Rabies vaccination is required for which species?

• Dogs and Cats [Pennsylvania Code “PC” §16.41] are to be vaccinated with an unexpired rabies vaccine licensed by the USDA and listed in the current NASPHV Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control, and given in accordance with the vaccine manufacturer. 

  In the State of Pennsylvania, for the purposes of meeting the rabies vaccination requirement, a “cat” is defined as a member of the Felis catus species “which spends part of a 24-hour day in a residence inhabited by a human being.” However for regulations relating to the management of rabies, a cat is any member of the Felis catus species “regardless of their location or relationship to humans.” This would include feral/community cats. [PC §16.1] 

Who is legally authorized to administer a rabies vaccine?

• A licensed veterinarian or a person working under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian. 

  NOTE: In addition, a rabies vaccination may be given by “an owner of a State-licensed private or breeding kennel and an operator of a State-licensed nonprofit kennel who has been examined and certified by the Department [Department of Agriculture of the Commonwealth] under Subchapter D (relating to certification of owners and operators of State-licensed kennels) to a dog or cat which is owned by the private or breeding kennel or which is in the possession of the nonprofit kennel.” [PC §16.42] 

  The Pennsylvania Statutes (“Rabies Prevention and Control in Domestic Animals and Wildlife Act”, updated 2013) states that a person with a kennel license for a commercial kennel, dealer kennel, nonprofit kennel, private kennel or research kennel, may apply for a “limited certificate” to vaccinate dogs or cats “within the possession of the licensed kennel”. The person applying for the certificate must take a comprehensive rabies vaccination instruction program and written examination by the PA Dept of Agriculture. 

  The person must ALSO provide the Department with written verification from a licensed veterinarian that the person was given a demonstration of rabies vaccination procedures by the veterinarian and the person has demonstrated competence in administering the vaccine. A person given a “limited certificate” shall purchase a rabies vaccine for cats and dogs ONLY from a licensed veterinarian or from a source approved by the Dept of Agriculture. The person shall also maintain detailed records for at least 3 years. [3 Pennsylvania Statutes “P.S.” §455.8(b)] 

  Those animals vaccinated by a kennel vaccinator do not receive a vaccination certificate and if they leave the kennel they must be vaccinated immediately by a licensed veterinarian or a person working under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian. 

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

• The Pennsylvania Code states that in general, veterinarians shall retain medical records for a minimum of 3 years from the date the patient was last treated by the veterinarian. [PC §31.22]. State Statutes, when giving regulations for kennel owners giving rabies vaccinations, stipulates that rabies vaccination records shall be kept for a minimum of 3 years. [3 P.S. §455.8(b)] 

What are the age requirements for rabies vaccination in Pennsylvania?

• • MINIMUM Age: 12 weeks of age is the minimum age according to the product label on all USDA licensed rabies vaccines available today.

  • MUST BE VACCINATED BY: 4 months of age. Pennsylvania State Statutes provide a one-month “grace period” and states that a dog or cat shall be vaccinated “within four weeks after the date the dog or cat attains 12 weeks of age.” [3 P.S. §455.8(a)(1)]
    
    NOTE: According to Pennsylvania Statutes (Rabies Act), unless otherwise indicated by the vaccine manufacturer, no matter the age of initial vaccination, the first booster is to be given between 12 and 14 months later; thereafter revaccinate in accordance with the vaccine label. [3 P.S. §455.8(a)(3), effective 2013]
    
    NOTE: The Pennsylvania Dept of Agriculture does not prohibit the administration of additional rabies vaccinations at the practitioner’s discretion (for example, two doses administered one month apart). Such practice is reasonable and appropriate when administering the initial doses of an inactivated (killed) rabies vaccine. However, the animal must still receive the required booster dose between 12 and 14 months following the second of 2 initial doses administered 1 month apart.  

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

• As of October 2018, under the authority of 3 Pa.C.S. §§ 2301, a dog, cat, or other domestic animal is not considered currently vaccinated until 28 days following the initial dose of rabies vaccine (regardless of the age of the animal at the time the initial dose is administered). 

  NOTE: A domestic dog or cat that has a known or suspect rabies exposure within 28 days following its initial rabies vaccine inoculation is to be managed as not currently vaccinated and, therefore, is subject to quarantine by the Dept of Agriculture for a minimum of 120 days, unless euthanized. 

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).]

• NOTE: A “currently vaccinated” animal is one in which the time lapsed since administration of the last rabies vaccine does not exceed the labeled duration of immunity of the product used. 

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 Pennsylvania, 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 (i.e., 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?

• • DOGS:

    • All dogs (except show dogs in PA for 30 days or less) must have a CVI within 60 days prior to entry; with a statement that there has been no known exposure to rabies within the last 100 days and the dog does not originate from an area under quarantine for rabies.

    • All imported dogs three months of age and older need statement of a current rabies vaccination on the CVI.

  • CATS: 

    • All imported cats of any age shall be accompanied by a CVI issued within 60 days prior to entry.

    • All imported cats three months of age and older need statement of a current rabies vaccination on the CVI. 

      [PC §16.46; and also: PA Dept of Agriculture, “Domestic Animal Importation Regulations into Pennsylvania”, revised March 25, 2020] 

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

• Yes, provided that revaccination is done in accordance with the law. [PC §16.43] 

  According to the Pennsylvania Statutes (Rabies Act), unless otherwise indicated by the vaccine manufacturer, no matter the age of initial vaccination, the first booster is to be given between 12 and 14 months later; thereafter revaccinate in accordance with the vaccine label. [3 P.S. §455.8(a)(3), effective 2013] 

  NOTE: The Pennsylvania Dept of Agriculture does not prohibit the administration of additional rabies vaccinations at the practitioner’s discretion (for example, two doses administered one month apart). Such practice is reasonable and appropriate when administering the initial doses of an inactivated (killed) rabies vaccine. However, the animal must still receive the required booster dose between 12 and 14 months following the second of 2 initial doses administered 1 month apart.  

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 Pennsylvania, a veterinarian may administer either a 1-Year or 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine when re-vaccinating an overdue animal. 

    NOTE: this only applies to animals that are truly “overdue” and have proof of prior rabies vaccine having been administered. 

    In the absence of proof of prior vaccination, the dose of rabies vaccine administered (whether a 1-Year or a 3-Year labeled vaccine is used) is valid for only 1 year. 

• When is the NEXT dose due?

  • The next dose is due based on the labeled duration of immunity of the last rabies vaccine dose administered...i.e., within 1 year or 3 years. 

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?

• In accordance with the Pennsylvania Dept of Agriculture General Quarantine Order (48 Pa.B. 6390, dated October 6, 2018):  

  A domestic animal is considered to be exposed to rabies if it has been bitten or scratched so that the skin has been broken by a rabid animal, or a suspected rabid animal, or that has had contamination of an open scratch or wound, eye, or mucous membrane with saliva or other potentially infectious material such as neural tissue. 

  An animal with a wound of unknown origin may be considered to have been exposed to rabies virus if it was, in the opinion of a veterinarian or an official representative of the Department or the Pennsylvania Game Commission, likely to have been exposed to rabies virus. 

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

• State Response Pending 

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

• A dog, cat, or other domestic animal which has been exposed to a confirmed or suspected rabid animal and has a valid and current vaccination against rabies at the time of exposure, shall be observed for clinical signs of rabies by the owner or keeper for 45 days. Any suspicion of rabies shall be reported to the PA Department of Agriculture. (REF: General Quarantine Order, Dept of Agriculture, dated: October 6, 2018) 

  NOTE: A “currently vaccinated” animal is one in which the time elapsed since administration of the last rabies vaccine does not exceed the labeled duration of immunity of the product used. 

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):

    • A dog, cat, or other domestic animal which, prior to exposure to a confirmed rabid or suspected rabid animal, was never vaccinated against rabies or where the owner or keeper can produce no proof of a prior vaccination shall be quarantined by the Department for a minimum of 120 days, unless euthanized. 

      Exposure following initial rabies vaccination: a dog, cat or other domestic animal that has received its initial vaccination against rabies within 28 days prior to the exposure or suspected exposure shall be quarantined by the Department for a minimum of 120 days, unless euthanized. 

      Ferrets. A ferret which, prior to exposure to a confirmed rabid or suspected rabid animal, was never vaccinated against rabies or where the owner or keeper can produce no proof of a prior vaccination shall be quarantined by the Department for a minimum of 180 days, unless euthanized. 

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

    • A dog, cat or other domestic animal that was previously vaccinated against rabies, but where that vaccination has expired prior to exposure or suspected exposure may, at the discretion of the PA Department of Agriculture, be managed as either:

      • Unvaccinated or No Documentation of Vaccination;  or

      • Vaccinated and Exposed, in accordance with the Dept of Agriculture General Quarantine Order, dated: October 6, 2018. 

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

    • A dog, cat, or other domestic animal which, prior to exposure to a confirmed rabid or suspected rabid animal, was never vaccinated against rabies or where the owner or keeper can produce no proof of a prior vaccination shall be quarantined by the Department for a minimum of 120 days, unless euthanized. 

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

• State Response Pending 

  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. 

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

• Vaccination status of the animal that bites a person is NOT a consideration in the management of that animal.  

  NOTE: In Pennsylvania, municipal ordinances may vary within the State regarding the management of an animal that bites a person whether or not the animal is currently vaccinated at the time of the bite incident. 

  From the Human Health and Safety Code: Title 28 § 27.162. Special requirements for animal bites.: “... 

  • When an animal bites or otherwise potentially exposes a human to rabies, the {Health} Department or local health authority shall, after the case of an animal bite is reported, determine whether the animal shall be immediately destroyed and its head submitted to one of the State or county diagnostic laboratories for a rabies examination or whether some other action shall be pursued.

  • Notwithstanding paragraph (1), when a healthy dog or cat bites or otherwise potentially exposes a human to rabies, the dog or cat shall be quarantined in a place and manner approved by the Department or the local health officer for 10 days after the date of the bite, unless the Department or local health officer directs otherwise.” 

• 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. 

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

• Vaccination status of the animal that bites a person is NOT a consideration in the management of that animal.  

  NOTE: In Pennsylvania, municipal ordinances may vary within the State regarding the management of an animal that bites a person whether or not the animal is currently vaccinated at the time of the bite incident. 

  From the Human Health and Safety Code: Title 28 § 27.162. Special requirements for animal bites.: “... 

  • When an animal bites or otherwise potentially exposes a human to rabies, the {Health} Department or local health authority shall, after the case of an animal bite is reported, determine whether the animal shall be immediately destroyed and its head submitted to one of the State or county diagnostic laboratories for a rabies examination or whether some other action shall be pursued.

  • Notwithstanding paragraph (1), when a healthy dog or cat bites or otherwise potentially exposes a human to rabies, the dog or cat shall be quarantined in a place and manner approved by the Department or the local health officer for 10 days after the date of the bite, unless the Department or local health officer directs otherwise.” 

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

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. An exemption may be granted “if a licensed veterinarian examines the dog or cat and determines that it would be medically contraindicated to vaccinate.” 

  The exemption statement must be completed and signed by the veterinarian and the dog/cat owner and must have:

  • the signature of the veterinarian and the veterinarian's license number;

  • the date; 

  • the name and address of the veterinary practice, office or clinic; 

  • an explanation of the medical reason contraindicating vaccination against rabies;

  • a description of the dog or cat that includes: breed, sex, age, color and markings, whether the dog or cat is intact, neutered or spayed, and the current license number of the dog that includes any permanent identification, if applicable; and

  • the signature of the owner of the dog or cat and the address of the owner. If there is more than one owner and the owners are living at separate locations where the dog or cat may be housed, the signature and address of both owners is required. 

• An exemption is valid for up to one calendar year, after which the dog/cat must be reexamined and either vaccinated or a new exemption issued. 

  The veterinarian shall keep one signed exemption as part of the medical records. Two copies shall be given to the owner, one for the owner’s records and one for the owner to forward to the PA Dept of Agriculture, Office of Dog Law Enforcement, 2301 North Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110. 

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 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania does not restrict veterinarians from extra-label administration of rabies vaccine to hybrid species. However, if a hybrid pet is determined to be exposed to rabies, it would be subject to a 6-month quarantine. 

  A hybrid pet, whether or not it is currently vaccinated, that bites a human may be subjected to euthanasia and testing. 

  Those animals may be vaccinated in an extra-label fashion but would not be considered legally vaccinated. So they would be far less likely to develop rabies, but if they were exposed to rabies, we would still quarantine for 6 months. This is the same as how we handle any other extra-label vaccination (e.g. goats or pigs or llamas). 

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.