US Rabies Laws by State
Browse reviewed state rabies law summaries and their official sources. Only guides admitted by our source-verification policy appear below; coverage is incomplete.
Overview
Use the reviewed guides and their official sources to check:
- Which species require vaccination and the applicable vaccination age
- Booster requirements and vaccine documentation
- Where to report an animal bite and the applicable reporting deadline
- Applicable observation, quarantine, or testing instructions
Tip: Always confirm requirements with your local health department—municipal bylaws can be stricter than statewide rules.
Pair legal checks with our vaccine blog guides, exposure checklist, and emergency guide for healthcare and public-health resources to call.
Illinois readers can jump directly to Illinois rabies law details, including the practical dog bite law in Illinois workflow.
Quick reference: vaccination requirements by state
This table includes only reviewed state records with citations. Check the linked official sources and full guide before relying on a summary.
| State | Required species | First vaccine | Revaccination cadence | Official sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Dogs, Cats, Ferrets | 12 weeks | First rabies vaccine at 3 months; revaccinate per product license interval (commonly 1-year then 3-year products). |
Source review recorded: 2026-03-31 |
| Arizona | Dogs | 12 weeks | Dogs are vaccinated at 3 months and then revaccinated according to vaccine label and state veterinarian revaccination periods. |
Source review recorded: 2026-03-31 |
| California | Dogs | 16 weeks | First booster 12 months after initial dose, then every 3 years (or per product label) unless local ordinances require more frequent boosters. |
Source review recorded: 2025-01-20 |
| Florida | Dogs, Cats, Ferrets | 16 weeks | Primary vaccination at 4 months; booster at 12 months; thereafter every 1 or 3 years based on product label. |
Source review recorded: 2025-01-20 |
| Georgia | Dogs, Cats, Ferrets | 12 weeks | Primary vaccination by 3 months, booster at 12 months, then every 1 or 3 years as labeled. | Source review recorded: 2025-01-20 |
| Illinois | Dogs, Companion cats | 16 weeks | First booster within 1 year; subsequent boosters follow 1- or 3-year label depending on vaccine used. | Source review recorded: 2025-01-20 |
| New Jersey | Dogs | 28 weeks | Dogs are vaccinated by 7 months, revaccinated at 1 year, and then according to authorized vaccine duration schedules. |
Source review recorded: 2026-03-31 |
| New York | Dogs, Cats, Ferrets | 12 weeks | Vaccinate by 4 months; booster at 12 months; thereafter per vaccine label (typically every 3 years). |
Source review recorded: 2025-01-20 |
| North Carolina | Dogs, Cats, Ferrets | 12 weeks | Vaccinate by 4 months; booster at 12 months; follow 1- or 3-year product label thereafter. |
Source review recorded: 2025-01-20 |
| Ohio | Dogs, Cats, Ferrets | 12 weeks | Vaccinate by 3 months; booster at 1 year; follow product label thereafter. | Source review recorded: 2025-01-20 |
| Pennsylvania | Dogs, Cats, Ferrets | 12 weeks | Vaccinate by 3 months, booster at 12 months, then per vaccine label (usually every 3 years). |
Source review recorded: 2025-01-20 |
| Tennessee | Dogs, Cats | 12 weeks | First dose at around 3-4 months, booster after 1 year, then every 1 or 3 years depending on vaccine label. | Source review recorded: 2026-03-29 |
| Texas | Dogs, Cats | 16 weeks | Vaccination by four months; confirm subsequent timing against the product label and applicable rules. |
Source review recorded: 2025-01-20 |
| Virginia | Dogs, Cats | 16 weeks | Dogs and cats are vaccinated at 4 months or older and kept current per USDA-licensed vaccine intervals. |
Source review recorded: 2026-03-31 |
Source: state statutes and health department guidance compiled per state — see each linked state page for citations. Municipal rules may be stricter.
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Need another state?
States and cities awaiting verification are omitted from this hub. Contact your local health department for requirements in a location not listed here. Read our editorial standards or request a location through the contact page.
Next Steps After Legal Review
After confirming your state requirements, take action with practical tools and emergency resources:
- Use the rabies exposure checklist to organize details for professional assessment.
- Read after-bite emergency guidance about rabies PEP, then call before traveling.
- Track vaccination schedules to stay compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do rabies vaccination rules depend on where my pet lives?
Check the applicable state and local rules with your veterinarian and local health officials. CDC notes that vaccine schedules vary by product and state, and local laws may also affect timing. Do not assume a schedule used elsewhere meets the requirements where your pet lives.
What if I move to another state with a pet?
Check the destination state or territory’s animal health requirements before moving and contact your veterinarian as soon as you know your travel details. USDA APHIS explains that the receiving state or territory sets pet entry requirements, which may include health certificates, vaccinations, testing or treatments. Ask the destination animal health official if a requirement is unclear.
What should I do immediately after a bite?
Wash the wound immediately with soap and water for 15 minutes. Seek prompt medical or public-health assessment for possible rabies exposure; a professional should decide whether rabies-related care is needed. Tell them what animal was involved and what happened.
Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Rabies laws vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always consult with your local health department, animal control, or veterinarian for the most current and accurate information regarding rabies vaccination requirements in your area.