Rabies vaccination is required for which species?

• All dogs and cats.  

  Ferrets are not required to be vaccinated in Texas. However, a ferret that is vaccinated with a rabies vaccine licensed for ferrets in accordance with State or local statutes is considered “currently vaccinated”. 

  Local jurisdictions within the State may impose rabies vaccination requirements that are more stringent than State law. 

Who is legally authorized to administer a rabies vaccine?

• In Texas, a rabies vaccine must be administered by a licensed veterinarian or under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian who is physically present on the premises at the time the vaccine is administered. 

• In Texas, a "licensed veterinarian" is defined as one who is licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the United States.

  ALSO, veterinarians practicing veterinary medicine on a military/National Guard installation in the State of Texas who are members of the armed services or the Texas National Guard may administer rabies vaccine without a Texas license. 

  NOTE: Texas State law allows a licensed veterinarian to sell a rabies vaccine to a client with whom he/she has a veterinarian-client-patient relationship for the purpose of vaccinating their own livestock. 

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

• In Texas, veterinarians are required to maintain records of rabies vaccine administration for minimum of 5 years. 

What are the age requirements for rabies vaccination in Texas?

• • MINIMUM Age: 12 weeks of age, in accordance with the manufacturers' label.

    In accordance with Texas Administrative Code 169.29:  "The animal must be vaccinated by or under the direct supervision of a veterinarians with a rabies vaccine licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for that species at or after the minimum age requirement and using the recommended route of administration for the vaccine.  

  • MUST BE VACCINATED BY: 16 weeks of age. 

    The custodian (excluding animal shelters as defined in the Texas Health and Safety CODE, REF:  Paragraph 823.001) of each dog or cat shall have the animal vaccinated against rabies by 16 weeks of age.

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

• 30 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 (i.e., the FULL dose, as stipulated on the manufacturer’s label, must be administered). 

  • In Texas, a veterinarian has the discretion to administer a 1-Year or 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine to a DOG or CAT 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.  

  • Vaccination of pet FERRETS is not required in Texas but is permitted.  If vaccinating a pet ferret, a 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine must be administered. 

  • 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, even though a 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine is 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.

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

• While the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) does not regulate movement of pets into the State, the Texas Department of State Health Services does require certain criteria be met:

  • Rabies vaccination must be in accordance with the Texas Administrative Code, Rabies Control and Eradication (Sections 169.29, 169.31, and 169.32). For more information call 512-776-7255 or visit the DSHS website.

  • By state law, all dogs and cats 12 weeks of age or older (regardless of state/country of origin) coming into Texas must be vaccinated against rabies, and the time elapsed since the most recent vaccination must not have exceeded the recommended interval for booster vaccination as established by the vaccine's manufacturer. If an initial vaccination was administered less than 30 days prior to arrival in Texas, the custodian should (is recommended for interstate travel) or must (is for international travel) confine the animal for the balance of the 30 days.

  • Dogs and cats entering Texas must be accompanied by a current rabies vaccination certificate from the attending veterinarian. If the dog or cat is less than 12 weeks of age, the custodian should (recommended for interstate travel) or must (required for international travel) confine the animal until 30 days subsequent to its initial vaccination.

  • This rule applies even to pets from rabies-free countries. See the DSHS website for more rabies vaccination details.  SEARCH:  "Animal Import and Export Requirements Texas DSHS".

  • The state of Texas does not require a health certificate for companion animals such as dogs and cats entering the state. However, many other states do require a health certificate, so check ahead before leaving Texas destined for another state with any animal. 

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

• Veterinarians have the discretion to administer a 1-Year or a 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine. The duration of immunity is based on the product label and local ordinance, if a local ordinance is present. 

  Exception: if a 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine is administered as the initial dose, a booster dose is still required within 1 year, per label instructions. 

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.  

    NOTE: local ordinance may stipulate an expiration date that is shorter than that listed on the vaccine label, i.e., 1-Year or 3-Year. 

• 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)?

  • When re-vaccinating a dog/cat that is overdue, the veterinarian may use either a 1-Year or a 3-Year labeled rabies vaccine. 

• When is the NEXT dose due?

  • The next dose is due at the interval stipulated on the product label, i.e., either 1 year or 3 years or as stipulated by local ordinance, if a local ordinance is present. 

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   

• NOTE:  the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) implemented a new, strict Federal Regulation  (effective August 1, 2024) that impacts the importation of dogs (not cats) into the US.  The requirements vary depending on whether the dog has resided in a "Rabies-Free" or "Low-Risk for Rabies" country vs. a "High-Risk" for rabies country within the previous 6 months. 

• SEARCH:  "Bringing a dog into the US".  (must be a CDC website).  The regulation applies to new-entries as well as pet dogs belonging to US residents who are re-entering the US with a dog.  

What constitutes rabies "exposure" in a pet?

• The term “exposure” has been defined in Texas Administrative Code (Title 25; Part 1; Chapter 169, Subchapter A; Rule §169.30) as “animals that have been bitten by, directly exposed by contact with, or directly exposed to the fresh tissues of a rabid animal”. 

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

• It is not the examining veterinarian.

• Texas is a "Home-Rule" State, which gives authority to the local jurisdiction to enforce laws and regulations.  One such local official is the Local Rabies Control Authority (LRCA) whose role is defined in Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 826.017, as follows:  

• "Among other duties, the Local Rabies Control Authority shall enforce:

• (1)  this chapter and the department rules that comprise the minimum standards for rabies control;

• (2)  the ordinances or rules of the municipality or county that the local rabies control authority serves; and,

• (3)  the rules adopted by the executive commissioner under the area rabies quarantine provisions of Section 826.045

• According to the same statute, the LRCA is designated by county or municipal governing bodies.  This position is usually occupied by someone within animal control.  However, other local positions that may serve as LRCA include:  "county health officer, municipal health officer, peace officer, or any entity that the commissioners court or governing body considers appropriate."  (REF:  Texas Health and Safety Code Ch. 826.017)

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

• • euthanasia; or...if the owner declines euthanasia

  • the animal shall be immediately given a booster rabies vaccination and placed in confinement for 45 days.  The location of the confinement may be determined by the Local Rabies Control Authority.  The owner is obligated to pay for the cost of the confinement period.  

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):

    • euthanasia; or...

    • the animal shall be immediately vaccinated against rabies, placed in confinement for 90 days, and given booster vaccinations during the third and eighth weeks of confinement.  

      For young animals, additional vaccinations may be necessary to ensure that the animal receives at least two vaccinations at or after the age prescribed on the vaccine package label for the vaccine administered. 

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

    • Texas Administrative Code (Paragraph 169.30) treats the "overdue" animal the same as those that have never previously been vaccinated against rabies, ie:

    • euthanasia; or...

    • the animal shall be immediately vaccinated against rabies, placed in confinement for 90 days, and given booster vaccinations during the third and eighth weeks of confinement.  

      For young animals, additional vaccinations may be necessary to ensure that the animal receives at least two vaccinations at or after the age prescribed on the vaccine package label for the vaccine administered. 

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

    • Texas Administrative Code (Paragraph 169.30) treats the "overdue" animal the same as those that have never previously been vaccinated against rabies, ie:

    • euthanasia; or...

    • the animal shall be immediately vaccinated against rabies, placed in confinement for 90 days, and given booster vaccinations during the third and eighth weeks of confinement.  

      For young animals, additional vaccinations may be necessary to ensure that the animal receives at least two vaccinations at or after the age prescribed on the vaccine package label for the vaccine administered. 

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

• The State of Texas has NO PROVISION for Prospective Serologic Monitoring (PSM) in statute.

  INFORMATIONAL ONLY:  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.  Currently, only a few States allow or recognize PSM.  Texas does not.

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 until the end of the 10-day observation period.  The Local Rabies Control Authority may allow home confinement if other parameter specified in law are met and local ordinances/policies do not prohibit home confinement.  

  DO NOT VACCINATE the animal prior to or during the 10-day observation period.  

  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). 

  Depending on circumstances surrounding the bite incident, public health officials may require the animal that bit a person to be euthanized and tested for rabies. 

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 until the end of the 10-day observation period.

• NOTE:  the Local Rabies Control Authority might allow home confinement if the animal is NOT over 16 weeks of age, if other parameters specified in law are met, and local ordinances/policies do not prohibit it.

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

  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). 

  Depending on circumstances surrounding the bite incident, public health officials may require the animal that bit a person to be euthanized and tested for rabies. 

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)

• No. The State of Texas does NOT allow veterinarians to grant exemptions for rabies vaccination. 

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

• Within states that require rabies vaccine be administered (which includes Texas), 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?

• Texas does not restrict veterinarians from administering rabies vaccine to a hybrid dog/cat or exotic animal. However, following vaccination, NEITHER a hybrid NOR exotic animal is considered "currently vaccinated", regardless of the vaccine used. 

  While there are vaccines licensed for use in ferrets, there are no vaccines available today that are specifically licensed for administration to a hybrid dog/cat or exotic animal. 

  NOTE: a Certificate of Vaccination must still be issued (REF: Texas Administrative Code §169.29) at the time a rabies vaccine is administered to a hybrid dog/cat or exotic animal. 

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.