinarian’s statement: Alabama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, and Wisconsin. The terms differ: some last a year, some need the state’s approval, and several texts treat an exempt animal as unvaccinated if it is exposed to rabies.

Do I need a rabies certificate to license my dog?

In 23 jurisdictions a state statute ties the license to proof of rabies vaccination. Elsewhere licensing is left to counties and cities, which may ask for the certificate anyway.