Montana Rabies Laws: Vaccination, Bite Reporting & Quarantine Rules

Booster within 12 months; then 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.

Montana Code §50-33-113 requires reporting bites to local health officer within 24 hours.

After any bite, scratch, or saliva exposure, promptly wash wounds and contact medical and veterinary professionals for guidance.

10-day observation quarantine for animals that bite humans.

10-day observation

This state may apply import or entry controls for some animals. Check official state guidance and verify current requirements with your veterinarian and local/state officials before transport.

Montana law requires dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies and mandates that animal bites be reported to the local county health department or animal control authority.

Wildlife such as skunks, bats, foxes, and raccoons are the primary reservoirs of rabies in Montana. Vaccinating pets and reporting exposures quickly are the two most effective tools for preventing transmission to humans.

Montana requires that dogs and cats receive a rabies vaccine administered by or under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Owners must maintain proof of vaccination and present it on request by animal control or public health officials.

Both 1-year and 3-year licensed vaccines are used in Montana. Your veterinarian will advise which product is appropriate and when the next booster is due.

• Initial vaccination should occur by 4 months of age.
• Revaccination intervals follow the manufacturer's label (1-year or 3-year).
• Certificates or tags issued by the vaccinating veterinarian serve as proof of compliance.

Any bite from a dog, cat, or other animal must be reported to local authorities. The biting animal is typically placed under a 10-day observation period to monitor for signs of rabies.

If the biting animal cannot be observed (escaped, stray, or wildlife), public health officials will assess the need for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) based on the circumstances of the exposure.

Bat encounters are the most common source of human rabies exposure concern in Montana. Any direct contact with a bat — especially while sleeping — should be treated as a potential exposure and reported immediately.

Skunks and foxes also carry rabies in Montana. Do not handle sick or injured wildlife; contact Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks or your county health department for guidance.