Delaware Rabies Laws (2026): Vaccine Rules, 10-Day Quarantine & Fines
6-Month Vaccine Requirement, Proof Rules, and Quarantine Differences
Delaware requires dogs, cats, and ferrets over 6 months of age to be vaccinated and kept current. Owners must provide a valid certificate on request, and fines may apply when proof cannot be produced.
Quick Summary
- Vaccination rule
- Dogs, cats, and ferrets over 6 months must be vaccinated
- Proof requirement
- Valid rabies certificate required on request
- Enforcement
- Fines may apply for missing proof
- Bite quarantine
- 10-day quarantine applies; location depends on vaccine status
- Owner costs
- Unvaccinated shelter quarantine can be owner expense
Quick Answer
Delaware requires dogs, cats, and ferrets over 6 months of age to be vaccinated and kept current.
Vaccination Rules
Booster within 12 months; then every 1 or 3 years per vaccine label.
Licensed veterinarians administer rabies vaccine.
If requirements vary by county or city, confirm local compliance with animal control, your local health department, or a licensed veterinarian.
Bite / Scratch / Exposure Rules
Delaware Code Title 6, Chapter 93 requires reporting bites to Division of Public Health within 24 hours.
After any bite, scratch, or saliva exposure, promptly wash wounds and contact medical and veterinary professionals for guidance.
Quarantine / Observation
10-day quarantine for animals that bite humans.
10-day quarantine
Delaware Vaccine and Documentation Rules
Dogs, cats, and ferrets older than 6 months must be currently vaccinated against rabies.
Owners should keep certificates available because proof may be requested by authorities.
Quarantine and Fine Exposure
Unvaccinated pets that bite or scratch a person may be placed in shelter quarantine for 10 days at the owner's expense.
Many currently vaccinated pets may complete quarantine at home, subject to official direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age does Delaware require rabies vaccination?+
For dogs, cats, and ferrets over 6 months of age.
Can authorities request proof of vaccination in Delaware?+
Yes. Owners should be ready to provide a valid rabies certificate when requested.
How does quarantine differ for vaccinated vs unvaccinated pets?+
Currently vaccinated pets may qualify for home quarantine, while unvaccinated pets may face shelter quarantine at owner expense.
What should I do immediately after a possible rabies exposure in Delaware?+
Wash wounds right away and contact a medical provider, your veterinarian, and local public-health or animal-control officials for case-specific guidance.
Related Guidance
Use these resources for next-step care, prevention details, and symptom guidance:
What to Do Next
- Confirm your pet's current rabies vaccination status and keep proof available.
- Review your local bite-reporting process before an emergency happens.
- Use the links above for post-exposure care, symptoms, vaccines, and risk assessment.
- Call local animal control or the local health department if an exposure occurs.
Verify locally: county and city rabies rules can differ from statewide guidance.
Related State Pages
Compare rabies legal requirements across states:
Start with Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, and Arkansas. For prevention and response context, review prevention guidance, symptoms guidance, and clinic finder support.
Trust and Medical Disclaimer
This is a practical summary, not legal advice. For active exposure events, contact your local health department, veterinarian, or emergency clinician immediately.