State law cells are quotations from state statutes, regulations, or agriculture and health agencies. AAHA is used only for the puppy guideline timeline. Source URLs are printed below; each table source link opens the corresponding note on this page. Recent Wayback copies are identified where the official host could not be read. Local rules, exemptions, and vaccination records may affect an individual case; confirm your plan with the appropriate authority and your veterinarian.
Alabama
Official URL: https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/infectiousdiseases/assets/3-7a-2.pdf
when the animal reaches three months of age
subsequently in accordance with the intervals specified in the vaccine's license.
Every owner of a dog, cat, or ferret required to be immunized for rabies as defined in this chapter, shall cause the animal to be immunized by the rabies officer, his or her authorized representative, or any duly licensed veterinarian, when the animal reaches three months of age and subsequently in accordance with the intervals specified in the vaccine's license.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
Alaska
Official URL: https://health.alaska.gov/dph/Epi/id/SiteAssets/Pages/Rabies/RabiesControlManual.pdf
Verified archive: https://web.archive.org/web/20250317122530id_/https://health.alaska.gov/dph/Epi/id/SiteAssets/Pages/Rabies/RabiesControlManual.pdf
Regulations in the Department of Health relate mainly to rabies vaccination of animals and follow-up of animals that bite humans or are suspected to be rabid.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
Arizona
Official URL: https://www.azleg.gov/ars/11/01010.htm
A dog shall not be licensed unless it is vaccinated in accordance with this article and the rules adopted pursuant to this article.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
Arkansas
Official URL: https://codeofarrules.arkansas.gov/Rules/Rule?chapterID=32&levelType=section&partID=1230§ionID=44343&subChapterID=124&subPartID=6833&titleID=20
The owner of every dog or cat four (4) months of age or older shall have the animal vaccinated against rabies.
The owner of every dog or cat shall have the animal revaccinated during the twelfth month after initial vaccination. (2) Thereafter, the interval between revaccinations should conform to the Compendium of Animal Rabies and Control, 2008, Part III: Rabies Vaccines Licensed and Marketed in the United States, published by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, Inc. (Appendix A).
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
California
Official URL: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=121690.&lawCode=HSC
Verified archive: https://web.archive.org/web/20260412202520id_/https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=HSC§ionNum=121690.
after the dog attains the age of three months or older
at intervals of time not more often than once a year, as may be prescribed by the department
Every owner of a dog, after the dog attains the age of four months, shall no less than once every two years secure a license for the dog as provided by ordinance of the responsible city, city and county, or county.
In rabies areas, all of the following shall apply:
Colorado
Official URL: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/animal-related-diseases/rabies/rabies-in-colorado
Not verified. No readable official evidence established the timing cells.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
Connecticut
Official URL: https://cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_435.htm
Verified archive: https://web.archive.org/web/20260720194506id_/https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_435.htm
Such vaccination shall occur when such dog or cat is twelve weeks or more of age but less than fourteen weeks of age, or at the age that the vaccine manufacturer recommends, as approved by the United States Department of Agriculture, provided such owner or keeper shall have such dog or cat vaccinated if either such prescribed age has lapsed.
Any animal vaccinated prior to one year of age or receiving a primary rabies vaccine at any age shall be considered protected for only one year and shall be given a booster vaccination one year after the initial vaccination and shall be vaccinated at least every three years thereafter. Those animals revaccinated after one year of age shall be given booster vaccinations at least every three years thereafter.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
Delaware
Official URL: https://delcode.delaware.gov/title3/c082/sc01/index.html
Any person owning a dog 6 months of age or older in this State shall have that dog vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
District of Columbia
Official URL: https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/8-1803
An owner who has a dog over the age of 4 months shall have the dog vaccinated against rabies and distemper.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
Florida
Official URL: https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/828.30
All dogs, cats, and ferrets 4 months of age or older must be vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian or a person authorized under paragraph (b) against rabies with a vaccine that is licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture for use in those species.
The owner of every dog, cat, and ferret shall have the animal revaccinated 12 months after the initial vaccination. Thereafter, the interval between vaccinations shall conform to the vaccine manufacturer's directions.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
Georgia
Official URL: https://dph.georgia.gov/environmental-health/rabies
Make certain that all owned dogs and cats are regularly vaccinated for rabies by a veterinarian.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
Hawaii
Official URL: https://dab.hawaii.gov/ai/faqs/
resident pets are not required to be vaccinated for rabies.
Because Hawaiʻi is rabies free, resident pets are not required to be vaccinated for rabies.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
Idaho
Official URL: https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/health-wellness/diseases-conditions/rabies
Rabies vaccine is available for dogs, cats, and ferrets.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
Illinois
Official URL: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/051000050K8.htm
Verified archive: https://web.archive.org/web/20260106085227id_/https://www.ilga.gov/documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/051000050K8.htm
Every owner of a dog 4 months or more of age shall have each dog inoculated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian.
Every dog shall have a second rabies vaccination within one year of the first. Terms of subsequent vaccine administration and duration of immunity must be in compliance with USDA licenses of vaccines used.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
Indiana
Official URL: https://www.in.gov/rabies/pet-vaccination-laws
All dogs, cats, and ferrets 3 months of age and older must be vaccinated against rabies.
Dogs and cats that are vaccinated with a rabies vaccine whose label recommends annual boosters shall be revaccinated within 12 months of the prior vaccination. Dogs and cats that are vaccinated with a rabies vaccine whose label recommends a booster 1 year later and triennially thereafter shall be revaccinated within 12 months of the first vaccination and shall be revaccinated within 36 months of each vaccination thereafter.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
Iowa
Official URL: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/351.33.pdf
six months of age or over
Every owner of a dog shall obtain a rabies vaccination for such animal. It shall be unlawful for any person to own or have a dog in the person's possession, six months of age or over, which has not been vaccinated against rabies. Dogs kept in kennels and not allowed to run at large shall not be subject to these vaccination requirements.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
Kansas
Official URL: https://keap.kdhe.ks.gov/Ephtm/PortalPages/ContentData?CID=109
Verified archive: https://web.archive.org/web/20250528034113id_/https://keap.kdhe.ks.gov/Ephtm/PortalPages/ContentData?CID=109
In Kansas, cities and some counties maintain rabies vaccine laws.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
Kentucky
Official URL: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=48638
Verified archive: https://web.archive.org/web/20250311174116id_/https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=48638
by the age of four (4) months
revaccinated at the expiration of the immunization period as certified by the veterinarian.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
Louisiana
Official URL: https://ldh.la.gov/assets/oph/Center-PHCH/Center-CH/infectious-epi/EpiManual/RabiesSanitaryCode.pdf
Not verified. No readable official evidence established the timing cells.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
Maine
Official URL: https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/7/title7sec3916.pdf
within 30 days after the dog attains 3 months of age
Upon receiving an initial vaccination, a dog is considered protected for one year and an owner or keeper of that dog shall get a booster vaccination for that dog one year after the initial vaccination and subsequent booster vaccinations at intervals that do not exceed the intervals recommended by a national association of state public health veterinarians for the type of vaccine administered.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
Maryland
Official URL: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=ghg§ion=18-318
Each person who owns or keeps a dog, cat, or ferret that is 4 months old or older shall have the dog, cat, or ferret vaccinated adequately against rabies.
A county may not register or license a dog, cat, or ferret unless the person who owns or keeps the dog, cat, or ferret submits, with the application for registration or license, proof that the dog, cat, or ferret has been vaccinated adequately against rabies.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
Massachusetts
Official URL: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-rabies
Verified archive: https://web.archive.org/web/20260614195720id_/https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-rabies
Massachusetts law requires that vaccinations must be administered by the time the animal is six months old.
The second vaccination should be given one year after the initial vaccination.
Some vaccines are approved for a period of one year and others for three years. Your veterinarian can provide you with a vaccination schedule for the particular vaccine that was used for your animal.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
Michigan
Official URL: https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-287-266
Verified archive: https://web.archive.org/web/20260120220720id_/https://legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=MCL-287-266
The owner of a dog that is 4 or more months old shall apply to the treasurer of the county
The owner of a dog that is required to be licensed under this section shall keep the dog currently vaccinated against rabies by an accredited veterinarian with a vaccine licensed by the United States department of agriculture.
Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the application for a license shall be accompanied by a valid certificate of a current vaccination for rabies, with a vaccine licensed by the United States department of agriculture, signed by an accredited veterinarian.
Minnesota
Official URL: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/1721.0550/
Animal rabies vaccines may only be administered by or under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
Mississippi
Official URL: https://msdh.ms.gov/page/14%2C0%2C142.html
your dog or cat has reached 3 months of age
one year later, and every three years thereafter (using a vaccine approved with 3 year immunity), as required by state law.
Vaccinate animals when your dog or cat has reached 3 months of age, one year later, and every three years thereafter (using a vaccine approved with 3 year immunity), as required by state law.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
Missouri
Official URL: https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/rabies/
Not verified. No readable official evidence established the timing cells.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
Montana
Official URL: https://prod-liv.mt.gov/Animal-Health/Reportable-Animal-Diseases/Rabies
there is no statewide vaccination requirement in Montana.
Rabies vaccination requirements are regulated by individual cities and counties.
MDOL recommends that all dogs, cats and ferrets be vaccinated for rabies, however there is no statewide vaccination requirement in Montana.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
Nebraska
Official URL: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?print=true&statute=71-4402
Not verified. No readable official evidence established the timing cells.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
Nevada
Official URL: https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nac/nac-441a.html
Verified archive: https://web.archive.org/web/20260925101609id_/https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nac/nac-441a.html
An owner of a dog, cat or ferret shall maintain the dog, cat or ferret currently vaccinated against rabies in accordance with the provisions of this section and the recommendations set forth in the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control , 2008 edition, published by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, Inc., which is hereby adopted by reference.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
New Hampshire
Official URL: https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XL/436/436-100.htm
Verified archive: https://web.archive.org/web/20250122223253id_/https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XL/436/436-100.htm
Young dogs, cats, and ferrets shall be vaccinated within 30 days after they have reached 3 months of age.
Every dog, cat, and ferret shall be revaccinated between 9 and 12 months after the initial vaccination and subsequently receive booster vaccines as outlined in the most current National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians' Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
New Jersey
Official URL: https://www.nj.gov/health/vph/dog-licensing/
Dogs seven months of age or older must be licensed annually through the municipality where the owner lives.
its immunity will extend through at least ten months of the twelve-month license period.
The owner must present proof that the dog has been vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian, and that its immunity will extend through at least ten months of the twelve-month license period.
New Mexico
Official URL: https://www.srca.nm.gov/parts/title07/07.004.0002.html
Dogs and cats over the age of three months shall be vaccinated against rabies.
A combination rabies vaccination certificate and city/county license shall be permitted providing the certificate/license contains at least the above required information.
The animal shall receive a booster within the 12-month interval following the initial vaccination.
Every domestic dog and cat shall be revaccinated against rabies within 12 months if a 1-year vaccine is administered or within 36 months if a 3-year vaccine is administered with a rabies vaccine licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture and administered according to label recommendations.
New York
Official URL: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/PBH/2141
Verified archive: https://web.archive.org/web/20250414184203id_/https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/PBH/2141
Every dog, cat and domesticated ferret shall have all initial vaccinations administered no later than four months after birth.
Every dog, cat and domesticated ferret shall have a second vaccination within one year of the first. Terms of subsequent vaccine administration and duration of immunity must be in compliance with USDA licenses of vaccines used.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
North Carolina
Official URL: https://www3.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_130A/GS_130A-185.html
Not verified. No readable official evidence established the timing cells.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
North Dakota
Official URL: https://www.hhs.nd.gov/health/diseases-conditions-and-immunization/rabies/rabies-vaccine-information
Vaccination laws for domestic animals vary by location throughout the state.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
Ohio
Official URL: https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/rule-3701-3-29
Verified archive: https://web.archive.org/web/20250215071309id_/https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/rule-3701-3-29
Rule 3701-3-29 | Biting animal to be confined; veterinarian to report.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
Oklahoma
Official URL: https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/health/health2/aem-documents/prevention-and-preparedness/acute-disease-service/disease-information/rabies/Animal%20Rabies%20Vaccine%20FAQ.pdf
State law mandates animals be vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian by 4 months of age, and at regular intervals thereafter according to the label directions.
If this is the first vaccine the dog/cat has ever received, then your animal will be considered current beginning 28 days after the vaccine was administered and up to a year after vaccination. Then they will need a booster vaccine to be considered current for the duration the vaccine is licensed.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
Oregon
Official URL: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors433.html
Verified archive: https://web.archive.org/web/20260829123916id_/https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors433.html
A dog that has permanent canine teeth or that is six months of age or older must be inoculated against rabies, unless specifically exempted by rule of the Oregon Health Authority or the State Department of Agriculture.
No official of any county shall issue a license for a dog until the official has been shown a proper certification, or its equivalent, of a rabies inoculation.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
Pennsylvania
Official URL: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pda/animals/diseases/rabies
within 4 weeks after the date the dog or cat attains 12 weeks of age
maintain a current rabies immunity as prescribed by rabies vaccine manufacturers.
By PA law, dogs and cats shall be vaccinated against rabies within 4 weeks after the date the dog or cat attains 12 weeks of age, and maintain a current rabies immunity as prescribed by rabies vaccine manufacturers.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
Rhode Island
Official URL: https://rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/part/250-40-05-2
Not more than twelve (12) months have elapsed since the last vaccination if last vaccination was the initial vaccination or the animal is a ferret, or if the vaccine has an annual booster recommendation.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
South Carolina
Official URL: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t47c005.php
A pet owner must have his pet inoculated against rabies at a frequency to provide continuous protection of the pet from rabies using a vaccine approved by the department and licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
South Dakota
Official URL: https://doh.sd.gov/diseases/rabies/
Exposure to rabies may be minimized by removing all stray dogs and cats, having all pets vaccinated, and staying away from all wild animals, especially those acting abnormally.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
Tennessee
Official URL: https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/zoonotic-diseases/rabies.html
Verified archive: https://web.archive.org/web/20250714224356id_/https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/zoonotic-diseases/rabies.html
Tennessee law does not specify whether 1-year or 3-year rabies vaccines must be used, although local jurisdictions may have stricter laws.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
Texas
Official URL: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/LIDS-Zoonosis/ACO/826law17.pdf
by the time the animal is four months of age
at regular intervals thereafter as prescribed by department rule.
A county or municipality may not register or license an animal that has not been vaccinated in accordance with this section.
Utah
Official URL: https://epi.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/R386-702.pdf
any dog, cat, and ferret in Utah should be immunized against rabies by a licensed veterinarian;
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
Vermont
Official URL: https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/20/193/03581
Verified archive: https://web.archive.org/web/20250418134540id_/https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/20/193/03581
Before obtaining a license for a dog or wolf-hybrid six months of age or older
Before obtaining a license for a dog or wolf-hybrid six months of age or older, a person shall deliver to the municipal clerk a certificate or a certified copy thereof issued by a duly licensed veterinarian, stating that the dog or wolf-hybrid has received a current preexposure rabies vaccination with a vaccine approved by the Secretary
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
Virginia
Official URL: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title3.2/chapter65/section3.2-6521/
The owner or custodian of all dogs and cats four months of age and older shall have such animal currently vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician who is under the immediate and direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian on the premises unless otherwise provided by regulations.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
Washington
Official URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=246-100-197
An owner of a dog, cat, or ferret shall have it vaccinated and revaccinated against rabies following veterinary and USDA-licensed rabies vaccine manufacturer instructions. This requirement does not apply to animal shelters.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
West Virginia
Official URL: https://code.wvlegislature.gov/19-20A-2/
Dogs and cats need not be vaccinated before the age of three months, but must be vaccinated by the age of six months.
A person who owns, obtains or possesses a dog or cat within the State of West Virginia shall have the dog or cat properly vaccinated against rabies with a vaccine capable of producing immunity for three years, boostered one year after initial vaccination and every third year thereafter.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
Wisconsin
Official URL: https://datcp.wi.gov/Documents2/ATCP10Scope.pdf
Verified archive: https://web.archive.org/web/20260907071926id_/https://datcp.wi.gov/Documents2/ATCP10Scope.pdf
at no later than 5 months of age
revaccinated within one year after the initial vaccination.
Except as provided in s. 174.054 or sub. (9) (d), the owner of a dog shall have the dog vaccinated against rabies by a veterinarian or, if a veterinarian is physically present at the location the vaccine is administered, by a veterinary technician, pursuant to s. 89.05 (2) (d), at no later than 5 months of age and revaccinated within one year after the initial vaccination.
revaccinated within one year after the initial vaccination. If the owner obtains the dog or brings the dog into this state after the dog has reached 5 months of age, the owner shall have the dog vaccinated against rabies within 30 days after the dog is obtained or brought into the state unless the dog has been vaccinated as evidenced by a current certificate of rabies vaccination from this state or another state. The owner of a dog shall have the dog revaccinated against rabies by a veterinarian or, if a veterinarian is physically present at the location the vaccine is administered, by a veterinary technician, pursuant to s. 89.05 (2) (d), before the date that the immunization expires as stated on the certificate of vaccination or, if no date is specified, within 3 years after the previous vaccination.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
Wyoming
Official URL: https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/infectious-disease-epidemiology-unit/disease/rabies/
Verified archive: https://web.archive.org/web/20250601164139id_/https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/infectious-disease-epidemiology-unit/disease/rabies/
Vaccinate dogs, cats, ferrets, horses and other selected livestock for rabies and keep vaccinations up-to-date.
Cells marked Not verified were not established by readable official evidence. Confirm the missing rule with the appropriate authority.
