Rabies vaccination is required for which species?

• Dogs only.

  Dogs brought temporarily into the state for periods of less than 30 days and kept under strict supervision by their owners are not required to be vaccinated against rabies

  and…

  dogs that are owned by dealers, breeders, or exhibitors exclusively for sale or exhibition purposes and that are confined to kennels except for transportation under strict supervision to and from dog shows or fairs are not required to be vaccinated against rabies.

Who is legally authorized to administer a rabies vaccine?

• Vaccination of an animal against rabies is valid only when performed:

  • By a licensed veterinarian as specified by ORS 686.350 through 686.370 and OAR 875-010-0006; 

  • By a veterinary technician (certified according to OAR 875-030-0010) under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian; or 

  • In the case of a need to vaccinate and the lack of an available veterinarian, by another person approved for this purpose by the State Public Health Veterinarian. 

• To be considered immunized against rabies, dogs and cats must be vaccinated according to guidelines published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the latest version of the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control (2016) published by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, Inc.

  A Rabies Vaccination Certificate shall be completed and signed by a licensed veterinarian; electronic signatures are acceptable. That individual shall give the original and one copy to the dog's owner and retain one copy for the period for which the vaccination is in force. The Certificate must include at least the following information: owner's name and address; dog description by age, sex, color, breed; date of vaccination; due date for revaccination; type and lot number of vaccine used; and name and address of vaccinator.

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

• 875-015-0030

• Minimum Veterinary Practice Standards Each veterinary medical facility shall comply with the following:

• Medical Records:

  • A legible individual record shall be maintained for each animal. However, the medical record for a litter may be recorded either on the dam's record or on a litter record until the individual animals are permanently placed or reach the age of three months. Records for herd or flock animals may be maintained on a group or client basis.

  • All records shall be readily retrievable and must be kept for a minimum of three (3) years following the last treatment or examination.

• 875-015-0040

  • Record Keeping-For all drugs, a dispensing record must be maintained separately from the patient chart and retained for a minimum of three (3) years. 

What are the age requirements for rabies vaccination in Oregon?

• • MINIMUM Age: 3 months of age.

  • MUST BE VACCINATED BY: 6 months of age. 

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

• 28 days following administration of the initial dose of rabies vaccine.  This applies regardless of the animal’s age at the time the initial dose is administered.   

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 (ie, 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 New York, a veterinarian has the discretion to administer a 1-Year or 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine as THE INITIAL DOSE.  However…re-vaccination (booster) is required 1 year following the initial dose…regardless of the animal’s age and regardless of the vaccine 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). 

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

• Any dog or cat entering Oregon that will be residing within the State must be vaccinated, by a licensed veterinarian, for rabies after 3 months of age.  Proof of vaccination or a current vaccination certificate must be provided.  

  Exceptions: 

  Dogs brought temporarily into the state for periods of less than 30 days and kept under strict supervision by their owners are not required to be vaccinated against rabies;   

  and… 

  dogs that are owned by dealers, breeders, or exhibitors exclusively for sale or exhibition purposes and that are confined to kennels except for transportation under strict supervision to and from dog shows or fairs are not required to be vaccinated against rabies. 

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

• Yes. The State of Oregon does allow veterinarians discretion to administer a 3-year labeled rabies vaccine as the initial dose. 

  However, a single booster must be administered within 1 year from the time the initial rabies vaccine is administered.  This applies regardless of the animal’s age at the time the initial dose of rabies vaccine is administered and regardless of the vaccine administered (ie, either 1-Year or 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine). 

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"?

  • A dog or cat that is overdue for a rabies vaccine is considered “immediately currently vaccinated” at the time the animal is re-vaccinated. 

    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)?

  • In Oregon, a licensed veterinarian has discretion to re-vaccinate the overdue dog/cat with either a 1-Year or a 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine. 

• When is the NEXT dose due?

  • The interval for the next rabies vaccine to be administered is based on the product label (either 1 year or 3 years) of the last dose administered. 

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

• No.  Within the United States, a rabies antibody titer is NOT recognized as an index of immunity (or protection) in lieu of 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?

• Exposure” is not specifically defined within the context of Oregon rabies control procedures.  A veterinarian that suspects that a dog, cat, or ferret has been exposed to rabies should contact the State Public Health Veterinarian directly for guidance regarding the most appropriate patient management after consideration of the circumstances surrounding possible exposure. 

  The term “exposure” applies to a dog, cat, or ferret that has been exposed to a confirmed or suspect rabid animal.  Exposure to a bat or any other wild animals considered to be high-risk for rabies such as coyotes, foxes or skunks, constitutes rabies exposure.   

  Oregon has not identified rabies in raccoons as of 2022. 

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

• Depending on the animal, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Department of Agriculture or the Oregon Health Authority have the authority to determine whether or not a pet animal has been exposed to rabies. 

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

• Consistent with the recommendations outlined in the latest version of the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control, dogs, cats, and ferrets with a current vaccination status and which have been bitten or otherwise exposed to a known rabid animal, carnivorous wildlife species or bat should be: 

  • revaccinated immediately (within 96 hours of exposure), and 

  • observed (at home) for 45 days.

• An animal that becomes ill while under home observation must be reported to the State Public Health Veterinarian. 

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

• The following recommendations are consistent with those outlined in the latest version of the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control: 

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

    • An unvaccinated dog, cat, or ferret that is exposed to a confirmed or suspect rabid animal, carnivorous wildlife species or bat should be euthanized immediately. 

    • Alternatively, if the owner is unwilling to euthanize the pet, the animal must:

      • immediately receive veterinary medical care for assessment, wound cleansing, and… 

      • receive a single dose of rabies vaccine at the time of entry into a quarantine facility (preferably within 96 hours of the exposure), and… 

      • be quarantined for a period of 6 months. 

    • The location of the quarantine may be determined by the local health authorities.

      Local health officials must be notified if the animal becomes ill during the confinement period.  If neurologic signs develop during the quarantine period, the animal is to be euthanized and tested for rabies.  

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

    • A dog, cat, or ferret determined to have been exposed to a confirmed or suspect rabid animal should:

      • immediately receive veterinary medical care for assessment, wound cleansing, and booster vaccination, and… 

      • receive a single dose of rabies vaccine (preferably within 96 hours of the exposure, and… 

      • be maintained under the owner’s control (home confinement) for a period of not less than 45 days. 

    • Local health officials must be notified if the animal becomes ill during the confinement period.   

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

    • A dog, cat, or ferret that is determined to have been exposed to rabies, but for which documentation of prior rabies vaccination is not available, is to be managed as a NON-VACCINATE (above): 

    • An unvaccinated dog, cat, or ferret that is exposed to a known rabid animal, carnivorous wildlife species or bat should be euthanized immediately. 

    • Alternatively, if the owner is unwilling to euthanize the pet, the animal must: 

      • immediately receive veterinary medical care for assessment, wound cleansing, and… 

      • receive a single dose of rabies vaccine at the time of entry into a quarantine facility (preferably within 96 hours of the exposure), and… 

      • be quarantined for a period of 6 months. 

    • The location of the quarantine may be determined by the local health authorities.  

      Local health officials must be notified if the animal becomes ill during the confinement period.  If neurologic signs develop during the quarantine period, the animal is to be euthanized and tested for rabies.   

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

• The State of OREGON DOES NOT authorize Prospective Serologic Monitoring (PSM) as a means of documenting that a dog/cat has been previously vaccinated against rabies. 

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

• The animal causing a bite injury to a person is required to be quarantined for 10 DAYS regardless of the vaccine status.  

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

  REASON:  an adverse reaction to the vaccine could be confused with early signs of rabies and could result in a decision to euthanize and test. 

  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)

• The animal causing a bite injury to a person is required to be quarantined for 10 DAYS. 

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

  REASON:  an adverse reaction to the vaccine could be confused with early signs of rabies and could result in a decision to euthanize and test. 

  This requirement is the same whether the biting animal is currently vaccinated or is not vaccinated.  See also FAQ #17. 

  (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)

• Yes…exemption from the canine rabies vaccination requirement is authorized in Oregon if a licensed veterinarian, after examining the dog, has determined that administration of rabies vaccine is contraindicated for health reasons. 

  The specific reasons for the exemption and a clear description of the dog, including name, age, sex, breed, and color, shall be recorded by the examining veterinarian on a Rabies Vaccination Certificate, which shall bear the owner’s name and address. The veterinarian shall also record whether the exemption is permanent, and if it is not, the date the exemption ends. 

  Despite having a rabies vaccine exemption, the dog will not be considered “currently vaccinated” if exposed to a known or suspect rabid animal. 

  In addition:  dogs brought temporarily into the state for periods of less than 30 days and kept under strict supervision by their owners are not required to be vaccinated against rabies;  and.. 

  ,,,dogs that are owned by dealers, breeders, or exhibitors exclusively for sale or exhibition purposes and that are confined to kennels except for transportation under strict supervision to and from dog shows or fairs are not required to be vaccinated against rabies. 

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?

• There are no restrictions within Oregon regarding the vaccination of hybrid species; however, administration of rabies vaccine to any animal other than one stipulated by the manufacturer and published on the vaccine label will be considered off-label and, as such, a hybrid animal will not be considered “currently vaccinated” despite receiving a rabies vaccine.   

  The owner of a hybrid spp pet should be advised that if that pet is exposed to a known or suspect rabid animal or if that pet bites a person, the animal may be subjected to euthanasia and testing. 

  For the purposes of dog licensing, immunization, and response to bites, wolf-dog hybrids shall be considered wild animals and not dogs. The status of an animal as a dog or as a wolf-dog hybrid shall be determined by a Licensed Veterinarian. Such determinations may consider descriptions of the animal in medical records and prior claims made by the owner, and shall be subject to review by the State Public Health Veterinarian or designee. 

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.