Rabies vaccination is required for which species?

• Ohio has no STATE rabies law requiring rabies vaccinations. Ohio law gives local governments the authority to enact rabies vaccination regulations at their discretion.  Please reach out to your local health department for local rabies ordinances.  

  NOTE:  When a State-level requirement for rabies vaccination is not in effect it is the veterinarian’s responsibility to know whether or not local jurisdictions (i.e., either city or county) have rabies vaccination requirements in place.  Even if rabies vaccination is NOT required at the State or local level, vaccination of all dogs/cats is strongly recommended.   

  There are certain situations for which the State of Ohio DOES require vaccinations of dogs or cats. They include: 

  • dogs or cats imported from other states or countries,

  • dogs or cats by the end of a quarantine for either biting a human or potential exposure to a rabid animal. 

  • dogs or cats staying in a Division of Parks and Watercraft and Division of Forestry campgrounds.

  • dogs in State Parks must wear a tag as proof of rabies vaccination. 

  • pets that visit or reside in residential care facilities

• Counties mentioned in the Director’s Journal Entry (2019). The Director’s Journal Entry was created in response to raccoon variant rabies entering the state and covers several eastern Ohio counties. Updated journal entries and laws and can be found on the Ohio Department of Health’s Zoonotic Disease Program webpage.

• NOTE:  While there may be no State, or even local, requirements for rabies vaccination, there ARE state laws that govern what happens to dogs/cats that are exposed (or potentially exposed) to rabies based on their vaccination status. 

Who is legally authorized to administer a rabies vaccine?

• Persons residing in Ohio are permitted to purchase and administer rabies vaccine to their own animals. However, parenteral animal rabies vaccines should be administered by or under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, and owner vaccination should be discouraged.  Proof of vaccination is confirmed by a valid rabies vaccination certificate that is signed by the veterinarian responsible for the proper storage and administration of the vaccine. Pet owners cannot issue a rabies vaccination certificate. Most communities with mandatory rabies vaccination ordinances require that vaccination be given by or under the supervision of a veterinarian.

• In a situation where current vaccination status is a factor to determine the risk of an animal to acquire or transmit rabies, lay-vaccinated animals are treated as if they are not currently vaccinated.  

  A vaccination certificate, signed by a licensed veterinarian, is needed to show proof of vaccination.  

How long must a copy of the signed rabies certificate be maintained by the practice?

• In general, veterinary medical records shall be kept for 3 years following discharge of the animal from veterinary care. [Ohio Administrative Code “OAC” 4741-1-21(C)] 

  A veterinarian participating in a city or general health district sponsored vaccination clinic shall maintain a copy of a vaccination record for a period of the labeled duration of the vaccine, but not less than three years. [OAC 4741-1-22(A)] 

What are the age requirements for rabies vaccination in Ohio?

• • MINIMUM Age: All canine and feline rabies vaccines licensed in the US are labeled for administration as a single dose at 12 weeks of age or older.   

    There are currently no rabies vaccines licensed for administration to animals younger than 12 weeks of age.

  • MUST BE VACCINATED BY: Vaccines should be administered in accordance with the manufacturer’s vaccine label. The State of Ohio does not have any specific regulation regarding age requirements for vaccination.

    Local requirements may exist.

Following administration of the initial dose of rabies vaccine, when is an animal considered to be "currently vaccinated"?

• Expect:  28 days following administration of the initial dose of rabies vaccine a dog/cat will be considered “currently vaccinated”.  This applies regardless of the animal’s age at the time the initial dose is administered.   

  The 28-day lag is the recommendation published in the current version of Compendium on Animal Rabies Prevention and Control and is statutory in most (but not all) states.  Any enforcement actions relating to confirmed or suspected rabies exposure in a dog or cat may take this published recommendation into consideration.   

What criteria constitute "currently vaccinated" against rabies?

• The term “currently vaccinated” is commonly used within the context of state laws affecting rabies vaccination and control.  Within the US, an animal that is “currently vaccinated” must meet EACH of the following criteria.  

  The animal must be vaccinated:

  • ...with a USDA licensed rabies vaccine.

  • ...with a vaccine that is within the labeled expiration date.

  • ...by an individual who is authorized to administer rabies vaccine.
    (NOTE:  requirements vary significantly among states-see FAQ #2 for the requirement in this state).

  • ...at the appropriate age, interval, and dose (i.e., the FULL dose, as stipulated on the manufacturer’s label, must be administered). 

Is there an extended-duration (beyond 3 years) rabies vaccine available today? (see also Question #10)

• NO. 

  USDA licensed rabies vaccines available for administration to animals residing with the US are only 1-Year or 3-Year labeled vaccines.  4-YEAR labeled rabies vaccines have been discontinued and are no longer recognized in the US.   

  In Ohio, a veterinarian has the discretion to administer a 1-Year or 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine as THE INITIAL DOSE.  

  However, the animal should be re-vaccinated with a single dose of rabies vaccine not later than 1 year following the initial dose…regardless of the animal’s age and regardless of the vaccine (1-Year or 3-Year) administered as the initial dose.   

  RE-VACCINATION of DOGS and CATS:  When re-vaccinating (booster) against rabies, the duration that a dog or cat is considered “currently vaccinated” is strictly determined by the product label of the last vaccine administered (ie, either 1 year or 3 years).   

  RE-VACCINATION of FERRETS:  When re-vaccinating (booster) against rabies, the duration that a ferret is considered “currently vaccinated” is only 1 year.   

What are the rabies vaccination requirements for a dog/cat imported from another state or country?

• All dogs or cats imported into Ohio must be accompanied by a “Certificate of Veterinary Inspection” (CVI) and must be currently vaccinated against rabies in accordance with the latest version of the Compendium on Animal Rabies Prevention and Control. Cats and dogs in transit through Ohio should “be accompanied by a currently valid NASPHV form 51, rabies vaccination certificate.” [OAC 901:1-17-05(A)] 

Can a 3-year labeled rabies vaccine be substituted for a 1-year labeled rabies vaccine when administering the initial dose?

• A licensed veterinarian practicing in Ohio has the discretion to administer a 1-Year or 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine. It is possible that local jurisdictions (cities/counties) will specifically mandate the use of 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine exclusively. 

  Check with your local health department on local rabies ordinances.

What are the re-vaccination requirements for a pet that is overdue for a required rabies booster? (4 parts)

• When is an animal considered to be "overdue" for a rabies booster?

  • An animal is considered “overdue”, and NOT currently vaccinated, if just one day beyond the labeled duration of the last rabies vaccine administered (1 year or 3 years).

    The exception to this rule is that an animal is considered “overdue” after just one year following the initial rabies vaccine dose, regardless of the vaccine labeling.  

• Following re-vaccination of an "overdue" animal, when is the animal considered to be "currently vaccinated"?

  • An animal is currently vaccinated and is considered immunized immediately after any booster vaccination, if the vaccination meets the above criteria in Question #6. There is no 28-day lag of being considered “currently vaccinated” following booster vaccinations. 

    This rule applies despite the time that has lapsed since administration of the previous dose of rabies vaccine.  

• When re-vaccinating the “overdue” patient, which vaccine must be used (1-Year or 3-Year labeled vaccine)?

  • Veterinarians have discretion in selecting/administering either a 1-Year labeled or a 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine. 

• When is the NEXT dose due?

  • The vaccination interval, following re-vaccination of the overdue animal, is determined by the product label (i.e., either 1 year or 3 years later). 

Can a "positive" rabies antibody titer substitute for a required booster dose?

• NO. Within the United States, a “positive” rabies antibody titer is NOT recognized as an index of immunity (or protection) in lieu of vaccination and therefore does NOT substitute for a required vaccination.  

  NOTE: A “positive” rabies titer from a certified laboratory only means that the animal (at the time of travel) has been “adequately vaccinated” against rabies and meets the rabies vaccination requirement of that country/region at the time of importation. 

  For a current list of importation requirements by country see: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel or Search: APHIS Pet Travel 

What constitutes rabies "exposure" in a pet?

• “Any non-human mammal bitten by a known rabid mammal, or that had reasonable probability to have been bitten by a wild carnivorous mammal or bat that is not available for rabies testing shall be regarded as having been exposed to the rabies virus.” [OAC 3701-3-29(C)] 

  Bats in the home are not considered an exposure per se, but waking up to find a bat in the room, or finding a bat in the room with unattended pets, would also be considered exposures. 

  Blood, urine, feces, and skunk spray are not considered infectious materials, so that, presumably, contact with them would not be considered an exposure.

Who has the authority to determine if a pet has been exposed to rabies?

• The State Public Health Veterinarian has the authority to determine rabies exposures.  

  Questions regarding pets suspected of being exposed to rabies can be directed to the local health department or Ohio Department of Health's Zoonotic Disease Program: (614) 752-1029 or zoonoses@odh.ohio.gov 

What are the consequences of rabies "exposure" in a pet that is "currently vaccinated"? (see also FAQ #6 and #13)

• Currently vaccinated dogs/cats that are exposed to rabies shall immediately (within 96 hours of exposure) be given a rabies booster and quarantined, under the supervision of the local public health commissioner, for not less than 45 days. Any signs of illness must be reported immediately to the health commissioner. [OAC 3701-3-29(C)(2)] 

  “Quarantine is defined as the separation and restriction of the activities of healthy animals that are known or believed to have been exposed to a case of rabies.” Most often quarantines can be done at home with routine care and handling, but unnecessary contact with humans and any contact with non-quarantine animals should be avoided. A quarantine may also be done at a pound or kennel at the owner’s expense. [ODH “Dealing with Rabies”, p16] 

  All exposures or potential exposures, as well as any suspected animal cases of rabies is to be reported to the local health department. A searchable list can be found at: 
  http://www.odh.ohio.gov/localhealthdistricts/localhealthdistricts.aspx 

What are the consequences of rabies "exposure" in a pet that is not "currently vaccinated"? (see also FAQ #6 and #13)

• Three variations must be considered in determining management of the exposed animal.

  • Unvaccinated (ie, has NEVER been vaccinated against rabies):

    • Dogs, cats or ferrets that are not currently vaccinated, or for which previous vaccination cannot be verified, shall be humanely euthanized. 

      Alternatively, if the owner declines euthanasia, the animal shall be quarantined in strict isolation, under order of the local health commissioner, for not less than 6 months. Isolation “refers to confinement in an enclosure that precludes direct contact with people and other animals.” The animal shall be vaccinated for rabies upon entry into quarantine or up to 28 days before the end of the quarantine period. [OAC 3701-3-29(C)(1)] 

  • Is OVERDUE for a booster, and has documentation of prior vaccination:

    • Dogs, cats, and ferrets overdue for vaccination with documentation of previous vaccination (meeting the criteria of Question #6, above) shall immediately (within 96 hours) be administered a rabies vaccine booster and quarantined, under an order issued by the local public health commissioner, for not less than 45 days.  

      Any signs of illness must be reported immediately to the health commissioner. [OAC 3701-3-29(C)(2)] 

  • Is OVERDUE for a booster, but DOES NOT HAVE documentation of vaccination:

    • Dogs, cats or ferrets that are not currently vaccinated, or for which previous vaccination cannot be verified, shall be humanely euthanized. 

      Alternatively, the animal shall be quarantined in strict isolation, under order of the local health commissioner, for not less than 6 months. Isolation “refers to confinement in an enclosure that precludes direct contact with people and other animals.” The animal shall be vaccinated for rabies upon entry into quarantine or up to 28 days before the end of the quarantine period. [OAC 3701-3-29(C)(1)] 

      If approved by the local health department as an appropriate alternative and the animal is currently healthy, the owner can request perspective serologic monitoring (PSM). PSM entails collecting a blood sample before and after the administration of a rabies booster. If an animal was previously vaccinated, the animal will demonstrate an anamnestic response. If PSM is performed, the animal must be placed in quarantine until results are received. If an anamnestic response is documented, the animal will be observed for 45 days. If an inadequate anamnestic response is found, the animal will remain in quarantine for 4-6 months. For more information on PSM, please see Question #16. 

Does Ohio recognize the results of Prospective Serologic Monitoring (PSM) as valid documentation that a dog/cat has been previously vaccinated against rabies?

• Yes, pending approval by the local health department, it can serve as an alternative if the animal is currently healthy, was previously vaccinated without valid documentation, and if requested by the owner.  

  Prospective Serologic Monitoring (PSM) is a defined testing protocol specifically indicated for use in dogs & cats (ONLY) that have been determined (by public health or rabies control authorities) to be “exposed” to rabies (See also FAQs #12 and #13 in this section) yet, the owner is unable to provide valid documentation of recent rabies vaccination.  

  NOTE: the PSM testing protocol and submission requirements are strictly defined and must be adhered to. The PSM testing protocol is available at: http://www.nasphv.org/Documents/NASPHVSerologicMonitoring2016.pdf 

  Indications for PSM: Applies ONLY to dogs and cats. 

  WHERE PSM is ALLOWED BY THE STATE or LOCAL JURISDICTION, all the following criteria must apply:

  • the dog/cat has been exposed to a confirmed or suspected rabid animal (as determined by public health or designated rabies control authorities); and,

  • the owner cannot provide valid documentation of previous vaccination (with a USDA Licensed vaccine); and,

  • the owner of the dog/cat that is determined to have been “exposed” to rabies (see questions #12 and #13) wants to avoid euthanasia or the expense of strict quarantine (usually 4 months or 6 months, depending on the state); and,

  • the animal can be managed by a veterinarian who is able to conduct the PSM protocol.

• NOTE: Please check the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians website at www.nasphv.org for the most current guidance on the testing protocol prior to any sample collection. 

  NOTE: properly labelled, paired specimens are required. Do not send samples separately. Both serum samples should be received by the laboratory at the same time. 

What action is required if an animal that is "currently vaccinated" bites a person? (see also FAQ #6)

• Vaccination status is not a factor. 

  Whenever a vaccinated or unvaccinated cat, dog or ferret bites a person, it shall be reported to the local health commissioner.  

  The dog, cat or ferret shall be quarantined in the owner’s home or in a pound or kennel for not less than 10 days from the date on which the person was bitten. 

  DO NOT VACCINATE the animal prior to beginning the 10-day confinement.  

   No dog/cat/ferret shall be released from quarantine without a rabies vaccination with a rabies certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian. If the owner of the dog/cat/ferret is unknown, the health commissioner may direct that the animal be humanely euthanized and its head sent for rabies testing. [OAC 3701-3-29(A)] 

  A dog that bites a human shall not be killed unless it is to prevent further injury if the dog is diseased or seriously injured. If killed, the board of health is to be notified and the dog shall be tested for rabies. [Ohio Revised Code 955.261(A)] 

  NOTE: This requirement is the same whether the biting animal is currently vaccinated or is not vaccinated. See FAQ #18.  

  (NOTE: THE LOCATION IN WHICH THE ANIMAL IS QUARANTINED MAY BE DETERMINED BY LOCAL RABIES CONTROL AUTHORITIES). 

What action is required if an animal that is "not currently vaccinated" bites a person? (see also FAQ #6)

• Vaccination status is not a factor. 

  Whenever a vaccinated or unvaccinated cat, dog or ferret bites a person, it shall be reported to the local health commissioner.  

  The dog, cat or ferret shall be quarantined in the owner’s home or in a pound or kennel for not less than 10 days from the date on which the person was bitten. 

  DO NOT VACCINATE the animal prior to beginning the 10-day confinement.  

   No dog/cat/ferret shall be released from quarantine without a rabies vaccination with a rabies certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian. If the owner of the dog/cat/ferret is unknown, the health commissioner may direct that the animal be humanely euthanized and its head sent for rabies testing. [OAC 3701-3-29(A)] 

  A dog that bites a human shall not be killed unless it is to prevent further injury if the dog is diseased or seriously injured. If killed, the board of health is to be notified and the dog shall be tested for rabies. [Ohio Revised Code 955.261(A)] 

  NOTE: This requirement is the same whether the biting animal is currently vaccinated or is not vaccinated. See FAQ #18.  

  (NOTE: THE LOCATION IN WHICH THE ANIMAL IS QUARANTINED MAY BE DETERMINED BY LOCAL RABIES CONTROL AUTHORITIES). 

As a licensed veterinarian, do you have the authority to exempt an animal from the legal requirement to be vaccinated against rabies? (eg., for medical reasons)

• Not at the State level. Some local health jurisdictions may allow waivers for their rabies vaccination requirements if a veterinarian can document a legitimate medical reason why the animal should not be vaccinated.

At what age is it no longer necessary to vaccinate an animal against rabies?

• Within states that require rabies vaccine be administered, re-vaccination is required throughout life at the appropriate interval for the species as required by State or local laws/regulations. Exemption is not authorized on the basis of age. 

Is rabies vaccination of a hybrid or exotic pet allowed or recognized?

• The safety and efficacy of the rabies vaccine has not been established in species other than those listed on the product label; however, it may afford some protection and hybrid dogs and cats may be vaccinated for rabies (off-label). However, for purposes of assessing the public risk of an animal acquiring or transmitting rabies, the hybrid will be considered unvaccinated.  

  The reason for this is that vaccines labeled for use in dogs/cats have not been tested in other species and there is no verification that a rabies vaccine is efficacious in other than those species for which the product is licensed. 

  A mammal, including hybrids, that is known to be able to transmit rabies, and has bitten or otherwise exposed an individual to rabies, may be directed by the local health commissioner to be humanely killed and the brain sent for rabies testing. [OAC 3701-3-29(B)] 

  Hybrid animals are handled as wildlife, and , the health department determines what is done on a case-by-case basis when a human is bitten or exposed. If there is a significant risk of rabies, euthanasia may be recommended. In other cases, an extended quarantine period may be imposed. 

At the State level, what authority does the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control carry?

• The Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control is published by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, Inc. Recommendations outlined in the latest version of the Compendium serve as a basis for animal rabies prevention and control programs throughout the United States and facilitate standardization of procedures among jurisdictions. As published, the Compendium is not a statutory document. 

  NOTE: many (but not all) States have recently revised rabies laws/regulations by citing designated recommendations outlined in the latest version of the Compendium. Where cited in law, published recommendations do serve as the legal basis for patient management decisions made in practice as they concern rabies and rabies vaccination.  

  Compendium recommendations, if included as legal requirements for this state, are reflected in the FAQs listed within this section.